Loop-the-Hooch Labor Day Bouldering Hike

Loop-the-Hooch Labor Day Bouldering Hike

The Basics:

Event Type:

Adventure

Event Location:

Chattahoochee NRA East & West Palisades in NW Atlanta

Adventure: Loop-the-Hooch Labor Day Bouldering Hike

Date(s) & Time:

Mon, Sep 5 2011 10:00 am >> Mon, Sep 5 2011 3:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Sat, Aug 27 2011 10:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sun, Sep 4 2011 10:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D6: Advanced

Distance:

7 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Charlie Cottingham

Email Trip Leader(s)
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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

OVERVIEW: The ruggedly beautiful East and West Palisades units of the CRNRA (Chattahoochee River Nat'l Rec. Area) are among the most popular of all North Georgia public areas for outdoor recreation. On opposite sides of the River between I-285 and US-41, the Palisades have been enjoyed on hundreds of AOC dayhikes over the years and make a spectacular wilderness backdrop for our "Happy Hour on the Hooch" floats in our kayaks, canoes and inflatables.
For safety reasons, the CRNRA's official marked trail system avoids routes that would take hikers up and over the numerous palisades (steep rocky cliffs) that rise from the water's edge. Despite this, adventurous local boulderers over the years have made numerous indistinct trails that connect to the formal trail system and make it possible to hike and climb directly beside the riverbank on both sides of the entire 3-mile length of the River through the Palisades.
In April 2009 I planned and led an AOC "D-5 Scramble" for experienced hikers in which 21 of us AOCers (group photo above) enjoyed hiking and bouldering together downstream for 2 miles along the West Palisades riverbank from I-285 to I-75, then back to our cars via the new PATH-style trail and Akers Mill Road.
On this new adventure we'll "one-up" our 2009 AOC feat by completing an entire 7-mile clockwise "Loop Route" via the riverbank on both sides of the River. The other day (Aug 24) I proved to myself that the route is feasible and reasonably safe by successfully "pre-hiking" it. This event is intended only for experienced hiker-boulderers in good physical condition who feel comfortable with rugged terrain and occasional climbs over high rocky cliffs.

HIKE PLAN: I've obtained permission from "Ray's on the River" to park for free in their parking lot where we'll begin and end our "scramble." After introductions and a "clothing/shoes/gear check" we'll first hike downstream along the East Palisades to the famous "jumping rock," where we may enjoy a few leaps into the water and a refreshing swim. About 2 miles further downstream at the halfway point of our "scramble" we'll cross the river on the US-41 bridge and hike/climb 3 miles northeastward along the riverbank via the "Paces Mill" unit and the West Palisades. Near the end of the hike we'll cross the I-285 access road bridge to return to our cars at Ray's.
As discussed above the trail has several spots where “bouldering” (climbing over large rocks) is required. Also we may choose to wade by the riverbank in a few spots, so be prepared to get your shoes wet!

“RAIN OR SHINE EVENT”: We’ll plan to go ahead with the event unless unusually dangerous weather conditions are forecast.

FOR MORE ON THE CHATTACHOOCHEE RIVER NRA: go to http://www.nps.gov/chat and for free printable trail maps of the East and West Palisades and Paces Mill units go to: http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/maps.htm

Required Items to Bring:

• Wear comfortable well-broken-in Hiking Boots or Athletic Shoes and Lightweight Clothing (preferably of fast-drying synthetic material) appropriate for the weather.

• Hydrate in advance and carry about 2 liters of Water or two in a light Daypack or Fanny Pack (or “Camelbak” type hydration system). Also carry in your pack a few Snack Items for lunch at a scenic stop along the way.

• Consider bringing one telescoping Trekking Pole for extra stability in the steep areas. Since we'll often be using our hands and arms for bouldering it's unwieldy to use two poles.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

WE'LL MEET IN THE FREE "RAY'S ON THE RIVER" PARKING LOT just beyond their main entrance. "As the crow flies" this is on the east bank of the Chattahoochee about 300 yards downstream of the I-285 bridge over the River).

IF DRIVING EASTWARD ON I-285 FROM THE I-75 INTERCHANGE in NW ATLANTA:

1. Get off I-285 at Exit #22, “Northside Drive, New Northside Drive, Powers Ferry Road.”

2. Turn Right onto Northside Drive and go just 0.1 mile to the next light.

3. Turn Right onto Powers Ferry Road and go 0.6 mile to the "Ray's on the River" sign (last left before you reach the Chattahoochee River).

4. Turn Left into the Ray's parking lot and proceed about 0.1 mile all the way to the rearmost parking spaces beyond the restaurant entrance. We'll park there during the hike.

IF DRIVING WESTWARD ON I-285 FROM SANDY SPRINGS, SPAGHETTI JCN, etc:

1. Get off I-285 at Exit #22 “New Northside Drive/ Powers Ferry Rd” and at the end of the exit ramp continue straight ahead about 0.2 mile to the traffic light at Northside Drive.

2. Turn Left onto Northside Drive and go 0.2 mile to the traffic light at Powers Ferry Road.
3. Now carefully follow Directions #3 and #4 above to reach the rearmost parking spaces at Ray's.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

Free Event with Free Parking at "Rays on the River!"

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.

Loop-the-Hooch Labor Day Bouldering Hike - Mon, Sep 5 2011

Loop-the-Hooch Labor Day Bouldering Hike