Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls - (early bird) - Sun, Feb 26 2012

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Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls - (early bird)


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Unicoi State Park   Hike: Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls - (early bird)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Feb 26 2012  9:30 am >> Sun, Feb 26 2012 6:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Fri, Feb 17 2012 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Feb 25 2012 5:00 pm
Event Duration:9 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Distance:9 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Laura V
Joyce T.
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:2
Minimum Group Size:2
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Anna Ruby Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the north Georgia mountains. So popular in fact that Laura's and Scott's posted hike has a waitlist of about 25 AOC hikers. That's why we are posting a second hike on the very same day, but one hour apart. From the Smith Creek Trailhead at Unicoi State Park, we will hike 4.5 miles along the Smith Creek Trail to Anna Ruby Falls.
We will stop and eat lunch at the Falls (or at the Visitor's Center), and then return on the same trail for a total of 9 miles for the day. We plan to hike at a moderate pace, but we will take a few breaks as well as stop to take photos along the way.
Trail Map - http://www.gastateparks.org/content/Georgia/parks/trail_m aps/Unicoi-2010.pdf

Some of us may decide to go out to dinner after the hike. If you do not wish to join us, please discuss this with your carpool ahead of time.

Required Items to Bring:

Sturdy Hiking shoes with good traction

Clothing appropriate for the weather - including rain gear

Water or Energy Drinks - at least 2 liters

Trail Snacks and Lunch

Smiles and a Good Mood

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Camera
Hiking Poles
Sunscreen
Bug Spray

How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Unicoi State Park
1788 Highway 356
Helen, GA 30545

From Helen, go north on GA 356. You will cross Unicoi Lake Dam. First you need to stop at the Unicoi Lodge and Conference Center to buy your $5.00 parking pass (unless you have Georgia State Park parking pass.) Then you drive back towards the dam and turn right into Unicoi Campground Road and drive about 0.6 miles to where we will park.

IMPORTANT:

Our group will park near the trailhead to Smith Creek Trail. Coordinates for the parking area are: N 34 43.587' W 83 42.996'

 

Unicoi State Park Map

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):160Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 8:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $64.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
Free, but there is a $5.00 parking fee per car, if you do not already have a Georgia State Park parking pass.

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


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: This event will be held rain or shine.