Siler Bald On The Applachian Trail - Sat, Feb 15 2014

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page.



Siler Bald On The Applachian Trail


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Winding Stair Gap - 8 mi West of Franklin NC on US 64
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 15 2014  8:45 am >> Sat, Feb 15 2014 7:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Feb 4 2014 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Feb 14 2014 7:00 pm
Event Duration:10 Hours 15 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Distance:10 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Todd M
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:12
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 8 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

There are many scenic vistas on the Appalachian Trail within a couple hours driving time of Atlanta, but perhaps none more so than Siler Bald. With a summit of 5,216 feet it offers a sweeping 360 degree view of the surrounding valleys. And while there is almost 1500 feet in elevation gain, most of it is fairly gradual over four miles. The total distance hiked will be under 9 miles.

Hiking poles are highly recommended to help navigate possible icy patches. Also expect the conditions on the hike to be much colder and windier than in Atlanta.   If we are lucky, there will be snow.  We will have a leisurely lunch at, or near the summit.

Although the total driving distance is close to 240 miles round trip, all of it is over major highways. So driving time should be no more than 2-2 ½ hours each way.

This is an intermediate hike but beginners are welcome, subject to trip leader's final approval after signing up for event.

If you have any questions, please e-mail or contact the Event Coordinator - Todd Muller - before the event.


Required Items to Bring:

Clothing appropriate for weather - hat, gloves, mittens. dress in layers
2 liters water
lunch and trail snacks
Hiking boots or trail running shoes with excellent grips

Clean shoes and bag for muddy boots, in the car

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

Hiking poles

Camera

Sunglasses if there is snow with sun


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

North on I-85. Take I-985 near Mall of Georgia. Continue on I-985. After 26 miles this interstate will become US 23. Continue on US 23 through Clayton GA and into North Carolina. At Franklin NC take exit to US 64 West. Continue eight miles until Winding Stairs Gap parking lot.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):235Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $94.00 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:
* 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 trip will only be cancelled if severe weather is predicted.

Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event make it difficult for those on the wait list to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.