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The Full Cold Moon or the Full Long Night Moon – December
During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term Long Night Moon is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.
Wintertime is perfect for a night hike! A full moon and bare trees make it that much better. We'll start the hike just after sunset as the moon is beginning to rise and finish the hike under a full moon. Be sure that you have a headlamp and/or a flashlight for this hike!
We will park at and leave from the Park Office (formerly The Lodge). We'll be hiking on the Sweet Gum Trail, hook up with the Homestead Trail, and end up passing by the Visitor's Center. We'll stay on the Homestead Trail (periodically sharing real estate with the Sweet Gum again) and then cross the road and follow the Homestead loop in a counter clockwise direction. At the end of the loop, we'll take the Sweet Gum trail back towards the Lodge and do an out and in on the White Tail Trail.
You can view a trail map here: http://www.redtopmountainstatepark.org/red-top-trails.html
The first part of this hike will be at a moderately fast pace to get our blood pumping. The trails here are very well maintained and it is very little extra effort to pay attention to your footing but the trails have lots of roots that are easy to trip on after dark. Depending on the terrain we'll slow our pace for safety reasons. This is a solid D3 hike so please make sure you're in proper shape to handle it. There are a few hills to climb and the pace will be moderate. The Trip Leaders will likely contact you if we have any questions about your being able to keep pace with the group. You don't really need any special equipment other than a cheap headlamp or a small flashlight.
We will stop along the way to enjoy nature, darkness, and the sounds of the woods. Periodically, we will gather up and all shut our lights off and enjoy the darkness and calm. If you’ve never done a night hike before you are in for a real treat. It puts a whole new perspective on hiking.
We ask your cooperation on a few important things. We have special permission from the Rangers at Red Top Mountain to do these night hikes. They are not usually allowed so that makes it even more of a privilege. Please help your Trip Leaders comply with the following rules so the Rangers continue to let us do these hikes.
* DO NOT arrive late. We cannot wait for you nor can we allow you to try to catch up to us. You cannot be out on these trails after dark without the AOC group.
* We will have a Leader and a Sweeper. Please take caution to ensure you stay in between one of us (or within a reasonable distance of us). This isn't a hike where you can hike ahead and wait at intersections - it is not allowed and it is dangerous.
* Once the hike begins we have to stay together as a group. No one can turn back to leave early or venture on their own. Of course we will address special circumstances such as illness, injury or emergency if one arises.
If you don't have a Georgia State Park Pass, there is a $5.00 per car fee. It is the drop box, punch out the tag system so no attendant is on duty. Please make sure you have exactly $5.00 or you can write a check.
There are no restrooms but the woods will be dark.
Please arrive a few minutes before we are scheduled to start. We won't wait and you cannot catch the group.
** We do have permission from the Ranger at RTM to do this group night hike. **
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