Arkaquah Trail & Brasstown Bald sunset hike - Sat, Feb 7 2009

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.



Arkaquah Trail & Brasstown Bald sunset hike


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Blairsville, GA
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 7 2009  9:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 9:15 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Feb 3 2009 1:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Feb 6 2009 6:55 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Ed Doran
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:14
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:
The Arkaquah Trail is widely regarded to be one of the most challenging and scenic in GA... Looking north from the overlooks, you can see Standing Indian Mtn and even parts of the Smokies as well.

This hike was offered by the AOC a couple of months ago, but on a foggy, drizzly day. As of this writing, the forecast is looking great for Saturday so we are going to try to do it again and this time under sunny skies...and hopefully time it to view in a sweet sunset from the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest mtn in GA. This is an out-and-back hike starting at the BB parking lot. So it will be mostly flat to downhill on the way out...there are some climbs in there on the way out, but not like on the way back.

This will get our legs warmed up for the return from Track Rock Gap...beginning with about 1500 feet elevation gain in under two miles. From there it is up and down, but gaining 700 more feet in the next 3 1/2 miles. We will then hike the .6 mile Brasstown Bald trail to the top of the mth where there are superb 360 degree panoramic views to be enjoyed.

The Arkaquah is an 11 mile hike with over 3500 feet of total ascent, so be sure to be great shape if you choose to join us. We are allocating 5 hrs to do the Arkaquah hike...the last time it just took 4:15, so we can go at a slightly more relaxed pace this time. The BB trail is paved and just .6 miles but gains about 400+ feet, so it will be slow going after tackling the arkaquah.

This is not a beginner hike. If you are an intermediate hiker, you may want to challenge yourself and try this, but be sure you are up for a tough workout as well as a beautiful trail. As with all D5 events, if I have not hiked with you before, I may be contacting you to ask about your previous hiking experiences especially if you don't have similar events in your AOC history.


Required Items to Bring:
  • water/snacks/lunch
  • Good hiking boots/shoes
  • clothing appropriate to weather
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • camera

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:
    Directions to Trailhead:
  • From downtown Helen, GA, go north on 17/75 for about 11 miles.
  • Turn left on Hwy 180.
  • Proceed 5.3 miles you should see the sign a and road for Brasstown Bald on the right.
  • Proceed about 2.5 miles to the parking area.


    View Larger Map
    • Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):174Mile(s)
    Carpool Departure Time: 9:15 am
    Carpool Location:   Log in for location
    Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
    Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $69.60 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:
    There is a $3 parking fee at the Brasstown Bald parking area


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


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