Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald (with trail run option)

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Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald (with trail run option)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Unicoi Gap Parking Lot, GA Hwy. 75 in Towns County, GA

Hike: Unicoi Gap to Brasstown Bald (with trail run option)

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Feb 20 2016 6:30 am >> Sat, Feb 20 2016 7:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 6:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Fri, Feb 12 2016 12:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Feb 19 2016 4:00 pm

Event Duration:

12 Hours 30 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D6: Advanced

Distance:

20 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Jane
Mike Pawloski

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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:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

10 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Winter blues keeping you away from the mountains? Then this event is coming to your rescue! Join us for a challenging hike (with an optional slow trail run) of approximately 20 miles from Unicoi Gap to the summit of Brasstown Bald and back.

We begin at Unicoi Gap and hike approx 4.4 miles on the AT (Appalachian Trail) to Chattahoochee Gap. From Chattahoochee Gap we will turn north (right) off the AT and towards the Jacks Knob Trail. This step involves 4.5 miles to the Brasstown Bald parking lot and ~ 2000 feet ascent.

Next step will take us to the Brasstown Bald paved trail .6 miles and 400 feet up to the summit. We will enjoy the great views from the observation platform and will be taking a break to refuel with lunch and drinks.

*There is a non-credit option to complete a 2nd summit (BB parking lot to the observation platform and back) if you arrive early enough before the whole group but that may shorten your lunch time. This will give us a chance to use the bandwidth wisely if needed.

We are planning on water refill at Brasstown Bald and/or at Chattahoochee Gap. Here is a trivia fact for you: .15 mi/160 feet down from the Gap, there is the spring known as the origin/headwaters of the Chattahoochee River.

We'll decide as a group whether or not we will stop for dinner on the way home.

Route summary:
1.Unicoi Gap to Chattahoochee Gap 4.4 miles, ~1600 feet ascent
2.Chattahoochee Gap to Brasstown Bald parking 4.5 miles, ~2000 feet ascent
3.Brasstown Bald trail .6 miles to Brasstown Bald .6 miles, ~400 feet ascent
4.Brasstown Bald to Brasstown Bald parking lot .6 miles
5.Brasstown Bald parking lot to Chattahoochee Gap 4.5 miles, ~1000 feet ascent
6.Chattahoochee Gap to Unicoi Gap - 4.4 miles, ~900 feet ascent

Grand total: ~20 miles, ~6000 feet of ascent

CAUTION:The route is very strenuous and for advanced level hikers (recent D6 hikes, 15 miles or more in the montains are mandatory). We should maintain a reasonable pace (2.5 mph to 3 mph) pace in order to complete this hike within the specifications mentioned. For required safety reasons and per AOC policy, the trip leaders reserve the right to remove anyone that signs up and does not have the pre requirements listed on the AOC site history.

*Slow trail run option: Participants will have the option to run some or all of this event. These logistics will be discussed at the parking lot prior to starting.

Required Items to Bring:

2 liters of water or more
Snacks/lunch (it's a strenuous hike, so bring lots of food)
Hiking boots/shoes
Headlamp in case the sun sets prior to return to Unicoi Gap
Emergency rain gear

Trekking poles are required if it rains the day before and the trail is muddy.

Towel to cover car seat

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

Trekking poles
Ibuprofen for the pain
Camera
Change of shoes and shirt for drive back

Gifts for Trip Leaders

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

From Indian Trail P&R, take I-85 to I-985 and head north past Gainesville. After about 80 miles (near Baldwin), turn left onto GA-384N (Duncan Bridge Rd SW) and continue until the road meets with GA-75N. Take a right and continue on GA-75N for 12.4 miles (passing through Helen GA). The parking area near the trailhead is on the right-hand side.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

140Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

6:30 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $56.00 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:

This event is rain or shine unless extreme weather conditions (severe thunderstorms or such).

Here is the elevation profile for the hike.

http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/927746

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

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