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Dayhike the GA AT - Section 7: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 4 2009  7:45 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Mar 22 2009 11:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sun, Mar 29 2009 7:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced
Trip Leader(s):
Tony C
Ed Doran
Jennifer Rush
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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: 13 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
This is seventh in a series of dayhikes that cover the entire Georgia portion of the Appalachian trail...from Springer Mtn to Bly Gap, just past the NC state line.

For details on the other hikes in the series, visit the AOC forums...

Dayhike the GA AT thread

Section 7: Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap

This is the last of the GA sections and hopefully the previous ones have gotten us in shape to handle this....an "out and back" hike of about 18 miles round trip and about 4500 feet of ascent. Tony Theriault led this hike for the AOC in 11/07, so it is very doable...although certainly very challenging. This and section 6 are definitely the most difficult of the series.

To start our long journey, we are stepping back onto the AT, headed north from Dicks Creek Gap at 2675', the low elevation point for this section.

We begin with a ~500' climb over the first 1.1 mi to a spur of Little Bald Knob. After descending to Cowart Gap, we have our toughest steep ascent of the day.. ~780' over 1.4 mi to the slope of Buzzard Knob at 2.9 mi.

From that point, there are no relatively short ascents over 500' on the way out to Bly Gap. On the way back from Bly, Plumorchard Gap to back near Buzzard Knob looks to be ~600'. Besides that and some shorter ascents, a good part of the hike back is downhill (see elevaton profile below).

Also for those who wish to check out the shelters along the route, there is the Plumorchard Gap shelter that is .2 down a side trail. So that will add .4 r/t to the hike if you wish to visit it.

Depending on the time and the mood of the group, there will be an optional stop for pizza in Clayton before heading home.

Mileage breakdown:
- Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap: 8.9 mi
- Bly Gap to Dicks Creek Gap 8.9 mi

- Total distance: ~17.8 mi
- Total ascent: ~4500 feet.

Click on elevation profile for larger version:

PLEASE NOTE:
  • If rain is forecast, the hike will be rescheduled for Sat, April 11).
  • Because this a strenuous D5, this event is for advanced hikers only. We are going to keep a moderate pace...about 2.5mph avg. So if you have not very recently completed some tough AOC D5 hikes, I will be contacting you to determine your level of experience and if this is the right hike for you.

    • Required Items to Bring:
  • emergency rain gear (even if chance of rain is minimal)
  • at least 2 liters of water
  • enough food to keep your energy level up
  • hiking boots or trail shoes
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • trekking poles
  • camera

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:From Clayton GA, proceed east on GA-76 16.1 miles to Dicks Creek Gap.
    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):208Mile(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 $83.20 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.

    Cost Includes:NA

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