Unicoi State Park to Anna Ruby Falls (via Smith Creek Trail)

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Unicoi State Park to Anna Ruby Falls (via Smith Creek Trail)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Unicoi State Park

Date(s) & Time:

Sun, Sep 25 2016 8:45 am >> Sun, Sep 25 2016 2:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Fri, Sep 16 2016 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sun, Sep 25 2016 6:45 am

Event Duration:

5 Hours 15 Minutes +/-

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Tom

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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:

7 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Join us for this Sunday morning hike from Unicoi State Park to Anna Ruby Falls and back!

We will be hiking to the Falls via the Smith Creek Trail, breaking for lunch at the falls (https://youtu.be/9JcNVGYIyh8), and retracing our hiking steps back to Unicoi Park (Be sure to pack a lunch!). The hike is approximately 9-10 miles round trip and subject to change.

Additional Information:

http://www.gastateparks.org/Unicoi-Trails

http://www.unicoistatepark.org/unicoi_hiking.html

...This is a strenuous 5 mile (one-way) hike. The U.S. Forest Service trail that heads out from a spot near the camping area of Unicoi State Park. It first follows a creek up stream, gaining about 1000' in elevation by the time you arrive at Hickorynut Ridge. The trail then slowly drops in elevation as it winds its way through the mountainside forest, crossing a creek a little ways before it reaches the Anna Ruby Falls observation bridge. From there you have two options. You can follow the trail out to the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor center and continue down the paved road that leads back into the park...

Note: The above Itinerary and routes are subject to change at the discretion of the trip leader(s)

Registration Requirements:

Given the elevation gains and physical intensity achieved during this hike, only hikers with significant D4 experience or equivalent should register. The Trip Leader(s) also reserve the right to consider any registrant’s hiking, event, and social history within the AOC and to make the final determination as to whether the registrant is an appropriate candidate for this event.

Required Items to Bring:

Lunch

Water

Appropriate hiking gear for weather

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

Hiking poles, camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

From Helen, go north on GA 356. You will cross Unicoi Lake Dam. Make the first left after you cross the dam. The parking area for Smith Creek trail is .5 miles on your right, across from the Little Brook campground.

http://www.unicoistatepark.org/driving.html

Additional directions:

From	Marta Park & Ride
To	Unicoi State Park
1 h 34 min 65.9 mi

	Head east on Mansell Rd.
	Turn left onto US-19 N/GA-400 N.	0.2 mi
	Enter the freeway Hospitality Hwy/Turner McDonald Pkwy from the right.	0.5 mi
	Keep right to stay on Hospitality Hwy/Highway 400 S.	27.8 mi
	Turn right onto Ralph A Pierce Memorial Hwy/Highway 52 E/GA-52 E.	13.5 mi
	Turn left onto Wilford Ash Sr Pkwy.	12.3 mi
	Turn right onto Highway 356.	9.9 mi
	Turn right.	1.7 mi
	Your destination is on the left.	0.2 mi
	Unicoi State Park 1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

160Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:00 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $64.00 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:

There is a $5.00 parking fee at Unicoi State Park

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

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