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Smoky Mtns - Charlies Bunion - AT Ridgeline




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Smokemont/BMT Crossing, Newfound Gap   Backpacking: Smoky Mtns - Charlies Bunion - AT Ridgeline   National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Apr 7 2018  7:00 am >> Sun, Apr 8 2018 8:00 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Sun, Apr 1 2018 9:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 6 2018 12:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 13 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced (Exploratory)
Distance:27 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Myra Kincaid
Alex Donadel
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:8
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

 About the trip:

    This will be loop backpack in the Smoky mountains, starting and finishing at Smokemont trailhead parking. We will enjoy epic views at Charlies Bunion and along several miles of ridge-line.

 

   Saturday:  (11 miles, 3000ft elevation gain) We will depart from the carpool at 7am, arriving at the trailhead by 10am. This days hike will be a long climb through woodland.We will start on the BMT going around the Smokemont campground. We will turn right up the Chastain Creek trail, Before turning left up the Hughs Ridge trail to reach our stop for the night at Pecks shelter.  Those who have extra energy to burn will have the option to do an extra dayhike up along the ridgeline towards Mt Chapman. 

   Sunday:  (16miles)We will start early, in order to complete the days hike and return to Atlanta at a reasonable time. About a half mile from the shelter, we will reach the ridgeline. We will go left and hike 6 miles towards Charlie's Bunion, enjoying epic views along the way. After a long stop and the bunion, we will backtrack a short distance, before going downhill along Sluice Gap trail. Then continue on Bradley fork trail. We will finish with a right turn on Smokemont Loop trail before finishing back at our cars.

 

   Sites along the trail:

Charlies Bunion: https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlies_Bunion 

Trail journal describing section: https://hikinginthesmokies.wordpress.com/2012/07/07 /at-day-seven-icewater-spring-to-pecks-corner-may-22- 2012/

 

 Please note that this is an advanced backpack. If you do not have a history of D5/D6 backpacks with the club, the trip leader will be contacting you to determine your fitness for the trip. Trip leadership reserves the right to remove anyone they feel may not be able to complete the required mileage.

  Please note that a tent is still required even though we are staying at a shelter. Space in the shelters is not gauranteed, especially since this is still through-hiker season.

    Please be prepared for cold, wet weather. We will be high in the mountains, which can be significant colder that Atlanta.

  Please bring $4 to pay for the backcountry permit. This is in addition to the money needed for your shuttle driver.


Required Items to Bring:
  • Hiking Boots / Shoes
  • Backpack
  • Tent / Tarp / Hammock 
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Sleep Pad
  • Food and Snacks (2 days worth)
  • Water and Filtration / Purification device, Drops, or Tablets
  • Headlamp and spare batteries

 

 

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

Use our Event Checkliststo make sure you have everything you need.

  • Camera
  • Hiking Poles
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray
  • Stove
  • Matches/Lighter
  • Change of Clothes and Towel for Drive Home
  • Maps/GPS
  • Harmonicas, flutes, cards, etc.

How to Get There:
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):298Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 7:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $119.20 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.


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