Rabun Bald & Flat Top Mountain - Winter Hiking

Rabun Bald is the second highest peak in Georgia and the highest peak reachable only by foot. On a clear day you can see 100 miles and three states. We will begin our hike at the Three Forks Trail off Hale Ridge Road. The first three miles of the trail will pretty much take us straight up to Rabun Bald (4696 ft). After a short break and (hopefully) enjoying the 360 degree views from the fire tower, we will head southbound on Bartram Trail for three miles toward our second peak of the day, Flat Top Mountain. We will then continue on the Bartram Trail past Flat Top to an overlook for lunch. 

After lunch, we will retrace our steps back up to the summit of Rabun Bald and then descend via the northbound Bartram Trail to where it crosses the Hale Ridge Road (a few miles up from where we started the hike). Depending on the group size, we can leave a shuttle car there in the morning, so the hike wraps up here - or we can hike along the forest road back down to the intersect of the Three Forks Trail. 

Notes:

1) Winter time in North GA can bring ice and snow at higher elevations! Hiking poles, yak trax (or similar) and good boots are recommended as sections of the trail are steep!

2) Recent D4 or D5 experience is required for this hike. The trip leader(s) reserve the right remove anyone for any reason.

3) Dogs will not be allowed on this hike

4) Due to this being a shuttle hike, priority may be given to those willing to drive to the trailhead and leave a vehicle

5) There is no meet at the trailhead on this hike. We will make a short stop (10 minutes) at the Ingles in Clayton at 8:30am. 

6) We will be stopping in Clayton for dinner (possibly Mama G's). 

7) Please arrive for carpool 10-15 minutes early so we can arrange rides and leave on time. 

Directions to trailhead will be given at carpool (or via email if "meeting at event").

Approximate vehicle expense for this event is $78.80 (calculated at total miles (197) * $0.400, effective Monday, June 11, 2012). This is based on the current gas, maintenance, and other costs of $0.400 per mile as stated by the IRS & Cars.com. This should be divided by the total number of people in the vehicle (incl driver).
For example: With 4 people in the vehicle, the expense per person on this trip would be $19.70. Alternately your carpool driver may choose to split the maintenance cost plus the actual gas cost among all in the vehicle. Your carpool driver will confirm exactly how much money they require to cover costs. Please split the actual cost among all people in the vehicle.