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Blue Mountain: Georgia AT 4000 footer (part of a planned 25 hike series)




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Blue Mountain Shelter   Hike: Blue Mountain: Georgia AT 4000 footer (part of a planned 25 hike series)  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Feb 15 2020  7:00 am >> Sat, Feb 15 2020 5:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Feb 12 2020 7:17 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Feb 14 2020 7:17 pm
Event Duration:10 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D6: Advanced
Distance:20 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Gary 'L'
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 0 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

 

The 25 Hike Series 

This "in and out" is one in a planned series of 25 weekend "in and outs" that will run in an ongoing rotation over a long number of months.  I am not saying an AT "in and out" will happen every weekend or every month but I will work these treks into the AOC schedule when I can.  The rotation affords one the opportunity to cover the entire 175 miles of the Appalachian trail south end from the AT south gate of Smoky Mountains National Park to the AT archway of Amicalola State Park.  That's a total of 350 miles of "in and outs".  This series gives a hiker yet another goal to set.  Come enjoy!  

These hikes also offer the option of staying in low-cost hiker hostels (just ask Gary about his experiences with them) at the end of the day and make the weekend into two day hikes.

This Hike (Unicoi Gap to Low Gap and featuring Blue Mountain)

Recent strong D5 or D6 experience is a requiired must for this group to stay together and finish on time.

2.8 mph pace to meet our target timeframe for this "in and out" 7 hour hike

1.4 mile 1076 foot ascent of Blue Mountain to begin hike

3600 foot total climb for the hike and 7% average grade

3.5 miles pass over several rock slides and through rocky areas  to begin and finish hike

fine views from Blue Mountain shelter at 4025 feet elevation

Blue is one of the five Georgia AT 4000 footers (you probably know Blood and Tray already)

pass through 5 gaps with 3500 foot elevation for an 8 mile ridgewalk of the bowl that forms the start of the Chattahoochee River

turnaround at Low Gap Shelter which is our low elevation point at 3050 feet

Hostel Option

Town with 3 hiker hostels at $20-25 per person could make sense for those doing the Rabun Bald or Albert Mountain hikes the following day.  The hostels have private rooms and bunk rooms all at the same price per bed.  Private rooms hold 2-4 people.  I will send the hostel websites in a private group email to those registered for the event by Thursday at 7pm.   The town has brew pubs and restaurants.  

I plan to do the hostel stay on Saturday evening and encourage everyone to join after a long hike.  I will be at the park and ride carpool on Saturday morning to get us organized.

 

 

 

 


Required Items to Bring:

2-3 liters of water

layered synthetic clothing 

rain jacket for wind and because you never know about mountain weather

lunch and trail snacks

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

sunglasses

compact umbrella

hat and gloves

shoes that already have miles on them


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Here is a link to Google Maps that will take you to the trailhead at Unicoi Gap:

https://goo.gl/maps/DqYdqiUnQhfxRFVB7

 

Plan to be ready to meet at 8:45am at the trail crossing.

The trailhead has ample parking but no privy or services.

The shelter at the top of the mountain has a compost privy 1.4 miles into our hike.

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):147Mile(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 $58.80 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.