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Arkaquah Trail to Brasstown Bald - Day After Thanksgiving Hike


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Near Young Harris GA
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Nov 27 2009  10:00 am >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 8:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Thu, Nov 19 2009 12:00 am
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Nov 26 2009 10:00 pm
Event Duration:Eleven hours, six and a half hours hiking, four and a half hours driving
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult
Trip Leader(s):
Chris L
Kiran
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:16
Minimum Group Size:4
Number Registered So Far: 12 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
The Arkaquah Trail is widely regarded to be one of the most challenging and scenic in GA. Looking north from the overlooks, you can see Standing Indian Mtn and even parts of the Smokies as well. This is a 12-mile strenuous hike. Do not attempt this hike unless you have successfully completed a long hike in the past with a lot of elevation gain.

We start at Track Rock Gap, at 2,280 feet. The trail climbs 6.1 miles to 4,784 feet at the top of Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia. We return back down the same trail.

This trail is notorious for its long steep initial climb to gain the ridge crest. The first 2 miles have an elevation gain of 2,200 feet. From there, we will follow the ridge line as it clears 4 mountains ranging from 3,600 to 4,300 feet.

Once we arrive at the parking lot at the top, we will take the half mile paved trail to the summit. There is a museum that is currently closed and a 360-degree observation deck on very top. If it is clear, we will be able to see four states.

If it is not too windy we will have lunch at the summit. If the wind is too high we will head back to the parking lot for our lunch break.



Please Note:
  • THIS IS NOT A BEGINNER HIKE
  • Make sure you are in good physical condition, can hike long distances and keep a moderate pace.

    • Required Items to Bring:
  • 2 Liters of Water or sports drink
  • Trail Snacks
  • Lunch
  • Clothing appropriate to weather
  • Good hiking shoes/boots
    		• Recommended Items to Bring:
    Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
    • Change of clothes/socks/shoes for ride home
    • Hiking poles
    • Wind breaker for top

    How to Get There:
    Event Directions:Directions to Track Rock Gap (Arkaquah Trailhead)

    Take 575 going north. Follow this all the way thru Jasper, Ellijay, Blue Ridge and Blairsville. The road designation will change as you go, being variously, I-575, GA-5, GA-515, GA-2 and US 76. Regardless of that, just stay on it, and follow the signs to Blairsville. Pit stop at the Blairsville Burger King on the right. About six miles past Blairsville, turn right onto Track Rock Gap Rd. Take this about two miles to the high point on the road. This is Track Rock Gap. The trailhead parking is on the right. It is also parking for the Track Rock Gap Archeological Area, and there should be signs for that.

    Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):202Mile(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 $80.80 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.

    Cost Includes:


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