AT Fix 1 (Unicoi Gap - Blue Mountain - Spaniard’s Knob)

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AT Fix 1 (Unicoi Gap - Blue Mountain - Spaniard’s Knob)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Unicoi Gap

Date(s) & Time:

Fri, Jun 23 2023 7:15 am >> Fri, Jun 23 2023 2:00 pm (Carpool Departure: 7:30 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Sun, Jun 11 2023 7:07 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Wed, Jun 21 2023 7:07 pm

Event Duration:

6 Hours 45 Minutes

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

6 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Kiran

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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:

2 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

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:

Truth be told, I need my AT fix, and since I have not yet attempted this section of the AT, I thought I'd give it a go... So, the plan is to meet early in the AM at the Mansell Road Park and Ride, drive the 1h 30m to Unicoi Gap and get on the AT by 9 AM. We'll slug our way up the stiff slope, summit Blue Mountain, continue on to the Blue Mountain shelter where we'll stop for a short snack/water break, then hike on till my GPS indicates 3 miles - in the shadow of Spaniard's Knob - at which point we turn around and retrace our steps to Unicoi Gap.

Please note: This is a CHALLENGING HIKE with 1700+ feet of elevation gain so if you have not completed any D4 hikes recently, and/or have mobility issues, this is NOT the hike for you. We will not have a sweep on this hike and I plan to maintain an average 20 min/mile (3 mph) pace, so it is critical that you are able to climb/hike at that pace and stay with the group.

Required Items to Bring:

Weather appropriate gear

Hiking Boots

Water (2 litres or more)

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

Camera

Walking poles

Snack

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

MANSELL ROAD PARK & RIDE:

Address: MARTA Mansell Road Park/Ride Lot, Alpharetta, GA 30009

Google Maps:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/MARTA+Mansell+Road+Park%2FRide+Lot/@34.038688,-84.3157107,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88f574df57a26685:0x61b5c0b0caca35f7!8m2!3d34.0386836!4d-84.3131358!16s%2Fg%2F1q6jd_ysk?entry=ttu

GPS: 34.038541, -84.313104

UNICOI GAP:

Address: Unicoi Gap Hy 75 52.9, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Sautee Nacoochee, GA

Google Maps:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Unicoi+Gap+Hy+75+52.9/@34.801193,-83.745389,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x885f30b820cc85eb:0xd8f12292acfd627f!8m2!3d34.8011886!4d-83.7428141!16s%2Fg%2F1z3tbqx5r?entry=ttu

GPS: 34°48'07.2"N 83°44'34.1"W

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):

146Mile(s)

Carpool Departure Time:

7:30 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool Directions:

Carpool Cost:

Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $58.40 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:

Apart from the transportation fee passengers are expected to pay to the drivers, there is no cost for this event!

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

In order to earn credit for this event, participants must complete the entire hike.

Also, if Life happens, and you cannot participate in this event, please go to the AOC website and deregister by the deadline. If after the deadline, please TEXT me at 4O4 7-five-4 5OO5 and let me know. Calling me will not help because due those annoying robocalls, my phone does not ring for unknown numbers.