Summit Sunsets - Brasstown Bald (from Jacks Gap)

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Summit Sunsets - Brasstown Bald (from Jacks Gap)

The Basics:

Event Type:

Hike

Event Location:

Hiawasee, GA

Hike: Summit Sunsets - Brasstown Bald (from Jacks Gap)

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Aug 12 2023 5:30 pm >> Sat, Aug 12 2023 9:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Mon, Aug 7 2023 7:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Sat, Aug 12 2023 5:00 pm

Event Duration:

approx 3 1/2 hrs

Difficulty Rating:

D4: Moderate to Difficult

Distance:

6 Miles

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Tony C

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Member Cost:

None

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

4 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Itinerary:

Ok this is largely a pre-meteor shower event. I am going to be up at Brasstown Bald, to view the Perseids, so it makes sense to do a hike beforehand...and always nice to see a sunset from the highest point in the state.

I haven't hiked this trail in many years, but I do remember it being an unrelenting climb, with a lot of little zigzaggy switchbacks. It averages about 750' of ascent per mile. The route is straightforward, and there really any way to get lost. So everyone can just hike up at their own pace. If you want to sprint up at 3 mph, that is fine, or if you want to really take your time and go 1 mph that is ok too. I will probably avg around 2 mph.

There is parking at both the start of this route (at Jacks Gap) and at the end (BB parking lot), so the plan to start at the top, and hike down to Jacks Gap, and back up to BB summit. This way we won't have to hike back down, as it's getting dark, and miss any meteors. However, if you prefer start and to bottom, and park at Jacks Gap, you can just meet the rest of the group there at 6:30, and we can all head back up together. (But then of course you'll have to hike back down, after sunset, unless you can get a ride from someone who isn't staying for the meteor shower.)

Sunset is at 8:27. It should only take an hour to hike the 2.3 mi from BB parking lot down to Jacks Gap. Then it is about 3 mi to the top of BB from Jacks Gap, and gains 2000', so thinking that will take about 1.5 to 2 hrs, for most. (And if you prefer to bail at the BB parking lot, and not continue up to the summit, that is fine and there is good sunset viewing from there too)

Because many people will stay for the Perseids afterwards, we won't have an official carpool, but I'm happy to help you coordinate with aother particpants if you do want to try.

This event is largely weather dependent, because we need clear skies for the meteor shower afterwards, so could be canceled if the forecast is Mostly Cloudy or worse.

Required Items to Bring:

At least 1 liter of water
Hiking boots/shoes

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

Trekking poles
Camera

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

2941 Hwy. 180 Spur

Hiawassee GA 30546

Notes:

$5 parking fee at Brasstown Bald unless you have an annual pass. (or $8 if you arrive there before 5 pm)

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/conf/recarea/?recid=10542

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