FALL PIONEER CAMPING @ FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

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REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.

FALL PIONEER CAMPING @ FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

The Basics:

STATUS:

Cancelled - Hide from Calendar

Event Type:

Camping

Event Location:

Fort Mountain State Park

Date(s) & Time:

Fri, Sep 22 2023 2:00 pm >> Sun, Sep 24 2023 12:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Tue, Aug 22 2023 7:07 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Sep 15 2023 7:07 pm

Event Duration:

1 Days 22 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D1: Easy

Trip Leader(s):

Chris L

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

$20.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Yes

Itinerary:

Fall is almost here and the mountains are calling, so come join us for Pioneer camping at Fort Mountain, a 3,712 acre Georgia state park located between Chatsworth and Ellijay on Fort Mountain. Fort Mountain State Park derives its name from an ancient stone rock edifice constructed between 500 – 1500 CE, situated near the crest of the mountain.

The Grand Plan is to enjoy nature, sleep outdoors, sit around a fire (sharing tall tales) and perhaps sing a song or two - if you have an instrument feel free to bring it along. We’ve reserved two pioneer campsites to give us plenty of tent space. Our site has a shelter, picnic bench, fire rings, and a pit toilet. Running water and Comfort Stations with hot showers and flushing toilets are a short drive away.

FRIDAY

Arrive any time after 2pm, but before the gates are locked at 10:00pm. Set up camp, wander around, cook your own dinner, and enjoy our creations by the group campfire. Later, we’ll sit around the fire, telling (mostly) true stories, searching the skies for satellites, and generally enjoying ourselve. ‘Smores optional. BTW, if you can't make it Friday afternoon, you are welcome to join us on Saturday.

SATURDAY

Cook your own (lean or hearty) breakfast, and then choose any of the following:

Hike the Gahuti trail. Sign up for this hike separately on the AOC website - Registration for this hike opens at the same time as this camping trip.
Hike one (or more) of the shorter trails at Fort Mountain.
Have second breakfast
Drive into nearby Ellijay or Chatsworth
Sleep in, eat when hungry, decompress, whittle a stick, read a book, or play “Poke a black bear if you dare!”

Toward nightfall, we regroup around the campfire and prepare mouth-watering meals that are the envy of campers everywhere. As we enjoy our edible artwork, we continue the fun, friendship, and relaxation around a toasty fire.

SUNDAY

Wake up, eat up (your breakfast), pack up (your gear), clean up (the campsite), and head out by noon.

FULL DISCLOSURE:

This is a relaxed, primitive camping trip. We DO NOT promote a wild, "party" atmosphere, and politely ask that you drink responsibly. And please, NO drugs, OK?
This is a dog-friendly camping trip and we plan to spend quality time with our four-legged friends. So, if you are uncomfortable around dogs, please reconsider your participation.
This is a pioneer site with no electricity and a (possibly smelly) pit toilet, so we plan to unplug and "rough it" for a couple of days. Seriously, if you are a Marriott-style camper who likes to be online 24/7, this event is not for you! There is a comfort station and water spigot within driving distance, but there is NO electricity and LIMITED cell service in the park, so please come FULLY EQUIPPED (see list of "REQUIRED ITEMS to BRING" below).

DOGGIE DETAILS

Group Limit for dogs: FOUR dogs + Fia (our dog)

Dogs are welcome at this event as long as they are supervised at all times by their accompanying human. Please, NO other pets (Cats, birds, lizards, snakes, etc) are permitted. Also, any time you leave the campsite, your dog must be leashed. Remember, dogs are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, and lodges. Humans are responsible for the care and feeding of their dog and should ALWAYS clean up after their dog. Humans are solely responsible for their dog's behavior, and dogs that do not respond to commands will have to be leashed. In cases of serious, aggressive behavior, the dog, along with their human, may have to leave the event.

Required Items to Bring:

Tent with rainfly

Air mattress or Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Bag or bed linens

Camp chair

Jacket and Thermals

Change of clothes

Camp footwear

2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

Camp stove or burner

Camp stove fuel

Plate, mug, and utensils

Water bottle

TWO gallons of water (minimum)

Headlamp or Flashlight

Rain gear

Toiletries

Toilet paper

2 bags of firewood (wood is scarce in the area, so this is important)

A sense of humor!

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

Hiking gear

Snacks

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Address: 181 Fort Mountain State Park Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705

Hours: 7AM–10PM

Phone: (706) 422-1932

Everyone must check-in at the park office for a parking pass (If you arrive after the office closes, you can check-in the next morning). From the park office, head to Pioneer Campsites 1&2.

NOTE: PARK GATE CLOSES AT 10:00 PM

Notes:

We may cancel and/or reschedule this event due to unsatisfactory or hazardous weather conditions. After all, we want to enjoy ourselves!

Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

- Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

- Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

- Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

- No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

- Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:

Member Cost:

$20.00/Person

Cost Includes:

$20 includes campsite rental and AOC administrative fees.

This cost does not include the $5.00 State Park parking fee (pay at the park office!) unless you have an Annual Park Pass!

Payment Cut Off:

AOC must receive your payment within SEVEN DAYS of your registration, failing which the trip leader may move you to the event waitlist. Members registering between September 9 and September 15, must pay by September 15, 2023.

Payment can be made via PayPal. It is your responsibility to pay by the due date. Allow up to two days for PayPal to process your payment.

No partial payment for partial attendance.

Payment Cut Off:

Payment must be received by the AOC on Fri, Sep 15 2023.

Make a Payment:

Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

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

If you cancel on or before September 15, 2023, you will receive a full refund minus a $5 AOC administrative fee. No refund if you cancel after September 15, 2023, unless another member takes your place and pays in full, in which case, you will receive a full refund minus the $5 AOC administrative fee.