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Lake Winfield Scott to Blood Mountain and Neels Gap




The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Chattahoochee National Forest   Hike: Lake Winfield Scott to Blood Mountain and Neels Gap  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Tue, Dec 12 2023  9:00 am >> Tue, Dec 12 2023 4:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 7:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Tue, Dec 5 2023 6:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Mon, Dec 11 2023 4:00 pm
Event Duration:7 Hours 30 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:12 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Chuck M
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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: 3 / 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:

This hike will start and end at Lake Winfield Scott, will summit Blood Mountain, and will go on to Neels Gap before returning along Slaughter Creek Trail.. We will have some great views and pleasant streams (with a few crossings!). We will start at the lake and hike along the Camp and Jarrard Gap trails to Slaughter Creek Trail to Jarrard Gap, where we will pick up the Appalachian trail. We will follow the ridgeline to Blood Mountain. Then we will continue along the AT to Neel's gap. After enjoying the views and Mountain Crossings outfitter (and probably lunch), we will return down the AT to Slaughter Creek Trail which will take us back to Lake Winfield Scott and our cars.

The hike is approximately 12 miles with about 3,569 feet elevation gain.

This my first solo hike as a potential trip leader, and it is a new route for me, so it is marked exploratory. That means that the duration is an estimate that may be incorrect. We will hike at the lower end of "moderate" pace to allow time for frequent regrouping if needed, nature breaks, taking photos, and enjoying the surroundings and company. That probably translates to around 2 to 2.25 miles per hour. Again, an estimate. 

Strong D4 experience or higher is required for this event. If you have comparable experience outside AOC, contact trip leader to explain. The trip leader will move you to the waitlist if there is doubt about your ability to successfully complete the hike.

Well-behaved dogs on leash (as required by park regulations) are welcome.

Please arrive 10 minutes early for socializing and introductions, and to allow for an on-time departure. This applies to both the carpool and the trailhead.

Required Items to Bring:

Water

Lunch 

Appropriate clothing for predicted temperatures (assume predictions may be off up to 15 degrees, and always be prepared for rain!)

$5 (per car) for US Park Service parking fee, or annual pass

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

Hiking poles

Extra shoes (some stream crossings may get your feet wet!)

Towel, bag for wet items, change of clothes (may leave in car)

Rain gear (even if no rain is predicted)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

Lake Winfield Scott Rercreation Area, near Suches, Georgia.

We will meet at the small parking lot on the lake. Enter Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, proceed to the check-in area and pay fee, and then proceed down the main road to the lake. The parking area is on the left side of the road when you reach the lake. Additional parking, if needed, is available 200 yards down the road.

This should link to the parking area:

Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/%2034%C2%B04 4'14.6%22N+83%C2%B058'25.0%22W


Apple Maps: https://maps.apple.com/? ll=34.737159,-83.973707&q=Dropped%20Pin&t=m

Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):152Mile(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 $60.80 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:

Will cancel if heavy or continuous rain is forecast.


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


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