AtlantaOutdoorClub
sponsor
Print-Friendly Version
Add this event to your calendar (Outlook, iCalendar)
Add REGISTRATION REMINDER to your calendar


REGISTRATION 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.



Siler Bald Classic Fall Foliage Backpacking




The Basics:
Event Type:Backpacking
Event Location: Winding Stair Gap - 8 mi West of Franklin NC on US 64   Backpacking: Siler Bald Classic Fall Foliage Backpacking  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Oct 22 2011  11:45 am >> Sun, Oct 23 2011 2:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:30 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Aug 24 2011 9:30 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 21 2011 6:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 2 Hours 45 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D4: Moderate to Difficult
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Tom
Email Trip Leader(s)
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:12
Minimum Group Size:6
Number Registered So Far: 9 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:
***This is an intermediate backpacking trip but beginners are welcome, but will be responsible for having appropriate gear, and trip leader's final approval after signing up for event***

There are many scenic vistas on the Appalachian Trail within a couple hours driving time of Atlanta, but perhaps none more so than Siler Bald. With a summit of 5,216 feet it offers a sweeping 360 degree view of the surrounding valleys. And while there is almost 1500 feet in elevation gain, most of it is fairly gradual over four miles. The total distance hiked over two days will be a little over eight miles. 

After we arrive at our destination, we will set up camp and hike to the top of Siler Bald and enjoy the surrounding mountain view of the beautiful fall foliage and spectacular sunset.  With weather permitting, we will set up and relax around a camp fire and exchange stories, jokes, etc.  In the morning, we will also have the opportunity to watch the sunrise from the top of Siler Bald. 

Although the total driving distance is close to 240 miles round trip, all of it is over major highways. So driving time should be no more than 2-2 ½ hours each way.

Approximate finish time is 2:30 pm +/- and subject to change based on several factors, including breaks, breakfast or lunch stop, etc.

If you have any questions, please e-mail or contact the Event Coordinator (Tom Jarosz) before the event. Note: Sunday morning we will start our hike back no later then 8:30 AM to Winding Stairs Gap parking lot.

Required Items to Bring:
  • Plenty of water and water filter
  • Food for Saturday night and Sunday morning
  • Utensils, cups and plates, cooking stove
  • Backpacking sized tent
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Flash Light
  • Change of cloths
  • Rain gear
  • Bug spray
  • First Aid kit
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • Treking Poles
  • Warmer clothing since we'll be on a Mountain. It's going to be cooler at 5,000 feet.
  • Earplugs if you are sensitive toward noises while sleeping

 


How to Get There:
Event Directions:North on I-85. Take I-985 near Mall of Georgia. Continue on I-985. After 26 miles this intersate will become US 23. Continue on US 23 through Clayton GA and into North Carolina. At Franklin NC take exit to US 64 West. Continue eight miles until Winding Stairs Gap parking lot.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):235Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:30 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $94.00 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:
If you have any questions e-mail the Event Coordinator and save phone calls for the day of the event.


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


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note: Late cancellations, particularly within 36 hours of the event make it difficult for those on the wait list to attend. Please be courteous to your fellow AOC members and cancel with as much notice as possible.