Siler Bald Backpacking On The Applachian Trail

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Siler Bald Backpacking On The Applachian Trail

The Basics:

Event Type:

Backpacking

Event Location:

Winding Stair Gap - 8 mi West of Franklin NC on US 64

Date(s) & Time:

Sat, Sep 21 2013 9:30 am >> Sun, Sep 22 2013 2:30 pm (Carpool Departure: 9:45 am *log in for location*)

Registration Opens:

Thu, Sep 12 2013 8:30 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Fri, Sep 20 2013 6:00 pm

Event Duration:

1 Days 5 Hours

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult

Pace:

Moderate

Trip Leader(s):

Todd M

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:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

5 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

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. This is rated D5 due to the elevation gain, however it is failry gradual so if you are in reasonably good shape it should not be too difficult.***

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.

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.

If you have any questions, please e-mail or contact the Event Coordinator - Todd Muller - before the event. Note: Sunday morning we will start our hike back no later than 10:30 AM to Winding Stair Gap parking lot.

Required Items to Bring:

Please bring plenty of water (I will also have a water filter to share with the group), food for Saturday night and Sunday morning (enough for yourself), utensils, cups and plates, cooking stove or we can share mine, tarp, backpacking sized tent, sleeping bag, flash light, change of cloths, rain gear, bug spray, etc.

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

Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad: most of these items can be rented at REI. ***Reminder – keep it simple and as lightweight as possible*** 1 lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast, and snacks: Dehydrated dinners can be purchased at REI, and you only need to add hot water. For breakfast I usually bring pop tarts or instant oatmeal and coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc. My lunches are usually those foil packets of tuna or chicken on either peta bread or tortillas.. things that wont get squished in a backpack. Good snacks are trail mix, healthy energy bars or even plain ol Snickers. At the grocery store, be creative but keep it simple and lightweight. You will also need appropriate clothing. Synthetic hiking clothes are perfect. I discourage wearing cotton or denim for hiking because if it rains you can get very wet and it doesn’t dry quickly, and therefore you can get very cold. For sleeping clothes bring whatever is comfortable.

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:

9:45 am

Carpool Location:

Carpool 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:

Tip: If in doubt, bring extra gear. You can always choose to leave it in the car when we hit the trail. At the trail head, we can discuss what gear to bring and what we can share, such as water filters.

Keep in mind that temperatures are cooler at higher altitudes.

We are allowing 1 dog on this trip, Mike's dog Cedar.

* 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.