SLACKPACKING GEORGIA OCTOBER 20-28, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS Hiking the entire Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail Returning to a comfortable bed and hot shower at the end of every day Enjoying sumptuous meals (that you don't have to cook!) Luxuriating in the fall foliage of northern Georgia Carrying only what you need for the day on your back Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Oct 20-28, 2018 Location: Dahlonega, Georgia Cost: $1,525.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: Our trips starts on 10/20 at 1 pm at the Atlanta Airport (ATL) or 4pm at Barefoot Hills Hiker Hostel Depart: We will have you back to the airport (ATL) by 11 am on October 28 and you can plan to fly out anytime after 12:30 TRIP OVERVIEW The Appalachian Trail truly has mythic status and for many of us, hiking it is a dream. But then we look at the reality of it and find the prospect of carrying a 40-50 pound pack on our back and sleeping on the ground rather daunting. Solution? Slackpacking! We cover the same distance as backpackers, but at the end of the day we return to a beautiful hostel with comfortable beds and hot showers as we traverse the Georgia section. We cover significant mileage on this trip so it still requires being in excellent shape. Maximum group size: 12 RATING This trip is rated a 4, 5 because it involves hiking from 7 to 16 miles a day (see the itinerary for daily mileage) and requires being in excellent physical condition. On two days there are shorter options and the rating of 4 is appropriate if you choose these or if you prefer to just take one or two days off from hiking. You can always choose to stay at the hostel for the day, although there is only one option for a shorter hike around the hostel unless you have a car. Trips that are rated 5 require a high degree of fitness. Adding some specific conditioning such as strength training, endurance training, and longer aerobic workouts is suggested. Rating: 1 2 3 [4] [5] WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced AGC guides Eight nights lodging in shared bunk rooms - singles rooms are available with a supplement All meals from dinner on Saturday through breakfast the following Sunday with the exception of one dinner All transportation within Georgia including round trip transport from the Atlanta airport and daily shuttles What's not included: Travel to and from Atlanta, alcoholic beverages, snacks, guide gratuities and travel insurance.
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 OCTOBER 20, SATURDAY We'll meet at the Atlanta airport at 1 pm. From there we'll take the metro to the spot where the shuttle picks us up and transports us to Barefoot Hills, our home for the week. That evening we'll get to know each other and also review everything we need to know for our upcoming adventure to keep us safe and healthy. DAY 2 OCTOBER 21, SUNDAY Springer Mountain to Horse Gap. We start our hike at Springer Mountain (3,782 ft), the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. There are a couple of plaques at the top of the mountain and sweeping views of the Cohutta Mountains. And since it is the official start, its where we start. However, we cannot actually drive to Springer Mountain so we will need to first backtrack less than a mile from the first access point. Today's hike is mostly a long gradual descent followed by a not quite as long gradual ascent to the top of Hawk Mountain at 3,200 ft, before descending to Hightower Gap at 2850 ft. We'll see an AT shelter today as well as a beautiful waterfall. 11.1 miles. Elevation gain 1600 ft, loss 1310 ft
DAY 3 OCTOBER 22, MONDAY Horse Gap to Woody Gap. Our hike today is definitely more strenuous, with several steep ascents and descents as we climb up and over Sassafras Mt, Justus Mt, and Ramrock Mountain. Fortunately the toughest part is during the first half and after that it mellows out a bit. This part of the trail is the perfect introduction to the up and down nature of hiking in the northern Georgia mountains. 10 miles. Elevation gain 3400 ft, loss 1450 ft DAY 4 OCTOBER 23, TUESDAY Woody Gap to Neels Gap. The high point of today's hike, both literally and metaphorically, is Blood Mt. At 4,461 ft it is the highest point of the Georgia section. There are a couple of warm ups first as we go up and over Gaddis Mt and Turkey Stamp Mt before the final 900 ft climb to the top. Blood Mt is full of history and we'll be glad to take a rest as we ponder the history that gave it its name. From there it's all downhill to Neels Gap and the great little outfitter store where we can buy maps, tshirts, or anything else you've decided you need. 10.7 miles. Elevation gain 2800 ft, loss 2480 ft DAY 5 OCTOBER 24, WEDNESDAY Neels Gap to Hogpen Gap. After the last 3 days, we will be ready for this relatively short day! Known for open ridge tops with excellent views and fall wildflowers, the well-graded trail makes this a pleasant hike. However, it's not flat. The trail starts with a 900 ft climb up Levelland Mt and ends with a hard climb out of Tesnatee Gap.We should be able to complete this part in a half day so today is the perfect time to visit the nearby charming town of Dahlonega. We'll drop you off and dinner is on your own tonight. 6.4 miles Elevation gain 1800 ft, loss 1400 ft
DAY 6 OCTOBER 25, THURSDAY Hogpen Gap to Unicoi Gap. Today's hike starts and ends with traversing over humps; you definitely are going up and down but it is not nearly as steep as previous days. In between it is more undulating, with smaller ups and downs. It is a long day, though, and we'll be glad to see our shuttle waiting for us at the end. 13.6 mile DAY 7 OCTOBER 26, FRIDAY Unicoi Gap to Dicks Creek Gap. Are we really hiking 16 miles today? Maybe, maybe not. The first section is 4 miles and includes two climbs that are over 1,000 feet, with another optional 500 ft climb to the summit of Tray Mt. Luckily, there is road access at Tray Gap. Starting here will cut 4 miles and about 1500 feet of elevation gain off of today's hike, making it a 12 mile day instead. These 12 miles go through remote wilderness as it traverses from the second highest mountain on the section to the lowest gap on the trail. Today we come to understand the meaning of PUDs (pointless up and downs) as we go up and down and up and down and up and down etc for an elevation gain of 1900 feet. 16.1 miles. Elevation gain 5200 ft, loss 4000 ft DAY 8 OCTOBER 27, SATURDAY Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap. Today, we will complete the Georgia section of the Appalachian Trail! From Dicks Creek Gap, we'll start a steady ascent of Little Bald Knob, Buzzard Knob and As Knob. With just 3.2 miles to go, we'll cross Blue Ridge Gap where there is a Forest Service road. We'll continue to climb as we approach NC and celebrate when we see that little sign denoting the state line. We can continue another 0.1 miles to Bly Gap, which is a definite highlight with nice views to the West and a very distinct tree in the gap itself. Because there is no road at the state line, we'll backtrack 3.2 miles to the road at Blue Ridge Gap. You are now eligible for a Georgia Thru-Hiker patch! Simply fill out the form from the Georgia ATC's website and send it in! Tonight we'll go into town to celebrate our accomplishments (and our well-toned quads!) with a final farewell dinner. 12.2 miles
DAY 9 OCTOBER 28, SUNDAY You are free to leave any time after breakfast. If you are flying out, we will have you back to the Atlanta airport by 11:00 am and you can plan a flight out after 12:30. ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you are flying meet at the Atlanta Airport Atrium (in the center by the clock) at 1pm. Your guide will meet you and be wearing a blue AGC T-shirt. If you are driving: Meet at the Hiker Hostel at 4pm the address for your GPS or online directions is: Hiker Hostel 7259 US-19 Dahlonega, GA. Note: Your guide will give you a call if the time is going to be significantly different due to airport delay If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call 206-395-7836. ACCOMMODATIONS We will be staying at Barefoot Hills (formerly known as the Hiker Hostel) near the start of the trail. The hostel is a log home with just under 4000 sq ft of living space, and sits on a little over three acres of land with views all around. There are two bunk-style rooms that can accommodate four people each. Each bunkroom has its own bathroom, stocked with bath towels, hand towels, washcloths and basic hygiene products. There are also four private rooms with queen beds and ensuite bathrooms available for an additional supplement. We will have the entire hostel to ourselves during the trip. We can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions but, depending on your specific circumstances, we may ask you to bring supplemental food. Please contact the office if this is a potential concern for you. WEATHER The weather at this time of year is usually lovely fall weather and we'll keep our fingers crossed for great fall color too! Typically, the highs are in the 60's to low 70's during the day, dipping down to the mid 40's at night. Of course, you need to be prepared for rain but this is generally a dry time of year.
TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of midweight) hiking boots or shoes 1 pair comfortable shoes for after hiking and general use 2 pair thin liner socks: silk or synthetic equivalent (optional) 2-3 pair hiking socks: wool or synthetic equivalent (Coolmax, Thorlo, Smartwool, etc) CLOTHING 1 pair comfortable, lightweight, synthetic hiking pants 1 pair shorts (optional with zip-off nylon pants) 1 long-sleeved, lightweight shirt for protection from sun 1 lightweight long underwear top: silk, wool or synthetic equivalent (Capilene, Thermastat, or polypropylene) 1 medium-weight top layer: wool shirt/pull-over or synthetic equivalent A fleece/wool vest is a good option for this layer. 1 fleece jacket 2-3 synthetic t-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 wide-brimmed hat for protection from sun 1 lightweight wool or fleece hat 1 lightweight pair wool or fleece gloves 1 rain parka and rain pants: should be a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. Underwear/nightwear 1-2 changes of comfortable clothes to wear around the hotels and out to dinner (e.g. pants and/or skirt, with a couple of tops) EQUIPMENT/ESSENTIALS 1 pair Trekking poles (required) 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. An orange blaze item such as a piece of clothing, hat, bandana, vest Small headlamp or flashlight 2 liter water capacity sunglasses (100% UV blocking) with retention strap 1-2 bandannas Sunscreen & lip block with SPF of at least 15 Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Your favorite snack (snacks will also be provided) Plastic, tupperware type container for lunch/sandwich TOILETRIES (small everything) Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hand sanitizer, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL camera and film/memory card (extra batteries) wrist watch/travel alarm clock pocket knife short gaiters compact binoculars journal and pen
NOTES ON PACKING Adventures in Good Company's packing list covers everything you need to assure your safety and comfort. You may not use everything you bring; however, you need to come prepared for all possible weather conditions. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 2-3 liters of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera,etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 30 40 Liters (1800 and 2400 cubic inches) with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry, and/or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. IMPORTANT: Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! It should all be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 2-3 liters of water. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are required for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-trips-the-4-mostcommon-questions.