BEAR CREEK TRAIL

at Cloudland Canyon

Sections of this hike will be rugged and strenuous.

This hike is not a beginner hike.

Meeting Time: 9am

Meeting Location: Cloudland Canyon State Park, Main Parking Lot, where the overlook, interpretive center, rest room facilities, etc., is. Just stay straight on the park road and it is almost the last thing you come to.

Hiking Distance: approximately 9 miles

Hike Rating: moderate with some difficult sections

Hiking Time: approximately 5-6 hours

Join Greg Foster on this beautiful and challenging hike. Greg is an experienced hiker, having hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and most of the the Pacific Crest Trail.  He has also contributed significantly to the creation of the Bear Creek Trail, so come check it out.

There is a crossing of Bear Creek on this hike, so there is the possibility that the water will be up and that we will need to take off our shoes and socks to cross, so be prepared for that. (IE: Water Shoes or Crocs). You will need to be adventurous to take on this hike.

Although the hike will be tough and long, we will go at a relatively slow pace to be able to accommodate the tough terrain while enjoying the beautiful scenery that this fantastic trail has to offer.

Things to Bring:

Day pack with Plenty of water

Snacks/lunch

Treking poles if you have them

Water Shoes and Extra socks

Huge Smile !

** Just a reminder that Georgia State Parks do charge a $5/vehicle parking fee.

Hike Leader Contact Info

Greg      cell  [masked])

email  [masked]

Please be sure to dress appropriately according to seasonal temperatures/weather.

NO-SHOWS: As with all Meetups, if you are a "YES" and you discover you cannot come, please be polite and change your RSVP to a "NO" as soon as possible.  Don't be a "no-show".  Organizers try to ensure that we don't leave anyone behind, and if we are waiting on you when you know that you are not coming, it only holds up the group unnecessarily.  Please be considerate. Also, It isn't necessary to RSVP "not going" for an event. For the most part, we need only know if you ARE GOING!

WEATHER: As with all outdoor events, if it's raining/stormy or very poor trail conditions, we may have to cancel.  If the weather is questionable, please check this event page before you leave home.

CARPOOL

For those interested in carpooling from Chattanooga, please meet at the Walmart on Cummings Highway at 8am.   Meet toward the back of the parking lot, closest to the road (so as to allow the closer spots for paying customers) right where you pull in.  You may want to stand outside of your cars so that others realize that you are part of the carpool.  There will not be an organizer at the carpool.  The hike leader will meet you at the park. Plan to leave promptly at 8:10 from the Walmart to head to Cloudland Canyon.  Please be courteous and anticipate sharing in the cost of gas with your drivers.

Please make every effort to arrive early or on time

so that you do not hold up the group.