Gigi's Last Hike: Rich Mtn Loop - Difficult (11 Miles / Est. 2,500+ Elev. Gain)

*** PLEASE READ THE WHOLE EVENT POSTING BEFORE YOU RSVP ***

It's been 5 years in the making and Gigi is finally completing her first 900 Miler Map. Winter weather, hurricane Helene, forest fires, & road / trail closures made this journey longer than anticipated to complete, but she is finally approaching the finish line! Megan Gilles (900 Miler) will also be in town for the event! So, come join us to hike with our hiking buddy Megan and celebrate Gigi's final hike.

ABOUT THE HIKE
The Rich Mountain - Crooked Arm Ridge - Indian Grave Loop just might be the perfect hike for enjoying the beauty of Cades Cove - without sitting in gridlock on the cade cove loop. We will also have an opportunity to visit the John Oliver Cabin, one of the oldest structures in the Park. You can find more information here. This hike will include the traditional Rich Mountain Loop plus the two out and back's to tag CS6 and Rich Mtn Road (for those individuals needing if for their 900 maps)

QUALIFICATIONS:
This is an Intermediate hike and is suitable for hikers who are comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace for a 8-11 miles, with an estimated 2,500 feet of elevation change. It's a good opportunity to stretch your distance and elevation gain, if you think you're ready for that. It's rated Difficult because of the overall length and a 1500' of climb at a 500 fpm slope.

The Hike Details:
We will hike 0.5 miles north on Rich Mountain Loop, and turn right onto Crooked Arm Ridge and hike 2.1 miles northeast, climbing 1500’ at 500 fpm. We will then take a short jaunt to tag CS 6 (required for map markers). We'll turn left onto Indian Grave Gap and hike 2.5 miles west, then do 2.2 miles on the out-and-back to tag Rich Mtn Rd (for those needing this for their 900 maps). We’ll then turn right onto Rich Mountain Loop and hike 2.8 miles south back to the trailhead for the traditional celebratory hiking pole archway marking the end of Gigi's 900 Miler Map. We should be off trail around 3:00pm. If you have time, please join us for a celebratory taco bar picnic at the Cades Cove Group Campsite# GS1 after the hike.

WHERE TO MEET FOR THE HIKE:
On Saturday, May 31st we will meet at 9:00 AM at the parking lot next to the Cades Cove Loop Gate, which appears as “Cades Cove Information Kiosk” in Google Maps. We will do a quick huddle / gear check before proceeding to the Rich Mountain Loop Trailhead which is about 100 yards from where we will park. Try to park in the spaces after the kiosk, closer to the gate.

Gigi's 900 Miler Post Hike Celebration Picnic:
After the hike, those of you wishing to partake in celebrating Gigi's final hike are welcome to join us at Cades Cove Group Campsite #GS1 which she has rented for the weekend. Proceed to the Cades Cove Campground just down the road. Parking is very limited back in the group sites area, so we recommend parking at the campground General Store Office and walking the 1/4 mile to the back of the campground where the "group campsites" are located for some light fare and socialization. Please bring your own camp chair and beverage.

CADE COVE CAMPING:
If you would like to spend the night at our Group Campsite, please private message Gigi. Priority for tent sites at Gigi's group campsite will go to hikers who have helped Gigi on her journey that live out of town (ie., NC side of the smokies and out of town hikers). Space is limited. You may also elect to reserve your own campsite at Cades Cove Campground on your own.

WHAT TO BRING
We always suggest carrying the 14 essentials when going into the woods. You can download a pdf file here that discusses these essentials. here.

Because it’s the Smokies, be mindful of the weather and bring the necessary waterproof outer layers, insulation, water, and snacks to be safe.

LATECOMERS AND "NO-SHOWS"
It’s important that everyone is on time (or early). We would hate to leave a hiker behind because they’re running late. If your plans change and you can’t come on the hike, please change your RSVP so we’re not waiting for you or looking for you.

*** Failure to change your RSVP, or let us know at least an hour ahead of the hike's start time, qualifies as a 'No-Show' with me, and you may not be able to join my future hiking trips. ***

NAVIGATION AIDS
Rich Mtn Hikes Map
Rich Mtn Loop Profile
Rich Mtn Loop GPS [.gpx] (download only)

DISCLAIMER
By signing up for this event you affirm that you understand this disclaimer and that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of or related to this Meetup event against the Organizers of this Meetup group. Full Disclaimer