Lori's Last Hike! Mt Cammerer Loop - 15 Miles - Strenuous

*** PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST BEFORE SIGNING UP **

EVENT
It is Lori L's final hike for the completion of her first "900 Miler Map"! Come help us celebrate the accomplishment!

QUALIFICATIONS
To hike, you should be comfortable hiking a 2.0-2.5 mph pace up hill on a 500-800 feet per mile slope, and regularly hiking 8-10 miles with 2000+ feet of elevation change.

** This is not a beginner hike. **

MEETING LOCATION
We'll meet Saturday morning at 8:30 am at the Cosby Campground parking area B for some quick photos. See the nearby Google Map or the link below.

DETAILS
We will begin and end at the Low Gap Trailhead in the Cosby Picnic Area Parking Area B. We'll have faster and slower groups climbing the 2700' up to Mt. Cammerer. Starting with Low Gap, we'll grind 2.5 miles up to the AT at a lung-busting 800 feet-per-mile slope! We'll complete the additional 800'+ climb up the AT to the Mt. Cammerer trail to the peak.

After photos and quick lunch, we'll take a near-leisurely descent down Lower Mt. Cammerer back to the campground and should be off trail around 4:30 or so.

We note that the Cosby Campground trails can be a little confusing at the end of a hike in this area. If you're not sure where to go, please wait at junctions for the rest of the group to make sure you are not wandering around the campground after the hike looking for us. Ask us how we know this...🙄

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

We recommend 2 liters of water, lunch and plenty of snacks.

Because it’s the Smokies, we always need to be mindful of the weather as the seasons change and bring an extra layer of insulation, and a windproof/waterproof outer layer to be safe.

WARNING
Winter hiking can be an exhilarating and eye-opening experience if we’re lucky enough to have some snow. It can also be a life threatening, or even deadly experience for the uninformed, ill-prepared, or reckless hiker.

*** If you show up unprepared to the extent that you put yourself or the group at risk, you may be turned away at the trailhead. ***

LATECOMERS AND NO-SHOWS
It's important for everyone to be early, or at least on time. We would hate to leave a hiker behind because they are running late. (It happens)

If your plans change and you can't come on the hike, please remember to change your RSVP at least an hour before the event begins, so you don't wind up on my "No-Fly" list.

*** Failure to do so qualifies as a "No-Show" with me and you may not be allowed to join future hikes or backpacking trips. ***

NAVIGATION AIDS
Cosby CG - Parking Area B - https://goo.gl/maps/YducrvpPMkV1nKXBA

Mt. Cammerer Loop Map => https://tinyurl.com/2fh44sut
Mt. Cammerer Loop Map Profile => https://tinyurl.com/3npb5ytr

Mt. Cammerer Loop Map (.gpx) [download only] => https://tinyurl.com/3xhrunea

Trail Slope Key ==> https://db.tt/Z9fgt6Ghbx

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

EVENT LEADER
Gigi D. - 900 Miler
Lane DeCost - 900 Miler x4, AT - 2000 Miler, Volunteer SAR team member