Hike Georgia

Dockery Lake is not too far away for most of us (12 miles north of Dahlonega), and it's a little bit challenging anyway. Brad is also posting a sunset hike on this same date. Maybe with the two hikes we can bump up our attendance some. Hopefully one of the two fits in your schedule.

Temp should be right around 70 degrees in the afternoon. Rain chances at 5%.

This is an Out & Back hike. We will be on the Dockery Lake Trail and then on the AT, to Preacher's Rock.

Hike Distance: Approx. 11 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx 2,400'

Here's the AllTrails link for what we did last time:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/georgia/dockery-lake-trail-to-preachers-rock?u=i

We try to maintain an average hiking speed of about 2.5 mph. Not fast, but not slow. This is not a difficult hike, but it is NOT A BEGINNERS' HIKE. Those who go a little faster should wait at the junctions. We usually have a faster group and a slower group. Try to stay within one of these two sub-groups.

I always have my AllTrails app running (the free version works just fine) and I encourage all of you to do the same. Let me know if you hear or observe anything that might be a concern. Each of us exercising a little due diligence helps ensure that nobody gets lost and everyone finishes the hike, injury free.

There are some shallow water crossings, but probably nothing we can't hop across. I recommend bringing hiking poles unless you've tried them and they just don't work for you. We will take a short lunch break, at or around Preacher's Rock.

There is a waterfall near the lake, right at the beginning of the hike. It may not be easily accessible, but we will try to check it out.

Related link to waterfalls:
https://www.gawaterfalls.com/dockery-lake-falls.html

There is lots of parking and no parking fee, since we're day tripping, not camping. I will not be able to carpool this time since I'm bringing Charlie, my four legged companion, but I encourage everyone to do so if it's practical for you. Arby's at 1505 McFarland Blvd in Alpharetta (one block east of Hwy 400 @ Exit 12) is a great carpool meeting place, as well as Walmart in Dahlonega.

Bring electrolyte fluids and a light lunch and/or some snacks.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
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Hike Georgia assumes no liability for Meetup events.
Dogs are welcome on this hike, but should be kept on a leash.
Please don't sign up if you don't fully intend to join the hike.

With great weather this weekend, we are offering two hike options - a traditional day hike and also one at night to watch the sunset. Both should have spring blooms on display.

The sunset from almost 4500' is spectacular and it's a fun event as well. The moon is only at 17% and sets as 12:41 AM, so it will be very low on the horizon during our descent. This will lead to near total darkness, which makes for amazing stars.

If you haven't hiked at night before, you need to come out and and see what the other half of nature is like. It's not monsters and mayhem, so don't worry about that.

The sun will be setting just after we arrive at the peak of Blood Mountain. The sunset time is 8:29 and the best color occurs for around 20 minutes after the sun sets. We'll wait around for another 15 minutes or so to watch the cities come alive in the dark. We'll start our descent shortly after 9:00 and be back to the cars around 11:00.

Obviously, you'll need a light source for this. Headlamps are best, but flashlights and your phone will work too. Given that it will be dark, it's important that you are able to stay with the group. We don't want an impromptu game of Marco Polo.

RT Distance - 10 miles
Elevation Gain - 2500'

Notes:
$5 parking charge or use State Park pass
Participate at your own risk, HGa assumes no liability for meetup events