© 2005 Jeremy R. Landers / Landers Photographic Arts / All Rights Reserved. © 2005 Jeremy R. Landers / Landers Photographic Arts / All Rights Reserved. © 2005 Jeremy R. Landers / Landers Photographic Arts / All Rights Reserved.
© 2005 Jeremy R. Landers / Landers Photographic Arts / All Rights Reserved.
Hike Info Page
DO  NOT  CONTACT  THE  CHURCH   OFFICE 
TO  SIGN  UP  FOR  HIKES  NOR  FOR  INFORMATION

CONTACT  THE  HIKE  PLANNER  DIRECTLY
The October 21st hike to this area has been postponed due to the area being heavily hunted. This trip will be re scheduled at a later date. We will be hiking on the Appalachian Trail from Neel's Gap up to the top of Blood Mt. instead.

Click Here For Details
© 2005 Jeremy R. Landers / Landers Photographic Arts / All Rights Reserved.
Trip: Dawsonville Forest (Wildcat Tract)
Wildcat Creek Trail
Turner Trail
Windy Ridge Trail
Date: Saturday October 21, 2006
Trip Host: Stephanie Wells
Location: Dawsonville Forest
Cost: Carry cash for fuel sharing.
Difficulty: ???
Length: 3 Trails about 1.5 each
Departs From: Grace Center
Departure Time: 9:00 AM
Meals: Bring a sack Lunch
Transportation: POV's with carpooling
(Always be prepared to drive your own vehicle if necessary. If you carpool, fuel costs should be shared.)
GPS Info: N/A
Trail Description: The Grace Hiking Club will set off again on October 21 to explore some of the beautiful area we live in.  We are going to the Dawson National Forest, about an hour drive from Gainesville,  and cover 3 trails in the Wildcat Tract, each about a mile and a half.  The plan is to leave Grace at 9 a.m., walk the trails and have lunch in the woods.
We’ll carpool if we can and everyone is to bring his/her own lunch.  Come join us for a very pleasant way to spend a Saturday.  For more information, call Stephanie Wells at 678-617-1201.  You may go to www.mountainstewards.org, then click on Mountain Trails, then on Wildcat Tract to see the trails I’d like to cover.  Suggestions are welcome!


www.mountainstewards.org/Wildcat_Trail_Guide.pdf
Notes: NA
Links & Ref. www.mountainstewards.org

Trail Guide www.mountainstewards.org/Wildcat_Trail_Guide.pdf
Photos NA
Map www.mountainstewards.org/Wildcat_Trail_Guide.pdf
Directions: ACCESS TO THE AREA
The entrance to the Eastern Trails is located off of Steve Tate Road in Dawson County on Wildcat Campground Road. The Wildcat Campground Road is located just south of Pleasant Union Baptist Church. Follow the gravel road for approximately 0.8 miles to the Amicalola River and the campground. There is a kiosk sign located in the campground
with information about the trails. There are three trails on the eastern side of the Wildcat area. These trails are rated as easy to low moderate. These trails connect with the trails on the western side of the Wildcat Section of the Dawson Forest.
Reservations: Call Stephanie Wells at 678-617-1201
Post Trip Review: Coming Soon
Additional Info For All Hikes
Information provided by Marsha Conner

ICE  INFO
(In Case Of Emergency)

We are now carrying ICE cards with us for safety. The hike planner will
be responsible for being sure these cards are on the trail.  An index card
with critical contact and medical data on each hiker will be available in
case of emergencies.  You are not required to participate in the
ICE program
, but should an emergency arise, this data would go with
you for medical treatment and provide contact information for your relatives
and medical information at the ER that should be known.  Many of us have
ICE phone numbers in our cell phones, but our cell phones may not work
in some wilderness areas.

WHAT  TO  CARRY

1.  Daypack
2.  Water/Fluid Supplies
3.  Food/Snack Supplies
4.  Cash and ID (ID should be on your person at all times)
5.  Other Outdoor Supplies

1.  Packs:
a.  Plan and pack for medical emergencies including
     blisters, bug bites, allergies, cuts, etc.
b.  At least one snake bite kit (Sawyer style) should be
     with the group (sold in most sporting goods depts).
c.  Weather change needs such as poncho, emergency
     blanket, cap, gloves, wind jacket, etc.
d.  Cell phone (in case it might work) and other
     items important to you for personal safety or comfort

2.  Water/Fluid Supplies
a.  Plan on carrying a cooler with ice to keep food and
     fluids cold throughout the trip
b.  Carry enough fluid with you for the designated trail hike
c.  Do  Not  Drink  Water  From  Streams - most mountain
    water is no longer safe to drink as they may contain
    protozoan imps and make you very sick

3.  Food/Snack Supplies
a.  Short hikes may only require a light snack
     on the trail (1-2 miles) - plan accordingly
b.  Longer hikes usually require a moderate
     snack on the trail (3-4 miles) - plan accordingly
c.  Remember that your appetite is enhanced by
    being outdoors and doing physical activity

4.  Cash and ID
a.  Carry bills in different increments especially "ones"
     for park entrance fees and incidentals - each
     person is responsible for their own fees and should
     share any group cost for parking and fuel
b.  For your safety, have your ID with you on the trails
c.  Do not leave valuables in your parked car which you
    cannot afford to have stolen!

5.  Other Outdoor Supplies
a.  Camera and plenty of film
b.  Binoculars
c.  Sun hat
d.  Knife and compass
e.  Extra socks if prone to blisters
f.  Bug spray
g.  Sting relief especially if you are
     allergic to insect stings
h.  Hiking pole or sticks
i.   Sweat towel and/or bandana
j. Large Pepper Spray (for animal attacks and personal protection)
UPON RETURNING HOME

1.  Critical - Shower and check your body - CAREFULLY -
     for ticks (if a tick has attached itself to your skin, do
     not crush its body while removing it, but lift it away
     from your skin and pull out by the legs - treat the area
     properly and watch for any redness - if redness appears
     seek medical attention promptly)

2.  Clean and treat any wounded areas of your body -
     use ice for first 24-48 hours on joint/muscle injuries
     and heat as swelling subsides

3.  Consider keeping a log of your hiking experiences and
     write your story in a journal while memories are fresh

4.  Develop pictures and share copies with your hikers

GENERAL  GUIDELINES  TO  REMEMBER

1.  Leave pets at home if hiking with a group

2.  Keep groups on the trail to no more than 4-6 together

3.  Walk single file in the middle of the trail

4.  Step to the side of the trail as you go downhill
     to allow hikers going uphill to have the right of way

5.  Do not wade with your boots on unless necessary
     Wet socks and shoes can create immediate blisters

6.  Swift water can cause you to lose your footing in
     6-12 inches of water so do not be fooled that you
     can wade without danger across a stream

7.  Snakebites are a critical concern to hikers
     THINK before putting your hands and feet anywhere
     that might be a place of hiding for a snake:
     a.  Step on the top of logs - not over them
     b.  Use your hiking pole to check on the backside
          of logs and rocks before sitting down
     c.  Stay on the trail where visibility is better

8.  Read the many different theories on protection
     from bears and other wildlife - bears are most
     aggressive when protecting their cubs and stay
     near water and food sources frequently - bears
     do not "growl" but will make a "grunting" noise
     to let you know they see you when you may not
     see them - stop, back away slowly, and move
     back down the trail without hesitation - do not
     mistake a "grunting" noise for random woods noise
     on a trail as it may only be made one time to give
     you one chance to back away. Carry a large pepper spray.

9.  Let members of your hiking group know your intentions
    in case you decide to return to the parking lot or leave
     for the day. 

10. Remember that the GEC Open Hike each month will
     have a mixed skill level and cooperation as a team is needed.
     The monthly planner has volunteered to set up the hike
      and there may be slight differences with each hike.
      There is room for both the scenic hiker and the extreme
      hiker with good communication and proper planning.


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