Trip Info Page







DO  NOT  CONTACT  THE  CHURCH   OFFICE 
TO  SIGN  UP  FOR  HIKES  NOR  FOR  INFORMATION

CONTACT  THE  HIKE  PLANNER  DIRECTLY
Data Updated: Saturday, November 2, 2013 8:22:06 PM
Status: Confirmed
Weather:
Click here for the 10 day Unicoi State Park forecast from Weather.com

Click Here for the Extended Forecast from Accuweather.com

7 Day Forecast from Weather.gov
Trip: Unicoi Lake Trail
Date: November 16, 2013
Trip Host: Marsha Conner
Location: Unicoi State Park
1788 Highway 356
Helen , GA 30545
Cost: $5 park entry, or use your GA State Park Pass. Park Passes can be checked out from the Hall County Library System for free as well.

Always carry cash for parking, fuel, snacks as necessary

Other:
Regular day trip policy fees. If you carpool, fuel costs should be shared.
Trail Name: Unicoi Lake Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.5 miles
Schedule:
When signing up, please let Jeremy or Marsha know your plans for the day.


Be sure to check timelines a few days before hike for any necessary changes!
10:00 AM Meet up Grace Church Parish Hall Parking Lot
10:10 AM Depart Grace Church
10:35 AM Meet up Quillians Corner Chevron
10:45 AM Depart Quillians Corner Chevron
11:30 AM Arrive Unicoi State Park
11:45 AM Safety Briefing
12:00 PM Start Hike
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Return from Hike
------------- Enjoy lunch together under the shelter after you have finished the hike around the lake. After lunch you may wan to sightsee in Helen or the surrounding area.

*Meet-ups will only take place if the hike planner knows there will be people at the designated locations waiting to join the group. Make sure the planner knows your plans!
Blaze:
Departs From: Grace Episcopal Church - Kitchen Parking Lot
Quillians Corner Chevron
See schedule for details
Departure Time: 10:10 AM Grace Church

10:45 AM Quillians Corner Chevron

If carpooling please make arrangements with the people you are riding with.
Meals: Lunch in the picnic shelter following the hike. Hikers should provide own meals, etc..
Transportation: POV's with carpooling, or drive on own. If you need transportation you
can post an email to the hike group email list.

(Always be prepared to drive your own vehicle if necessary. If you carpool,
fuel costs should be shared.)
GPS Info: N 34.723033 | W 083.722300
USGS Quad:
Ranger District:
Trail Descriptions: 2.5 mile loop. Compacted Soil Surface.

A mostly flat loop trail winding around Unicoi Lake (53 acres) provides views of Unicoi Lake and surrounding mountains.

Pick up a tree identification guide in the visitors center.
Notes: All times are planned with reasonable expectations, but please remember to always be flexible and to allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the day.

If you carpool, check with your driver and learn what their plans are for after the hike. Options are shown below.
Links & Ref. Unicoi State Park

Unicoi Lodge
Books
Photos
Map Park & Campground Map

Park Trail Map
Directions:
Reservations: Please contact Marsha Conner.or Jeremy Landers


*Special Notice Regarding Hikers Under 18 Years of Age!

Post Trip Review:

*Special Notice Regarding Hikers Under 18 Years of Age!


Please take a moment to read the Participation Guidlines prior to hiking with the Grace Church Hike Group.

Additional Info For All Hikes
Information provided by Marsha Conner

ICE  INFO
(In Case Of Emergency)

We are now carrying ICE forms with us for safety. The hike planner will
be responsible for being sure these cards are on the trail.  A form in a
sealed yellow envelope with critical contact and medical data on each
hiker will be available in case of emergencies.  You are required to fill
out the emergency contact information however the medical information
is optional, 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
You should be self-sufficient on the trail. Do not plan to borrow items you
do not have from people hiking with you. They may not have what you need
or they may need it for themselves. Carefully look over the trail description and
map before going, ask questions, and make sure that you are physically able to
handle the terrain, the temperatures, the possible wetness, and the other
interesting things that might happen to us while on the trail! As always we
set our hiking pace to accomadate everyone. So don't think you'll be too slow.
Jeremy & Marsha are always willing to help you to be trail ready.

1.  Daypack
2.  Water/Fluid Supplies
3.  Food/Snack Supplies
4.  Cash and Photo ID (ID should be on your person at all times)
5.  Other Outdoor Supplies
6. 4 AA Batteries to use in our walkie talkies.

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 in your vehicle 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. The cost of fule is to be shared between driver and
passengers.
c.  For your safety, have your ID with you on the trail at
all times.
d.  Do not leave valuables in your parked car which you
    cannot afford to have stolen!

5.  Other Outdoor Supplies
a.  Camera, Flash Card(s) or 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)


6. Hunting Season
Remember your Blaze Orange During Hunting Seasons.

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. More Info

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.

More information on Hiker Safety can be found at the following websites.
Georgia State Park Safe Hiking Tips

http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/hiking.html


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Last Modified: Saturday, November 2, 2013