bgood
GUTS Member
Posts: 84
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Post by bgood on Mar 16, 2009 16:05:42 GMT -5
Christian, I¡¦ve done that trail (w/the sign) behind the visitor¡¦s center to the top of the falls many times over the last 20 years (but never past the lodge). ƒ¼ Yesterday it looked more like a flowing river. I¡¦ve always wanted to do the steps multiple times and since I didn¡¦t have the family to slow or stop me, I took advantage of the day. I think Dan is doing the Great Wall Marathon www.great-wall-marathon.com/Default.aspx , looks like there could be a lot of steps. So this might be good training for him. I was thinking the next time I go, to park at the pond (my aid station), run up the steps come down the trail, run the lower trail to the pond, refuel at my truck, repeat. Maybe add some sand bags on a loop. - I love pain!
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odog
GUTS Member
Posts: 33
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Post by odog on Mar 16, 2009 18:08:52 GMT -5
@ Christian
I just wanted to claify something (i just learned last week)
The stairs ARE the approach trail - the trail you are refering to is the East Ridge trail. I almost always use the East Ridge trail but only learned last weekend the the Approach trail does use the stairs.
The trails diverge IMMEDIATELY after the arch. The Approach Trail (blue blazes) goes left (paralleling the road) while the East Ridge is straight ahead. The signage is confusing but the maps inside and well as blue blazes confirm what I describe.
Both end up at the same parking lot at the top of the falls (coke machine and bathrooms)
Obviously both have the same elevation gain but the east ridge is about .5 mile longer.
Dan - The trail would be great "stair/step" training. I did two trips up last weekend. Start at the arch, up the stairs, to the top of falls parking lot, down the East ridge trail to the arch. You get your stair training up get a nice down in the woods (away from the crowds). Repeat as many times as you like :-)
I may be up for a Friday afternoon run (say 2PM at the visitors center) if anyone is interested.
Josh
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bgood
GUTS Member
Posts: 84
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Post by bgood on Mar 16, 2009 20:12:08 GMT -5
They must of change the approach trail when they completed the stairs. I'm pretty sure that path past the pond used to be a dead end below the falls. -Brad
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Post by surftrip on Mar 17, 2009 8:59:05 GMT -5
Christian, I've been eyeing that Woody Gap to Neels Gap (and back) run. About how long did it take you guys? Nate 3.5 hours a couple o' weeks ago to the top of Blood and back. I suspect adding the descent, a brief pit stop at the store, and then back around Blood, will add about 30 more minutes. Lots of AT-experienced folks on here, but for this dude, relatively new to all these sections, the beauty of these trails is ridiculous. cheers.
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Post by colonel on Mar 17, 2009 9:25:08 GMT -5
Hey Christian, how long does it take to drive up there? I'm trying to figure out if I can do the run and be back before my wife gets back from Florida.
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Post by surftrip on Mar 17, 2009 11:44:15 GMT -5
Hey Christian, how long does it take to drive up there? I'm trying to figure out if I can do the run and be back before my wife gets back from Florida. Spurgeon, I'm headed to Oak Mountain. I'm going to remove the post. Yes, I know I'm king of "change of plans", but I have a running disease.
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Post by cheetahhead on Mar 17, 2009 12:41:45 GMT -5
Spurgeon (and anyone else interested),
I was thinking about doing 4-ish hours on the Pine Mountain trail on Saturday if you are interested. I've never been down there, but I do have a map and figured I'd give it a whirl.
Planning to leave Smyrna between 6:00 and 7:00 AM if you want to go.
Nate
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Post by janice on Mar 17, 2009 12:51:12 GMT -5
Christian, I've been eyeing that Woody Gap to Neels Gap (and back) run. About how long did it take you guys? Nate 3.5 hours a couple o' weeks ago to the top of Blood and back. I suspect adding the descent, a brief pit stop at the store, and then back around Blood, will add about 30 more minutes. Lots of AT-experienced folks on here, but for this dude, relatively new to all these sections, the beauty of these trails is ridiculous. cheers. i would estimate at least 45 additional minutes. i realize y'all aren't coming back over the top (which takes at least 30 minutes just from Neels to the top) but it is a prett long and technical descent
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bgood
GUTS Member
Posts: 84
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Post by bgood on Mar 20, 2009 12:23:04 GMT -5
I went back to Amicalola yesterday afternoon to do a few loops up the steps and the East trail. Loop = 2 miles Steps = 600 Elevation - 1811' to 2580' Lots of roots on the trail. Only one big black snake crossed in front of me (it was moving fast).
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Dan B
Stunned Runner
Posts: 136
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Post by Dan B on Mar 20, 2009 15:38:33 GMT -5
Sounds like the steps are a must do for me. Gonna go up to Amicoloa Falls on Sunday way early. Thanks for the trail info. Dan
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Dan B
Stunned Runner
Posts: 136
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Post by Dan B on Mar 22, 2009 15:04:55 GMT -5
I can't believe I have lived in ATL since '93 and the closest I ever got to Amicalola Falls was Burt's Pumpkin patch ( in '97 when my 3 kids were 2 and 1 yrs old!!) Thanks for all the tips this past week. Made it up there and hit the 604 stairs 4 times. Now I know I am not ready for the Great Wall Marathon!!! I'll be going back there every week for the next 6 weeks!!! gallery.me.com/drbskillersmiles#100017Thanks Again for the insights!! Dan
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bgood
GUTS Member
Posts: 84
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Post by bgood on Mar 22, 2009 16:11:34 GMT -5
I was there early Saturday morning and planned to do 10 loops. I only got 8 in. The stairs just got too busy near noon. People get a little upset when you lap them going up the stairs
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Post by davidray on Mar 22, 2009 16:45:32 GMT -5
Dan, great pics of a beautiful run. Nice job!
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jdog
Stunned Runner
Posts: 72
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Post by jdog on Mar 22, 2009 17:13:12 GMT -5
How long is the loop if you go up the stairs and down the old approach trail back to the back side of the visitor center? Talk about stadiums.
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bgood
GUTS Member
Posts: 84
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Post by bgood on Mar 22, 2009 17:24:48 GMT -5
My GPS says 2 miles
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Dan B
Stunned Runner
Posts: 136
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Post by Dan B on Mar 23, 2009 12:39:02 GMT -5
10 Loops!!!!!!! OK now I really feel lame.. plus my calfs are not working very well today so I really am lame!!! I'll be back out there Friday or Sunday!!
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bgood
GUTS Member
Posts: 84
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Post by bgood on Mar 23, 2009 13:35:12 GMT -5
My calves hurt for 3 days after the first time I did 6 loops. On the 4th day I went back and did 4 loops - no pain. 2 days later I did 8 loops with no leg pain at all. But on the 8 loop day, I was carrying 20 and 40lbs weights on some of the loops. So today I have shoulder pain. I know, I'm sick (I'm not going to tell you that I just picked up 2 x 45lbs plates to try tomorrow).
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Dan B
Stunned Runner
Posts: 136
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Post by Dan B on Mar 23, 2009 14:56:40 GMT -5
Holly Crap you are addicted to them stairs!!!!! That's good.... makes me feel almost "normal" LOL!!!!!!!!!
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