SATURDAY AND SUNDAY HIKES
All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net.
Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes
assemble at the far rear (north end) of Westgate Shopping Center at I-240 exit
3B UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Some hikes will have second meeting places, and
starting times may vary.
----------Friday Hikes----------
Friday NO. A1202-tbd Apr. 13
Mountain Treasures Camporee #1
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net and Jim Reel, 828-738-0751,
jimr57@yahoo.com Come to the first of a series of weekend camporees, designed to
feature a cluster of Mountain Treasures. Eight different hikes have been scheduled
over the weekend. For details of each hike and the Mountain Treasures, go to the CMC
website and look under “hiking” for “hiking – camporee”. The web site gives driving
directions, plans for a group barbecue, and hike descriptions. Any questions should
be referred to Ted or Jim.
----------Saturday Hikes----------
Saturday NO. A1202-tbd Apr. 14
Mountain Treasures Camporee #1
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net and Jim Reel, 828-738-0751,
jimr57@yahoo.com Come to the first of a series of weekend camporees, designed to
feature a cluster of Mountain Treasures. Eight different hikes have been scheduled
over the weekend. For details of each hike and the Mountain Treasures, go to the CMC
website and look under “hiking” for “hiking – camporee”. The web site gives driving
directions, plans for a group barbecue, and hike descriptions. Any questions should
be referred to Ted or Jim.
SATURDAY NO. A1202-680 Apr. 28
Lost Cove *8:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 90, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Jake Blood, 828-284-6878, thebloods@hotmail.com and John Whitehouse, 828-682-3217,
johnwhitehouse@frontier.com *Form carpools at Westgate at 8:30 AM, and meet leaders
at Prices Creek General Store just off US 19E (Take Burnsville Exit 9 off I-26 then
follow US 19/19E for 11.8 miles. Turn left onto Prices Creek Rd. You can see the
store from there). We will hike to Lost Cove in northern Yancey County. Lost Cove,
lost in time and geography, was settled pre-Civil War along the uncharted border of
NC and TN in the Nolichucky River Gorge. Accessible only by foot, the settlement was
abandoned in the 1950’s. Several ruins and a cemetery remain which we will explore.
Time permitting, we may extend the hike to the river. Topos: Huntdale, Chestoa
SATURDAY NO. A1202-246 May 12
Around Coffee Pot Mountain 10:00 AM
Hike 7.5, Drive 40, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, lsberns@att.net
P400 We’ll circle Coffee Pot Mtn. by hiking up Trace Ridge Trail to Beaver Dam Gap on
the BRP and returning on the Spencer Branch Trail, with a stop to see the Hendersonville
Reservoir and dam. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn; also NatGeo map #780
SATURDAY NO. A1202-008 May 19
Bee Tree Gap to Tanbark Tunnel *9:00 AM
Hike 6.2, Drive 40, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, kathleen.hannigan@pgnmail.com
*Only meeting place: back parking lot of Folk Art Center. A pleasant spring hike on the
MST over Lane Pinnacle and through the Rattlesnake Lodge site, featuring excellent views,
interesting rock formations and many wildflowers. There are several steep but short ups
and downs and a long, well-graded descent. 6-mile car shuttle. Join the hike leader at her
home for wine and cheese after the hike. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle
SATURDAY NO A1202-611 June 16
Big Ivy - Walker Ridge Loop 10:00 AM
Hike 8.2, Drive 34, 1950 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
We'll start our hike on the Walker Creek and Perkins Trails. Most of the altitude gain
is accomplished during the first hour of the hike. The ascent will be at a moderate pace.
Our next two miles is a stroll on the meadow-like Laurel Gap Trail, before heading back
down to the cars, using the Bear Pen and Staire Creek Trails. These trails are rocky and
steep in spots. There are several stream crossings on this hike. We walk near lovely
creeks on part of the trails. Second meeting place: Roses parking lot in Weaverville at
10:15 AM. Topo: Mt Mitchell, Craggy Pinnacle, Montreat; also South Toe/Big Ivy FS map
RG355 and NatGeo map #779
SATURDAY NO. A1202-175 June 30
Waterrock Knob, Yellowface and Blackrock Mtn. 9:00 AM
Hike 6, Drive 90, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Bev MacDowell, 828-684-1000, cell: 828-777-5806, bevmacdowell@charter.net
SB6K This scenic hike offers two SB6K peaks and outstanding views as we hike a rough
trail along the ridgeline to Yellowface and Blackrock Mtn, an established trail up to
Waterrock Knob. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley P.O. at 9:30 AM, but contact leader
first. Topo: Sylva North
----------Sunday Hikes----------
SUNDAY NO. A1202-107 Apr. 1
Big Cataloochee Mtn. 8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 11, Drive 130, 3200 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
John Sanders, cell: 828-707-6377, jmsand@us.ibm.com
SB6K, 900M This is a strenuous hike. From the Beech Gap Trailhead on Straight
Fork Road, we will make a steep climb to the intersection of the Balsam Mountain
Trail and continue on to the Laurel Gap trail shelter. From the shelter, we will
hike a short distance along the Mount Sterling Ridge Trail before leaving the trail
and bushwhacking (very steep) our way to the summit of Big Cataloochee Mountain.
We return by the same route. Additional meeting places: Maggie Valley P. O., but
contact leader first, and parking lot of Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 9:00 AM. Topo:
Luftee Knob, Cove Creek Gap, Waterville; also NatGeo map #317.
SUNDAY NO. A1202-582 Apr. 1
Gauging Station – Pink Beds loop 8:30 AM
(moderate)
Hike 9, Drive 85, 900 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.com
P400 This will be a pleasant loop from the gauging station, covering parts of
the S. Mills River, Buckhorn Gap, Black Mtn., Barnett Branch and Pink Beds Loop
trails. Early spring wildflowers should be in abundance. Second meeting place:
Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 9:00 AM. Topos: Shining Rock; Pisgah Forest; also NatGeo.
map #780
SUNDAY NO. A1202-417 Apr. 8
Butter Gap, Long Branch, ALT, Horse Cove Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 13, Drive 72, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net
P400 Highlights of this low-altitude hike include the McCall Family cemetery and
good views from Rich and Chestnut Mtns. and from the Art Loeb Trail. Second meeting
place: Fish Hatchery at 8:45 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo. Map #780
Sunday NO. A1202-tbd Apr.15
Mountain Treasures Camporee #1
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net and Jim Reel, 828-738-0751,
jimr57@yahoo.com Come to the first of a series of weekend camporees, designed to
feature a cluster of Mountain Treasures. Eight different hikes have been scheduled
over the weekend. For details of each hike and the Mountain Treasures, go to the CMC
website and look under “hiking” for “hiking – camporee”. The web site gives driving
directions, plans for a group barbecue, and hike descriptions. Any questions should
be referred to Ted or Jim.
SUNDAY NO. A1202-164 Apr. 22
Hawkbill Flower Hike 8:00 AM
Hike 8.4, Drive 54, 2870 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, CarrolKoepp@bellsouth.net
LTC This great wildflower hike follows a rough trail up alongside Hawkbill Creek to
the top of the cove, then a very steep 400 ft bushwhack up to Hawkbill Rock. Then hike
along the ridge line to site of Little Snowball Tower and follow old roads and trails
down to the trailhead. The wildflowers and ramps have been spectacular every time CMC
has done this hike. Topo: Craggy pinnacle
SUNDAY NO. A1202-752 Apr. 29
Little Cataloochee History Tour 8:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 90, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Mike Knies, 828-628-6712, knies06@att.net.
On this hike we will learn about the history of the mountain settlement of Little
Cataloochee and the people who lived there. We will be visiting the community of
Ola and investigating old home, mill, and school sites as well as farms, a church
and a cemetery or two. We will be doing mostly on-trail hiking with a few easy short
off-trail excursions. This is a special cultural hike like few others. Second meeting
place: Exxon off Exit 20 of I-40 at 9:05 AM. Topo: Cove Creek Gap; also NatGeo map #317
SUNDAY NO. A1202-753 May 6
Alarka Falls *8:00 AM
(Mountain Treasures hike #15)
(strenuous)
Hike 10, Drive 150, 800 ft. ascent, Rated A-C
Brent Martin, 828-587-9453 (cell: 828-371-0347), brent_martin@tws.org
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Cowee Convenience Store (US 23 south,
right onto Sanderstown Rd., right onto NC 28) at 9:15 AM. This new hike in the Alarka
Laural area of the Cowee Mountains starts out on the Walton Smith Trail, follows old
logging roads and unnamed trails to Alarka Falls and loops back to the trailhead.
Topo: Greens Creek
SUNDAY NO. A1202-060 May 6
Pilot Mtn. – Farlow Gap *8:30 AM
(moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 80, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, cell: 828-674-1374, ashok.kudva@att.net
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 9:00 AM.
This hike is timed for what we hope will be the bloom of rare pink-shell azaleas and
trout lilies. It starts with a steep climb to the summit of Pilot Mtn., then down to
Deep Gap and a short climb over Sassafras Knob. It’s nearly all downhill or level as
we continue to Farlow Gap with its trout lily flower display. We’ll return on a
pleasant seldom-used graveled forest road. There will be several stops for photography
along the way. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo. map #780
SUNDAY NO. A1202-214 May 13
Kimsey Creek Trail - Standing Indian Circuit 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 170, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Janet Martin, cell: 502-494-9309, jaykaymartin@msn.com
This great spring flower hike in the Nantahala National Forest is known for its beautiful
forest, rushing streams and excellent vistas. We’ll hike up the Kimsey Creek Trail to the
AT at Deep Gap, and then along the AT to our lunch spot, Standing Indian. At 5498 ft., it
is the highest mountain on the AT south of the Great Smoky Mountains, with outstanding views.
From the summit, the hike will be down Lower Trail and Ridge Trail to loop back to the
Standing Indian Campground Second meeting place: rest stop beyond Waynesville on US 23/74
at 8:30 AM. Topo: Rainbow Springs; also NatGeo map #784
SUNDAY NO. A1202-119 May 20
Charlies Bunion and Mt. Kephart 8:00 AM
Hike 9.4, Drive 135, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Marianne Newman, 828-257-2136, marianneln@att.net
SB6K, 900M This scenic in-and-out hike will follow the AT from Newfound Gap to a
spectacular lunch spot at Charlies Bunion. After lunch we’ll do a side trip to Mt. Kephart
and the Jumpoff. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley P.O., but contact leader first.
Topo: Clingmans Dome, Mt. Le Conte, Mt. Guyot; also NatGeo map #317
SUNDAY NO. A1202-125 May 27
Mt. Collins & Clingmans Dome from Road Prong trailhead 8:00 AM
Hike 12, Drive 150, 3900 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Jeff McGurk, cell: 864-921-6469, jbsbestfan@hotmail.com
SB6K, 900M Bag two SB6K peaks on this strenuous AT adventure up to Clingmans Dome and return.
Great views and May wildflowers. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley P.O., but contact leader
first. Topo: Clingmans Dome; also NatGeo map #317
MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY NO. A1202-734 May 28
Jones Meadow to Allen Gap 8:15 AM
(Joint Hike with SMHC)
Hike 9, Drive 100, 900 ft. ascent, Rated A-C
Becky Smucker, cell: 828-231-2198, bjsmucker@gmail.com
LTC This scenic hike climbs up to the AT from Jones Meadow, and then follows the AT south to
Allen Gap, with a side trip to the Camp Creek Bald tower. There is a 3130 ft. descent. 8.7 mile
car shuttle. Topos: Greystone, Davy Crockett Lake, Hot Springs; also NatGeo map #782
SUNDAY NO. A1202-249 June 3
Haywood Gap – Buckeye Gap Loop *8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 9.6, Drive 80, 1700 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Jill Gottesman, cell: 828-545-5236, jill_gottesman@tws.org
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at BRP Overlook at MM 425.4. We will start
hiking at the Blue Ridge Parkway at Buckeye Gap, heading east on the MST with views
across the Middle Prong Wilderness. We will pick up the Buckeye Gap Trail (#126) and
hike north, down to the headwaters of the Middle Prong of the Pigeon River. When we
reach the Haywood Gap Trail (#142), we will take a ¾- mile detour north to the Wilderness
Area boundary to see the Middle Prong and eat lunch, returning via the Haywood Gap
Trail back up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and follow the MST back to Buckeye Gap.
Highlights are views along the MST and scenic stream-side trails through a Wilderness
Area much lesser known and visited than its Shining Rock neighbor. Wet stream crossings
likely. Wilderness area hike, limited to ten hikers—call leader for reservations.
Topo: Sam Knob; also NatGeo. map #780 and USFS Shining Rock and Middle Prong Wilderness map
SUNDAY NO. A1202-279 June 3
Montreat: RR trestle Grade to Pot Cove 9:00 AM
(moderate)
Hike 7.5, Drive 35, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Les and Catherine Love, 828-658-1489, lesrlove55@gmail.com
The hike starts southward toward Lookout Mountain, but veers north to hike along
the west side of the ridge to Sourwood Gap, and then switches to the east side of
the ridge through Long Gap to Pot Cove Gap, the site of an old quarry. By alternating
sections of the Old Trestle Road, which was used by the Mt. Mitchell Railroad for
logging and later for passengers, and the Old Toll Road to Mt. Mitchell, the hike
will circumnavigate both Thunder Knob and Brushy Mtn. Second meeting place: Ingles
parking lot off Exit 64 of I-40 at 9:20 AM. Topo: Montreat; also Montreat Trail Map
SUNDAY NO. A1202-742 June 10
Indian Grave Gap to Nolichucky River 8:30 AM
Hike 8.3, Drive 105, 600 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Bob Hysko, cell: 828-243-3630, rhysko@yahoo.com
This moderate hike on the AT follows a ridgeline to Curley Maple Gap, and then descends
steadily to the Nolichucky River (2300 ft. total descent) through lush woods and ends
at Uncle Johnny’s hostel, a must-stop for AT thru hikers. Car shuttle. Topos: Chestoa,
Huntdale
SUNDAY NO. A1202-566 June 17
Roans in Bloom *8:30 AM
Hike 7, Drive 150, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Tish Desjardins, cell: 828-380-1452, desraylet@aol.com
SB6K *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Burnsvillie McDonald’s at 9:10 AM.
A beautiful AT hike with some of WNC’s finest views. Expect rhododendrons and flame
azaleas to be in bloom, with perhaps an early Gray’s Lily. From Carver’s Gap we’ll go
north past Grassy Ridge (6160 ft.) to a scenic overlook for lunch, then double back south
to Carvers Gap. From here we’ll drive up to see the Rhododendron Gardens and the vista from
Roan High Bluff (6287 ft.). (small fee to enter garden area) Topo: Carvers Gap; also
NatGeo. map #783
SUNDAY NO. A1202-555 June 24
MST: NC 80 to Woods Mtn. 8:30 AM
Hike 10, Drive 90, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated A-B
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tsanders.avl@gmail.com
Hike on a little-traveled section of the eastbound MST north of NC 80 to Woods Mtn., with
seldom seen views of the Blacks and Mt. Mitchell. Second meeting place: parking lot adjacent
to Ingles at Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:50 AM Topos: Celo, Little Switzerland
