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 near Exit 3B off I-240 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Some hikes will have second meeting places as described in hike listings. Note: Start times are departure times from the meeting place(s), not arrival times, so arrive about 10 minutes early for organizing carpools.
New Directions to Westgate (Call leader for directions to other meeting places)
Scout Dates: If the hike leader is open to others hiking the scout, hikes might have a scout date listed. If you want to go on the scout then call the hike leader.
SUNDAY NO. A1103-703 July 3
Tuckasegee Gorge (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #3) *8:15 AM
Hike 4, Drive 120, 700 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Toxaway Post Office (turn right from US 64 to NC 281 north and go 1.5 miles) at 9:30 AM. NOTE: Strenuous and very hazardous. For agile and experienced hikers with good balance. Requires shoes with non-slip soles for extended walking in stream on slippery rock. Sometimes this trip is named “The Potholes” after thousands of precision drilled potholes of every size. We climb over, under and through jumbles of bungalow-sized rocks in a de-watered river gorge. Lunch at Bonas Defeat. Swimming optional. Carry dry shoes for the hike out. Topos: Big Ridge, Lake Toxaway
SUNDAY NO. A1103-267 July 10
Horsepasture River 8:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 105, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, Kathleen.hannigan@pgnmail.com
WC100 Swimming hike! Come to see the Gorges State Park area. We will begin the hike with a trip downstream to Windy Falls near Lake Jocassee. We will then return upstream to hike alongside the Horsepasture River to see the waterfalls – Rainbow, Turtleback, Drift and Stairway. Several swimming breaks will be taken. Second meeting place: Pisgah Forest Bi-lo at 8:35 AM. Topo: Reid; Also Sierra Club guide to Jocassee Gorges.
SATURDAY NO. A1103-539 July 16
Downhill to Pilot Mountain *10:00 AM
Hike 6.3, Drive 70, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Charlie Ferguson, 828-265-2677 (cell: 828-778-2431), ccf108@gmail.com
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at 10:40 AM. Hike down the Art Loeb Trail from the parkway, starting at Shuck Ridge, down to Farlow Gap, over Sassafras Knob, down to Deep Gap and up to our Pilot Mountain lunch spot with its great views. We head back the same way, except going around Sassafras rather than over it. Topos: Sam Knob & Shining Rock; also NatGeo map #780
Scout Report: Jeanie and I scout this on Wednesday. We saw a lot of young american chestnut trees on Sassafras Knob. (They won't last very long due to the blight). There were also two very old (9 inch trunks) white-pink Rhododendrons in bloom. Some of the trail was a little overgrown in places but not uncomfortably so. All but one mile of this hike is climbing or descending, with a few short steep sections. It was very humid when we hiked it so it was hard to stay cool going uphill. We went slowly. Saturday should have cooler weather with a small probablity of rain, typical of this time of year. Charlie
SUNDAY NO. A1103-047 July 17
Iron Mtn. Gap to Indian Grave Gap *7:45 AM
Hike 10.8, Drive 120, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Jeff McGurk, cell: 864-921-6469, jbsbestfan@hotmail.com
*Although usually done as a key swap, this AT hike will be done as one-way with special arrangements, and a trail lunch will be provided at Beauty Spot. Hike limited to 15 people—contact leader for reservations. From Iron Mountain Gap we will hike several thousand feet up and over Unaka Mountain and then, after a short downhill, up to Beauty Spot for a leisurely lunch. After lunch, we will only have about 3-1/2 downhill miles to our cars. We should see a fair amount of wildflowers and a nice view from Beauty Spot. Topos: Unaka Mtn, Little Bald Knob; also NatGeo map #783 and AT TN-NC map #2
SUNDAY NO. A1103-100 July 24
Cheoah Bald via Bartram Trail *7:30 AM
Hike 13.5, Drive 140, 3800 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+
Brent Martin, 828-587-9453 (cell: 828-371-0347), brent_martin@tws.org
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Nantahala Outdoor Center, across new bridge at 9:00 AM. This very strenuous hike will climb up and out of the Nantahala Gorge, offering a unique approach to the open summit of Cheoah Bald, one of the great scenic peaks south of the Smokies. Our return will be via the AT to NOC. Topo: Hewitt; also NatGeo map #785
SATURDAY NO. A1103-068 July 30
Big Butt from BRP 9:00 AM
Hike 7, Drive 55, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomsanders@carolinamountainclub.org
We will take the Big Butt trail from Balsam Gap on the BRP, following the ridgeline to Big Butt (Yeates Knob), a short bushwhack at just under 6000 ft., and return via the same route. We will stop at Point Misery for lunch and views of the Black Mtns. Topos: Montreat, Mt. Mitchell; also NatGeo map #779 and South Toe River PNF map
SUNDAY NO. A1103-734 July 31
Jones Meadow to Allen Gap 8:30 AM
Hike 9, Drive 100, 900 ft. ascent, Rated A-C
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net
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. 6.5 mile car shuttle. Topos: Greystone, Davy Crockett Lake, Hot Springs; also NatGeo map #782
SUNDAY NO. A1103-363 Aug. 7
Three Forks (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #11) 8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 11.5, Drive 160, 3600 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net.
900M *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at shuttle parking lot on US 441 in Cherokee at 9:00 AM (last drive on left before entering GSMNP). At a deep pool in a perched valley in the Smokies, three forks of Raven Fork join to jump-start its descent. First we climb a good trail from Round Bottom to Hyatt Bald. Then the fun starts. We take the manway (pseudonym for bushwhacking) out aptly-named Breakneck Ridge, by a massive, world-record red spruce, followed by a precipitous descent into the valley. Swim. Then claw our way back up. Three Forks is the acme of wild, remote grandeur. Topos: Bunches Bald, Smokemont, Luftee Knob, Mt. Guyot; also NatGeo Map #317
SUNDAY NO. A1103-246 Aug. 7
Around Coffee Pot Mountain *9:00 AM
(moderate)
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. A1103-343 Aug. 13
Mount Mitchell Loop via Commissary Ridge *10:00 AM
Hike 7, Drive 60, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Sawako Jager, 828-687-2547 (cell: 828-674-4067), baiko70@aol.com
LTC, SB6K *Only meeting place: back parking lot of Folk Art Center. We will hike from the Ranger Station to the summit, returning via the Camp Alice Road. Enjoy the view from the new Mt. Mitchell observation platform. Bring rain gear for the usual afternoon shower. Topos: Mt Mitchell, Montreat; also NatGeo map #779 and USFS South Toe River map
Scout Report: Paul, Bev and I scouted this hike on Sunday 7/31. Although this hike is rated B-B, if you haven't done this hike, I must point out some difficult portions. Mostof the 1,500 ft ascent comes in the first 2 miles getting up to Mt. Mitchell by the Old Mitchell trail. Even it was a nice and sunny day, when the trail led into the dark and damp pine forest, it became muddy and quite rugged. There were a number of small stairways and several large steps up and down and wet and slippery rocks and roots. Descending Mt. Mitchell trail might equally difficult for some hikers. Thanks to Paul, I learned where the cut off is to bushwhack to Mt. Hallback (6,391 ft), another SB6K peak, so those who want to bag 2 peaks on this hike have a chance to do so. Of course overall this is a beautiful hike with excellent views and variety of summer wild flowers, so come on out and meet us at the Folk Art Center back parking at 10 a.m! Sawako Important Update: Bear activity has closed the Mount Mitchell trail and the Commissary trail beyond the Camp Alice intersection until further notice, which will affect our hike. Therefore we will park at the Stepps Gap Ranger Station and hike the Old Mitchell trail to the Mt. Mitchell lookout tower as originally planned, then we will
finish the loop hike via the Camp Alice trail and the Commissary trail. Sawako
SUNDAY NO. A1103-120 Aug. 14
Charlies Bunion – Kephart Prong 8:00 AM
Hike 10.2, Drive 140, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-B
Les & Catherine Love, 828-658-1489, lesrlove@charter.net
900M An outstanding rock outcrop along the AT and stunning views are the highlights of the trip. From Newfound Gap, we’ll hike four miles to our lunch spot at Charlies Bunion, then hike Dry Sluice Gap, Grassy Branch and Kephart Prong Trails down to US 441. Note that this hike has 2800 ft. of descent. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley Post Office, back of parking lot at 8:30 AM, but call leader first. Topos: Clingman’s Dome, Mt. Guyot, Smokemont; also NatGeo. map #317
SUNDAY NO. A1103-357 Aug. 21
Pisgah Ridge Loop *8:30 AM
Hike 7.5, Drive 70, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Janet Onan, 828-698-3237 (cell: 828-606-5188), janonan@bellsouth.net
WC100, P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at BRP Cold Mtn. Overlook at 9:05 AM. We’ll do a scenic circle of the entire Graveyard Fields area, using the Pisgah Ridge Trail and MST to lunch at a beautiful overlook. Then we’ll follow the Graveyard Ridge Trail, with a stop for swimming at one of the Yellowstone Falls and a little blueberry picking along the way. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam Knob; also NatGeo. map #780 and USFS Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wilderness map
Scout Report: We enjoyed a beautiful day in the Pisgah Mountains, cooled by the overcast skies and welcomed breeze while hiking and warmed by the sun that peaked through while swimming. 17 people came out to hike and all but 4 swam in the chilled refreshing water at Second Falls. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch with great vistas and then a relaxing rest at ‘Rattle Snake Café’ (see CMC website photo link to view posted photos) A few muddy wet spots had to be navigated on the MST due to recent rainfall, but other than that, the trail was clear. (Thank you CMC!) We did diverge from the hike write up by choosing to stay on the MST behind Grave Yard Ridge to avoid the masses that may have been in Grave Yard Field picking the nonexistent blue berries. It also gave us vistas towards and passed Tennet and Mt. Pisgah that we would have missed going on Grave Yard Ridge Trail. Of Course the traditional stop at Dolly’s Ice cream was made by those who wished for some post trail sweets. Great group of people to hike with today!! Jan Onan
SATURDAY NO. A1103-053 Aug. 27
East Fork Pigeon River Swimming hike *8:30 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 75, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Barbara Morgan, 828-460-7066, barbc129@gmail.com
P400 *Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for reservation. The East Fork of the Pigeon River is a great place to be on a hot August day. We'll hike in the morning, and on our return, we'll have a chance to play in one of the many pools or just lounge on the rocks before heading back to the cars. Bring swimsuit, towel, etc. Second meeting place: Big East parking area on US 276, north of BRP at 9:15 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo. map #780
SUNDAY NO. A1103-128 Aug. 28
Sam Knob Loop *8:45 AM
Hike 9.8, Drive 90, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, cell: 828-674-1374, ashok.kudva@att.net
SB6K, P400 *Form carpools at Westgate the Ingles across from Biltmore Square Mall, and meet leader at BRP Cold Mtn. Overlook at 9:10 AM. We’ll start at NC 215 and follow the MST, with a side trip to Devil’s Courthouse, to FS 816. Then we’ll loop back and ascend Sam Knob (6040 ft.) with its 360-degree views, then follow the Flat Laurel Creek Trail to NC 215. The stream crossing at the end may be a wet crossing if it has rained recently. Topos: Shining Rock & Sam Knob; also NatGeo map #780
Scout Report: On August 11 I scouted Flat Laurel Creek and the MST loop with the Little Sam trail as the early exit option if afternoon thunderstorms limit our hiking. Stream crossing at the end was very shallow and almost dry and did not appear to have the potential to be a wet crossing. There was another stream about a mile ahead of the trailend where there is a concrete bridge downstream of a waterfall. I do not recall the bridge from my last hike here exactly 6 years ago led by Tom Bindrim. I believe wet crossing in the old hike description, will be an unlikely event. There are several places on the trail which are very muddy and damp even on a warm day. There are 3 segments of climbs in this roller coaster trail package. We will be rewarded with a spectacular mountain vista at the end of each. We will take breaks at these locations to enjoy the view and a snack or lunch. The second will be near Chestnut Bald where we will probably have our lunch with a view of Pilot Mountain. Peak baggers can bushwhack on a side trail to Chestnut Bald while I will enjoy the view and lunch! Sam’s Knob will be the other peak. Be careful about Yellow Jackets. If you have been diagnosed to develop respiratory allergy to their stings, carry appropriate medical prescriptions. It is not the normal itchy sensation I am concerned about. There were plenty of bees on the trail. About 0.6 mile on paved Forest Road 816 in the middle of the hike and about 0.4 mile on NC 215 at the end are the worst part of the hike. If traffic allows, we may not go single file and enjoy fellowship in these trail segments. Since my hiking pace will be moderate, I will allow stronger hikers to proceed ahead until the next intersection or a false trail and stop or return towards me. I will not be at Westgate, but will keep my Cell phone on if you have any questions. Ashok
Meeting place change: Will depart the Ingles across from Biltmore Square Mall, Rt 191, at 8:45 AM. Self organize carpools and meet the leader (Ashok Kudva, ashok.kudva@att.net, home: 828-698-7119, Cell: 828-674-1374.) at BRP Cold Mountain Overlook. You may want to stop at the Pisgah Inn Convenience Store off Parkway south to visit the rest rooms just off the parkway.. Do not go to the Inn!
SUNDAY NO. A1103-113 Sept. 4
Cold Mtn. (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #12) 9:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 8.8, Drive 65, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net.
P400, SB6K The lower end of Bernard’s old route is blocked, so we will shift to the trailhead on Little East Fork, which is the route that CMC has used recently. Trails are poorly designed and rough. Allow much more time than for a comparable trail. Encompassing long range views from the rocks atop Cold Mountain. We will play “identify the peaks.” *Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for reservation. Topos: Waynesville, Cruso; also NatGeo. Map #780
SUNDAY NO. A1103-401 Sept. 4
Laurel Mtn., Slate Rock Creek Trails *9:10 AM
(moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 55, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Marianne Newman, 828-257-2136, marianneln@att.net
P400 From Yellow Gap, we’ll hike up the Laurel Mtn. Trail to Sassafras Gap, and then turn downhill to the Slate Rock Creek Trail, following this pretty mountain stream down to Yellow Gap Rd. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place: North Mills River Recreation area parking lot ($3 pkg. fee) at 9:40 AM, but call leader first. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also NatGeo. map #780
SUNDAY NO. A1103-250 Sept. 11
Douglas Falls-Locust Ridge Circuit 8:30 AM
Hike 9, 2200 ft. ascent, Drive 60, Rated A-AA
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net
SB6K, WC100 After viewing Douglas Falls, we’ll climb to and onto the MST to the BRP Greybeard Overlook (nice lunch stop with great view). For SB6K fans, a one-mile round trip side hike to Craggy Dome can be done during our lunch stop. We’ll continue on MST through blueberry fields to Locust Ridge, then bushwhack down mostly open woods to cars. Short car shuttle. Topos: Montreat and Craggy Pinnacle; also NatGeo map #779
SATURDAY No. A1103-615 Sept. 17
Black Balsam Loop via Graveyard Ridge Trail & ALT 10:00 AM
Hike 6, Drive 70, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
P400, SB6K This late summer hike includes great views and an opportunity to pick late blueberries. New hikers: take note that there is a 200 ft. altitude gain over 1/4 mile early in the hike and two more uphills, each with about 500 ft. altitude gain, in the last leg of the hike. Begin from FS 816 on MST, then left on Graveyard Ridge Trail to Ivestor Gap. Return on Art Loeb Trail over Tennent Mtn. and Black Balsam. We’ll stop at the high points to enjoy great views! Second meeting place: BRP Cold Mtn. Overlook (M.M. 412) at 10:40 AM. Topos: Sam Knob, Shining Rock; also NatGeo. map #780
SUNDAY NO. A1103-074 Sept. 18
Tanawha Trail 8:00 AM
Hike 13.3, Drive 150, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA
Michael and Kathy Cornn, cell: 828-458-1281 or 828-458-1282, mcornn@aol.com
One of our best hikes when the weather cooperates. A fragile and ancient ecosystem, rhododendron and laurel tunnels, hardwood coves, boulder fields and great views make this a special hike. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Ingles parking lot off Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:20 AM Topos: Grandfather Mtn., Valle Crucis; also NatGeo. maps #783 and #779
OVERNIGHT WEEKEND Sept. 24-25
Paul Benson, cell: 828-273-2098, pdbenson@charter.net
Fontana overnight - we'll do two sections of the AT just south of scenic and interesting Fontana Dam (see descriptions below.). Since this is a relatively long drive from Asheville, the leader is planning a Saturday and a Sunday day hike, with the option of staying in the Fontana Village area where there are a variety of accommodations available ranging from shelter space in the "Fontana Hilton" AT shelter to real beds in Fontana Village.
SATURDAY NO. A1103-497 Sept. 24
Yellow Creek Gap to Fontana Dam 7:30 AM
Hike 7.8, Drive 200, 1100 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
We'll hike the first section of AT south of Fontana Dam, beginning at Yellow Creek Gap and heading northbound, descending approximately 2100 ft. to Fontana Dam, and conclude with a visit to the spectacular Fontana Dam visitor center (if the national terrorist threat level is not too high). 12 mile car shuttle.
SUNDAY A1103- 456 Sept. 25
Yellow Creek Gap to Stecoah Gap 9:00 AM at Stecoah Gap
Hike 8.5, Drive 190, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
We'll begin at Yellow Gap this time, heading southbound to Stecoah Gap on the second southbound section from Fontana Dam along an up-and-down path over the Cheoah Mountains, with a short side trip to Wauchecha Bald to view what remains of the old fire tower. 10-mile car shuttle.
SATURDAY NO. A1103-367 Sept. 24
Art Loeb, Grassy Cove Ridge to Bridges Camp Gap *8:30 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 65, 1650 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Brenda Worley, 828-684-8656, clworley@bellsouth.net
P400, SB6K *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at BRP Cold Mtn. Overlook at 9:10 AM. Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for reservation. Beginning with a climb up to Black Balsam (6214 ft.) we’ll follow the ridgeline to Tennent Mtn (6040 ft.) and Ivestor Gap. Then we’ll hike down Grassy Cove Ridge to the Big East Fork of the Pigeon River. Two stream crossings, one or both of which will be wet. From there we’ll hike to Skinny Dip Falls, and then end at Bridges Camp Gap. Car shuttle. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo. map #780
SUNDAY NO. A1103-273 Sept. 25
Boogerman Trail and more 8:30 AM
Hike9.5, Drive 90, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Mike Knies, 828-628-6712, knies06@att.net
900M A lush forest with giant old-growth trees, stone walls and a root cellar make this a favorite loop hike in the Cataloochee area of the Smokies. In addition to the regular hike, we’ll also add a mile of bushwhacking to explore homesites and cemeteries which were found during a scouting trip. Second meeting place: Exxon station at Exit 20 off I-40 at 9:00 AM. Topos: Cove Creek Gap, Dellwood; also NatGeo map #317
HIKING WEEKEND Sept. 30-Oct. 2
North Georgia State Park s
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.com
Hike in three north Georgia State Parks and into Chattahoochee Nat’l. Forest. We’ll stay at Unicoi State Park where you can also swim or boat in a lake. We’ll walk into Helen, a funky tourist town. Make your lodge, cabin or tentsite reservations at www.gastateparks.org/info/unicoi soon and let the leader know that you’re coming. Full details are posted in the E-News.