All Day Saturday and Sunday Hikes
HIKE SCHEDULE
2nd Quarter 2003
Hike Ratings
First Letter Second Letter
Distance Elevation Gain
AA: Over 12 miles AA: Over 2,000 ft.
A: 9-12 miles A: 1,500-2,000 ft.
B: 6-9 miles B: 1,000-1,500 ft.
C: Under 6 miles C: Under 1,000 ft.
Also in the hike descriptions, the terms easy, moderate or strenuous reflect
the overall trail conditions, the physical challenge and other factors
influencing hike difficulty. If you have questions, CONTACT THE LEADER.
All Day Saturday and Sunday Hikes
All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente
692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com, with the assistance of Tom Sanders. Driving
distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes assemble at
Westgate Shopping Center near Commercial Credit Corp. building UNLESS OTHERWISE
NOTED.
ALL DAY No. A0303-208 April 13
Buck Spring Gap - 8:00 AM
Little Pisgah Loop
Hike 7, Drive 40, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Joanne Tulip 299-3495
Joanne_flower@yahoo.com
From Buck Spring Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway we will descend the Little Pisgah
Ridge Trail to Big Creek, then ascend to Laurel Mtn. Expect good early Spring
views. Second Meeting Place: French Broad Overlook on the BRP. Topo: Dunsmore
Mtn.
ALL DAY No. A0303-209 April 20
Buckwheat Knob-Coontree Loop 8:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 50, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Ruth Hartzler 251-0886 ruthmtn@aol.com
From the trailhead at Coontree Picnic area on US 276, we'll climb along
beautiful Coontree Creek through open forest up to Saddle and Bennett Gaps and
on to Buckwheat Knob for lunch, then return via Coontree Gap. A moderate
woodland hike with exceptional views from the ridgeline. Second meeting place at
Pisgah Forest Ranger Station at 9:10 AM. Topo: Shining Rock
ALL DAY No. A0303-164 April 27
Hawkbill Creek-Snowball Circuit 8:00 AM
Don Walton 298-5084 grovedew@aol.com
Hike 8-9, drive 50, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
This exciting spring trip will bushwhack up Hawkbill Creek, then up to Hawkbill
Rock and Little Snowball Mtn., site of an old fire tower, and then down to the
starting point. The wildflowers and ramps have been spectacular every time CMC
has taken this hike. The hike will also feature panoramic views from Hawkbill
Rock and Little Snowball and enjoyable open-woods, off-trail hiking. A strenuous
climb, but the pace will be moderate.
MST "Out-of-Sequence Hikes" May 3-4
The following two hikes are the two consecutive day hikes we couldn't do at the
end of November, to continue a planned traverse from west to east of the
completed sections of the Mountains to Sea Trail in the mountains. Come for one
or both.
SATURDAY No. A0303-210 May 3
FR-816 to US 276 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 70, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Lenny and Danny Bernstein 236-0192
lsberns@worldnet.att.net
Fine views on the back side of Graveyard Fields and of Looking Glass Rock, with
lunch at Skinny Dip Falls. Topo: Shining Rock
ALL DAY No. A0303-211 May 4
(strenuous) US 276 to NC 151 8:00 AM
Hike 10, Drive 50, 1700 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Lenny and Danny Bernstein 236-0192
lsberns@worldnet.att.net
We'll hike past the Pisgah Inn, and over the top of Little Pisgah Mountain.
Topos: Shining Rock, Pisgah Forest
ALL DAY No. A0303-098 May 4
(moderate) Reinhart Knob- 8:00 AM
Richland Balsam
Hike 6, Drive 90, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Dave Wetmore 884-7296
dwetmore@citcom.net
Features two over-6000 peaks. We'll go up Reinhart Knob the "easier"
way, the exposed rock chute. A steep, brushy bushwhack will take us down to the
MST which we'll follow to Judaculla Ridge. From there we'll bushwhack up to and
across the BRP, and then follow the trail to Richland Balsam. Strenuous because
of the bushwhacking. Be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and
gloves, due to brambles. Second meeting place: Beartrail Ridge Parking area at
MP430.4 of the BRP at 9:00 AM. Topos: Sam Knob, Tuckasegee
ALL DAY No. A0303-212 May 11
Sassafras Mtn. to 7:30 AM
Table Rock St. Park
Hike 12-13, Drive 140, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated AA-B
Tom Sanders 252-6327 Mel&tgs@main.nc.us
Note earlier start time. Take in three of South Carolina's principal mountains,
on an exceptionally scenic trip. We will begin at Sassafras Mtn., the state's
highest, then follow the Foothills Trail to Pinnacle Mtn., Table Rock, ending at
Table Rock State Park. For additional meeting places, please arrange with the
leader. Topos: Eastatoe Gap, Table Rock
ALL DAY No. A0303-213 May 18
Rocky Knob & Greybeard 9:00 AM
from BRP
Hike 6-7, Drive 60, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Tommie Boston, 686-5029
Tambee2@aol.com
Note later starting time. We will hike from the BRP to Blue Ridge Pinnacle,
in-out trail to Rocky Knob and Greybeard. Return using a portion of the old Toll
Rd. Two ascents will be steep but short. The only meeting place will be the back
parking lot at the Folk Art Center. Topos: Montreat and Mt. Mitchell.
ALL DAY No. A0303-214 May 25
Standing Indian Circuit 7:30 AM
Hike 10, Drive 150, 2300 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Bill Ross 299-7637 wrossmath@cs.com
Note earlier starting time. The Standing Indian area in the Nantahala National
Forest is known for its beautiful forest, rushing streams and excellent vistas.
Our lunch spot, Standing Indian, with outstanding views into Georgia at 5498
ft., is the highest mountain on the AT south of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Strenuous, but good grades on well kept trails. Second meeting place: Rest Stop
beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:00 AM. Topo: Rainbow Springs
MEMORIAL DAY JOINT HIKE WITH SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIKING CLUB
No. A0303-215 May 26
Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap 7:30 AM
and Lower Cammerer Trails
Hike 15.5, Drive 140, 2600 ft. ascent,
Rated AA-AA
CMC contact: Barbara Passmore 230-2670 bpsss354@aol.com
SMHC contact: Cindy Spangler 865-584-3512 spangler@utk.edu
Note earlier starting time. One of our most popular and beautiful Spring hikes.
From Cosby campground we will ascend to the AT, then follow the AT to Mt.
Cammerer. After lunch, we will stroll down the flower-laden Lower Mt. Cammerer
Trail to our starting point. Additional meeting places: Pilot Truck Stop at exit
24 off I-40, at 8:30 AM, and Cosby Campground at 9:00 AM. Topos: Luftee Knob and
Hartford
ALL DAY No. A0303-216 June 1
(strenuous) AT: Sams Gap to 8:00 AM
Devils Fork Gap
Hike 8.2, Drive 90, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Carroll Koepplinger 667-0723
carrollkoepp@cs.com
This section of AT features nice views into Tennessee from the ridge line,
traversing a series of knobs along an unusual section of the TN-NC state line
where Tennessee is east of N.C. and the southbound hiker is actually traveling
north. Topo: Sams Gap
ALL DAY No. A0303-217 June 1
(moderate) Sandy Mush Bald 8:00 AM
Hike 7-9, Drive 40, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Rob Resnick 255-8066 reschrio@aol.com
It's been many years since CMC has offered a hike on these private properties.
Thanks to Long Branch Environmental Education Center for providing access. After
dropping a car at the end of Boyd Cove, we will ascend forest roads up Surritt
Cove to the Sandy Mush Balds, traversing on the ridge tops to Chestnut Gap, and
descend along Long Branch to a waiting vehicle. Some cross-country hiking
required, and be prepared to cross a few private fences. If the weather is
clear, the views do not get any better! Topos: Sandy Mush, Fines Creek
ALL DAY No. A0303-091 June 8
Black Mountains Circuit 8:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 65, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Amy Treverton 298-1882
athikerbabe@yahoo.com
Features four over-6000 peaks. Beginning at Mt. Mitchell parking lot, we proceed
south along the Old Mt. Mitchell Trail via a short bushwhack to Mt. Hallbeck
(6320 ft.), then to 6571 ft. Mt. Gibbes. We will return on the Camp Alice and
Commissary Ridge Trails to 6684 Ft. Mt. Mitchell, and go north to 6647 ft. Mt.
Craig, and return. Second meeting place at Craven Gap at 8:10 AM. Topos: Mt.
Mitchell, Montreat
ALL DAY No. A0303-074 June 15
Tanawha Trail 8:00 AM
Hike 13.3, Drive 150, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated AA-B
Don Gardner 754-4067 Gardog3@charter.net
According to Alan de Hart, "There is not a similar trail elsewhere in the
state." A fragile and ancient ecosystem, rhododendron and laurel tunnels,
hardwood coves, boulder fields and great views make this a special trip.
Optional supper stop at Little Siena (byob). Second meeting place: by the tree
at McDonald's in Black Mtn. Topo: Grandfather Mtn.
Here's the scoop on the Tanawha Trail. I scouted the hike on Sunday, May 3.
The Tanawha is a really great trail. An extreme amount of variety. From Julian
Price Park amphitheatre parking lot (MM 291 on the Parkway) the trail begins (or
ends) and travels south 13.5 miles to Beacon Heights, which is about 1.5 miles
south of the Linn Cove Viaduct (and travels through the Linn Cove parking area
and visitor center). The trail is easy to moderate, except for the area around
rough ridge which is strenuous. Overall a moderate hike from my perspective. The
trail has a tremendous amount of variety and some spectacular views. The trail
traverses some fragile and ancient ecosystems and leads hikers through a
surprising range of biological and geological terrains. Some sections tunnel
through thickets of laurel and rhododendron. It dips down into remote hardwood
coves and then ascends into evergreen glens. Boulder fields and cascading
streams punctuate the landscape. The first third of the trail has a meandering
path through meadows and glens, the second third through wooded areas, and the
final third through rough boulder strewn terrain around Rough ridge and the
viaduct. The views of Grandfather Mountain, boulder formations on Rough Ridge
and the viaduct (which the trail goes under) are fantastic. I would suggest that
we meet at the Beacon Heights parking area which is right on the Parkway where
US 221 intersects (MM 305-about 1+ mile south of the viaduct). We can then take
a car (or two) depending on the number of cars and hikers and drive north on the
Parkway to the Julian Park parking area where we will begin the hike. This way
most hikers will be at the Beacon Heights parking area and can then just head
south towards home (Asheville). IN any case someone will have to drive back to
Julian Price Park to pick up the cars at that end of the trail. I am trying to
avoid most hikers from having to drive back to Julian Price Park to save them a
little time in beginning the drive home at the end of the hike. Now, as to the
best way to get to the starting point. There are two routes. (1) 19 out of
Asheville to Mars Hill and on to Spruce Pine, and then work your way over to the
Parkway and then north on the Parkway to the starting point. (2) I-40 to Marion,
north out of Marion on 221 to the Parkway and then north to the starting point.
Anyway you cut it it is a good drive to get to the starting point, but well
worth it. The hike in my estimation is different then the hikes west of
Asheville and in the Smokies. A variety that I think most hikers would enjoy.
Please call me at 828-754-4067 (home), 828-757-5221 (work) or 828-493-1127
(cell) or email me if any questions. Best Regards, Don Gardner. And FYI, the
plans are for Tom Sanders to meet the hikers at Westgate, and lead them to the
trailhead where Don will meet them.
ALL DAY No. A0303-218 June 22
Cataloochee Divide 8:00 AM
Hike 12, Drive 85, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated AA-A (EB), or 2800 ft. ascent, Rated
AA-AA (WB)
Larry Modlin 251-5092
lmodlin@warren-wilson.edu
If this is a clear day, we will experience some of the most spectacular views in
WNC. This hike will feature a key swap, and although lengthy, the hike is
generally moderate and follows the Cataloochee Divide, with vistas into the
Smokies and toward the east. Hemphill Bald is an open grassy meadow and a scenic
lunch spot. Additional meeting places, but call leader: Pilot Truck Stop at exit
24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM, or Quality Inn, junction of US 19 and US 276 in Maggie
Valley at 8:30 AM. Topos: Cove Creek Gap, Dellwood, Bunches Bald
SATURDAY No. A0303-219 June 28
Flat Creek Trail 8:00 AM
Hike 5, Drive 95, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Diane Hankins 298-2870 (before 9 PM)
Leisurely paced high elevation hike in Great Smoky Mtns. Natl. Park. Hike from
Heintooga Ridge Rd. (BRP milepost 458) to the picnic area and back to the road.
A beautiful area with a nice waterfall. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old
(those under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.) Topo: Bunches Bald
ALL DAY No. A0303-137 June 29
Roans above 6000' 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 130, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Bob Byrd 299-7681 bobbyrd@charter.net
Features three over-6000 peaks. A beautiful hike on the AT with some of WNC's
finest views. Expect the Rhododendrons, Flame Azaleas and Gray's Lilies to be in
bloom. From Carver's Gap we'll go north to Grassy Ridge (6160'), then double
back south to Roan High Knob (6285") and Roan High Bluff (6287'), which
also has a spectacular vista. Topo: Carvers Gap
ALL DAY No. A0303-220 July 6
(strenuous) 7:30 am
Gregory Bald via Wolf's Ridge Trail
Hike 15.6, Drive 200, >3500 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA
Stuart Tauber 254-0824 sdtauber@charter.net
Note earlier starting time. From the Twenty Mile Creek trailhead, this loop hike
ascends progressively on the Wolf Ridge Trail to Parson Bald and reaches Gregory
Bald, the home of greater than 1000 flame azaleas and breathtaking views of
Cades Cove, Thunderhead and other Smokies peaks. Returning on the Long Hungry
Pine trail to 20 Mile Creek trail, one passes beautiful 20 Mile Creek cascades.
Wolf Ridge trail crosses Moores Branch five times which one must ford; it is
best to bring sneakers/ sandals for these crossings. Second meeting place: Rest
Stop beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:00 AM. Topos: Fontana Dam, Cades Cove
ALL DAY No. A0303-049 July 6
(moderate) Walnut Bottoms 8:00 am
Hike 11.6, Drive 110, 1500 ft. ascent,
Rated A-B
Jorge Munoz 658-0606
jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us
This Big Creek trail follows a spectacular rough and tumble mountain stream
through a beautiful forest to Walnut Bottoms, site of a beautiful backcountry
campsite. The Rock House, Mouse Creek Falls and Dead Man's Curve are featured
bonuses seen along this trail. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24
off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topos: Waterville, Cove Creek Gap and Luftee Knob