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 Westgate Shopping Center parking lot near CVS (Exit 3B off I-240) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Some hikes will have second meeting places as described in hike listings. Please contact the hike leader if you are not sure of the meeting location.

Important Note:  Parking at Westgate has changed.  We can no longer park in the south or middle of the lot (as we have been).  Park in the far north line of parking spaces past Earth Fare.  See directions below for a map.

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. A1002-691 Apr. 4
Upper Whitewater Falls – Round Mtn. Gap 9:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 120, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
WC100 This new CMC hike will follow the Foothills Trail west from the Upper Whitewater Falls parking lot (small parking fee) to Round Mtn. Gap, then follow the Round Mtn. trail back to the waterfall overlook. From here we will take the Foothills Trail east, crossing the Whitewater River bridge and then turning uphill on a spur trail to the Bad Creek parking area. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place: Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 9:35 AM. Topos: Cashier, Reid; also NatGeo map #785

SATURDAY NO. A1001-680 April 10 - Makeup hike due to cancellation of Feb. 27 hike - Note: No meeting at Westgate
Lost Cove in Tennessee 8:30 AM at Rose's
Hike 8, Drive 90, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Les and Catherine Love, 828-658-1489, lesrlove@charter.net
On this new CMC hike, we’ll explore the old settlement near the banks of the Nolichucky River that still has three houses standing and old cars in the yard. Optional supper at Farmer’s Daughter in Chuckey. 1st meeting place: Rose’s in Weaverville(Exit 19B off I-26) at 8:30. 2nd meeting place - Price's Creek Store near intersection of 19 & 19W at 8:50.  Topos: Huntdale, Chestoa; also NatGeo map #783

We will still go to the Farmer's Daughter in Chuckey, TN (about a 30 min. drive from the trailhead) for supper, only for those who want to.

SATURDAY NO. A1002-053 Apr. 10
East Fork Pigeon River 10:00 AM
Hike 7.5, Drive 74, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Barbara Morgan, 828-738-3395, bcmorg@hughes.net
P400 Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for reservation. A stroll along one of WNC's most beautiful streams, the East Fork of the Pigeon River. We will ascend to Dark Prong for lunch and then return. Second meeting place: Big East parking area on US 276, north of BRP at 10:45 AM Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo map #780

SUNDAY NO. A1002-201 Apr. 11
MST: NC 80 over Woods Mtn. to Woodland Park *8:00 AM
Hike 12, Drive 85, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Don Gardner, 828-754-4067, gardog3@bellsouth.net
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Little Siena Restaurant at intersection of US 70 and NC 80 at 8:30 AM. We will hike a little-traveled and scenic section of the MST over Woods Mtn. and on to US 221,with seldom-seen views of the Blacks and Mt. Mitchell. Long descent. Car shuttle. Topos: Celo, Little Switzerland

WEEKEND NO. A1002-tbd Apr. 16-18
Congaree National Park Weekend
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.com
Spend a weekend hiking, camping and canoeing in Congaree National Park (http://nps.gov/cosw), one of our newest National Parks, near Columbia, SC, a three-hour drive from Asheville (360 miles round trip). This park has the largest remnant of old-growth floodplain forest remaining in North America and its trails are flat. This trip is suitable for everyone. For more information, look at http://www.hikertohiker.com/resources/cmc-congaree-national-park-weekend.

SUNDAY NO. A1002-066 Apr. 25
AT: Garenflo Gap – Bluff Mtn. *8:30 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 80, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Jim Reel, 828-738-0751, jimr57@yahoo.com & Tish Desjardins 828-656-2191, desraylet@aol.com
We’ll do a loop hike in hardwood forests from Garenflo Gap to the summit of 4686 ft. Bluff Mtn. We will enjoy the many wildflowers that carpet the forest floor while the leader shows off the AT section that he maintains. After lunch on the summit we will do a short bushwhack and then hike parts of the old AT on our way back to the trailhead. *After the hike there will be a potluck supper in the nearby Bear River Community Lodge. Hikers are requested to contribute food for the supper. Food will be taken to a refrigerator before the hike. Please phone Tish Desjardins to coordinate what food to bring. Topo: Lemon Gap

SUNDAY NO. A1002-692 May 2
Terrapin Mtn. (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #1) *9:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 5+, Drive 140, 1700 (or more) ft. ascent, Rated C-A
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net
*Form carpools at Westgate, stop at Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 9:35 AM for additional hikers and meet leader at Community Bank in Cashiers (left onto NC 107, right at next traffic light and go 100 yards) at 10:30 AM.. This mostly off-trail hike ascends steeply through thick underbrush to a rock face giving 180 degree views of Whiteside Mtn. and Fowler Creek cirque. An alternate return with a side trip to Bearpen Mtn. may be added, dependent upon weather conditions. The extension would add two miles and include a 1100 ft. descent of a rock face. Hikers with a fear of heights should avoid this hike. Topo: Cashiers

SUNDAY NO. A1002-060 May 2
Pilot Mtn. – Farlow Gap *8:30 AM
(moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 80, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, ashok.kudva@gmail.com
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

Scouting Report: April 14, 2010: Bruce Bente, Ted Connors and I, each armed with a saw and clippers, scouted this hike today. During the first ¾ mile Art Loeb Trail starting at Gloucester Gap was in good shape. Trail maintainers had left clear evidence of their outstanding efforts. Beyond that several blowdowns of trees and branches on the trail needed all the tools, especially Bruce’s “super saw”, to cut and haul the trimmings. After a well deserved lunch break with 360 degree mountain view at the summit we descended to Deep Gap. Many descending switchbacks were blocked by trees and branches. Hiker traffic generated several shortcut paths which in the long term erode the landscape topography. We cut and removed lots of obstacles from the trail and blocked out many short-cut paths. We met two Art Loeb thru hikers from Georgia who reported several blow downs between Deep Gap and Sassafras Knob. An old logging road from Farlow Gap passes through Deep Gap to a forest service road to Gloucester Gap. We will use this route on the May 2 hike and avoid Sassafras Knob.
When we reached our car we found a thank you note from the two hikers for our efforts to clear the trail. They also left a plastic bag packed with trash picked up on the trail with a request to dispose it! We finished the “feel good” day with a supper at Dugan’s Pub in Brevard.
See the action and results photos of our efforts on the trail today !

   

SATURDAY NO. A1002-288 May 8
Kanuga Conference Center *9:00 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 60, 800 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Rich Bowerman, 828-808-2891, pcdbowerman@hotmail.com
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at parking lot at rear of Mountain Bank, corner of US 25 & White St. in Hendersonville at 9:40 AM. We have been fortunate to receive permission to hike at Kanuga Conference Center for this pleasant hike over varied terrain. We will hike over well-maintained trails including the Doug Stirling/Wolf Mtn. Trail to the Wolf Mtn. overlook, then to our lunch spot on scenic Eagle Rock. Topo: Horseshoe; also Kanuga Trails map

ALL DAY NO. A1002-216 May 9
AT: Sams Gap to Devil Fork Gap 9:00 AM
Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, lsberns@att.net
Hike 8.5, Drive 90, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
This section of the AT features magnificent wildflower displays and 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. Car shuttle. Topo: Sams Gap

SUNDAY NO. A1002-678 May 16
An Edge of Panthertown *8:30 AM
Hike 7.5, Drive 110, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7296, dwetmore@citcom.net
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 9:05 AM. Hopefully we’ll have better weather than when this hike was first offered in January. This lollipop hike begins with a long gradual ascent along the west fork of the French Broad, mostly on old roads, to the viewpoint near the bottom of the Devil’s Elbow Ridge. We’ll climb the old Shelton Pisgah trail up the ridge to our second viewpoint. From there a short cross-country descent to another old road will take us back to our inbound trail and on to the trailhead. Time permitting, there will be a short detour to Aunt Sally’s Falls. There are a couple of rock hops on the first part of the hike. Topo: Lake Toxaway

SATURDAY NO. 1002-008 May 22
Bee Tree Gap to Tanbark Tunnel 10:00 AM
Hike 6.2, Drive 40, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, kathleen.hannigan@pgnmail.,com
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. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 10:20 AM. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle

ALL DAY NO. A1002-151 May 23
Big East to Shining Rock via Old Butt 8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 8.5, Drive 60, 3100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA+
Les Love, 828-658-1489, lesrlove@charter.net
SB6K, P400 We will hike from the Big East parking lot up the steep Chestnut Ridge trail over Dog Loser and Old Butt knobs to lunch at Shining Rock (6040 ft.) with its exceptional views. We’ll return via a steep descent to the North Fork of Shining Creek. Wilderness area hike limited to ten people; please contact leader for reservations. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo. PRD map #780

ALL DAY NO. A1002-470 May 30
Fork Mtn. – Birdstand Mtn. 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 85, 600 ft. ascent, Rated A-C
Charlie Ferguson, 828-625-2677, ccf108@gmail.com
P400 For the P400 fans, here is a chance to bag a remote trail from the Black Balsam parking lot down to NC 215. Be prepared for a 3200 ft. descent, with only a short climb up Birdstand Mtn There will be a wet-foot crossing of the West Prong of the Pigeon River at the end of the hike. Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for reservation. Car shuttle. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam Knob; also NatGeo. map #780 and USFS Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wilderness map

Scout Report: Jim Reel and Mary Beth Gwynn helped me scout this hike in two different trips. Although there have been reports that this trail was overgrown, it was in better condition than I had feared.  There was only small evidence of the winter storm damage that has affected many of our other hiking trails.  There are some trees down, but most can be stepped over and will probably be left alone, as this is a wilderness area.  There are two or three that are easily hiked around.  At the beginning of the Fork Mountain trail the mountain is covered with mountain laurel, rhododendron and blueberries like many of the ridges in this area.  For about a mile they have grown into the trail some in a number of places but are easy enough to push through without being too annoyed.  We saw pink lady slippers, rhododendron blossoms and trillium blossoms.  After walking on the top of the ridge line for about three miles we did our long descent in a mostly shaded hardwood forest.  At the end the stream crossing was refreshing for our hot feet.  I recommend water shoes and hiking poles for the stream crossing.  I recommend long pants and long sleeve shirts for the first part of the trail.  Since the stream crossing takes place at the very end of the hike, There is a possibility for people to take a swim in a pool on the river.  The water will probably be cold.  I want to thank Jim and Mary Beth for their long days of help in clearing fallen branches and trimming some of the overgrowth back.  Stopping for refreshments afterward was icing on two great scout hikes.  We have 10 people signed up now, but you can call in case there are cancellations.  Charlie

MEMORIAL DAY NO. A1002-237 May 31
Plott Balsams 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 90, 3400 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Bercky Smucker, 828-231-2198, bjsmucker@gmail.com
SB6K Our annual joint hike with the Smoky Mtns. Hiking Club this year takes us to the Plott Balsams. We’ll climb four SB6K peaks while enjoying spectacular views and May flowers. From Waterrock Knob (6292 ft.), we’ll follow a very rough, steep trail to Lyn Lowry (6240 ft.) and Plott Balsam (6088 ft.), then retrace our steps to the trailhead and hike to Yellowface (6032 ft.) and back. Expect a rough, uneven trail and climbing over and under blowdowns on steep slopes. Wear long sleeve shirt and pants. Second meeting place: Rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM. Topos: Hazelwood, Sylva North

June 5th - Help finish building the Mountains to Sea Trail near Waterrock Knob.

A National Trails Day event: We will start in Asheville at 9:00 AM and finish about 3:00 PM.  This is a chance to help our trail crews finish one of the CMC's greatest contributions to hiking in the Mountains of North Carolina.  Experience isn't necessary.  Call 828-658-1489 or email Les Love for details.

---------  June 6th is CMC's National Trails Day - see the American Hiking Society website.  -------------

SUNDAY NO. A1002-693 June 6  - National Trails Day hike
Tusquitee Bald (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #2) *8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 8, Drive 210, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net
*Form carpools at Westgate, stop at rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM, and meet leader at jct. of US 19/74 and SR 1310 (Nantahala River Put-in) at 10:00 AM. Up Big Tuni Creek on the Chunky Gal Trail to Tusquitee Bald where we join the Fires Creek Rim Trail and follow a ridge to County Corners, and then down Old Road Gap Trail. Glorious views from Tusquitee Bald. Short car shuttle. Topo: Topton; also NatGeo map #784

SUNDAY NO. A1002-516 June 6  - National Trails Day hike
Lakeshore Loop 8:30 AM
(moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 145, 800 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.org
900M Starting at the Lakeshore tunnel, we’ll do an easy loop, consisting of the Lakeshore, White Oak Branch and Forney Creek Trails. We’ll lunch at the Fontana Lake shoreline, and then return on the Lakeshore trail and back on the bypass trail. We’ll see house sites, a creek and cemeteries and the historic “Road to Nowhere”. Second meeting place: Rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 9:00 AM. Topo: Noland Creek; also Nat Geo map #229

Scout Report: Lenny and I walked the Lake Shore Loop in preparation for leading it on National Trails Day Weekend. It is a beautiful and historic trail.

Beautiful - We found mountain laurel, flame azaleas, bowman's root, wintergreen flowers, Forney Creek, which is more like a rocky, whitewater river right now.

Historic - The hike is in the heart of the "Road to Nowhere" area. We passed a controversial signboard just before we entered the park, hiked to a cemetery which was recently decorated with their mounded graves, and, of course, went through the tunnel.

This is the Smokies and the trails are well-maintained.   Danny

    

SATURDAY NO. A1002-570 June 12
Dupont Forest – Corn Mill Shoals P.L. #2 *10:00 AM
Hike 7, Drive 80, 300 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Kathleen Hudson, 828-698-5208, mstish1325@gmail.com
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet hike leader at Hooker Falls parking lot in DuPont Forest at 10:45 AM. Several trails will take us to the top of the rushing waters of Bridal Veil Falls for lunch, and a close up view and walk behind the falls. Start at Corn Mill Shoals Road parking lot and we'll be on Burnt Mountain Trail, Little River Trail and Bridal Veil Falls Trail. Topo: Standingstone Mtn.; also DuPont Forest trail map

SUNDAY NO. A1002-674 June 13
Wayah Bald – Wesser Bald 7:30 AM
Hike 12.6, Drive 175, 2087 ft. NB ascent, 3450 ft. SB ascent, Rated AA-AA
Jacob Cox, 828-584-0395, jcox@mfgnc.com and Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net
LTC Note early start time. This great AT hike will visit two lookout towers, each with 360 degree views of the mountains. Strenuous hike. Key-swap hike. Optional supper at Jarrett House after the hike. Second meeting place: Rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:00 AM, but call a leader first. Topos: Wayah Bald, Wesser; also NatGeo map #785

SUNDAY NO. A1002-370 June 20
South Mills River 8:00 AM
Hike 12.5, Drive 75, 1100 or 750 ft. ascent, Rated AA-B or AA-C
Stu English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net and Charlie Ferguson, 828-625-2677, ccf108@gmail.com
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leaders at Pisgah Ranger Station at 8:35 AM. This is another of the P400 hikes that is scheduled during a summer month because of its nine stream crossings. Plan to wear water shoes for the section between Cantrell Creek and Wolfe Ford. Two hiking poles are recommended for the stream crossings. The trail follows the old logging railroad grade, so look for old trestles at stream crossings. This hike will be done as a key swap. Topo: Pisgah Forest

Scout Report: Recently Charlie and I, along with several others, scouted the South Mills River Trail hike. This is a great stream hike with waterfalls, cascades, and country on the interior of the trail that probably not many people see because you have to do the entire 12 miles to see it. It is a long way from Trail Head to Trail end by vehicle and this makes it not a hike people would do often. But it is well worth it. The main issue of this hike is the 10 wet stream crossings of the South Mill River. These are not rock hops, but wide, serious river crossings that are waist deep in places. The river is full of rocks of all sizes that can be felt better than seen. Trekking poles are a must. Also, wear shoes, running shoes are good, that you don’t mind walking in wet all day. It will not be practical to stop and constantly change shoes. I, personally would not wear sandals because I feel I need more support on those rocks. I found the best way to do it was to feel your foot against the rocks and let it slide to a stable place where you could put your weight and then continue like that. Otherwise, the hike is relatively flat and pleasant, if a little long. We are doing a key swap to minimize the long shuttle. Stuart

 

Wednesday June 23 - Scouting Hike
Glassmine Overlook to Stepps Gap
7 miles, 2000 feet ascent
We will scout the July 14 hike and do some light maintenance.  The scout will locate and use a rarely used unmarked trail up and around the back of Potato Knob.  We should have some great views.  Your contribution to the light maintenance is optional.  Call Charlie Ferguson for meeting time and place - 828-625-2677.

SATURDAY NO. A1002-401 June 26
Laurel Mtn.- Slate Rock Creek 8:30 AM
Hike 9, Drive 70, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Brent Martin, 828-369-7084, brent_martin@tws.org
P400 We’ll hike up Laurel Mtn. trail to Sassafras Gap, then drop down to the Slate Rock Creek trail and follow this beautiful trail back to FS 1206. Short car shuttle. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also NatGeo map #780

SUNDAY NO. A1002-566 June 27
Roans in Bloom 8:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 150, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary.avl@gmail.com
SB6K 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

MONDAY June 28  - Scouting Maintenance Hike 51
White Oak Flats, Pounding Mill, Hickey Fork
Hike 8, Drive 85, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
This will be a scout of July 4ths hike. Our Monday maintenance crew will join us to clear downed trees and perform other maintenance on the trail.  We will probably form three groups to hike to different parts of the trail and do the clearing.  This is your chance to see our crews in action and contribute to maintaining one of our trails.  This trail has not been hiked by CMC in many years.   The work that you contribute is your choice - light to moderate.  Tools will be provided.  Please call Barth Brooker for meeting time and place - 828-299-0298.