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.

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. A1003-703 July 4
Tuckasegee Gorge (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #3) *8:15 AM  (Note: this hike is cancelled and the following hike will be done instead) (Duke Energy will be letting water flow through the dam above unrestricted, which will make the Tuckaseegee Gorge hike dangerous.  It will be rescheduled).

SUNDAY NO. A1003-??? July 4
Chattooga River Gorge
(strenuous)
Hike 6, Drive 120, ?? ft. ascent, Rated ??
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.
I will lead a hike in the Chattooga River through the Rock Gorge.  This is a wading hike, but in the full, fully watered stream. The river is mostly wide, so only about ankle deep. There is some rock scrambling in the throat of the gorge, and we have to climb the face of two small waterfalls, easy ones. Wonderful swimming holes. Walking stick a necessity. Need dry shoes for the hike out on the Foothills Trail.  There will be at least two swimming stops. Most of the Chattooga hike will be in the middle of the river.   About three miles of river and three miles of trail hiking.   Topos: Big Ridge, Lake Toxaway

SUNDAY NO. A1003-051 July 4
Hickey Fork / Whiteoaks Flats / Pounding Mill    (This hike will be changed due to many, many downed trees on the trails).

SUNDAY NO. A1003-420 July 4
Allen Gap to Tanyard Gap 9:00 AM
(moderate)
Hike 8.8, Drive 85, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Tish Desjardins, 828-656-2191, desraylet@aol.com
LTC  *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at US25/NC208 intersection at 9:45 AM. 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 the leader to coordinate what food to bring.  Hike from Allen Gap to Tanyard Gap on the AT with a stop at the Rich Montain lookout tower.  Topos: Hot Springs; also NatGeo map #782

SATURDAY NO. A1003-076 July 10
Craggy to Little Snowball 10:00 AM
Hike 7.2, Drive 40, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Brenda Worley, 828-684-8656, clworley@bellsouth.net
From Bee Tree Gap, we’ll take the Snowball trail to High Rocks (Hawkbill Mtn.), with its views, and then on to the old lookout site atop Little Snowball, with its great views. Return via the same route. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 10:20 AM. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle; also USFS South Toe River, Mt. Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

Scout Report: This is a beautiful hike in the cool Craggy area off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was lucky enough to be able to scout it twice, once mid-June and the second time July 3rd. Both days were sunny and mostly clear and we had great views from Hawkbill Rock and the fire tower site. Several wildflowers were blooming. The trail is overgrown in some areas and thick with stinging nettle in places. Long sleeve shirts and long pants are suggested. The trail is rated as strenuous due to the elevation gain, but the trail is up and down with no long up hills.
 

SUNDAY NO. A1003-531 July 11
Pisgah Inn to Beaverdam Overlook *9:00 AM
Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, ashok.kudva@att.net
Hike 7.9, Drive 50, 1250 ft. ascent, rated B-B
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Pisgah Inn parking lot near convenience store at 9:45 AM. Enjoy the mountain views along the mst from Pisgah Inn to the Beaver Dam Overlook. After Little Pisgah Mtn, it’s downhill almost all the way. Look for the giant Turk’s Cap lilies near the big funny tree. Car shuttle. Topos: Cruso, Dunsmore Mt.; also MST Profiles book, pg. 42-45

Scout Report:  Greg Goodman and I scouted the trail in two in & out segments : 1) Pisgah Inn to NC 151 on 6/17 and 2 ) NC 151 to Beaver Dam Gap on 6/21.

We stopped at the old springhouse, the only physical remnant of the historic Buck Spring Lodge still intact, described in Walt Weber’s new MST book. Since Greg, a long time CMC hiker, had never seen it before, I plan to bring all hikers in a short off-beat path to visit this relic. We could see the slide damage on the Parkway from the trail and some construction vehicles with the camera zoomed in per attached photo.

Over a 0.3 mile segment 1 mile from Beaver Dam Gap we clipped some briars and overgrown vegetation on the trail. Other than that entire trail was in good shape thanks to the CMC Asheville Crew. Long pants are recommended for this hike.

As of Tuesday, 6/29 , Parkway remains closed (per info line 828- 298-0398) between NC 151 and Beaver Dam Gap (mile markers 400 and 405.5). A ranger we met on the trail said they plan to open at least one lane of this road segment before the July 4 weekend with flagman-managed traffic. I plan a snack break after a 2 mile, 600 ft climb to Little Pisgah Mountain with a 180 degree view and 90 minutes later a late lunch at Mills River Valley Overlook with 360 degree mountain vista. With almost no motor cycle traffic, it will be more peaceful at the overlooks.

Plan B for the hike, if we cannot drive to Beaver Dam Gap, is an in and out from NC 151 to Beaver Dam Gap. It is a 8.7 mile, 1700 ft ascent/descent. It will have more ascent especially after lunch and less descent than the announced hike. Meeting times and places will remain as announced.

Consider an optional supper after the hike at Pisgah Inn. Arrange carpooling accordingly. I will keep my cell phone (828-674-1374) on to be accessible to folks coming from Westgate to meet me at Pisgah Inn.   Ashok.   Note: 7/5 - The parkway is open, but one lane for a few hundred feet.  There could be a few minute wait until the light says it's ok to go. We will continue to monitor the parkway information messages.  Charlie
                                                   

SUNDAY NO. A1003-067 July 18
Douglas Falls & Craggy Gardens *9:00 AM
Hike 8.8, Drive 45, 2300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B  (should be 2300 feet of ascent rated B-AA)
Charlie Ferguson, 828-625-2677, ccf108@gmail.com
WC100 *The First Meeting location will be the back parking lot of the Folk Art Center. From the Craggy Garden Visitor Center we’ll hike the MST down to the trail to Douglas Falls. The falls are quite high and should have a good amount of water after a rain. We’ll hike back the way we came and on to the Craggy Gardens Picnic area, up to the top which was recently cleared to make more open views, and back to the cars at the Visitor Center. There is an option for people to do just the falls for a 5.6-mile hike. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 9:10 AM. Topos: Craggy Pinnacle, Montreat; also FS Big Ivy map

Scout Report: Douglas Falls had a little more water flowing than the other times I've been there. Hopefully with some more rain on Saturday, Sundays hike should be rewarding.  This hike is somewhat more difficult than the description above would indicate.  Much of the trail, including the MST part, is rough and rocky which will give ankles and knees a workout.  The Douglas Falls trail has a lot of high weeds on the sides, sometimes obsuring the trail a bit.  The Douglas Falls part is 6.4 miles and 1700 feet of climbing.  It felt like 2500 when I finished due to the rough trail and I hadn't done the Craggy Gardens part of the hike yet.  The Craggy Gardens part is 2.4 miles and about 600 feet of ascent.  That makes a total of 8.8 miles and 2300 feet of climbing making it a B-AA hike.  With the difficulty of the rough trail, it's even worse.  So it's not really a moderate hike.  My guess is that many people will opt to not do the Craggy Gardens part of the hike once we finish the Douglas Falls part.  Charlie

SATURDAY NO. A1003-697 July 24
Silers Bald 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 160, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Jeff McGurk, 864-921-6469, jbsbestfan@hotmail.com
900M, SB6K From the Clingman’s Dome parking lot, we will hike to the grassy meadow of Silers Bald. The ridgeline trail offers wonderful views, at one point only a few feet wide with dropoffs on either side. We’ll return via the same route, with a visit to the summit of Clingman’s Dome, the highest point on the AT. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley Post Office at 8:30 AM, but contact leader first Topos: Clingman’s Dome, Silers Bald; also NatGeo maps #229 and #317

Scout Report: Scouted the Siler's Bald hike with a Spartanburg friend on July 11, 2010. The temperatures were 67 when we started the hike and the temperature peaked out at 70 degrees. This hike is a very scenic hike with many great views so bring your cameras. Once we hit the Appalachian Trail we will have about 1.5 miles of downhill often with rocky footing. This section had been recently trimmed with a weedeater, but the grass still occasionally blocks the view of your step. The trail will then be pretty easy for the next several miles. After we cross the narrow ridgeline (no need to worry if you have vertigo because the ridgeline is at least ten yards wide and the plantlife would keep anyone from falling), we will have a .5 mile ascent to Siler's Bald. I am not sure why it is called a bald because it is tree covered with a few places that have nice views. We will not all be able to take in the same views at the same time. On the return trip we will endure the last 1.5 miles or so mostly uphill and rocky but once we join the paved road to Clingman's Dome, we are almost to the dome. I would not be surprised if a few people turned ankles on the first part so I would recomend that people wear their hiking boots as opposed to hiking shoes. I found three very friendly deer near the Double Spring Gap Shelter. Although this hike is not strenuous as a whole, there are parts that I felt were strenuous so don't come looking for a cakewalk. Looking forward to a great hike!!
  

SUNDAY. NO. A1003-475 July 25
Hump Mountain from Yellow Mtn. Gap *8:30 AM
Hike 9, Drive 140, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Lisa Hart, 828-450-6986, tiw.south@gmail.com
We will hike from Roaring Creek Road to Yellow Mountain Gap at which point we join the AT, along an open ridge to Little Hump Mtn. and on to Hump Mtn. where we’ll have lunch on a grassy bald at 5587 ft. We’ll return to Yellow Mtn. Gap and take the Overmountain Victory Loop back to the cars. The fabulous vistas and open meadows make the drive and moderately strenuous hike very much worth while. Topos: Carvers Gap, White Rocks Mtn.; also NatGeo map #783

SUNDAY NO. A1003-572 Aug. 1
Duck Hawk Rock (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #4) *8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 10, Drive 150, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net
SB6K, 900M *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 9:15 AM. Duck Hawk was an earlier name for the Peregrine Falcon. Peregrine Peak is atop Alum Cave Bluffs. Big Duck Hawk Rock is part of a knife-edge ridgeline that slants down across from Alum Cave. From Alum Cave Trail we will get a view of the (closed) Big Duck Hawk Rock and the holes in it. As a compromise since we cannot hike to Duck Hawk Rock, we will hike to Mt. LeConte (6593 ft.), visit Cliff Top, then retrace our steps. Topo: Mt. LeConte; also NatGeo map #317

SUNDAY NO. A1003-242 Aug. 1
Sam Knob – Devil’s Courthouse Loop 8:30 AM
(Moderate)
Hike 8.5, Drive 75, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Becky Smucker, 828-231-2198, bjsmucker@gmail.com
SB6K, P400 This hike in the cool high elevations is perfect for a hot summer day. From FS 816 we will ascend Sam Knob (6040 ft.) with its 360 degree views, then hike through high meadows on the Flat Laurel and Little Sam Trails and the MST via Devil’s Courthouse (with its great views). We then return via the MST across FS 816 and up to the summit of Black Balsam (6214 ft.), then down to our cars. Second meeting place: BRP Cold Mtn. Overlook at 9:10 AM. Topo: Sam Knob; also NatGeo map #780

SUNDAY NO. A1003-267 Aug. 8
Horsepasture River 8:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 105, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, kathleen.hannigan@pgnmail.com
Swimming hike! Come to see the recently re-opened Gorges State Park area. We’ll hike down alongside the Horsepasture River to see the waterfalls – Drift, Turtleback, Rainbow and Stairway, ending at Windy, the final waterfall downstream near Lake Jocassee. One or more 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. A1003-369 Aug. 14
Buckeye Gap - Bearpen Gap *10:20 AM           (note meeting time changes from paper newsletter)
Hike 6, Drive 80, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Kathleen Hudson, 828-698-5208, mstish1325@gmail.com
P400 Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at the BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at 11:00 AM. We will start by hiking a section of the MST that leads through a lush forest of spruce and birch. The forest floor is covered with mosses and ferns. We will hike through areas that in past years have yielded abundant blueberries, and will stop to do some picking. Short car shuttle. Topo: Sam Knob; also NatGeo map #780

Scout Report:  Bruce, Marcia, Erv Sheppard and I scouted my Rough Butt Bald Blueberry picking hike today (Aug. 2). The trail was completely over run with nettles and blackberries but we did a good job of clearing them.  All hikers should wear sturdy boots and bring hiking poles since this trail is wet and slippery and the footing is sometimes treacherous.

SUNDAY NO. A1003-473 Aug. 15
Mt. Mitchell – Maple Camp Bald loop 8:30 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 70, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Janet Martin, 502-494-9309, jaykaymartin@msn.com
SB6K We’ll do a moderate loop with great views, starting at Mt. Mitchell, following the MST, Mt. Mitchell, and Buncombe Horse Range Trails. We’ll stop at Maple Camp Bald to pick blueberries, then take the Big Tom Gap Trail #191-A up to the Crest Trail, and return via Big Tom and Mt. Craig. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 8:50 AM. Topo: Mt. Mitchell; also PNF South Toe River, Mt. Mitchell & Big Ivy trail map

Scout Report:  Butterflies, bees and berries.
The loop from Mt Mitchell for blueberries at Maple Camp Bald was scouted on July 28. Although the stats for the hike yield an average rating of moderate, the hike includes a rocky descent, a lengthy level walk, a short, steep bushwhack, and some boulder climbing with fixed ropes. The blueberries are just starting to mature and should be plentiful in two weeks. The grassy, unused horse trail provided plentiful distant views. Hiking pants might be most comfortable for the knee-high grass and the blueberry patch. Even in midsummer, the 6000+ elevation can be chilly, especially during the morning fog. The views, both nearby and distant, combine with the trail variety for an interesting, never boring, hike.

  

SUNDAY NO. A1003-698 Aug. 22
NC 128 – Mt. Mitchell via Potato Knob *8:00 AM
Hike 9.5, Drive 55, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Paul Benson, 828-251-1909, pdbenson@charter.net
SB6K *NOTE: The only meeting place is Folk Art Center back parking lot. We’ll take a new route to a familiar place and bag three 6k peaks. From the MST trailhead on NC 128, we’ll hike west on the MST to the old Boundary Trail, then ascend the very steep (800 ft. in ½ mile) ridgeline manway past Potato Knob to 6571 ft. Mt. Gibbes. Next we’ll descend the gravel road to Stepps Gap and ascend the Old Mitchell Trail to the summits of 6300 ft. Mt. Hallback and 6684 ft. Mt. Mitchell, and descend on the Camp Alice Trail (MST) with our return to the trailhead on the Buncombe Horse Range Trail (MST). Topos: Montreat, Mt. Mitchell; also PNF S. Toe River, Mt. Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

Scouting report: Mt. Mitchell via Potato Knob hike. Jacob Cox and I scouted this hike yesterday to escape the heat of the lowlands, gps the hike and check trail conditions. First of all I need to report that the hike involves much more vertical gain that I had measured for the hike description (this hike is not in our database, but is a recognized route for the SB6K challenge). Instead of the 2,100' I had estimated, the gps reported about 3,000' and it felt like it. It is also a bit longer - 9.5 miles instead of 9. There are two big climbs - the first is very steep up the old boundary trail (manway) and the second is a long up and down from Stepps Gap to the summit of Mt. Mitchell. The manway was fairly overgrow, but passible especially after we did a bit of trimming. After about 4 hours of climbing a wild manway it was a bit shocking to enter the state park and see the hordes of tourists. I think they were equally shocked to see two hikers as dirty and sweaty as we were. This is a great hike featuring a section of the Black Mountains that few people see, great views and a chance to bag 3 6k peaks, but it is very strenous and long (7 hours), making those after-hike refreshments well earned and that much more enjoyable.
 

SATURDAY NO. A1003-699 Aug. 28
Pisgah Loop II 8:00 AM
Hike 7, Drive 70, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Jan Onan, 828-698-3237, janonan@bellsouth.net
P400 Swimming hike! This loop hike will go down the boundary trail to the MST, then past Skinny Dip Falls (swimming stop) and up to Second Falls (more swimming), before returning to our cars. Possible blueberry sightings. Second meeting place: BRP Cold Mtn. Overlook at 8:40 AM. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam Knob; also NatGeo. map #780 and USFS Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wilderness map.

Scout Report:  It was perfect weather up in the mountains for a scout and get away from the above 90 degree heat in town. This is the first time CMC will hike this loop, although many have hiked in this area. Ashok brought his GPS and we discovered that this hike is about 5.5 miles. Since this is a tad shorter than written up, we will have more time to play in the water and pick blue and black berries should they be ripe. Speaking of Black Berries, in the beginning of the hike, the black berry bushes cover the trail. We have clipped many, but you may want to think about wearing those zip-off pants to protect your legs. (swim suit under of course) We will have lunch at Skinny Dip Falls, swim and then hike up to second falls for another swim. Nothing hurried about this hike. Join us for Dolly's ice cream after at the entrance to Pisgah. Please note that the West Gate folks will be meeting the leader at the second meeting place at Cold Mountain.  Jan Onan

  

SUNDAY NO. A1003-241 Aug. 29
Mt. Kephart via Sweat Heifer Creek Trail 8:00 AM
Hike 12.8, Drive 140, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary.avl@gmail.com
SB6K, 900M This hike is designed to visit two of the best scenic overlooks in the Smokies, The Jumpoff and Charlies Bunion, and to climb Mt. Kephart (6217 ft.). From Newfound Gap, we will hike on the AT to Mt. Kephart and The Jumpoff, and from there to Charlies Bunion. After lunch, we will return via the AT, and then down the Sweat Heifer Creek and Kephart Prong Trails. Second meeting place: Rear of Maggie Valley Post Office parking lot, but call leader first. Car shuttle. Topos: Clingmans Dome, Mt. Le Conte, Mt. Guyot, Smokemont; also NatGeo map #317

SATURDAY Make-up NO. A1003-237 Sept 4
Plott Balsams 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 90, 3400 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Becky Smucker, 828-231-2198, bjsmucker@gmail.com
SB6K This is a redo of our aborted Memorial Day hike. We’ll climb four SB6K peaks and hope for spectacular views of more than fog this time. From Waterrock Knob (6292 ft.), we’ll follow a very rough, steep manway 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 rough, uneven “trail” and climbing over and under blowdowns on steep slopes. Wear long sleeves and pants. Second meeting place: rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM, but contact leader. Topos: Hazelwood, Sylva North

SUNDAY NO. A1003-661 Sept. 5
Thompson River Scramble (Bernard Elias Favorite Hike series #5) *8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 10, Drive 110, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net
*Form carpools at Westgate, stop for additional hikers at Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 8:30 AM, and meet leader behind gas station at intersection of US 64 and NC 281 SOUTH at 9:15 AM. Thompson River and our final destination, spectacular Big Falls, are located within Nantahala Natl. Forest near Whitewater Falls. After a relatively easy 4-mile hike, the hike requires about a mile of scrambling through heavy growth before executing an exciting but somewhat precarious 400 ft. climb up the face of the rock next to the falls followed by a tricky wet stream crossing, and then an easier 3-mile hike back. Strenuous, but well worth the effort. Wear non-slip-sole shoes. In case of rain an alternate hike will be chosen. Topo: Reid

SUNDAY NO. A1003-259 Sept. 5
Reinhart Gap to Haywood Gap 8:00 AM
(moderate)
Hike 7, Drive 80, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7296, dwetmore@comporium.net
P400 From Reinhart Gap, we’ll drop down to the MST and follow it north to Haywood Gap. Possible blueberry sightings. Second meeting place: contact leader Topo: Sam Knob; also MST Profiles book, pg. 28-29

SATURDAY No. A1003-615 Sept. 11
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 *Note later start time. Begin at FS 816, north on MST to Graveyard Ridge Trail. Left on Graveyard Ridge Trail to Ivestor Gap. Return on Art Loeb Trail over Tennant and Black Balsam. We’ll stop at Ivestor Gap for possible late blueberries, and at the high points to enjoy great views! Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. Overlook (BRP M.P. 412) at 10:50 AM. Topos: Sam Knob, Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

SUNDAY NO. A1003-193 Sept. 12
MST: Bearpen Gap to NC 215 via Mt. Hardy 8:30 AM
Hike 9, Drive 85, 1775 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net
SB6K, P400 This MST hike leads through a beautiful forest of spruce, birch, rhododendron and maple with mosses and ferns lining the forest floor. A special feature is a short side trip up 6110 Ft. Mt. Hardy, with first-rate views on its north side. Optional supper after the hike at Pisgah Inn, with return via NC 151. Partly through the Middle Prong Wilderness area, limit 10, so call leader for reservation. Second meeting place: BRP Cold Mountain Ovelook) at 9:10 AM. Topo: Sam Knob; also USFS Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wildernesses map and Nat Geo. map #780

SUNDAY NO. A1003-700 Sept. 19
Beech Gap and Hyatt Ridge Trails 8:00 AM
Hike 11.7, Drive 130, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Tim Hawkins, 828-550-1340, hawkth59@yahoo.com
900M This new CMC hike in the Smokies will feature the border where old growth forest meets one of the last logged areas of the park. We will hike through a wild section of the Park and see a beautiful campsite and an impressive bridge over Raven Fork. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley Post Office at 8:30 AM, but contact leader first. Topos: Bunches Bald, Smokemont; also NatGeo map #317

SATURDAY NO. A1003-396 Sept. 25
Pilot Rock – Mt. Pisgah -Thompson Creek *9:30 AM
Hike 9, Drive 80, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Stu English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@comporium.net
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Pisgah Ranger Station at 10:10 AM. We will climb 1500 feet in 2 miles up the well-graded Pilot Rock trail, and eat lunch at Buck Springs Overlook. After lunch, we’ll hike down the Thompson Creek trail. Expect great views along the way. Topos: Dunsmore Mtn., Cruso; also NatGeo map #780

Scout Report: Ted Connors, Ashok Kudva, Barbara Morgan, and I scouted two hikes I am leading in September in the Pilot Rock, Slate Rock area. We went up Slate Rock Creek, found the Laurel Mountain Connector, followed the Laurel Mountain Trail to the Pilot Rock Connector, and then returned to Yellow Gap Road on the Thompson Creek Trail. None of us had ever set foot on Thompson Creek Trail, but I had heard horror stories about it. Supposedly it was overgrown, unmaintained, and a vertical elevator shaft for over a mile. We were pleasantly surprised. Many thanks to Pete Peterson’s Pisgah Friday crew who had obviously done some exhausting summer work here. The trail was a virtual wide boulevard, recently weedeated and easy to follow. The map doesn’t show all the much appreciated switchbacks that helped us down the steeper parts. It turned out to be one of the nicest trails I have walked and was well maintained from one end to the other for 2.5 miles. One thing however, it was over 90 degrees yesterday when we scouted it. If that is the case on September 8, I will come up with an alternate hike.

On this hike we will go up Pilot Rock Trail, lunch at Buck Springs Overlook and return by Thompson Creek.  The hike I will lead September 8 is Slate Rock-Laurel Mountain-Pilot Rock. We will return to Yellow Gap on Pilot Rock Trail. Both hikes have significant climbs that are more difficult in hot weather.  Stuart

SUNDAY NO. A1003-701 Sept. 26
Pinnacle – Shortoff Mtns. (Linville Gorge) *8:00 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 120, 2000 ft.(EB), 2950 ft. (WB) ascent, Rated B-AA
Jacob Cox, 828-584-0395, jcox@mfgnc.com and Jim Reel, 828-738-0751, jimr57@yahoo.com
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leaders at Deal Barn (I-40, Exit 90) at 8:45 AM. Great views from east and west promontories at the south end of Linville Gorge. Hike a section of the MST that was ravaged by forest fire several years ago. Carry appropriate footwear for wading Linville River, and poles are recommended due to slippery rocks in river. Key-swap hike. Wilderness area limited to twenty hikers (ten in each direction); contact leaders for reservations. Topo: Ashford; also NatGeo map #779