Wednesday hikes are submitted by Charlie Ferguson 828-333-5165, ccf108@gmail.com and Ann Gleason 828-859-9387, gleason.ann@gmail.com . Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Wednesday 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. Meeting times vary.

Directions to Westgate (Call leader for directions to other meeting places)

Scout Report: Left Westgate 8:30AM, got on the trail at Allen Gap 10:20AM. Weather was beautiful. Hike begins with steep uphill for about 1 mile. After that, trail is mostly level with some short ups and downs. In places the trail is overgrown with dog hobble and stinging nettle which makes long pants very desirable. There are many creek crossings; three require water shoes and polls as the water is so deep and the creek so wide and rocky, it is impossible to rock hop. The best feature of this hike is that a lot of it is either in or right beside the Paint Creek and Little Paint Creek. Great Hike. If you come, wear long pants and bring water shoes, poles and thin wool socks to keep your water shoes from blistering.

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-654 July 15
Squirrel Gap, Cantrell Creek Loop *8:30 AM
Hike 10, Drive 55, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Greg Goodman, 828-684-9703, greggoodman@bellsouth.net
P400 *Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form carpools and meet leader at Boylston Baptist Church on NC 280 at 9:00 AM. From the Turkey Pen trailhead we hike on these trails: S. Mills River, Pounding Mill, Squirrel Gap, Cantrell Creek, S. Mills River, back to the trailhead. Wet stream crossings. Hiking shoes are required and wading shoes are recommended. Topo: Pisgah Forest; also NatGeo map #780

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-343 July 22
Mount Mitchell Loop
via Commissary Ridge *9:00 AM
Hike 7, Drive 60, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Lee Silver, 828-668-7147, leehsilver@aol.com
SB6K *Only meeting place: lower parking lot Folk Art Center on BRP. We will hike from the ranger station to the summit, returning via the Camp Alice Road to the ranger station. Topos: Mt Mitchell, Montreat; also USFS South Toe River map

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-405 July 29
Mills River Overlook
to Pisgah Inn, and return 8:30 AM
Hike 9.2, Drive 30, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Barbara Morgan, 828-738-3395, bcmorg@hughes.net
P400 We will start at the BRP Mills River Overlook and follow the MST across Little Pisgah, past the site of the old Buck Spring Lodge, to the Pisgah Inn. There are two steep climbs. We’ll retrace our steps back to the Mills River Overlook after lunch. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn., Cruso; also MST Trail Profiles, pg. 53-54 and NatGeo map #780

Scout Report:  Brenda Worley and Mary Beth Gwinn accompanied hike leader Barbara Morgan on a scout of this hike on July 21. The hike is part of the MST and pretty much parallels the parkway southward to Pisgah Inn. It has a round trip length of 9.2 miles, 2000' elevation gain, and is considered difficult. In the hike as scheduled, the group will have lunch at the vicinity of Pisgah Inn, but not at the restaurant there, so bring your lunch as usual. We'll find a nice place to eat near the inn, hopefully with a view of the panorama of mountains there. However, there are cold drinks, ice cream maybe, etc available a the "General Store" there, so bring some money if you want.

In the scout, though, we did the hike to Pisgah Inn and had another car there, so full trip times are estimated. We started at Mills River Valley overlook (milepost 404.5 BRP). We crossed the Parkway at Elk Pasture Gap. After a series of several fairly long climbs we arrived at the parking area for the trail to Mt. Pisgah (not part of the hike as scheduled). Continuing on, we reached the area of Pisgah Inn with approximately 2 1/2 hours of hiking time for our one-way trip. I'd estimate that our return to Westgate on the day of the hike will be between 2:30 and 3:00.

I'd wondered if the proximity of the Parkway would mean lots of road noise on the hike, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this was not so. We were treated to lots of Turks' Cap Lillies, Black Cohosh, and other mid-summer wildflowers. There were various fungi that were very pretty, too. The 2000' of elevation gain seems daunting, but except for one climb, it isn't too bad - the terrain is rolling, so not all the climb is at once.

The official meeting place is Westgate at 8:30 for both hikes, but several have planned to meet at the BRP overlook instead at 9:00, so that's fine.

Barbara

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-560 Aug. 5
Rube Rock/Groundhog Creek Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 100, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Stuart English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net
A loop hike located in the Harmon Den area of Pisgah Nat’l. Forest. Start at Brown Gap, south on the AT to Rube Rock Trail; descend into the Pigeon River Gorge. Then climb the Groundhog Creek Trail to the AT and back to Brown Gap. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop off I-40 at Exit 24 at 8:30 AM, but call leader first. Topo: Waterville, also USFS Harmon Den Map.

Scout Report: Much work has been done on the previously neglected Rube Rock Trail. Many blow downs have been cleaned up and some overgrown sections have been weed whacked, making this questionable part of a beautiful loop hike doable. Many thanks to Barth Brooker and those who voluntarily went in there and accomplished this. There are still sections that are overgrown, so a word of warning to those going on this hike (and we hope to see a good group there) wear long pants. Stuart

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-475 Aug. 12
Hump Mountain/
Yellow Mountain Area *8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 140, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Adrian Lotherington, 828-484-9132, jaloth@charter.net
*ONLY MEETING PLACE: Rose’s car park, across from McDonald's at the US 25/70 Weaverville Exit #19 at 8:30 AM. We will hike from Roaring Creek Road to Yellow Mountain Gap, joining the AT, along an open ridge to Little Hump Mtn., and Hump Mtn. where we will have lunch on a grassy bald at 5587 ft. We will return to Yellow Mtn. Gap and take the Over Mountain Victory Loop back to the car park. Topos: Carvers Gap, White Rocks Mtn.; also NatGeo map #783

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-142 Aug. 19
Jerry Miller Trail to AT
to Fork Ridge Trail *8:00 AM
Hike 10.5, Drive 92, 3300 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Barth Brooker, 828-299-0298, barthb@bellsouth.net
Up the Jerry Miller Trail to Bearwallow gap and right on the AT to Andrew Johnson Mountain. Right on the Fork Ridge Trail down to road 111 and a short walk to the cars. Second meeting place: Jerry Miller Trailhead near Carmen at 9:00 AM. Topo: Greystone; also Natl. Geo. map #782

WEDNESDAY Easy NO. W0903-247 Aug. 26
Ivestor Gap Blueberry Hike *8:30 AM
Hike 5, Drive 65, 500 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Bonnie Allen, 828-645-0357
P400, SB6K Our traditional hike to the picking fields of Grassy Cove Top in the Shining Rock Wilderness. While others are picking blueberries, there is an optional hike to the top of 6000 ft Grassy Cove Top. Everyone should bring berry picking containers, hat and sunscreen. *Wilderness area hike limited to 10 people. Please contact hike leader to reserve your place. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. Overlook (BRP M.P. 412) at 9:05 AM. Topo: Sam Knob; also NatGeo map #780

WEDNESDAY Moderate NO. W0903-489 Aug. 26
Bad Fork - Trace Ridge Loop *8:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 60, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, ashok.kudva@mchsi.com
P400 *Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form carpools; meet leader at N. Mills River Recreation parking lot at 9:00 AM. From the Trace Ridge parking area, we will hike to the Bad Fork Trail, which will take us to the BRP on a steep 800 ft. ascent. From the BRP, we will have a long, climb to Ferrin Knob. Down to Beaver Dam Overlook for lunch. Then down the Trace Ridge Trail Topo: Dunsmore Mtn; also NatGeo # 780

Scouting Report: Ruben, who led a hike returning from Beaver Dam Gap to Trace Ridge via Bad Fork and the no name trail , joined me to scout this hike on 7/19/09. Access to no name trail, not in the National Geo Map, to connect from Trace Ridge Trail to Bad Fork Trail was simple. A 5 minute walk along the northbound Trace Ridge Trail showed a path on the right side with a faded double white blaze. The path was clearly marked with several white blazes and double blazes at turns and the northern end terminated at Bad Fork trailhead. There was a blow down in the no name trail, but it was passable. On the MST about 5-10 minutes before Ferrin Knob vegetation growth on both sides of the trail hid the trail for about 50ft. We used our clippers to clear the trail which was not adequate. I reported this to trail maintenance via CMC website requesting a crew with machete and loppers before the August 26 hike. Vegetation growth blocked view of the Ferrin Knob Fire Tower remnants from the trail. Remnants of Ferrin Knob firetower , a popular lunch spot during winter hikes, were hidden by vegetation. We will pause for a snack before the steep climb on Bad Fork Trail and lunch at Beaver Dam Gap. It will be all downhill on Trace Ridge Trail to the cars. Recommend wearing long pants for this hike since there were some nettles on the trail among various vegetation.
Ashok Kudva

Tuesday Sept 1.  Scout of August 16 hike: South Mills River, Mullinax Trail and Laurel Creek Trail  - call Charlie Ferguson 625-2677

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-526 Sept. 2          Scout date: Thursday Aug 27 (call Charlie)
Down the Incline 9:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 80, 1350 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Charlie Ferguson, 828-625-2677, ccf108@gmail.com
P400 Some off-trail; historic. Follow MST north; then left onto Buckeye Gap trail (old logging RR); bushwhack down site of old incline; left onto Haywood Gap Trail to Haywood Gap; follow MST north, and right onto access trail to parking lot. Wilderness area, limit 10, so call leader for reservation. Second meeting place: Cold Mountain Overlook BRP at 9:40 AM. Topo: Sam Knob; also USFS Shining Rock map and Natl. Geo. PRD map #780

WEDNESDAY Strenuous NO. W0903-214 Sept. 9
Kimsey Creek Trail/Standing Indian Circuit *8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 170, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Brent Martin, 828-369-7084, brent_martin@tws.org
*Meet at Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leader in Franklin at the Roller Mill shopping center, in front of K-Mart, on US 64 at 9:30 AM. A stop will be made at the rest stop beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM. The Hike is known for its beautiful forest, rushing streams and excellent vistas. We’ll hike up the Kimsey Creek Trail to the AT, and the AT to our lunch spot, Standing Indian - the highest mountain on the AT south of the Great Smoky Mountains. Topo: Rainbow Springs

WEDNESDAY Moderate NO. W0903-420 Sept. 9
Tanyard Gap to Allen Gap *8:30 AM
Hike 8.8, Drive 80, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Tish Desjardins, 828-656-2191, desraylet@aol.com
*Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at parking lot on US 25 at intersection with NC 208 at 9:10 AM. Great views from Rich Mtn. tower, a visit to Spring Mtn. shelter and one of the prettiest sections of the AT in our area highlight this pleasant hike. Car shuttle. Topo: Hot Springs

WEDNESDAY Strenuous NO. W0903-132 Sept. 16
Mt. Mitchell from Black Mtn. Campground *8:00 AM
Hike 12, Drive 103, 3600 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Rich Sampson, 704-453-9059, richsampson360@gmail.com
SB6K, LTC *Meet at Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at Mt. Mitchell overlook (MP 350) on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 8:45 AM. From the Black Mountain Campground ascend by MST to Mt. Mitchell and return. Topos: Celo, Mt. Mitchell, Burnsville; also USFS South Toe River map.

Scouting Report: This is a challenging hike because it is 5.5 miles of steady climbing. Please do not attempt it if you are not certain that you are in good physical condition or have not done hikes before at a similar level of difficulty. Barbara Morgan and Ames Tryon helped me scout the hike. We left Black Mountain Campground at 9:30, kept a steady moderate pace, and arrived at the summit slightly before 3:00. We estimate a half hour at the top before starting down. We should return to the campground between 5:30 and 6:30 depending on the pace of the group. We may organize dinner if anyone is interested. The length of time required to complete the hike means we will try to keep everyone moving promptly from Westgate to the Mt. Mitchell Overlook (second meeting place) to the trailhead. The hike leader will meet the group at the Overlook. We cannot wait for stragglers at either Westgate or the BRP Overlook.

The trail itself is very well maintained and does not present any particular problems or challenges, although there are a few areas with roots and small rocks. There are many switchbacks. The most difficult section is the last mile where you gain the last 1,000 feet. Keep in mind that this is a steady uphill climb for over 3,000 feet, so it is quite difficult. The experience is very rewarding, as the nature of our surroundings change as we pass into higher altitudes, progressing from dense mountain vegetation to an alpine environment as we approach the summit. I checked out the hike again on Labor Day and found brilliant colors in the wildflowers and the sumac was bright red. Some of the trees had a few leaves beginning to show color.  Rich Sampson  704-892-2112

WEDNESDAY Moderate NO. W0903-476 Sept. 16
South Mills River, Mullinax Trail and Laurel Creek Trail *8:30 AM
Hike 8.6, Drive 50, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Sawako Jager, 828-687-2547, Baiko70@aol.com
P400 South Mills River to Mullinax Trail, to Laurel Branch Trail, then to Bradley Branch, then back by Pea Gap to trailend. Creek crossings – bring water shoes and hiking poles. Second meeting place: Boylston Baptist Church parking lot at 9:00 AM. Topo: Pisgah Forest

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-357 Sept. 23
Pisgah Ridge Loop 9:00 AM
Hike 7.5, Drive 70, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Joe Burchfield, 828-298-8413, burchfield@niu.edu
P400 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 the Graveyard Ridge Trail, with trip to one of the Yellowstone Falls. Possible blueberry sightings. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. overlook on BRP at 9:35 AM. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam Knob; also NatGeo map #780 and USFS Shining Rock map  Deer bow hunting season - hike in groups and wear bright orange.

WEDNESDAY NO. W0903-287 Sept. 30
Montreat Ridge hike *8:10 AM
Hike 11, Drive 40, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Ames Tryon, 828-669-3805, tryonaf@charter.net
*Meet at Westgate at 8:10 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at Ingles parking lot adjacent to McDonald’s at Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:30 AM. We will ascend up the Rainbow trail and connect with the Trestle Road up to the East Ridge Trail, then descending to the Old Trestle Road to the Old Road up to the Greybeard Trail. Then to the Greybeard Summit along the West Ridge Trail and back along the West Ridge Trail to Stomping Knob. The hike is strenuous but gradual except for the 500 ft. ascent up the Rainbow Trail. Topo: Montreat  Deer bow hunting season - hike in groups and wear bright orange.