All Day Saturday and Sunday Hikes

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 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

Half-Day Hikes

Half Day hikes submitted by Elisabeth Feil, 684-8719. For the next schedule, please call Anita and Richard Walkey, 681-2967, with suggestions. Leaders: Mail sign-up sheets to this quarter's scheduler. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.

HALF DAY #8043 APR 13
Hickory Branch Trail Noon
Hike 3, Drive 45, Rated CC
Diane Hankins, 298-2870 (before 9 PM)
Note the early start time. Leisurely paced hike in the Curtis Creek area near Old Fort. We'll identify wildflowers & have snack break near the falls. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult.) ONLY meeting place is Oteen Ingles parking lot at the post office flagpole.

HALF DAY #8044 APR 20
Seven Knobs & Seven Gaps 1:00 PM
Hike 6.5, Drive 12, Rated BC
Paula Robbins 281-3253 (before 9 PM)
paularww@bellsouth.net
Note early start time. Moderate up-and-down hike along a ridge above the Bent Creek Gap Road. Last year on this date, we identified 24 different wildflowers in bloom along the trail. Car spotting will be necessary for a short distance, from Laurel Branch Road to the Ferrin Knob Tunnel of the Blue Ridge Parkway. ONLY meeting place is Ingles parking lot on Brevard Road.

HALF DAY #8045 APR 27
Tanbark Tunnel to Craven Gap 1:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 40, Rated CC
Elisabeth Feil - 684-8719 hofeil@brinet.com
From Tanbark Tunnel we climb to Rattlesnake Lodge. Then easy hike back to Craven Gap (with a few short climbs). Early wildflowers should be out. Car Shuttle. 2nd meeting place: Craven Gap, BRP milepost 377.4.

HALF DAY #8046 May 4
Christmount Ramble 1:30 PM
Hike 4, Drive 6, Rated CC
Tommie Boston - 686-5029
tambee2@aol.com
This hike will cover a number of trails at Christmount Assembly. Good views atop Glade Mt. ONLY meeting place McDonalds at Exit 64 off I-40 East. (Black Mtn)

HALF DAY #8047 MAY 11
Pilot Mtn from Gloucester Gap 1:30 PM
Hike 6, Drive 100, Rated CA
Joe Cirvello - 627-1797 joec@brinet.com
A favorite hike, especially at this time of the year. It is a loop trip. We'll climb 2 strenuous miles to the top for outstanding views. Return trip down to Deep Gap though breathtaking display of Pink Shell Azaleas & then back to our cars via Forest Service Road #3 229.

HALF DAY #8048 MAY 18
Daniel Ridge Loop 1:30 PM
Hike 4.5, Drive 65, Rated CC
Siri Perry - 681-0560 sirip@bellsouth.net
This is an easy to moderate hike in the Pisgah Forest. We should see some beautiful spring flowers as well as the spectacular Daniel Ridge Falls. Bring your wildflower books as I am still learning all the names! Second meeting place Pisgah Ranger Station 2:15 PM.

HALF DAY #8049 MAY 25
Balsam Gap to Pt Misery 1:00 PM
Hike 6, Drive 70, Rated BB
Jorge Munoz - 658-0606
jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us
Note early start time. This in & out hike begins at Balsam Gap (milepost 359.7) on
BRP & follows the ridge crest to Point Misery with superb views of Mt. Mitchell & the Blacks. 2nd meeting place at Craven Gap at 1:15 pm.

HALF DAY #8050 JUN 1 No. A0303-182
Green River Cove 1:30 PM
Hike 4.5, Drive 50, Rated CB
Neal Andreae - 698-2546
nandreae@gowebway.com
In and out along the Green River-maybe we'll see some kayakers. Plus an intro to other trails in the Green River Gamelands. Only meeting place: Cracker Barrel at exit 22 on I 26 (NE corner of parking lot)

HALF DAY #8051 JUN 8 No. A0303-168
Pink Beds Loop 1:30 PM
Hike 6, Drive 72, Rated CC
Barry & Heather Fletcher - 299-4776
hmflet@aol.com
From Pink Beds parking area, we will make a pleasant loop past meandering streams & wildlife clearings near the birthplace of forestry in America. Flowers should be great! 2nd meet place at Pink Beds Parking lot.

HALF DAY #8052 JUN 15
John Rock 1:00 PM
Hike 5.5, Drive 85, Rated CB
Gerry McNabb - 274-0057
gcmcnabb@charter.net
Note early start time. A colorful loop hike from the Fish Hatchery . Counter clockwise on the Cat Gap trail to John Rock. Returning via the Cat Gap/John Rock connectors. 2nd meeting place at Pisgah Ranger Station at 1:45

HALF DAY #8053 JUN 22
Greybeard to Bee Tree Gap 1:00 PM
Hike 4, Drive 30, Rated CC
Ruth Hartzler - 251-0886 ruthmtn@aol.com
Note early start time. This car shuttle hike will start North of Craggy Gardens. We'll hike through the rhododendrons to Bee Tree Gap. ONLY meeting place will be the Fork Art Center lower parking lot.

HALF DAY #8054 JUN 29
Bent Creek Loop 1:00 PM
Hike 4-5, Drive 12, Rated CC
Eugene Jaroslaw - 255-9925
Note early start time. A nice hike, low elevation and close to Asheville. We'll travel the Discovery trail, Chestnut Gap, Sleepy Gap Trail & MTS loop. ONLY meeting place at Ingles at Biltmore Square Mall.

HALF DAY #8055 JUL 6
Moore Cove Figure Eight 2:00 PM
Hike 6, Drive 10, Rated BB
Bruce Bente - 692-0116
bbente@cytechusa.com
Note later start time. A nice double loop trail following 2 old USFS paths that are not on the map. A couple of short steep sections & two creek crossings. Should be a good view of Looking Glass Rock. ONLY meeting place: Ranger Station, Rt. 276 Pisgah National Forest.