Looking Ahead

All Day  Saturday & Sunday

ALL DAY NO. A0801-503 Jan. 6
Mt. Sterling via Baxter Creek Trail 7:45 AM*
(strenuous)
Hike 12.4, Drive 110, 4100 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+
Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, bsmucker@charter.net
900M *Note early start time. This major climb in the Smokies is strenuous but on a gradual well-graded trail. After passing through a mixed forest followed by Balsam and Red Spruce, we’ll enjoy fine lunchtime views from the fire tower. With luck, we’ll find some snow at the higher elevations. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop, exit 24 off I-40 at 8:15 AM. Topo: Cove Creek Gap; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

ALL DAY NO. A0801-283 Jan. 6
Montreat Ramble #2 9:00 AM*
(Moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 40, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Marlene Santa Maria, 828-299-9095 marlena98@hotmail.com
*Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 9:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at parking lot adjacent to McDonald’s at exit 64 of I-40 at 9:20 AM. This will be a moderate loop hike starting in Montreat and climbing to the great view from Lookout Mtn. Then on to Pot Cove Gap and down the Graybeard Trail to our cars. This close-to-home hike promises a good workout and nice views. Topo: Montreat; also Montreat Trail Map

ALL DAY NO. A0801-186 Jan. 13
Little Pisgah Mountain 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 36, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, kathleen.hannigan@pgnmail.com
A pleasant hike, close to home for our coldest month. We’ll hike from Hickory Nut Gap through part of the Florence Preserve and up into an open meadow to the summit of Little Pisgah Mtn. If the weather is clear, the view doesn’t get any better. Topo: Bat Cave

Half Day Sunday

HALF-DAY No. H0801-500 Jan. 6
Mountains-to-Sea Trail: US 25 to I-26 1:15 PM*
Hike 3.5, Drive 15, Rated C-C
Non-members, call leader, Gerry McNabb, 828-274-0057, gerrymcnabb@charter.net
*Note early start time. A pleasant winter hike through the woods on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, yet still close to town, from US 25 at the Blue Ridge Parkway to I-26. Walk on a CMC-built bridge. Short car shuttle.

HALF-DAY NO. H0801-172 Jan. 13
John Rock Loop 1:00 PM*
Hike 5.7, Drive 72, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated C-B
Nonmembers, please call leader, Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net
P400 *Note early start time. This moderate loop hike, with good views from the top, starts at the Fish Hatchery parking lot, at the end of the paved portion of FR 475, off US 276. Second meeting place: Fish Hatchery parking lot, at the end of the paved portion of FS 475, off US 276 at 1:40 PM.

All Day Wednesday

WEDNESDAY NO W0801-598 Jan. 9
Pink Beds to Soapstone Ridge 8:30 AM*
Hike 6.7, Drive 90, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Becky Elston, 828-749-1886, belston@cytechusa.com
P400 *Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form car pools, and meet leader at Pisgah Ranger Station at 9:05 AM. From the Pink Beds parking lot we will do part of the Pink Beds loop, then hike the Barnett Branch trail up to Rich Mountain on the Black Mountain trail for lunch and views to north and south. Then down to the Cradle of Forestry via the Club Gap trail. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

WEDNESDAY NO W0801-053 Jan. 16
East Fork Pigeon River 8:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 74, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net
P400 A stroll along one of WNC's most beautiful streams, the East Fork of the Pigeon River, which is often spectacular in the winter. We will ascend to Dark Prong for lunch and then return. Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for reservation. Second Meeting Place: Big East parking area on US 276, north of BRP at 9:15 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

Looking Back......

All Day  Saturday & Sunday

ALL DAY NO. A0704-584 Dec. 9
Butter Gap Loop 8:00 AM*
Hike 9, Drive 75, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Tom Bindrim & Joan Lemire, 828-273-3880
P400 One of Tom's favorites for near 30 years, we'll use parts of the Cat Gap Loop, ALT, and all of the Butter Gap trail through the beautiful Grogan Creek watershed to Picklesheimer Fields. Moderately paced, lots of stops, long lunch, expect late return. *Meet at Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leaders at Pisgah Fish Hatchery at 8:45 AM. Topos: Shining Rock, Rosman; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

We intended to simply report "See Oct 10" (same hike), but there were eight of us this time, the weather was cloudy (At least the initial drizzle & fog passed) and there has been further beaver activity at Picklesimer Fields: In the Oct 10 report, all the referenced beaverworks were up on Grogan Creek, up the field a way. Now there is a new dam on Cedar Rock Cr. North (There are two different Cedar Rock Creeks, one N, one S. ) just upstream of the Cat Gap Loop/Butter Gap trail intersection and also just upstream of the Grogan Cr/Cedar Rock Cr N confluence. The new dam has flooded a small portion of the Cat Gap Loop, necessitating a small relo and a new log bridge over CR Cr N back at the trail intersection. So now, instead of going straight to ascend the Cat Gap Loop, you have to hang a left & cross the creek. It all reminded us of the Pink Beds and that beaver clan. Any predictions on more dams & flooding further up CR Cr N? Joan & Tom

ALL DAY NO. A0704-339 Dec. 16
AT: Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs & Potluck Supper 9:00 AM*
Hike 7.5, Drive 90, 1100 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Tish Desjardins, 828-656-2191, desraylet@aol.com
*Note later start time, and that after the hike there will be a potluck supper in a nearby Clubhouse. 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. This AT sequence hike offers nice variety, with a beautiful hardwood forest, Deer Park shelter and moderate climbs and descents. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Parking lot on US 25 at intersection with NC 208 at 9:40 AM. Topos: Lemon Gap, Spring Creek, Hot Springs

We actually started at the Shut-in-Creek Trail which reached 2.7 miles north of downtown Hot Springs on U.S. 25/70 north and, then, a left onto upper Shut-in-Creek Rd. and drive 2.4 miles to the trailhead parking area on the left in Pisgah National Forest. We hiked two miles on this trail and reached the junction of the A.T. at Garenflo Gap and hiked another 6.6 miles on the A.T. to Hot Springs at the old hostel parking area near the Ranger station. It was beautiful and exhilerating hiking in the falling snow with the wind howling away. Two blowdowns have been reported to the maintenance crew. Afterward, the twelve of us enjoyed a delicious pot-luck supper at the lodge with a nice warmplace glowing! Tish.

ALL DAY NO. A0704-128 Dec. 23
Sam Knob Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 9.8, Drive 90, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Paul Benson, 828-251-1909, pdbenson@charter.net
SB6K, P400 This scenic loop will be great in winter weather, hopefully with snow on the ground. We’ll start at NC 215 and follow the MST, with a side trip to Devil’s Courthouse, to FS 816. Then we’ll loop back and ascend Sam Knob (6040 ft.) with its 360-degree views, then follow the Flat Laurel Creek Trail to NC 215. There will be a wet stream crossing at the end unless it is frozen. Topos: Shining Rock & Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geographic PRD map #780

For the second year in a row we got torrential rain instead of a winter wonderland for this hike so I called and emailed people that expressed interest to let them know I was cancelling due to the forecast for rain and high winds. However, there was one die-hard hike junkie waiting for me in the rain at Westgate. So Victoria and I decided to do a lower elevation hike closer to home, and did the Graybeard Trail in Montreat with the objective of making the shelter for lunch. We ended up missing a turn and hiking up the Old Toll Road for a few miles and not making it to the shelter. Fortunately, I had my trusty space blanket (which should really be 1 of the 10 essentials) and we sheltered under it for a quick snack before heading back under clearing skies. By time we got back to Montreat we had beautiful sunshine and a nice lunch. Paul.

NEW YEARS DAY NO. A0801-281 Jan. 1
Green River Gamelands 8:00 AM breakfast, 9:15 AM hike*
Hike 6.5 or 8, Drive 70, 1300 or 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com
*Meet at Westgate at 7:30 AM to form carpools and meet leader at times above at the NE corner of the Cracker Barrel parking lot in Hendersonville (exit 53 on I 26). After breakfast, we’ll do a pleasant loop on a series of trails around the Green River Gamelands. We’ll hike down to and along the Green River, with a late lunch at the big rocks on the Green River, and then hike up and out on the Pulliam Creek trail. Short car shuttle. Topo: Cliffield Mtn.; also Map of the Green River Gamelands Trails

On a cool day with a cloudless blue sky, 20 hikers enjoyed our traditional foray into the Green River Gamelands after a hearty breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Hendersonville. The weatherman tried to scare us with forecasts of snow, but we knew that there is (almost) always good weather for the New Year's Day hike. We welcomed four new hikers on the hike and hope to see them on future hikes.

We did a 8-mile car shuttle hike from Big Hungry Rd., down to the Green River and up alongside the river, which put on a good display of rushing water over rapids. Lunch was at the big rocks by the river, and then we hiked out on Pulliam Creek Trail. The final footlog creek crossing was made more challenging by a fallen tree hanging across the trail, but everyone made the crossing safely. Bruce Bente.Photos by Ted Connors.

Half Day Sunday

HALF-DAY No. H0704-102 Dec. 9
Coontree Loop 1:00 PM
Hike 3.7, Drive 65, Elevation gain 1200 feet, Rated C-B
Nonmembers call leader, Paula Robbins, 828-281-3253, paularww@bellsouth.net
This loop hike has some steep areas up the side of a lovely creek to the ridge on top of Coontree Mountain with wintertime views. The way down includes switch-backs along the other side of the creek. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station on US 276 at 1:40 PM.

Despite the threat of rain, eight hikers, all CMC members, decided to risk the weather for the short Coontree loop hike. The rain didn't materialize, the haze lifted above the ridge tops, and we consequently enjoyed good winter views coupled with almost spring like weather in early December. Because Paula Robbins is temporarily incapacitated due to foot surgery, Joe Burchfield led the hike. Joe.

HALF-DAY No. H0704-222 Dec. 16
Montreat Loop #3 1:00 PM
Hike 5, Drive 40, 1200 feet ascent, Rated C-B
Nonmembers, call hike leader, Gail Lamb 828-350-0450, galmb46@aol.com
We will ascend by the Graybeard Trail to the Old Trestle Road at Pot Cove Gap, then follow a recently cleared and opened section of the Old Trestle Road (not yet on most Montreat trail maps) to Graybeard Falls. We will return to Pot Cove Gap by a short steep section of the Graybeard Trail and then retrace our path to the parking area. There are ten dry-foot stream crossings on rocks and/or logs. Second meeting place: Parking lot adjacent to McDonald's off I-40 at exit 64 at 1:20 PM.

Seven determined hikers braved the cold, strong winds and snow to hike at Montreat. Due to the weather conditions we decided to cut the hike somewhat short and chose not to stop for a snack (or even a trail break!). We all enjoyed the beauty of the snow, but were happy to return to our warm cars. Marcia Bromberg who led the hike for Gail Lamb.

HALF-DAY No. H0704-429 Dec. 23
Hard Times Road to Rocky Cove Road to Bent Creek Road 1:00 PM
Hike 5, Drive 15, Rated C-C
Nonmembers call leader, Laura Stallard, 828-697-1579
P400 We will hike in the Bent Creek area from the Arboretum recreation parking lot in an easy loop including Hard Times Road, Rocky Cove Rd and Bent Creek Road. Second meeting place: Ingles parking lot on NC 191 opposite Biltmore Square Mall at 1:15 PM. From there we will carpool with drivers who have Arboretum member parking privileges.

HALF-DAY NO. H0704-316 Dec. 30
Carl Sandburg Park 1:00 PM*
Hike 4, Drive 50, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader, Lucy Prim, lucette32@mchsi.com, 828-693-6580
Traverse the same trails that poet/biographer Carl Sandburg enjoyed by climbing Big Grassy Mountain behind his farmhouse. *Meet at Westgate to form carpools and meet hike leader at parking lot of Carl Sandburg Park at 1:30 PM.

The hike up to Big Glassy went as scheduled, but it rained the entire way. I was surprised anybody showed up! We were five in all, and it was a very nice being out together in the drippy woods, chatting and sloshing through puddles and enjoying the beautiful misty afternoon. We all got a bit soggy, but it wasn't cold at all. Lucy Prim. Photo by Lucy.

Wednesday

WEDNESDAY NO. W0704-492 Dec 12
Cookie Hike / Bent Creek Ramble 8:30 AM*
Hike 7, Drive 20, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Ken and Carol Deal, 828-281-4530, cnkdeal@charter.net
P400 *Note later start time. Moderate loop hike in the Bent Creek area. We will start from a parking area off Bent Creek Road beyond Lake Powhatan. We will hike up to the MST, follow it past Sleepy Gap, and descend to the Lake Powhatan picnic area for lunch and a cookie feast. The afternoon walk back to the cars is approximately 2 miles. Bring some cookies to share. Second meeting place: Ingles parking lot across from Biltmore Square at 8:45 AM. Topo: Asheville; also Nat’l Geo PRD map #780 and Bent Creek Trail Map

Twenty hikers, with boxes of cookies in their backpacks, started out from Cold Knob Road in the Bent Creek area, and hiked on several different trails up to the MST. We followed the MST to the Stambaugh connector, and took that to the Lake Powhatan picnic area. We quickly ate a token lunch and then sampled cookies. The consensus was that each and every cookie was delicious. We then slowly walked back to the cars. Carol and Ken.

WEDNESDAY NO. W0704-588 Dec. 19
Coontree loop extended 8:45 AM*
Hike 7, Drive 70, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net
P400 We’ll hike the Coontree Loop, but extend it by including the Perry Cove and Bennett Gap trails, with a short road walk on FS 477 to connect the two. *Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 8:45 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at Coontree Picnic area at 9:30 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

Twelve hikers enjoyed nice weather on a new hike for CMC. We first went up the right leg of Coontree Loop, then down Bennett Gap Trail and up along FS 477, with a snack break at the horse stables. Then left up the steep Perry Cove Trail. At the junction with the Bennett Gap Trail, some folks stopped for lunch, while the rest of us went up the trail for 1/2 mile to a nice view spot for lunch. After lunch, we retraced our steps to the waiting hikers, then continued on the trail and turned right onto the right leg of the Coontree Loop and back to our cars. Bruce Bente.

WEDNESDAY NO. W0704-589 Dec. 26
Shut-in Trail & Lake Powhatan loop 8:30 AM*
Hike 9, Drive 15, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated A-B
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net
P400 *Note later start time. This loop follows the Shut-In Trail south, then descends Sleepy Gap Trail, skirts Lake Powhatan and finishes with 3 miles on the Bent Creek Gravel Road. Second meeting place: BRP French Broad Overlook at 8:45 AM. Topos: Asheville, Dunsmore Mtn., also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

The hike was successfully completed but not as advertized. I substituted for Tom Sanders, who was out of town for the holiday. After ten hours of heavy rain, the sky began to brighten around the scheduled start. Eleven people in all braved the poor weather forecast to try this relatively new CMC hike. We were treated to bright sun and snow cover at higher altitudes. Snow and ice melt from braches, however, gave the appearance of light showers most of the way. After climbing the Shut-In Trail for approximately four miles we descended on a marked and maintained trail that is not shown on any of my maps and is slightly treacherous in snow. The hike was billed as 9 miles with a 1,000 ft. ascent. Charlie Ferguson’s GPS disagreed, saying 9.6 miles and 1,635 elevation gain. Bob Hysko. Photos by Ted Connors.

WEDNESDAY NO W0801-104 Jan. 2
Wolfe Ford & High Falls 8:30 AM
Hike 9, Drive 60, 600 ft. ascent, Rated A-C
Charlie Ferguson, 828-333-5165, ccf108@gmail.com
P400 From the gauging station on the South Mills River, we'll hike this mostly level trail to High Falls, then cross the footbridge at Wolfe Ford. We'll take the Rigby Cutoff (named for CMC hiker Ed Rigby) near Squirrel Gap to return to the trailhead. Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Ranger Station at 8:35 AM. Topo: Pisgah Forest; also Nat'l. Geo. PRD map #780

The hike was cancelled because of bad weather.

All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente 692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net . Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center near I-240 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

Half Day hikes submitted by Paula Robbins 828-687-1651 paularww@bellsouth.net.

Wednesday Hikes are submitted by Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213 ccf108@gmail.com and Ann Gleason, 828-859-9387, gleason.ann@gmail.com .

The meeting place for each hike will be designated by the hike leader and will appear in the hike description. Driving mileage will be listed, round trip, from the first designated meeting place.
Leaders: Mail please mail your sign-up sheets. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.