All Day  Saturday & Sunday

SATURDAY NO. A1001-679 Feb. 13
Elk Pasture Gap - Mt. Pisgah via MST 10:00 AM
Hike 7, Drive 45, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Paul Dickens, 828-476-0010, psdicken@charter.net
P400 We will hike the MST from the NC 151 / BRP junction to Buck Springs Gap, then up to the summit of Mt. Pisgah. Our return will be on the closed Blue Ridge Parkway. Pack for wind and cold. Trip is dependent on weather and ability to reach the top of NC 151 by car. If heavy snow or ice occur during the preceding week or if a storm is forecast for the hike day, an alternate hike will be chosen. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.

Photos by Paul Dickens

Only one person showed up at Westgate today at the appointed time. She knew about the alternate hike from e-mail but decided it was colder than she wanted to be outside in. I did the alternate hike myself and enjoyed a nice stroll along the river in the light snow.--Paul Dickens

SUNDAY NO. A1001-592 Feb. 14
ALT – Butter Gap - Long Branch Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 10, Drive 80, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Stu English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at the side parking lot of the Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 8:30 AM. This hike will start at Gloucester Gap and follow the Art Loeb Trail over Chestnut Mtn. to Butter Gap. At the gap, we’ll turn downhill onto the Butter Gap Trail, then the Long Branch Trail and Cemetery Loop past the McCall Cemetery . There will be a short side trip to a beautiful, but rarely visited waterfall. We’ll finish with a short road walk back to the trailhead. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo map #780

Photos by Stuart English and Danny Bernstein

Editor's Note: No, the CMC is not starting a chorus line. In the second picture the hikers, all prepared for slippery walking, are showing off their various traction devices.

Ten hardy hikers showed up to hike in the snow today. We changed the hike due to road and trail conditions. Instead of doing a ten mile hike on the Art Loeb Trail to Butter Gap and the Long Branch Trail we decided to do something a little shorter with bailouts if necessary. We started at the Davidson River Campground and went up the North Slope Trail to the Art Loeb Connector and up to the Art Loeb. Then we followed the Art Loeb back to the campground. We hiked in a lot of snow from beginning to end, but it wasn’t as bad as I had thought. Due to the new snow probably, there was little ice. It was interesting that most of us had some kind of traction devices on our boots. I did say these were experienced hikers. It was a beautiful day and everyone felt like it was just enough hike. One hiker had come all the way from Charlotte. He was in training for a trip to the Grand Canyon. Then of course there was Carroll Koepplinger, who is in training for his next pilgrimage.  We were finished by 2:15, 5 1/2 hours.

This was good under the conditions, but they were all strong hikers.--Stuart English

SATURDAY NO. A1001-019 Feb. 20  (Rescheduled from January 30)
Winter Plant ID hike 9:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 20, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, bjsmucker@gmail.com
P400 This moderate-paced hike is designed for identification of plants in the winter. Bring magnifying glasses if you have them. We’ll hike the MST between the French Broad River Overlook and a little beyond Walnut Cove, stopping often to look at various plants along the way. Limited to 12 people; contact leader for reservation. Topo: Skyland; also NatGeo map #780 and MST Profiles book, pg. 57

Finally, finally we got some good weather to do this hike!  This was a make-up for a make-up, and it was truly a beautiful day.  The four of us decided that, rather than trudge up through the woods on the north side of the mountain through the snow and ice, we’d stay on the Parkway which was closed to vehicles and soak up the sun.  Besides, visibility and access to plants was better on the road.  We all learned things we didn’t know before about plants in winter.  The true challenge came when we keyed out a fallen limb that we eventually decided was a fire cherry that must have fallen off a truck clearing downs higher up, since fire cherry doesn’t normally grow at that low elevation and we couldn’t see one growing near.  Worked for us!--Becky Smucker

SUNDAY NO. A1002-558 Feb. 21
Round Top Ridge Trail to Rich Mtn., AT to Hot Springs 8:00 AM
Hike 11.7, Drive 70, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Paul Benson, 828-251-1909, pdbenson@charter.net
From Hot Springs we climb to the lookout tower on the summit of Rich Mountain via the Round Top Ridge Trail, then descend on the AT through Tanyard Gap, Pump Gap and Lovers' Leap Ridge back to Hot Springs. An option to enjoy a relaxing post-hike soak in the natural hot spring waters is offered. If interested contact the leader by Feb. 17 for reservations. Topo: Hot Springs

Photo by Paul Benson

Ten hikers ventured out of winter hibernation to tackle a strenous hike in spite of a frightening scouting report.  However, conditions proved to be better than anticipated with a mild sunny day and a relatively clear trail thanks to a lot of work the day before by Don Walton and Tim Hawkins.  We enjoyed views on the way up along Lovers Leap Ridge (fortunately no jumpers in our group), a nice sunny lunch spot in a grassy meadow with a good views on Mill Ridge and spectacular views from the lookout tower on Rich Mountain.  Most of the snow had melted except toward the top of Rich Mountain where there was still about 6".   It was fun hiking in the snow in shorts.  About 7 hours after starting we made it back to our car and enjoyed a happy hour before 7 of us headed to the hot tubs for an excellent soak for our sore muscles.--Paul Benson

SATURDAY NO. A1001-680 Feb. 27
Lost Cove in Tennessee 8:00 AM
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. Second meeting place: Rose’s in Weaverville at 8:15 AM, but call leader first. Topos: Huntdale, Chestoa; also NatGeo map #783

SUNDAY NO. A1001-502 Feb. 28
Deep Creek – Sunkota Ridge 8:00 AM
Hike 13, Drive 135, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated AA-A
Bob Hysko, 828-243-3630, rhysko@yahoo.com
900M We will hike alongside Deep Creek, one of the beautiful streams on the east side of the Smokies, and then climb up to and down Sunkota Ridge, which will have good winter views. Second meeting place: Rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM. Topos: Bryson City, Clingman’s Dome; also NatGeo map #229

--Back to Top

Half Day Sunday

HALF-DAY NO. H1001-295 Feb. 14
Lover’s Leap/Pump Gap Loop 12:30 PM
Hike 4.6 miles, Drive 70, Rated C-B
Nonmembers, call leader, Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
(If you are coming from Weaverville, call hike leader about possible second meeting place). Beginning at the NOC parking lot on the French Broad River, hike the Appalachian Trail to Lover’s Leap and views of the river and mountains beyond Hot Springs, then continue to intersection with Pump Gap Trail. Return to starting point via Pump Gap Trail and Silvermine Road.

Due to poor trail conditions and anticipated bad weather a hike in the Arboretum replaced the planned Lover's Leap hike. There were only 4 of us, but we enjoyed our 4.5 mile hike in soft, fluffy snow on a sunny, warmish afternoon.--Marcia Bromberg

HALF-DAY NO. H1001-687 Feb. 21
Chambers Mountain 1:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 50, Rated C-A
Nonmembers, call leader, Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net
LTC We shall hike up an old Jeep road to the tower on this prominent peak near Clyde. On a clear day, expect some of the best views in western North Carolina. Topo: Clyde

Photos by Bruce Bente

This hike was the reactivation of an old CMC hike which the club hasn't done in about 8 years.  It climbs steeply up the access road to the Chambers Mountain fire tower, with wonderful 360 degree views of the mountains and valley below.  Due to its good location, there are dozens of antennas on top, along with the permanent home of the part-time fire warden who watches for fires from the tower in late winter and early spring.

When scouted, the road and mountain were covered with deep snow and rime ice, but by Sunday, most of the snow had melted and it was a nice warm sunny day for hiking.  Seventeen hikers showed up to enjoy the hike, and the only problem was the somewhat slippery lower road which forced two cars to park down below and walk or be shuttled up.  My Subaru looked like a circus car, with 7 people on board for a shuttle trip up to the trailhead.--Bruce Bente

HALF-DAY NO. H1001-015  Feb. 28
MST - Rt 74A to Rt 25     1:00 PM
Hike 4.6, Drive 16, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader, Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary.avl@gmail.com
An easy hike along the MST along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. This hike is a change from the description in Lets Go because of the closing of the BRP.  It is one that everyone in Asheville should know for a short, moderate  and quickly accessible leg-stretcher.  We will begin at US 74A and follow a pleasant stretch of the MST and finish at US 25 .   Second Meeting Place: Junction of Rt 74A and the Parkway, on the Parkway 1:15 PM

   The day was not one encouraging to hikers.  When we met at Westgate, it was slightly below freezing, but a brisk wind probably put it down to about 15 degrees.  Nevertheless, four people showed up in addition to the leader and we picked up another at the trailhead.  This hike was a substitute, since the original one scheduled required going up the BRP, which was closed.   This is one of the leader's favorite hikes, partly  because it is accessible 10 minutes drive from downtown either at US 74A or US 25, partly because it is an easy 5 miles through a diversified wooded area.  By the time we began the wind disappeared, and in a short period of walking we were all warm.  Though the sky was overcast, occasionally the sun broke through.  With only six we got to know each other and had a good time.--Tom Sanders

--Back to Top

All Day Wednesday

WEDNESDAY NO. W1001-041 Feb. 10
Sugar Cove Rd to Mackey Mountain 8:30 AM
Hike 11.5, Drive 87, 2900 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Ames Tryon, 828-669-3805, tryonaf@charter.net
Take Sugar Cove Creek trail to Mackey Mountain Trail and then on Mackey Mountain Trail to Mackey Mountain and return the same way. Second meeting place: Ingles parking lot at Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:50 AM. Topo: Old Fort; also NatGeo map #779

WEDNESDAY NO. W1001-504 Feb. 17
Lane Pinnacle from Bull Gap 8:30 AM
Hike 10, Drive 30, 2900 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Bob Hysko, 828-243-3630, rhysko@yahoo.com
This will be a challenging winter hike on the MST, past the Rattlesnake Lodge site, and up to good views from our lunch stop at Lane Pinnacle. Due to the substantial altitude change, we may find snow at the higher end. Second meeting place: Bull Gap at 9:00 AM. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle; also MST Profile book pg. 63-64

Photo by Bob Hysko

Even though the weather forecast called for snow, cold and high winds, five intrepid fools showed up for the Wednesday hike.  We got all of that weather and more. For about the first three miles the hike was slow but beautiful as we pushed through about a foot of fresh powder.  Near the top of Rich Knob, conditions went north on us in a hurry.  Exposed to the full impact of the wind, the wind-chill index probably dropped below zero.  The snow on the trees obliterated the white MST blazes.  After about a half hour of plowing through three foot snow drifts trying to stay of the trail, we were all ready to call it a day. When we returned to our cars everyone agreed that it was great to finally get out and hike when so many Wednesday hikes have been cancelled.-- Bob Hysko

WEDNESDAY NO. W1001-304 Feb. 24
Shut In Trail to Garenflo Gap to Hot Springs *8:30 AM
Hike 8.6, Drive 90, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Tish Dejardins, 828-656-2191, desraylet@aol.com
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at junction of US 25 and NC 208 at 9:15 AM. We’ll start by hiking up the East Fork Shut-in Creek trail to the AT, doing 16 stream crossings and then a pleasant AT hike down Deer Park Mtn. Possible brief wet feet depending on stream level. 5 mile car shuttle. Topo: Lemon Gap, Spring Creek, Hot Springs; also NatGeo map #782

WEDNESDAY NO. W1001-335 Mar. 3
Green Ridge and Fork Ridge Trail on the AT 8:30 AM
Hike 10.5, Drive 90, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Brent Martin, 828-369-7084, brent_martin@tws.org
This strenuous hike in the Shelton Laurel-Carmen area climbs alongside Dry Creek with an attractive waterfall. You will be surrounded by beautiful woods and mountains while you climb up to the AT. On the AT, we will see the Shelton gravesites, the views from Big Butt and maybe a few early AT thru-hikers. After lunch at Jerry Cabin Shelter, we'll descend via the Fork Ridge Trail. Second meeting place: Jct US 25/70 & NC 208 at 9:15 AM. Topo: Greystone, Flag Pond; NatGeo map #782

Reports for Wednesday hikes during the eNews publication week will appear in the following eNews--The Editor.

--Back to Top

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 Lucy Prim 828-693-6580 lucette32@mchsi.com.

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 appears in the hike description. Driving mileage is round trip, based on the first designated meeting place. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.