ALL DAY NO. A0603-124 July 23 Clingman’s Dome and Mt. Collins 8:00 AM Hike 9, Drive 150, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, lsberns@worldnet.att.net SB6K, 900M Two SB6K peaks! This beautiful hike was rained out in the last quarter, so we’re trying again, with a revised routing. We will hike the AT from Newfound Gap, over Mt. Collins (6188 ft.) to Clingman’s Dome (6643 ft.), enjoy the views. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley Post Office at 8:30 AM, but call leader first. Topo: Clingman’s Dome SATURDAY NO. A0603-242 July 29 Sam Knob – Devils Courthouse Loop 8:30 AM* Hike 9, Drive 75, ascend 800 ft., Rated A-B Stuart English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net SB6K, P400 *Note later starting time. 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 though high meadows on the Flat Laurel and Little Sam Trails and the MST via Devils 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 a short, steep manway to our cars. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. overlook on BRP at 9:00 AM. Topo: Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geographic PRD map
SATURDAY NO. A0603-242 July 29 Sam Knob – Devils Courthouse Loop 8:30 AM* Hike 9, Drive 75, ascend 800 ft., Rated A-B Stuart English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net SB6K, P400 *Note later starting time. 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 though high meadows on the Flat Laurel and Little Sam Trails and the MST via Devils 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 a short, steep manway to our cars. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. overlook on BRP at 9:00 AM. Topo: Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geographic PRD map
ALL DAY NO. A0603-494 July 30 Buck Spring Gap to Rich Gap to Little Pisgah Ridge 8:00 AM Hike 10.6, Drive 65, 3200 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+ Don Walton, 828-654-9904, donwalton@bellsouth.net P400 This new CMC hike will start at the Buck Spring Gap overlook and go toward Yellow Gap on the Laurel Mtn. Trail. At Rich Gap take an old trail down to the Big Creek trail. Go up this trail and continue up on the Little Pisgah Ridge Trail to the BRP, and walk along the BRP and on an old trail to our cars.
HALF-DAY No.H0603-068
July 23 Balsam Gap to Point Misery 12:30 PM*
Hike 6, Drive 60, Rated B-BJorge Munoz, 828-658-0606, jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us
*Note early start time. This in-and-out hike begins at Balsam Gap (milepost 359.7) on the Blue Ridge Parkway and follows the ridge crest to Point Misery, with superb views of Mt. Mitchell and the Blacks. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 12:50 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0603-101
July 30 Lower Big Laurel Creek 1:00 PM*
Hike 6, Drive 60, Rated B-CKaren Bartlett, 828-645-0291, kbart@buncombe.main.nc.us
WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-530 July 19 Bent Creek Loop #10 -Stradley Mountain via Rice Pinnacle. 9:00 AM Hike 8, Drive 25, 900 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Sherman Stambaugh, 828 254 1736 P400 This moderate hike is in the eastern part of Stradley Mountain. It is probably a new hike for most. Great views of Hominy Valley. We will return by Boyd Branch and Deer Lake Lodge Trail. Second meeting place: Ingles across from Biltmore Square Mall on NC 191 at 9:15 AM.
WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-237 July 26 Plott Balsams 8:00 AM Hike 9, Drive 90, 3400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA+ Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213, ccferguson111@charter.net SB6K Here is your chance to climb all four of the 6000-footers in the Plott Balsams, and see spectacular views of the Smokies and nearby mountains. From Waterrock Knob, we will follow a very rough, steep trail over Browning Knob to Lyn Lowry and Plott Balsam. Then we will hike back to our starting point and then to the top of Yellow Face. The hike is strenuous due to the rough trail and climbing over fallen spruce trees on steep slopes. Wear long sleeves and pants. Topos: Hazelwood, Sylva NorthWEDNESDAY NO. W0603-091 Aug. 2 Blacks South of Mt. Mitchell 8:00 AM Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net Hike 9, Drive 65, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-A SB6K From Mt. Mitchell we will follow the Old Mitchell Trail south with a bushwhack to climb Mt. Hallback (6320 ft.), then to 6571 ft. Mt. Gibbes and continuing to Potato Knob, with return by partially alternate route. You can also climb Mt. Mitchell to fill out your list of 6000+ ft. peaks. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 8:20 AM. Topos: Mt. Mitchell, Montreat; also Nat’l. Geo. South Toe River, Mt. Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map
ALL DAY NO. A0603-526 July 9 Down the Incline 8:30 AM* Hike 7-8, Drive 80, 1350 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Tom Bindrim & Joan Lemire, 828-273-3880 P400 Some off-trail; historic; wilderness area, limit 10, so call leader for reservation. Are you inclined? *Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at second meeting place (phone leader for location.). Topo: Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map
On July 9, ten CMC hikers entered the wildness of the Middle Prong Wilderness area, where we sensed some of the railroad logging history of the early twentieth century and experienced the tranquil beauty that the forgiving southern Appalachians can produce in even the most ravaged places when given the time and chance.
Hiking mostly on unmarked minimally-maintained trails (or not), on the old railroad beds, we could almost hear the old steam engines and logging cranes as they deforested every square inch for miles around. The highlight though was the all-encompassing sense of peace and tranquility of this “recovering wilderness”. It was so over-powering that it was hard to remember that such places can be risky and dangerous if a visitor doesn’t know what (s)he is doing. “It’s very easy to get turned around & lost in here without even knowing it”, the leaders admonished, and possession of and proficiency with map and compass was strongly urged for anyone entering. There be bees here too!
The hike was moderately paced for maximum enjoyment of the environment and it was suppertime when we got off-trail. At the Pisgah Fish Camp back in town the lively conversation screeched to a halt when the food arrived. Apparently everyone had a great day!
There were a lot of people on the waiting list for this hike (ten-person limit in wilderness area). The hike will therefore be offered again on Nov. 5, 2006 for ten more people. -reported by Tom Bindrim
ALL DAY NO. A0603-237 July 16 Plott Balsams 7:30 AM* Hike 9, Drive 90, 3400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA+ Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7297, dwetmore@citcom.net SB6K Note earlier starting time. Here is your chance to climb all four of the 6000-footers in the Plott Balsams, and see spectacular views of the Smokies and nearby mountains. From Waterrock Knob (6292 ft.), we will follow a very rough, steep trail over Browning Knob to Lyn Lowry (6240 ft.) and Plott Balsam (6088 ft.). Then we will hike back to our starting point and then to the top of Yellow Face (6032 ft.). The hike is strenuous due to the rough trail and climbing over fallen spruce trees on steep slopes. Wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Topos: Hazelwood, Sylva North
Perhaps it was the 7:30 assembly time, but only two hikers appeared at Westgate, one a visitor from Greenville South Carolina. Meeting a third hiker at Waterrock Knob we set out on the difficult but rewarding trip to Plott Balsam. Unfortunately, it was too early in the season to enjoy the famous blueberries near Oldfield Top. After our return to the Waterrock Knob parking area, the three hikers (minus the leader, who had been there twice so far this summer) did the 45-minute ascent/descent of Yellow Face. Dave
Half-DAY No.H0603-043
July 9 Frying Pan Tower 1:30 PM
Hike 4, Drive 45, Rated C-CPaula Robbins, 828-281-3253, paularww@bellsouth.net
This easy in-and-out hike features a spectacular display of summer wildflowers and a 360° view from the tower. Call the leader if you wish to join her for dinner reservations at the Pisgah Inn after the hike. Second meeting place Pisgah Inn parking lot near the convenience store at 2:00 PM.
Twenty-one hikers, including several newcomers to the club, enjoyed a cloudy, misty cool climb to the Frying Pan Tower on Sunday afternoon, July 9. Although there wasn’t much of a view on top, the hikers were rewarded with views of many early summer wildflowers, including phlox, wild hydrangea, bluets, spiderwort, Turk’s cap lilies, rhododendrons, black-eyed Susan, milkweed, bee balm, leather vine, yarrow, goatsbeard, wild basil, mountain mint, and several unidentified plants as well as green hazelnuts. Paula Robbins
HALF-DAY No. H0603-525
July 16 DuPont Forest: Cascade Lake P. L. 1:00 PM
*Hike 4, Drive 94, Rated C-B Becky Elston, 828-749-1886, belston@cytechusa.com
On a very hot and humid day we enjoyed the slight breeze on Cedar Rock at DuPont. About 10 people went behind the falls at Bridal Veil Falls for a real cool down. Good hike. Becky Elston
WEDNESDAY
NO. W0603-465 July 5 Sam Knob Sketching hike 9:00 AM Hike 5, drive 70, rated C-B Gerry McNabb, 274-0057, gerrymcnabb@charter.net P400 Take the Sam Knob trail, with side trip up Sam Knob for a new twist. We’ll take 45 minutes for a sketch, then lunch. Non-sketchers also welcome. Meet leader at Westgate; call leader if you desire a second meeting place. Bring sketchpad and drawing pencil or pigma micron pen, .05 size, if you plan to sketch. A small watercolor pen could add to the fun as well. Site also good for photos.
It was to be the first-ever Sam Knob Sketch hike for the CMC. Gloomy weather forecasts, however, almost did the hike in. I was just about to drive out of Westgate when two intrepid souls appeared: Ruth Hartzler and Adrian Lotherington. So the three of us, excited about the possibilities of the day, trooped off to see what the day would hold. As it was, we got no rain and even Adriane, who does not profess to be an artist, joined in the sketching fun. We sat on the rocks at the north peak of Sam Knob and sketched what lay before us. In my case, it was Ruth sketching what lay before her. We'll have to try this again someday when the weather forecasts are more cheerful. -- Gerry McNabb
WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-529 July 12 Fletcher Fields & Spencer Branch Trail 8:00 AM* Hike 8, drive 60, rated B-C Greg Goodman, 828-684-9703 P400 This will be a woods hike, crossing small creeks, using log bridges. It will involve Fletcher Creek Trail via Spencer Branch and the Middle Fork; Trace Ridge trailhead to Fletcher Creek Trail, to Mid Fork Trail, and back to Fletcher Creek. *Meet at Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at pull-out just before Mills River Recreation Area at 8:30 AM.
All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente 692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com . 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. Leaders: Mail please mail your sign-up sheets. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday Hikes are submitted by Paula McNabb, 828- 274-0057paulamcnabb@charter.net and Ann Gleason, 828-859-9387, cowbonetail@yahoo.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.