All Day Sunday

And Saturday Hikes

First Quarter 2002

Submitted by Tom Sanders

Hike Ratings

1st Letter- 2nd Letter-

Distance Elevation Gain

AA: Over 12 miles AA: over 2,000 ft.

A: 9‑12 miles A: 1,500-2000 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, CALL THE LEADER.

ALL DAY No. 7819 Jan. 20

Little East Fork Pigeon 8:00 AM

River, Fork Ridge

Hike 10, Drive 70, Rated A-AA

Carroll Koepplinger 667-0723

Starting at Camp Daniel Boone we will follow the Little East Fork of the Pigeon River, then up to and along Shining Rock Ledge, to Fork Mountain Ridge and Birdstand Mtn., then down to the Little East Fork again. A beautiful stream and great views from Fork Mountain. Topos: Sam Knob, Shining Rock, Waynesville

SATURDAY No. 7820 Jan. 26 Appalachian Trail: Garenflo 7:30 AM

Gap to Tanyard Gap

Hike 13, Drive 100, Rated AA-A

Joann Tulip 254-2240

This spin along the AT offers great variety, including a beautiful hardwood forest, the French Broad River, and views from Lover’s Leap. Though relatively long, the route has no exceptionally difficult ascents. Probably a key swap, so that hikers can go in either direction. Topos: Lemon Gap, Spring Creek, Hot Springs

ALL DAY No. 7821 Jan. 27

Chestnutwood Mountain 8:00 AM

Drive 65, Hike 7.5, Rated B-AA

Tom Bindrim 299-1572

From Curtis Creek Campground we’ll ascend the Hickory Branch Trail, featuring two beautiful cascades, take a side trip to a pure stand of Carolina Hemlocks, then proceed over Chestnutwood and down Paddy’s Branch. Significant off-trail, some bushwhacking. Car shuttle. Difficult for B-AA. Ascent 2200 ft., descent 2400 ft. Leader will meet hikers at second meeting place, Black Mountain McDonald’s at 8:15 AM. Topo: Old Fort

ALL DAY No. 7822 Feb. 3

(strenuous) 8:00 AM

Indian Creek-Sunkota Loop

Hike 12, Drive 130, Rated AA-A

Tom Sanders 252-6327

This great winter hike begins in the Deep Creek area near Bryson City. We will follow the Indian Creek Trail, enjoying 2 waterfalls, then climb up to Sunkota Ridge, following it down to the Deep Creek Trail. A lot of variety, fairly strenuous. Second meeting place: Rest Area just beyond Waynesville on US 23-74 at 8:45 AM. Topos: Bryson City, Clingmans Dome

ALL DAY No. 7823 Feb. 3

(moderate) 8:30 AM

The Dismal

Hike 8.3, Drive 96, Rated BB

Hank Czubek 864-292-6212

This is a fun and interesting loop in the Caesars Head area, starting and ending in the Raven Cliff Falls parking area. We will have a rope crossing in the Dismal and views of Raven Cliff Falls from a distance and very close. Second meeting place at the Raven Cliff parking lot on US 276 just over NC/SC state line at 9:30 AM. Topos: Cleveland, Table Rock

ALL DAY No. 7824 Feb. 10

Mt. Cammerer from 8:00 AM

Big Creek

Hike 11, Drive 110, Rated A-AA

Paul Benson 251-1909

From the Big Creek Ranger Station we will ascend Chestnut Branch and Appalachian Trails to the renovated historic fire tower on Mt. Cammerer. The climb is about 3500 feet, but the views from the summit are worth it. Second meeting place, Exit 24 off I-40, Pilot Truck Stop at 8:30 AM. Topos: Waterville, Hartford

ALL DAY No. 7825 Feb. 17

Big Creek to Little 8:00 AM

Pisgah Ridge Tunnel

Hike 12.5, Drive 42, Rated AA-AA

John Pawcio 299-8126

This in and out hike starts at the Trace Ridge Trailhead, descends along the North Fork Mills River to the Hendersonville Reservoir and the Big Creek Trail. Easy and beautiful hike next 3 miles, then climb steeply for last 2 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Little Pisgah Ridge Tunnel. Seven hopefully dry stream crossings. Second meeting point is the North Mills River Parking Lot, but call leader. Topo: Dunsmore Mountain

SATURDAY No. 7826 Feb. 23

Appalachian Trail: Streets 8:00 AM

Gap to Big Bald.

Hike 9, Drive 75, Rated A-A

Bruce Bente 692-9984 (w), 692-0116 (h)

Big Bald is one of the crown jewels of our section of the AT, with views of the Blacks, Smokies, and other ranges in WNC and Eastern Tennessee. This is an in-and-out with a 1500 ft. or so climb up to work up a winter sweat. Topos: Sams Gap and Bald Creek

ALL DAY No. 7827 Feb. 24

Newton Bald, Thomas Divide, 8:00 AM

Kanati Fork Trail

Hike 11.5, Drive 120, Rated A-AA

Don Gardner 828-757-5221

This great hike two years ago featured nearly a foot of snow and everyone loved it. Newton Bald is a prominent peak over 5000 ft. near Cherokee reached by a 2800 ft. climb. Add beautiful Thomas Divide and Kanati Fork, where Smokies Park personnel lead spring flower tours. Strenuous. Second meeting place: Quality Inn, Junction of US 19 and US 276 in Maggie Valley at 8:30 AM. Topo: Clingmans Dome

ALL DAY No. 7828 March 3

(strenuous) Heartbreak Ridge, Blue Ridge 7:00 AM

Pinnacle, Iron Mtn. Loop

Drive 60, Hike 15, Rated AA-AA plus

Tom Bindrim 299-1572

From Brookside Baptist Church at Graphite, we’ll ascend 4000 ft. up Heartbreak Ridge to Blue Ridge Pinnacle for hopefully magnificent scenery. We then descend Iron Mountain to Star Gap (about 3 miles of bushwhack), and return to Brookside (including about 800 ft. more ascent over Heartbreak Ridge). Bring extra food and flashlight (as always). Leader will meet hikers at second meeting place, Black Mountain McDonald’s at 7:15 AM. Topos: Old Fort and Montreat

ALL DAY No. 7829 March 3 (moderate) 9:00 AM

Wilson Creek, Harpers Creek

Hike 6, Drive 140, Rated BA

Les Love 658-1489

This moderate hike through the lush Wilson Creek area is rugged, but moderate, and features several stream crossings and a great luncheon spot by a waterfall. Then in the afternoon we will ascend to a rock overlook with great views toward the Grandfather Mountain area. Second meeting place: McDonald’s in Black Mountain. Map: Forest Service Wilson Creek Map.

ALL DAY No. 7830 March 10 **Hike Details**

Linville Chimneys via 8:00 AM

Mountains-To-Sea and

Shortoff Mtn. Trails

Hike 11.5, Drive 120, Rated A-AA or AB

Don Walton 298-5084

This exceptional hike features spectacular views of the Linville Gorge area. Because of the road distance we will have a key swap, so hikers can choose between the tough way up or the easier way down. Bring tennis shoes to wade the Linville River. Map: Linville Gorge Wilderness

SAT. WORK TRIP No. 7831 March 16

(See article in this issue) 8:00 AM

Meet at Moose Cafe near Farmers Market, Brevard Rd.

ALL DAY No 7832 March 17

Bluff Mountain 8:00 AM

Hike 7.4, Drive 90, Rated B-AA

Bob Byrd 299-7681

This in-and-out hike begins at Garenflo Gap and follows the Appalachian Trail up 2200 feet to 4686 ft. Bluff Mtn., object of an admirable campaign against clear cutting by locals in Hot Springs. Topos: Spring Creek and Lemon Gap

ALL DAY No. 7833 March 24 Shining Rock and 8:00 AM

Old Butt Trails

Drive 70, Hike 8.4, Rated A-AA

Danny (Danielle) Bernstein 236-0192

We’ll go up the Shining Rock Trail along Shining Creek, ascending through hardwood forest to 6040 ft. Shining Rock. Then we’ll descend steeply down Old Butt Knob Trail back to the parking lot on US 276. This hike is in a wilderness area so hikers will be limited to 10. Call leader for reservations. Topos: Cruso, Shining Rock

SATURDAY No. 7834 March 30 Cosby Adventure 9:00 AM

Hike 6, Drive 120, Rated BC

Diane Hankins, 298-2870 (before 9 PM)

Leisurely paced hike in the Cosby area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Includes the nature trail near the campground and Gabes Mountain Trail up to Hen Wallow Falls. Early wildflowers. Join us for supper in Waynesville after the hike. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult). Topo: Hartford

ALL DAY No. 7835 March 31

Mountains-to-Sea: Mt. Mitchell 8:00 AM

Road to Black Mountain Campground

Hike 11.1, Drive 90, Rated A-AA or A-C

Amy Treverton 298-1882

This oft-rescheduled hike takes in 6,684 ft. Mt. Mitchell and features outstanding views and beautiful coniferous woods. Take your choice on a key swap, either a tough 3,000 foot climb up or an easy downhill. Topos: Montreat, Old Fort, Celo

ALL DAY No. 7836 April 7

(strenuous) 8:00 AM

Shining Rock and Grassy Cove Top

Hike 11, Drive 70, Rated A-AA

Lenny Bernstein 236-0192

We’ll hike from Graveyard Fields to Shining Rock, then return along the Art Loeb Trail, climbing Grassy Cove Top, Tennant Mountain, and Black Balsam Knob on the way back. A beautiful hike with lots of views and four 6000 plus footers. A wilderness area, so limit of 10. Call leader for reservations. Topo: Shining Rock

ALL DAY No. 7837 April 7

(moderate) 9:00 AM

Cradle of Forestry to

Clawhammer and Return

Hike 8, Drive 86, Rated B-A

Joe Cirvelo 627-1797

This pleasant spring trip is in the popular Cradle of Forestry area. A moderate climb up to Club Gap and then along the ridge to the overlook at Clawhammer Mountain for a lunch with beautiful views. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station at 9:45 AM. Topo: Shining Rock

ALL DAY No. 7838 April 14

Mountains-to-Sea Trail: 8:00 AM

Bearpen Gap to

Doubletop Mountain Overlook

Hike 14.2,Drive 90, Rated C-AA

Larry Modlin 251-5092

A lengthy though very moderate trip along a section of the Mountains-to-Sea south of the part that the CMC maintains. Expect to enjoy a fine spring day with flowers. Topos: Hazelwood, Sam Knob, Tuckaseegee

Half Day Hike Schedule

Submitted by Elisabeth Feil

Half Day No. 7839 January 13

Norman Wilder Forest 1:30 PM

Hike 3, Drive 15?, Rated C-C

Mary Swain 828/863-2125

This moderate in-and-out hike is new for the Club. The Norman Wilder Forest, a beautiful mature hardwood forest with several sheer rock walls is located on the steep slope of Little Warrior Mountain near Columbus, NC. Expect some steep climbs for short distances. Only meeting place: Texaco Station at Saluda Exit on I-26.

Half Day No. 7840 January 20

Sleepy Gap 1:30 PM

from Hardtimes Trailhead

Hike 4-5, Drive 20, Rated C-C

Elisabeth Feil 684-8719

Our Saturday maintenance crew has been working on this popular loop trail in the Bent Creek Area. Let's see what they accomplished. There is some climbing involved, but it will feel good on a cold winter day.

Half Day No. 7841 Jan. 27

Chambers Mountain 1:30 PM

Hike 5, Drive 50, Rated C-B

Pete Steurer 891-9802

The group will hike up a jeep road to the tower on this prominent peak near Clyde, with sweeping views of Haywood County and the Great Smokies. On a clear day some of the best views in Western North Carolina.

Half Day No. 7842 February 3

Bent Creek Walkabout 1:30 PM

Hike 4-5, Drive 20, Rated C-C

Paula Roberts 281-3253

A pleasant, easy hike along Pine Tree and Deerfield Trails and around Lake Powhatan.

Half Day No. 7843 February 10

Swannanoa River Ramble Noon

Hike 4-5, Drive 20, Rated C-C

Diane Hankins 298-2870 (before 9 p.m.)

Note the early starting time. Leisurely paced hike at Warren Wilson College includes the River Trail and Dam Pasture Trail through the woods to the old dam site. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult). Only meeting place is Oteen Ingles parking lot near the post office (unless other arrangements made with leader before Feb. 10).

Half Day No. 7844 February 17

Old Fort to Ridgecrest 12:30 PM

over Kitsuma Peak

Hike 4-5, Drive 20?, Rated C-B

Renate Rikkers 289-9988

Note the early starting time. This car-shuttle hike starts at the Old Fort picnic ground, ascends Kitsuma Peak with some open views to the east along the way, and ends near the Ridgecrest Conference Center. A nice combination of some steep sections and enjoyable ridge walking through a variety of environments, with a 1500' elevation gain. This is a great hike to know about and come back to, especially during mountain laurel time when you walk through clouds of blossoms along the ridge. Meet 12:30 PM at McDonalds in Black Mountain.

Half Day No. 7845 February 24

Big East Fork, Pigeon River 1:30 PM

Hike 5-6, Drive 90, Rated C-C

Richard and Anita Walkey 681-2967

An in-and-out walk along one of Western NC's most beautiful rushing streams, perhaps ringed with ice and snow. We'll see how far we get within the time limits, but hopefully to a large rock are in the middle of the river. Second meeting place: Big East Fork parking area on US 276 north of the Blue Ridge Parkway, at 2:30 PM.

Half Day No. 7846 March 3

Looking Glass Rock 12:30 PM

Hike 6.2, Drive 6, Rated C-B

Jorge Muñoz 658-0606

Note the early starting time. A moderately difficult, well graded trail leads to the top of this interesting mountain. There are excellent view spots along the way up. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station.

Half Day No. 7847 March 10

North Slope Trail 1:30 PM

Hike 6, Drive 85, Rated C-B

Bernard Elias 274-0202

An easy to moderate loop hike in Pisgah National Forest. Bernard will take us over Neil gap and then down the North Slope Trail back to our cars at Davison River Campground. Only meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station.

Half Day No. 7848 March 17

Green River Gamelands 1:30 PM

Hike 4.5, Drive 50, Rated C-B

Neal Andreae 883-3098

A St. Patrick's day walk along the GREEN River. No promises of shamrocks, but leprechauns….?? Only meeting place: Cracker Barrel at Exit 22 on I-26.

Half Day No. 7849 March 24

Bull Gap to 1:30 PM

Haw Creek Overlook

Hike 5, Drive 20, Rated C-C

Boyd Brasington 254-8675

Only meeting Place is the Folk Art Center. This will be nice walk through the woods. Last 200 feet will involve descending a steep, little used trail to the parking lot. We will take a lot of rest stops on this hike. Car shuttle.

Half Day March 31, no official hike.

Have a wonderful Easter Sunday!

Half Day No. 7850 April 7

Douglas Falls Trail 1:00 PM

Hike 4-5, Drive 60, Rated C-B

Howard McDonald 693-8258

Note the early starting time. This in-and-out hike goes first to spectacular Douglas Falls and maybe under the falls. Then uphill to cascades or as far as we want to go. Moderate. Topo: Montreat, Craggy Pinnacle.