All Day Saturday and Sunday
&
Half-Day SUNDAY Hikes
Second Quarter 2004
Hike Ratings
First Letter Second Letter
Distance Cumulative
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.
P400: Indicates that this hike qualifies for the P400 award.
SB6K: Indicates that this hike qualifies for the SB6K award.
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.
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.
All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente
828-692-0116, 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.
ALL DAY No. A0402-337 Apr. 4
Shining Rock from
Black Balsam (strenuous #1) 8:30 AM
Hike 11, Drive 65, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Lenny Bernstein 828-236-0192 lsberns@worldnet.att.net
SB6K, P400 Note change to DST and later start time. We’ll hike to Shining Rock via two different routes today. This hike will take the Art Loeb Trail from FS 816 to Shining Rock (6040’), climbing Black Balsam (6214’), Tennent Mtn. (6040’) and Grassy Cove Top (6040’) along the way. This will be your chance to bag four easy SB6K peaks while enjoying beautiful early spring views covering the area from Pilot Mtn. to Cold Mtn. We’ll return via the Ivestor Gap Trail to get a different perspective on the same area. Wilderness area hike limited to 10 people. Please contact hike leader to reserve your place. Second meeting place: BRP Cold Mtn. overlook at 9:00 AM. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam Knob; also Natl. Geographic map of Pisgah Ranger District
ALL DAY No. A0402-151 Apr. 4
Shining Rock loop via Chestnut
Ridge and Shining Creek 8:45 AM
(strenuous #2)
Hike 8.5, Drive 60, 2600 ft. ascent,
Rated B-AA
Carroll Koepplinger 828-667-0723
SB6K, P400 Note change to DST and later start time. We’ll hike to Shining Rock via two different routes today. This hike will start at the Big East parking area, go up the steep Chestnut Ridge Trail, then over Dog Loser and Old Butt Knobs to lunch at Shining Rock (6040’) with its exceptional views. We’ll return via a steep descent to the north fork of Shining Creek. Wilderness area hike limited to ten people. Please contact hike leader to reserve your place. Topo: Shining Rock; also Natl. Geographic map of Pisgah Ranger District
ALL DAY No. A0402-124 Apr. 11
Clingman’s Dome & Mt. Collins 8:00 AM
Hike 11.7, Drive 150, 1900 ft. ascent,
Rated A-A
Dave Wetmore 828-884-7296 dwetmore@citcom.net
SB6K, 900M Here’s a chance to knock off two of the SB6K peaks in the Smokies. We will hike the AT from the Fork Ridge access, over Mt. Collins (6188’) and Clingman’s Dome (6643’.), enjoy the views and then return 8 miles to Newfound Gap. Those wishing a shorter hike can return to the original trailhead, for an 8-mile hike. Second meeting place: Quality Inn in Maggie Valley at 8:30 AM. Topo: Clingman’s Dome
ALL DAY No. A0402-128 Apr. 18
Sam’s Knob Loop: Hike
with the Kiwis 9:00 AM
Hike 10.5, Drive 75, 1100 ft. ascent,
Rated A-B
Danny and Lenny Bernstein 828-236-0192 danny@hikertohiker.org
SB6K, P400 Note later starting time. This lovely loop starts at FS 816, ascends Sam Knob (6040’) with its 360 degree views, then follows the Flat Laurel Creek Trail to NC 215. We will return via the MST, Little Sam and Flat Laurel Creek trails, with a side trip to Devil’s Courthouse (another great viewpoint). Two groups will hike, doing the loop in opposite directions. Come meet the Kiwis and learn their tramping culture. Optional supper afterwards at a moderately-priced Asheville restaurant. Wilderness area limited to ten hikers; Please call hike leader to reserve your place. Second meeting place: BRP Cold Mtn. overlook at 9:30 AM. Topos: Shining Rock & Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geographic Pisgah Ranger District map
SATURDAY No. A0402-089 Apr. 24
AT: Max Patch to Lemon Gap
and Return 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 100, 1800 ft. ascent,
Rated A-A
Becky Smucker 828-298-5013 bjsmucker@aol.com
This hike is legendary for the Trilliums in bloom. We’ll have a chance to see the new AT shelter being built by the CMC, along a beautiful section of the AT, beginning and ending at Max Patch with one of WNC’s most stunning views. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I 40 at 9:00 AM. Topo: Lemon Gap
ALL DAY No. A0402-033 Apr. 25
Ramsey Cascades 8:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 160, 2000 ft. ascent,
Rated B-AA
Tommie Boston 828-686-5029 tambee2@aol.com
900M This is one of the classic spring wildflower hikes in the Smokies. Sixty-foot high Ramsey Cascades is located in a rich forested glen with an amazing variety of wildflowers and a grove of old-growth Tulip trees. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I 40 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Mt. Guyot.
ALL DAY No. A0402-218 May 2
Cataloochee Divide 8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 12, Drive 85, 1800 ft. ascent,
Rated AA-A (EB),
or 2800 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA (WB)
Larry Modlin 251-5092
900M If it is clear, we will experience some of the most spectacular views in WNC as we hike over Hemphill Bald (our lunch spot) and the Swag. This will be a key swap, with half the group starting at Poll’s Gap and half from Cove Creek Rd. Wildflowers should be wonderfully abundant. Additional meeting places, but call leader: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I 40 at 8:30 AM, or Quality Inn in Maggie Valley at 8:30 AM. Topos: Cove Creek Gap, Dellwood, Bunches Bald
ALL DAY No. A0402-351 May 2
Hawkbill Creek Flower Hike 9:00 AM
(moderate)
Hike 7-8, Drive 50, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Ruth Hartzler 828-251-0886 ruthmtn@aol.com
Note later starting time. This hike will be a shortened version of the hike done last April, and is designed to have adequate time to observe and appreciate the spectacular variety of wildflowers and ramps along the route. We will do an easy bushwhack up Hawkbill Creek to its starting point, then return by a combination of backtracking and along an old forest road. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle
ALL DAY No. A0402-352 May 9
Jones Gap Trail/Coldspring Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 10, Drive 80, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Ellie Thrush 828-697-9743 treehouse@highstream.net
We’ll hike up Jones Gap and Tom Miller Trails past 2 waterfalls to US 276, then return via Coldspring Trail with several creek crossings. A hiking stick will be helpful. One short but steep climb. Second meeting place: Exit 53 (old exit 22) of I 26, north end of Cracker Barrel parking lot, next to Upward Rd.) Topos: Standingstone Mtn., Cleveland, Table Rock; also Mountain Bridge Wilderness and Recreation Area Trail Map
ALL DAY No. A0402-353 May 15-16
Beginner’s Backpack (Richland
Balsam area) 10:00 AM
Hike 6-8, Drive 90, 1500 ft. ascent,
Rated AA-B
Linda Beja, 828-293-3849
P400 This hike is designed as an overnight event for beginning backpackers. On Saturday, we will hike in 2-3 miles from the trailhead, set up camp and then dayhike from the camp to interesting destinations in the vicinity; Sunday will be used for another dayhike before breaking camp and returning to Asheville. NOTE: Hikers must make reservations with Linda Beja before May 1. Linda anticipates having a meeting with participants before the backpack to discuss gear and itinerary. Topo: Sam Knob; also Natl. Geographic map of Pisgah Ranger District
ALL DAY No. A0402-354 May 23
Hump Mtn. from Elk Park 7:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 140, 3200 ft. ascent,
Rated B-AA+
Bob Byrd 828-299-7681 bbyrd@charter.net
This is a beautiful hike to one of the crown jewels of the AT, Hump Mtn. The 360 degree views should be fantastic from the summit. The hike will continue through Bradley Gap to Little Hump Mtn. Hikers wishing a shorter hike with less climbing can remain at the first summit and wait for the leader’s return. Topos: Elk Park, White Rocks Mtn., Carvers Gap
ALL DAY No. A0402-355 May 30
AT: Devils Fork Gap to Carmen 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 95, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Janet Martin 812-738-8154 jaykaymartin@msn.com
This trip goes along 9 miles of the most scenic miles on the AT. It features two shelters, including Jerry’s Cabin, a historic gravesite and beautiful views from atop Big Butt. We then go down Fork Ridge trail to Carmen. Topos: Flag Pond, Greystone
MEMORIAL DAY JOINT HIKE WITH SMOKY MOUNTAINS HIKING CLUB No. A0402-356 May 31
Kephart Prong – Sweat Heifer –
AT - Grassy Branch loop 7:30 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 14.2, Drive 130, 3650 ft. ascent,
Rated AA-AA+
CMC contact: Don Gardner 828-754-4067 gardog3@charter.net
SMHC contact: Kris Johnson 865-430-4359 kris_johnson@nps.gov, Cata Folks
865-982-3890
900M Note earlier start time. We’ll be led by Kristine Johnson, a GSMNP biologist who works on biological issues such as problems with alien species. We’ll do a loop hike, starting at Kephart Prong, and climbing to the AT by way of Sweat Heifer Trail. Then we’ll follow the AT north past the spectacular views from Charlie’s Bunion, and drop back down on the Dry Sluice Gap, Grassy Branch and Kephart Prong Trails. Second meeting place: Quality Inn in Maggie Valley at 8:00 AM. Topos: Smokemont, Clingman’s Dome, Mt. Le Conte, Mt. Guyot
ALL DAY No. A0402-217 June 6
(strenuous) 8:00 AM
Sandy Mush Bald Ramble
Hike 9.5, Drive 40, 3100 ft. ascent,
Rated B-AA+
Rob Resnick 828-255-8066 reschrio@aol.com
Sarah Carothers 828-586-3282 sjcarothers@hotmail.com
Due to the popularity of this hike last year, we’re offering it again for hikers who missed it. After dropping a car at the end of Boyd Cove, we will ascend forest roads up Surritt Cove to the Sandy Mush Balds, traversing 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 barbed-wire fences. Thanks to Long Branch Environmental Education Center for providing access and coordinating permission from contiguous landowners. If the weather is clear, the views do not get any better! Topos: Sandy Mush, Fines Creek
ALL DAY No. A0402-357 June 6
Pisgah Ridge Loop (moderate) 8:30 AM*
Kathie Giddings 828-696-9808
Hike 7.5, Drive 70, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
P400 *Meeting places: Self-organize carpools at Westgate at 8:30 AM. Meet leader at BRP Cold Mtn. overlook (MP 412) at 9:00 AM. Note later start time. Starting at the Graveyard Fields parking lot, we will follow the Pisgah Ridge Trail to the MST and lunch at a beautiful overlook. Then we’ll proceed on the Graveyard Ridge Trail to the parking lot, with a possible side trip to one of the Yellowstone falls. This hike has nice views along the way. Topo: Shining Rock; also Natl. Geographic map of Pisgah Ranger District
ALL DAY No. A0402-220 June 13
Gregory Bald via Wolf’s Ridge 7:30 AM
Trail (strenuous)
Hike 15.6, Drive 200, >3500 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+
Stuart Tauber 828-254-0824
900M Note earlier starting time. We did this hike last July, but were too late to see the flame azaleas in bloom. With luck, we’ll be there at the peak of bloom this year. 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 a spectacular setting of flame azaleas and breathtaking views of Cades Cove, Thunderhead and other Smokies peaks. Returning on the Long Hungry Pine trail to Twenty Mile Creek trail, one passes beautiful Twenty 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
WEEKEND No. A0402-358 June 18-20
Firefly Camping Weekend
Drive to Elkmont 150
Danny Bernstein 828-236-0192
This will be a camping, hiking and history weekend based at Elkmont Campground in GSMNP. NOTE: The only meeting place will be Friday evening at Elkmont Campground. Those wishing to carpool from Asheville should contact the leader. Participants must bring their own camping equipment, two people per campsite. Register with the leader as soon as possible; this weekend will fill up quickly. To register, see www.hikertohiker.org/firefly. The cost is $24 which includes two nights of camping at Elkmont and a stipend for the historian. SEE PAGE 1 FOR PLANNED ACTIVITIES Topos: Gatlinburg, Silers Bald; also Nat’l. Geographic GSMNP map
SATURDAY No. A0402-314 June 26
MST: Balsam Gap to Double Top 8:00 AM
Hike 10, Drive 70, 3200 ft. ascent,
Rated A-AA+
Don Walton 828-298-5084
This hike covers a part of the MST that was recently adopted by the CMC. It features diversified woods, a challenging climb and views of the Plott Balsams. Second meeting place: Rest area on US 23/74 near Waynesville at 8:30 AM. Topo: Hazelwood
ALL DAY No. A0402-113 June 27
Cold Mtn. 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 70, 3000 ft. ascent,
Rated A-AA+
Angie Buie 828-778-2221 awroot1@iglide.net
P400, SB6K Angie will lead a fast-paced hike up the mountain immortalized by Charles Frazier. From the Scout Camp we will climb to the summit of this 6030 ft. peak. Strenuous and fast pace, so hikers must be in good shape. Wilderness area, limited to 10, so call leader for reservation. Topos: Waynesville, Cruso; also Natl. Geographic map of Pisgah Ranger District
ALL DAY No. A0402-115 July 4
Penny Rock (Green Knob) –
Chestnut Ridge – Big East 8:00 AM
Hike 9-10, Drive 60, 2400 ft. ascent,
Rated A-AA
Carroll Koepplinger 828-667-0723
P400 A Shining Rock Wilderness area hike, last led by Tom Bindrim in 1998. This diversified hike features some off-trail, MST, scenery, and riverside hiking. Wilderness area hike limited to ten people. Please contact hike leader to reserve your place. Topo: Shining Rock
Half-Day SUNDAY Hikes
Half-day hikes submitted by Pat Elias,
828-687-1651, peliasy@aol.com and Paula Robbins, 828-281-3253, paularww@bellsouth.net. Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center near I-240 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-325 Apr. 4
Tanyard Gap to Rich Mountain 1:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 72, Rated C-B
Jorge Munoz, 828-658-0606,
After a good and easy climb on the Appalachian Trail, we will be rewarded with an outstanding view of the Hot Springs area from the fire tower. Side benefits: spring flowers showing off all over, besides good company.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-344 Apr. 11
Pulliam Creek in the Green
River Gamelands 1:00 PM
Hike 6.5, Drive 10, 900 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Becky Elston, 828-749-1886, abbybail@tds.net
Note early start time. A pretty in-and-out hike, partially along Pulliam Creek. After we cross the creek, we will see views of the Green River and the famous "Narrows". We will stop at a great spot on the Green River for a snack. Hopefully, entertainment will be provided by some kayakers. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS CRACKER BARREL AT EXIT 53 (OLD EXIT 22) off I-26.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-345 Apr. 18
Seven Gaps and Seven Knobs 1:00 PM
Hike 6.5, Drive 25, lots of ups and downs, Rated B-C
Paula Robbins, 828-281-3253 (before 9 PM), paularww@bellsouth.net
P400 Note early start time. Hike begins at Bent Creek Gap near the Parkway. The first mile is on the MST; the last mile is on Laurel Branch Road off the Bent Creek Gap Road. Last year on this hike we spotted about two dozen wildflowers in bloom. Short car shuttle. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS INGLES PARKING LOT ON NC 191 ACROSS FROM THE BILTMORE SQUARE MALL.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-101 Apr. 25
Lower Big Laurel Creek
Wildflower Stroll Noon
Hike 6, Drive 60, 200 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Diane Hankins, 828-298-2870 (before 9 PM)
Note early start time. Leisurely paced in-and-out hike along Lower Big Laurel Creek to the site of Runion, an early 1900s settlement. Suitable for anyone over 10 years of age (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult). We’ll take time to identify the flowers we see. Long pants suggested (poison ivy sprouts early).
HALF-DAY No. H0402-003 May 2
Balsam Gap to Glassmine Overlook 1:30 PM
Hike 4, Drive 44, 600 ft. ascent, Rated C-B
Pat Elias, 868-687-1651, peliasy@aol.com
There are some interesting plant communities on this portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the Craggy Gardens area, with excellent views at the top. Car shuttle. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS THE FOLK ART CENTER, LOWER PARKING LOT, BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-346 May 9
MST: Folk Art Center to
Haw Creek Overlook 1:30 PM
Hike 5, 500 ft. ascent, Rated C-B
Barry and Heather Fletcher, 828-299-4776, hrmflet@aol.com
This pleasant in-and-out trek is on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS THE FOLK ART CENTER, LOWER PARKING LOT, BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-068 May 16
Little Butt from Balsam Gap 1:00 PM
Hike 7, Drive 70, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Elisabeth Feil, 828-684-8719 hofeil@brinet.com
Note early start time. This moderate in-and-out hike will be at over-5000-foot elevation starting at BRP M.P. 359.8. There are three climbs: to Point Misery and Little Butt (steep) on the way out and up Point Misery again on the return. Spring flowers in this northern hardwood/spruce forest should be at their peak. Excellent views of the Black Mountain Range.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-062 May 23
Daniel Ridge Loop 1:30 PM
Hike 4.5, Drive 8, Rated C-C
Doyle Horne, 828-654-0339; doylejhorne@bellsouth.net
P400 On this moderate hike in the Pisgah Forest, we should see some spring flowers as well as the spectacular Daniel Ridge Falls. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS THE PISGAH RANGER STATION, US 276.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-347 May 30
Twin Falls 1:00 PM
Hike 6, Drive 80, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Les Love, 828-658-1489, LesRLove@aol.com
P400 Note early start time. A moderate hike in the Pisgah National Forest, starting on the Buckhorn Gap Trail, taking the Twin Falls Bypass to view two nice waterfalls, and completing a loop on a Forest Service road and the Clawhammer Cove Trail. SECOND MEETING PLACE IS PISGAH RANGER STATION AT 1:45 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-319 June 6
Holmes Educational Forest 1:30 PM
Hike 6, Drive 20, 500 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Doris Thibodeau, 828-274-9637, dorthib@aol.com
A good late spring hike with "talking trees" and a Forest Demonstration Trail explaining good forestry practices. (This hike was originally scheduled for February, but because of weather, the hike was canceled.) ONLY MEETING PLACE IS BI-LO (SIDE PARKING LOT NEAR PIZZA HUT) AT US 64 AND 276, PISGAH FOREST.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-348 June 13
Penny Rock or Leader’s Choice 1:30 PM
Hike 6, Drive 40, Rated B-B
Boyd Brasington, 828-254-8675, boydb@buncombe.main.nc.us
P400 We will walk the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from Pigeon Gap (Milepost 412.5) to Cherry Cove Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Second meeting place is Cold Mountain Overlook (M.P. 412) where Highway 276 crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS INGLES PARKING LOT ON NC 191 ACROSS FROM BILTMORE SQUARE MALL.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-349 June 20
Buck Spring Trail Noon
Hike 6.2, Drive 50, Rated B-C
Pat Elias, 828-687-1651, peliasy@aol.com
P400 Note early start time. This hike will involve a car shuttle to a pleasant downhill hike, beginning behind the Pisgah Inn and ending at US 276. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS INGLES PARKING LOT ON NC 191 ACROSS FROM BILTMORE SQUARE MALL.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-070 June 27
Mt. Mitchell Loop 1:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 60, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated C-B
Gerry McNabb, 828-274-0057,
We will hike from the ranger station to the summit, returning via the Camp Alice Road to the ranger station. Ample bathrooms. Cellphone (828-231-8274) will be on after noon. ONLY MEETING PLACE IS THE FOLK ART CENTER, LOWER PARKING LOT, BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY.
HALF-DAY No. H0402-350 July 4
DuPont State Forest Guion
Farm P.L. #1 1:30 PM
Hike 4-5, Drive 70+, Rated CC.
Anita and Richard Walkey, 828-681-2967, Walkey@juno.com
A leisurely paced walk down old logging roads through some beautiful forest. We'll stop at an old cemetery, and if we have time we'll take a side trail down to a beautiful waterfall. SECOND MEETING PLACE IS INGLES ON US 176 & HIGHLAND LAKE ROAD IN HENDERSONVILLE AT 2:15 PM.