All Day Sunday

And Saturday Hikes

Third Quarter 2001

All Day hikes submitted by Tom Sanders, 252-6327. The half-day are prepared by Richard Walkey, 698-2761 (h), 697-2101 (2), and Anita Downs, 681-2967.

Half Day hike leaders please mail your hike suggestions to CMC, P.O. Box 68, Asheville, NC 28802. Sign-up sheets need to be mailed to this quarter’s schedulers. Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and all Sunday hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center near Commercial Credit Corp., UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

Hike Ratings

1st Letter –     2nd Letter –

Distance      Elevation Gain

AA: over 12 miles AA ‑over 2,000 ft.

A: 9‑12 miles     A: 1,500‑2,000 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. 7724                                    July 15

Deep Creek,                                                   8:00 AM

Sunkota Ridge Loop     

Hike 13, Drive 130, Rated AA-A

Don Gardner 828-757-5221 (Lenoir)

Deep Creek is one of the beautiful streams on the east side of the Smokies, featuring Bryson Place, Horace Kephart’s favorite camping spot. Then up 1000 ft. to Sunkota Ridge, down, and a beautiful waterfall near the return. Second meeting point: Rest Area on US 23-74 beyond Waynesville at 8:30 AM. Topos: Bryson City, Clingmans Dome.

SATURDAY No. 7745          July 21

Boogerman Trail                9:00 AM

Hike 8, Drive 120, Rated BB

Eugene Jaroslaw 255-9925

Hike from Cataloochee Campground on Caldwell Fork Trail to Boogerman Trail, then loop back along Caldwell Fork Creek.  Trail is well know for variety of magnificent trees.

ALL DAY No. 7725           July 22

High Top Tower Site       8:00 AM

Hike 10, Drive 70, Rated AA

Tom Sanders 252-6327

This hike was a longtime favorite of the Scouts at Camp Daniel Boone 50 years ago when Tom was on the staff. From the Camp we will ascend to High Top, with excellent views, and then follow Fork Mtn. (ridge) before descending to the rushing Little East Fork of the Pigeon River. Wilderness area, limited to 10 hikers, call leader for reservations. Topos: Waynesville and Sam Knob

SATURDAY No. 7726                                                                     July 28

Cedar Rock Mtn.,                                              9:00 AM

John Rock Loop      

Hike 7, Drive 80, Rated B-B

Tom Sanders 252-6327

This moderate Saturday stroll features two of the spectacular rock summits in the Pisgah Forest, with great views from both. Starting at the Fish Hatchery we’ll have our one serious climb up to Cat Gap, then on to our lunch spot atop Cedar Rock Mt. We’ll return via John Rock. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station on US 276 at 9:45. Topo: Shining Rock

ALL DAY No. 7727                                                                        July 29

Sam-Little Sam Loop                                                                8:00 AM

Hike 10, Drive 80, Rated A-A,

Ascent/Descent 1,510

Tom Bindrim and Joan Lemire 299-1572

Everyone has been to Sam Knob. How many of you have been to Little Sam Knob? Today we do both (Sam Knob is over 6,000 ft.). Mountains-to-Sea, Little Sam and Sam Knob Trails, some off-trail. Hopefully great scenery. Second meeting place: 8:45, Cold Mtn. Overlook ( BRP at US 276 ). Topo: Sam Knob

ALL DAY No. 7728                                                                    August 5

(strenuous)                                                                         7:30 AM

AT Sequence Hike: Stecoah

Gap to US 28 (Fontana)

Hike 14, Drive 180, Rated AA-A

Bob Byrd 299-7681

For the moment we are shifting our AT Sequence Hikes to the area between the Smokies and Georgia. This section will be covered from south to north because it is easier. Although there are no major peaks on the route, it features a number of outstanding views back toward Cheoah Bald and forward to Lake Fontana and the Smokies. Second meeting place: Rest stop on US 23-74 beyond Waynesville at 8:00 AM. Topos: Hewitt, Robbinsville, Fontana Dam

ALL DAY No. 7729                                                                     August 5

(moderate)                                                                         9:00 AM

Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Bearpen

Gap to NC 215 via Mt. Hardy

Hike 9, Drive 90, Rated A-B

Lewis and Jane Blodgett 274-7863

This hike through a part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail just south of the CMC section leads through a beautiful forest of spruce, birch, rhododendron, and maple with mosses and fern lining the forest floor. A special feature is a short side climb up 6110 ft. Mt. Hardy, with first-rate views on its north side. Partly through a wilderness area, so limited to ten. Call leaders for reservation. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. Overlook on Blue Ridge Parkway at Wagon Road Gap at 9:45 AM. Topo: Sam Knob

ALL DAY No. 7730                                                                  August 12

Camp Creek Bald                                                                   8:00 AM

Hike 12.8, Drive 95, Rated AA-AA

Bill Ross 299-7637

This is an in-and-out on one of the most beautiful sections of the Appalachian Trail, beginning at Allen Gap. Our mid-point, Camp Creek Bald (4844 ft.), has exceptional vistas into Tennessee and back to the Smokies. Topos: Hot Springs, Graystone, and Davy Crockett

SATURDAY No. 7731          August 18

Work Trip (See front page article);

     meet at Moose Café              8:00 AM

ALL DAY No. 7732     August 19   

Little East Fork,                                    8:00 AM

Art Loeb Trail,

Cold Mountain Loop

Hike 13, Drive 80, Rated AA-AA

Don Walton 298-5084

This is a great hike, with a rip-roaring creek, high elevation forest, the spectacular Narrows and 6,030 ft. Cold Mountain of literary fame. Strenuous. Be sure to call hike leader for reservations. There is a 10 person limit in the wilderness area, but we are prepared to do two shifts, one leaving Westgate at 8:45. Second meeting place: Trailhead at Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp at 9:00. Topos: Waynesville, Cruso, Sam Knob, Shining Rock

SATURDAY No. 7733                                                                August 25

Horsepasture River                                                                  9:00 AM

Hike 7.5, Drive 100, Rated B-C,

Elevation Change 900

Bernard Elias 274-0202

See the waterfalls – Drift, Turtleback, Ranibow, Stairway, and end at Windy, the finale farther downstream near Lake Jocassee. Optional swimming for those wishing to stay back on return. Trip not desirable in rain. Second meeting place: BiLo in Pisgah Forest at 9:40. Topo: Reid. Also Sierra Club guide to Jocassee Gorges.

ALL DAY No. 7734                                                                   August 26

Mt. Sterling via Pretty                                                               8:00 AM

Hollow Gap

Hike 10, Drive 90, Rated A-AA

Amy Bindirim 298-1882

The views from 5842 ft. Mt. Sterling are 360 degrees and among the most far reaching in our region. From Cataloochee Valley we will ascend over 2000 ft. on the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail. From there we will continue up to the summit of Mt. Sterling before descending down a short and steep trail to Mt. Sterling Gap. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at Exit 24, I-40, at 8:40 AM. Topos: Luftee Knob, Cove Creek Gap

ALL DAY No. 7735                                                               September 2

(strenuous)                                    Call hike leader for start time

Gregory Bald via Wolf Ridge,

Long Hungry Ridge Trails

Hike 15.6, Drive 200, Rated AA-AA

John Pawcio 299-8126

Attention, all of you who are strong hikers and want to know the Great Smoky trails! Gregory Bald and nearby Parson Bald are the most prominent peaks in the extreme South of the Smokies, both noted for spectacular views and abundant wildflowers. To get there, you must climb over 3000 ft., but it’s worth it. A new hike for the CMC. Count on a long day and maybe supper on the way back. Second meeting place: Rest Stop on US 23-74 beyond Waynesville. Call for time. Topos: Fontana Dam, Cades Cove

ALL DAY No. 7736                                                               September 2

(moderate)                                                                         9:00 AM

Blueberry Hike

Hike 6-8, Drive 70, Rated B-B

Tom Sanders 252-6327

Though August is Blueberry month, we think there will still be plenty around on this hike, in the high spots around 6000 ft. We will start at Graveyard Fields but quickly move beyond that mass picking site to other possibilities in the Dark Prong-Iverson Gap area. Bring your containers and your stomach. A leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery and the pick. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. Overlook at Blue Ridge Parkway and US 276. Topo: Shining Rock

ALL DAY No. 7737                                                              September 9

Greasy  Cove-            Call leader

Shining Creek                                 for time        

Hike 10, Drive 70, Rated A-AA

Ascent 2160, Descent 3200

Tom Bindrim and Joan Lemire 299-1572

It’s up Grassy Cove to Shep Knob and down Shining Creek on this old fave. Should be some vacciniums left (blueberries). Wilderness, limit 10 people. Reservations needed. Topo: Shining Rock

ALL DAY No. 7738                                                            September 16

Douglas Falls-Locust                                                                 8:00 AM

Ridge Circuit

Hike 11, Drive 60, Rated A-A

Bruce Bente 692-0116

This popular CMC diversified hike features beautiful Douglas (Carter Creek) Falls, a climb through hemlocks to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, an option to climb Craggy Dome (a 6,080 peak that can be knocked off with a brief side trip), great views from a high mountain meadow, and down a manway along Locust Ridge. Topo: Montreat, Craggy Pinnacle

ALL DAY No. 7739                                                            September 23

The Blacks Beyond 6000                                                             7:30 AM

Hike 13, Drive 123, Rated AA-AA+

Rob Resnick 255-8066

This is your chance to bag 8 peaks over 6,000 on this very strenuous trip. The initial climb is 3,100 ft. and there’s much more climbing in the ups and downs between peaks, a total of over 6,000 ft. The trip is great fun with incomparable views, but do not consider this unless you are in top shape. Bring extra water. Participants should call the leader beforehand. Second meeting place: Ingles on Burnsville Bypass at 8:15 AM. Topos: Celo, Mt. Mitchell

SATURDAY No. 7740                                                          September 29

Hospital Rock, Pretty                                                                8:00 AM

Place, Rainbow Falls

Hike 12, Drive 100, Rated AB

Hank Czubek 864-292-6212

This is a challenging loop in Jones Gap State Park. Hiking past Hospital Rock we will lunch at aptly named Pretty Place. In the early afternoon we will walk to and enjoy Rainbow Falls. Second meeting place: Jones Gap State Park at 9:00. Topos: Table Rock and Cleveland (SC).

ALL DAY No. 7741                                                            September 30

Waterrock Knob, Yellow                                                             8:00 AM

Face, Blackrock Mtn.

Hike 8, Drive 80, Rated B-A

Joe Cirvelo 627-1797

This is a new hike for the club,designed as a qualifying ascent of 6,292 ft. Waterrock Knob and 6,032 ft. Yellow Face. From about a mile down the BRP we will walk up and take in Waterrock Knob before following an overgrown trail to Yellow Face and then on to Blackrock Mtn., a just under 6,000 peak aptly described by its name. Then back. Enjoy exceptional views from the Plott Balsams. Second meeting place: Rest Stop on US 23-74 beyond Waynesville at 8:40. Topo: Addie

ALL DAY No. 7742                                                                   October 7

(strenuous)                                                                         8:00 AM

Linville Gorge Rim

Hike 9-10, Drive 120, Rated A-A

Carroll Koepplinger 667-0723

This spectacular trip offering great views and dramatic topography is on the East Rim overlooking Linville Gorge. Sitting Bear, Hawksbill, and Table Rock Mountain are all on the agenda for this at times strenuous trip. A wilderness area, so limit of 10. Call leader for reservations, though we will consider two groups if necessary. Second meeting place: McDonalds in Black Mountain at 8:20. Topo: Linville Gorge Wilderness Map

ALL DAY No. 7743                                                                    October 7

(moderate)                                                                         9:00 AM

Montreat Surprise

Hike 6, Drive 30, Rated B-B

Renate Rikkers 298-9988

An exciting loop on the ridges around Montreat. We will go over 3 peaks with spectacular views: Lookout Mtn., Brushy Mtn., and Rocky Head. All in 6 miles! Second meeting place: McDonalds in Black Mountain at 9:20. Topo: Montreat

Half Day

Hike Schedule

HALF DAY No. 7744           July 15

Camp Alice Road                 1:30 PM

Hike 5, Drive 64, Rated BB

Lee Bares, 254-1273

Near Mt. Mitchell, this hike follows road from Steep Gap to shelter & spring. Sweeping views to the east where on a clear day Table Rock & Hawksbill Mt. can be seen.  Second meeting place at Folk Art Center lower parking lot at 1:45 PM.

HALF DAY No. 7746          July 22

Big East Fork/                1:30 PM

Pigeon River

Hike 5-6, Drive 90, Rated BC

Claude Duchon, (for information call Anita Downs 681-2967)

An in/out stroll along one of Western NC’s most beautiful rushing streams.  We’ll hike to a large rock area in the middle of the river.  Second meeting place 2:30 PM Big East Fork parking area on US 276 N. of Blue Ridge Parkway.

HALF DAY  No. 7747          July 29

Point Misery 1:30 PM

Hike 6, Drive 70, Rated BB

Jorge Munoz, 658-0606

On this in/out hike, we’ll follow a ridge with big old trees. Out goal is a rock outcrop between Point Misery & Yates Knob (Big Butt) which offers a grandstand view of the Blacks.  Trail can be primitive long pants & shirts are recommended.

 HALF DAY  No. 7748       August 5

Silvermine Bald                1:30 PM

Hike 5, Drive 80, Rated CB

Gerry & Paula McNabb, 274-0057, gcmcnabb@home.com

This in/out hike following the Art Loeb and MTS trails along precipitous bluffs affords high-elevation heat relief. Various vista points offer views south of Looking Glass Rock and Funnel Top.

HALF DAY  No. 7749     August 12

Horse Pasture River      1:30 PM

Hike 4, Drive 100, Rated CC

Bernard Elias, 274-0202

Walk down the river to spectacular waterfalls – Drift, Turtleback, Rainbow, & Stairway.  On the return there will be an optional swim at Stairway Falls for anyone wishing to stay back.  Trip not recommended in rain.  Plan on a late return to Asheville. Second meeting place 2:00 PM Bi-lo at Pisgah Forest

HALF DAY  No. 7750     August 19

Buck Spring Trail    11:00 AM

Hike 6.2, Drive 50, Rated BC

Diane Hankins, 298-2870 (before 9 PM)

Leisurely paced downhill car switch hike.  Suitable for anyone over 10 years old (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult.)  Note early start time. Unless other arrangements are made with leader before Aug 19th the only meeting place is Ingles parking lot across from Biltmore Square Mall.  Join us for supper at Pisgah Inn after the hike.

HALF DAY  No. 7751     August 26
Gage Bald Blueberry Hike                1:00 PM

Hike 5-6, Drive 90, Rated CC

Bruce Bente, 692-9984
NOTE EARLIER STARTING TIME.

Blueberry picking hike!  Cut the top off a milk container and loop it through your belt for carrying your blueberries. This in/out hike starts at the Bearpen Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, goes through Wet Camp Gap
with its masses of flowering Phlox, and on to Gage Bald with lots of blueberries to pick.

HALF DAY  No. 7752 September 2

Mt. Craig & Big Tom        1:30 PM

Hike 4, Drive 60, Rated CC

Richard Walkey, 697-2101 walkey@juno.com

Anita Downs, 681-2967 pmcanita@aol.com

Don’t let the CC rating fool you, the trail is very rocky and will give hikers a workout.  However, the spectacular view of 3 Mt. ranges. (Blue Ridge, Black, & Craggie Mt.) make it worth the effort.  Bring a jacket!  Only meeting place at Folk Art Center lower parking lot.                                         

HALF DAY  No. 7753 September 9

Slate Rock Creek    1:30 PM

Hike 5.5, Drive 60, Rated CC

Les Love, 658-1489 LesRLove@aol.com

Beautiful, moderate hike up Slate Rock Creek to small waterfalls and a spectacular vista.  Short car shuttle. Children 8 and older are encouraged to join.

HALF DAY  No. 7754    September 16

Cataloochee Divide Trail  1:30 PM 

Hike 4.2, Drive 70 miles, Rated C-C

Wilma Durpo  299-0904 wdurpo@mindspring.com

This in/out wooded trail occasionally offers nice views and follows the crest of the ridge that is the Eastern boundary of the Smoky Mt. Park.  Afterwards you could add a visit to Catalaoochee Valley and possibly get a view of the Elk.

HALF DAY  No. 7755    September 23

Tanyard Gap 1:30 PM

Hike 6, Drive 75, Rated BC

Jan Lounsbury, 689-5006

lounsbury.j@att.net

This A.T. hike starts at the overpass at US 25/70 & leads via Pump Gap to Lovers Leap & Hot Springs.  There are occasional glimpses of Bluff & Rich Mts. and outstanding views of French Broad River & Hot Springs Valley.  Descent from Lovers Leap is steep & Rocky.  Only meeting place will be at Ingles on bypass 25/70 Marshall.

HALF DAY  No. 7756    September 30

Haw Creek Overlook      1:30 PM

Hike 5, Drive 20, Rated CB

Barry & Heather Fletcher 299-4776

This is a favorite CMC hike on the MTS trail.  It starts at the Folk Art Center and goes through the woods with a view at the top.  

HALF DAY  No. 7757      October 7

Lane Pinnacle                1:30 PM

Hike 5, Drive 60, Rated BB

Bernard Elias, 274-0202

After a short climb of this high altitude ridge, we can enjoy 4 lovely viewpoints.  We will take MTS trail from Bee Tree Gap to Lane’s & return. Second meeting place Folk Art Center lower parking lot at 1:45 PM.