All Day Sunday

And Saturday Hikes

Fourth Quarter 2001

All day hikes submitted by Tom Sanders 252‑6327. The half day hikes submitted by Elisabeth Feil 684‑8719.

Half day hike leaders, please mail your hike suggestions to CMC, PO 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 the following hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center unless otherwise noted. 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 from the first designated meeting place.

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, 7772 Oct 14

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

Road to Black Mountain Campground

Hike 11. 1, Drive 90, Rated A‑AA or AC

Amy Treverton 298‑1882

This dramatic section of the MST takes in 6,684 ft. Mt. Mitchell and features outstanding views and beautiful 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. 7773 Oct. 21

Reinhart Knob‑ 8:00 AM

Richland Balsam

Hike 6, Drive 90, Rated B‑A

Dave Wetmore 884‑7296

This hike was snowed out last November. We’ll go up Reinhart Knob the easiest way, the exposed rock chute. A steep, brushy bushwhack will take us down to the MST which we’ll follow to Judaculla Ridge. From there we bushwhack up to the Parkway and then follow the trail to Richland Balsam. Strenuous because of the difficult cross‑country travel. Wear long pants and a long‑sleeved shirt. Second meeting place: Beartrail Ridge Parking Area mile 430.4 on the Parkway at 9:00 AM. Topos: Sam Knob, Tuckasegee.

Saturday Work Trip Oct 27

See Page 5 for details.

SATURDAY No. 7774 Oct. 27

South Mountains State Park 8:30 AM

Hike 5‑6, Drive 152, Rated BC

Diane Hankins 298‑2870 (before 9 PM)

Leisurely paced all day annual trip includes great fall foliage. High Shoals Falls Loop Trail and Shinny Creek Trail. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult). Only meeting place is River Ridge parking lot near the Dress Barn (unless other arrangements made with leader before Oct. 26.) Join us for supper at Judges Riverside in Morganton. Topo: NC Parks/Rec. Dept. South Mtns State Park map.

ALL DAY No. 7775 Oct 28

Tuckasegee Gorge 9:00 AM

Hike 4, Drive 115, Rated very strenuous

Bernard Elias 274‑0202

This is a spectacular, thrilling, but very rugged and hazardous trip. Huge boulders, potholes, crevices, and fissures – only for the hale and hearty. Wear non‑slip sole shoes. Second meeting place at Bi‑Lo Parking Area in Pisgah Forest toward 9:45. Topo: Big Ridge.

ALL DAY No. 7776 Nov. 4

(strenuous) 7:30 AM

Mt. Guyot and Old Black

Hike 16, Drive 140, Rated AA‑AA+

Bill Ross 299‑7637

Bagging two “40 over 6000” peaks, lush woods, and spectacular views are the rewards for making this 4,321 foot very strenuous climb. Be in top shape for this challenging trip. Second meeting place: Midway Truck Stop at I-40 and NC 209, Exit 24, at 8:00 AM. Topos: Luftee Knob and Mt. Guyot.

ALL DAY No. 7777 Nov. 4

(moderate) 9:00 AM

Little Butt Overlook

(Point Misery)

Hike 6, Drive 70, Rated BB

Lee Finger 645‑3318

This pleasant hike along the southernmost twist of the Black Mtns. features lunch at the overlook on Little Buff, which has a superb panorama of Mt. Mitchell and the Blacks. In and out from Balsam Gap. Second meeting place: Craven Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway at 9:25 AM. Topos: Montreat and Mt. Mitchell.

November 9: Annual Meeting

See front page for details.

ALL DAY No. 7778 Nov. 11

Stairs Mountain Loop

Hike 7‑8, Drive 80, Rated A‑AA

Ascent and Descent 2,400 ft.,

Tom Bindrim 299‑1572

This wilderness area loop is ftom Camp Daniel Boone to Stairs Mtn., across the Narrows to Dock Patch under Datsunalasgunyi, and return to Camp via Art Loeb Trail. Limit 10 people. Call for reservations, at which the time and place of meeting will be given. Topo: Shining Rock/Middle Prong Wilderness Map or Cruso, Waynesville.

BACKPACK No. 7779 Nov. 16‑18

AT Sequence Backpack: 8:00 AM **Hike Details**

Watauga Dam to Damascus

· Hike 37, Drive 300, Rated AA‑AA

· Don Walton 298‑5084

Join this exciting fun and adventure trip on the last NC‑TN section of the AT up to VA. Begin with views of Lake Watauga and then walk through rich fall colors. This is not a difficult part of the AT, and if you are in good shape you can handle the pace of 11, 11, and 15 miles during the 3 days. Contact Don on tips for traveling light and combining equipment with buddies. Maps: Appalachian Trail Guide: Tennessee‑North Carolina

SATURDAY No. 7780 Nov. 24

Asbury Trail 9:00 AM

Hike 8, Drive 90, Rated B‑A

Tom Sanders 252‑6327

It’s been a decade since CMC has scheduled this hike in the Smokies, going from Cove Creek Gap to Mt. Sterling Gap in the Cataloochee area. Work off your Thanksgiving excess on this solid trip, which features the typical beautiful trees and streams of the Smokies. Car shuttle. Topos: Cove Creek Gap, Luftee Knob

ALL DAY No. 7781 Nov. 25

Bearwallow Mountain 8:00 AM

Hike 8, Drive 30, Rated B‑B

Lewis and Jane Blodgett 274‑7863

This hike in the Chimney Rock Mountains is an old CMC favorite. From Hickory Nut Gap on US 74A, we will go over Ferguson Peak, then through undulating, open meadows before reaching our lunch spot at the fire tower on Bearwallow. Extraordinary views down
toward the Lake Lure area. Topo: Bat Cave.

ALL DAY No. 7782 Dec. 2

(strenuous) 8:00 AM

Cedar Rock Circuit

Hike 10, Drive 85, Rated A‑A

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

This great loop begins at the Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery, ascends Cat Gap Trail, and features lunch on top of Cedar Rock with its spectacular views. We will then circle around Cedar Rock to Butter Gap and descend along a beautiful stream and Picklesimer Fields back to the Hatchery. Second meeting place: Pisgah Forest Ranger Station at 8:45 AM. Topo: Pisgah Forest.

ALL DAY No. 7783 Dec. 2

(moderate) 9:00 AM

Shut‑In and Sleepy Gap Trails

Hike 9.5, Drive 25, Rated B‑B

Rusty Breeding 692‑0359

This popular nearby loop ascends the Shut‑In Trail through lovely woods and outstanding views with the leaves gone. We then descend via the Sleepy Gap Trail to Lake Powhatan and finish with a stroll alongside Bent Creek. Second meeting place: Lower Parking Area at NC Arboretum at 9:15 AM. Topo: Skyland.

ALL DAY No. 7784 Dec. 9

Pine Mountain Loop 8:00 AM

Hike 9‑ 10, Drive 50, Rated A‑AA

Ascent and Descent 2180

Tom Bindrim 299‑1572

Returning to an area the CMC hasn’t been to since 1976, we’ll ascend Seniard Mtn. to Double Head and Pine Mtn. (the one the Parkway tunnel goes under) and return through Bent Creek Gap, Bad Fork Hollow, and Wash Creek. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.

ALL DAY No. 7785 Dec. 16

Double Top to Balsam Gap 8:00 AM

Hike 8.5, Drive 70, Rated B‑C

Larry Modlin 251‑5092

This is a moderate downhill trip on a section of the Mountains‑to Sea that is maintained by a group in Waynesville. Features diversified woods and views of the Plott Balsams. Second Meeting Place beyond Waynesville on US 23‑74 at 8:45. Topo: Hazlewood

ALL DAY No. 7786 Dec. 23

AT Sequence Hike: 7:30 AM

Wesser to Wesser Bald

Hike 13, Drive 150, Rated AA‑AA

Bob Byrd 299‑7681

This is a strenuous but special trip which traverses beautiful forest, climbs rocky ridges, and finally after climbing 2,500 ft. culminates atop a fantastic viewpoint, Wesser Bald. An in and out beginning and ending at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Second meeting place: Rest Area on US 23‑74 beyond Waynesville at 8:05 AM. Topo: Wesser

ALL DAY No. 7787 Dec. 30

Kitsuma Peak 8:00 AM

Hike 9, Drive 85, Rated B‑B

John Pawcio 299‑8126

Our hike up Young’s Ridge offers great views of Graybeard, Green Knob, and the Mt. Mitchell area. Also there’s a grandstand view of the Swannanoa Valley from our lunch spot. Second meeting place: McDonald’s in Black Mountain, 8:30 AM. Topo: Old Fort

NEW YEAR’S HIKE No. 7788 Jan. 1

Green River Game Lands

9:00 AM Breakfast, 10:00 AM Hike

Hike 8, Drive 20 (from Hendersonville),

Rated B‑C

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

This annual fun hike begins with breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Hendersonville, followed by a pleasant loop on a series of trails around the Green River Game Lands, with good views of the Green River and surrounding mountains. Late lunch at the big rocks on the Green River. Topo: Clifford Mtn. and Map of the Green River Game Lands Trails.

ALL DAY No. 7789 Jan. 6

AT: Devils Fork Gap to Carmen 8:00 AM

Hike 11, Drive 94, Rated A-A

Les Love 658‑1489

This trip goes along 8.8 of the most beautiful miles on the Appalachian Trail. It features two shelters, including Jerry’s Cabin, an historic grave site, and beautiful views from atop Big Butt. We then go down Fork Ridge to Carmen. Car shuttle. Topos: Flagpond and Greystone.

ALL DAY No. 7790 Jan. 13

Black Mountain‑ 8:00 AM

Avery Creek Trails

Hike 13, Drive 100, Rated AA‑AA

Tom Sanders 252‑6327

From Pisgah Forest Ranger Station, we will climb steadily up 4,286 ft. Black Mtn. and Clawhammer Mtn. to Club Gap, along a ridge with spectacular views, then down beautiful Avery Creek. A great winter hike. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station at 8:45 AM. Topo: Pisgah Forest

Half Day

Hike Schedule

Half Day No. 7791 October 14

Balsam Gap to 1:30 PM

Greybeard Overlook

Hike 3.4, Drive 60, Rated C‑C

John Pawcio 299‑8126

In addition to excellent views, this short but interesting car‑shuttle hike on the MST has many high elevation features: northern hardwood forest, spruce forest, heath bald, and even a grassy bald. There are many small ups (and downs) which may bring the elevation gain a bit over 1,000 ft.

Half Day No. 7792 October 21

Daniel Ridge Trail 12:30 PM

Hike 4, Drive 70, Rated C‑C

Eugene Jaroslaw, 255‑9925

Note early start time. We’ll start our loop hike with a lunch/snack at the river site. Then a very pretty hike along the Davidson River for a half mile. We finish with a spectacular view of a waterfall with a 90‑foot drop. Meet leader at Pisgah Ranger Station at 1:00 PM

Half Day No. 7793 October 28

Turkey Pen Ramble 1:30 PM

Hike 5‑6, Drive 55, Rated C‑C

Bruce Bente 692‑9984

This will be a new hike starting at the Turkeypen parking lot. We will cross the Mills River suspension bridge, then do a loop hike through Pea Gap and incorporate parts of different trails. No river crossings, and the leaf color will be at its brightest!

Half Day No. 7794 November 4

Coontree Loop 1:30 PM

Hike 3.7, Drive 70, Rated C‑B

Paula Robbins 281‑3253

This moderately paced hike is a good one for the fall, when leaves are gone and ridge top views can be seen. Second meeting place: BiLo at Pisgah Forest about 2:00 PM

Half Day No. 7795 November 11

Carl Sandburg 1:30 PM

Hike 4, Drive 50, Rated C‑C

Laura Mercadante 697‑1579

This leisurely hike will take in the house, grounds, lake, and Big Grassy Mtn. Second meeting place: parking lot across from Carl Sandburg’s home in Flat Rock at about 2:00 PM

Half Day No. 7796 November 18

Jones Mtn. Trail 1:30 PM

Hike 4. 1, Drive 35, Rated C‑C

Tommie Boston 686‑5029

This is a very nice moderate loop hike on the Warren Wilson College property. It should prove to be a favorite winter hike.

Half Day No. 7797 November 25

DuPont Forest 1:30 PM

Rusty Breeding 692‑0359

Hike 4‑5, Drive 70 ?, Rated C‑C

This easy walk on roads and trails in Dupont State Forest features three spectacular waterfalls and two pretty lakes. Meet leader at I‑26, Exit 22, front corner of parking lot below McDonald’s at 2:00 PM

Half Day No. 7798 December 2

High Windy 1:30 PM

Hike 5, Drive 35, Rated C‑B

Anita & Richard Walkey 681‑2967

This favorite CMC climb has sweeping views of Black Mountain and the Craggies. Second meeting place in the upper parking lot of the Blue Ridge Assembly at 1:45 PM.

Half Day No. 7799 December 9

Arboretum‑Bent Creek Ramble 1:30 PM

Hike 4, Drive 18, Rated C‑C

Gerry McNabb, 274‑0057,

gcmcnabb@home.com

Second meeting place: 1:45 PM, Greenhouse Parking Lot. After leaving the Greenhouse well circumscribe Lake Powatan and perambulate the park trails before returning to the cars.

Half Day No. 7800 December 16

Christmas Party Hike 12:30 PM

Hike 4‑5, Drive 50, Rated C‑C

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

Leisurely paced annual hike.

Note the early start time. Bring a little gift (wrapped please) for the party and receive one, too. Where we will go will depend on the weather. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult). Only meeting place is Ingles parking lot across from Biltmore Square Mall (unless other arrangements made with leader before Dec. 16).

Half Day No. 7801 December 23

Biltmore Estate Hike Noon

Hike 7, Drive 0, Rated B‑B

Jan Lounsbury 689‑5006

New adventure for CMC. Hike the trails of the Biltmore Estate. Will climb some gentle hills. (Guided tour of house after hike, optional). Hikers will need season pass or to purchase ticket for admission to estate BEFORE meeting to start hike. Limit 20 hikers. Call leader for meeting place and to reserve a space.

Half Day No. 7802 December 30

Rocky Head 1:00 PM

Hike 5, Drive 50, Rated C‑C

Bernard Elias 274‑0202

Note early start time. From Campground in Montreat Conference Center, we’ll climb very steeply for an hour to Rocky Head and loop moderately back to campground via Sourwood Gap, Trestle Road, and Assembly Drive. Second meeting place McDonald’s at Exit 64 of I‑40 at 1:30 PM. Topo: Map of Montreat Conference Center.

Half Day No. 7803 January 6

Ferguson Peak 1:30 PM

Hike 3, Drive 30, Rated C‑C

Jane and Lew Blodgett 274‑7863

This short but steep climb will take care of some of the calories we accumulated over the holidays. Excellent views of the Fairview area will be our reward. Second meeting place is Hickory Nut Gap on US 74‑A, 5 miles north of Bat Cave.