All
Day & Half Day Saturday and Sunday Hikes
4th
Quarter 2002
Hike Ratings
First Letter Second 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.
All Day hikes submitted by Tom Sanders, 252-6327. Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center near Commercial Credit Corp. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
ALL DAY No. 7929 Oct. 6
Cedar Rock Mtn.- 8:00 am
John Rock Loop
Hike 8, Drive 80, Rated B-A
Lewis and Jane Blodgett, 274-7863
This trip 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 major climb up to Cat Gap and then on to Cedar Rock for lunch. We’ll return via John Rock. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station on US 276 at 9:45. Topo: Shining Rock.
ALL DAY No. 7930 Oct. 13
Mt. Leconte via Trillium Gap 8:00 am
and Rainbow Falls Trails
Hike 13, Drive 150, Rated AA-AA
Amy Treverton, 298-1882
This strenuous trip in the Great Smoky Mountains features two beautiful waterfalls—Grotto Falls and Rainbow Falls—as well as exceptional views from 6,593 Mt. Leconte. Plan on a 3,000 ft. ascent but along a well-graded trail. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop off I-40 at Exit 24. Topo: Mt. Leconte.
Saturday No. 7957 October 19
Work Trip (see front page article)
meet at the Moose Café 8:00 am
ALL DAY No. 7958 Oct. 20
Graybeard Mountain 8:00 am
Hike 10-11, Drive 35, Rated A-AA
Bill Ross, 299-7637
An exciting ridgetop manway along the
middle mountain is our path to the summit. There’ll be good views, a delightful hike, and a great workout. Fairly strenuous, including a very steep first mile. Second meeting place: McDonald’s off I-40 in Black Mountain. Topo: Montreat
SATURDAY No. 7959 Oct. 26
AT: Allen Gap to Tanyard Gap 8:30 am
Hike 9, Drive 80, Rated A-A
Paul Benson, 667-4279
Visiting Spring Mountain shelter, great views from Rich Mountain, and one of the prettiest sections of the AT highlight this hike, when leaves should be at their height. A perfect fall experience. Topo: Hot Springs
ALL DAY No. 7960 Oct. 27
Green Knob Fire Tower 9:00 am
Hike 7, Drive 80, Rated B-A
Tommy Boston, 686-5029
The Lost Cove Ridge Trail climbs steadily from Black Mountain Campground to fantastic views and a first-class lunch spot atop Green Knob. The 2000’ elevation gain provides an excellent workout through beautiful woods. Moderate plus. Only meeting place, Folk Art Center at 9:00 am. Topo: Celo
ALL DAY No. (strenuous) 7961 Nov. 3
AT: Brown Gap to 8:00 am
Davenport Gap
Hike 12.5, Drive 110, Rated AA-AA
Barbara Passmore, 667-8684
Count on a strenuous trip, though the
cumulative climb from North to South is modestly over 2,000 feet. Lush woods and good views from Snowbird Mtn. feature this trip. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop on NC 209, off I-40 at Exit 24. Topo: Waterville
ALL DAY No. (moderate) 7962 Nov. 3
Lower Laurel River 9:00 am
Hike 6, Drive 60, Rated B-C
Lewis and Jane Blodgett, 274-7863
A relaxed but spectacular stroll along one of Western North Carolina’s most beautiful streams, with white water, rocks, and surrounding high cliffs. Hikers will also visit the historic Runyan logging camp and lunch along the Laurel River. This is a superb hike to know because of its accessibility, ease, and beauty. Topo: Hot Springs
ALL DAY No. 7963 Nov. 10
Hospital Rock, Pretty Place,
Rainbow Falls 8:00 am
Hike 12, Drive 100, Rated A-B
Hank Czubek, 864-292-6212
This is one of Hank’s challenging hikes along the SC border from 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 am Topos: Table Rock and Cleveland (SC).
ALL DAY No. 7964 Nov. 17 **Hike Details**
Craggy to Little Snowball 8:00 am
Hike 8.5, Drive 30, Rated B-AA
Don Walton, 298-5084
From Craggy Gardens we will take the Snowball Trail to Highrocks, with great views, then on to Snowball Gap. We will then follow an old road around Little Snowball Mtn. to the old Lookout atop Little Snowball. The CMC is trying to get permission to clear the trees and bring back the gorgeous 360 degree views that make this a classic hike close to Asheville. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle
Nov. 23 and 24
WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE
Attention all hike leaders and hikers!
The CMC is sponsoring a Wilderness First Aid Course on Nov. 23-24 at Warren Wilson College. The 16-hour course will be taught by Landmark of Cullowhee. All hikers and hike leaders are urged to take this course, which will cost $45. For
information and enrollment contact Danny Bernstein at 236-0192 or
danny@hikertohiker.org
MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA
SEQUENCE HIKE Nov. 30-Dec. 1 Two consecutive day hikes to continue a planned traverse from West to East of the completed sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in the mountains. Both hikes are on sections of the MST maintained by CMC. Come for one or both. Subsequent sections of the MST will be led in the Spring.
SATURDAY NO. 7965 Nov. 30
FR-816 to US 276 8:00 am
Hike 11, Drive 70, Rated A-A
Lenny Bernstein, 236-0192
We should have fine winter views of Graveyard Fields and Looking Glass Rock. Topo: Shining Rock
SUNDAY NO. 7966 Dec. 1
US 276 to NC 151 8:00 am
Hike 10, Drive 50, Rated A-A
Lenny Bernstein, 236-0192
We’ll hike past the Pisgah Inn and over the top of Little Pisgah Mountain. Topos: Shining Rock, Pisgah Forest
ALL DAY No. 7967 Dec. 8
Dupont Forest Circular 8:00 am
Hike 12, Drive 80, Rated A-A
Danny Bernstein, 236-0192
Four outstanding waterfalls, lunch on top of a mountain, and a variety of trails in one of WNC’s newest state forests. A low altitude hike, appropriate for the season. Call leader about a second meeting point.
ALL DAY No. 7968 Dec. 15
Ferrin Knob via Spencer 8:00 am
Branch and Bad Fork
Hike 8-9, Drive 42, Rated B-A
John Pawcio, 299-8126
This popular winter loop in the North Mills River Recreation Area is moderate but includes a long climb up to Ferrin Knob, a former fire tower site, for lunch. Second meeting place at North Mills River Recreation Area parking lot but call leader. Topo: Dunsmore Mountain
ALL DAY No. 7969 Dec. 22
East Fork Pigeon River 8:00 am
Hike 8, Drive 90, Rated B-B
Tom Sanders, 252-6327
This should be a great winter trip along one of the WNC’s most beautiful streams. Starting from the parking area on US 276 we will follow the East Fork of the Pigeon River up to Dark Prong and then return. Topo: Shining Rock
ALL DAY No. 7970 Dec. 29
Mountains-to-Sea: French 9:00 am
Broad River to US 74-A
Hike 10.5, Drive 15, Rated A-C
Jan Thorsen, 299-3944
This winter leg-stretcher near Asheville is easy, pleasant, and guaranteed to give you exercise to make up for excessive Christmas and New Year eating. Topo: Asheville
NEW YEAR’S HIKE No. 7971 Jan. 1
(for description see the Wednesday hike schedule)
ALL DAY No. 7972 Jan. 5
Tanyard Gap-Hot Springs- 9:00 am
Pump Gap Loop
Drive 80, Hike 10, Rated A-A
Carroll Koepplinger, 667-0723
This great winter hike begins at Tanyard Gap and follows the Appalachian Trail through beautiful woods and includes views from Lovers Leap and a walk along the French Broad River. We will return via the Pump Gap Trail and the AT. Topo: Hot Springs
ALL DAY No. 7973 Jan. 12
Black Mountain Ramble 8:00 am
Hike 12, Drive 55, Rated A-A
Bruce Bente, 692-0116
This is a new hike for the CMC. It starts at Turkey Pen parking area, then over Sharpy Mtn., and Black Mtn., ending at the Ranger Station. A long uphill, but good views from around Black Mtn. Topo: Pisgah Forest. Also Pisgah National Forest Map
Half Day hikes submitted by Anita and Richard Walkey, 681-2967. For the next schedule, please call Elizabeth Feil,
684-8719, with suggestions. Leaders: mail sign-up sheets to this quarter’s scheduler. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.
HALF DAY No. 7943 Oct. 6
Black Balsam Gap to 1:30 pm
Skinny Dip Bridge
Hike 5, Drive 75, Rated C-B
Anita and Richard Walkey, 671-2967
A car shuttle to get to a nice walk on the backside of Graveyard Fields area. Spectacular mountain views. Moderate. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. Overlook at BRP and Hwy 276 at 2:10 pm.
HALF DAY No. 7974 Oct. 13
Caney Bottom 1:30 PM
Hike 4, Drive 90 Rated CC
Gerry McNabb, 274-0057
e-mail gcmcnabb@charter.net
This hike near John Rock in the Davidson River area is a loop trail climbing some
500 feet, returning along the creek through woods. Fall color. Second Meeting Place: Ranger Station on 276 about 2:10 PM. Topo map is Shining Rock.
HALF DAY No. 7975 Oct. 20
Twin Falls 1:00 PM
Hike 6, Drive 80, Rated BB
Les Love, 658-1489
e-mail LesRLove@aol.com
Note early start time. A moderate hike in the Pisgah National Forest. Start on Buckhorn Gap Trail to the Twin Falls Bypass for 2 nice waterfalls. Then complete a loop on FS Road & Clawhammer Cove Trail. Second meeting place Pisgah Ranger Station at 1:45 PM.
HALF DAY No. 7976 Oct. 27
Snowball 1:00 PM
Hike 4, Drive 35, Rated CB
George Munoz, 658-0606
e-mail jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us
Note Early start time. Outstanding views on this moderate hike to Hawksbill Rock. Starts near Craggy picnic area. First meeting place is the lower parking area at the Folk Art Center. Second meeting place Craven Gap @ 1:15 PM.
HALF DAY No. 7977 Nov. 3 **Hike Details**
Rattlesnake Lodge 1:30 PM
Hike 4-5, Drive 20, Rated CC
Don Walton, 298-5084
e-mail dwalton@groveparkinn.com
Start at Bull Gap & follow the MST above Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike from Ox Creek to site of former lodge built by Dr. Ambler around 1900. Second meeting place Craven Gap.
HALF DAY No. 7977 Nov. 10
Rich Mt from Tanyard Gap 1:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 72, Rated CB
Bill Ross, 299-7637
e-mail wrossmath@cs.com
Unsurpassed views from fire tower near Hot Springs after a good climb from Tanyard Gap on the Appalachian Trail.
HALF DAY No. 7978 Nov. 17
John Rock 1:30 PM
Hike 5.5, Drive 85, Rated CB
Neal Andreae, 698-2546
e-mail: nandreae@gowebway.com
A colorful loop hike from the Fish Hatchery (FS 475B off Rte 276 a few miles Past the Pisgah Ranger station)–counterclockwise on the Cat Gap trail to John Rock. Returning via the Cat Gap/John Rock connectors. ONLY Meeting Place is the Fish Hatchery at 1:30.
HALF DAY No. 7979 Nov. 24
Looking Glass Rock 12:30 PM
Hike 6.2, Drive 60, Rated CB
Siri Perry, 890-5707
e-mail: sirip@bellsouth.net
Note early start time. A moderately difficult, well-graded trail leads to the top of this interesting mountain. There are excellent view spots all along the way up. Second meeting place at Pisgah Ranger Station at 1:15 PM
HALF DAY No. 7980 Dec. 1
Coontree Loop 1:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 70, Rated CB
Paula Robbins, 281-3253
e-mail: probbinswestwood@mindspring.com
Start from Coontree parking area, located on US 276 in the Pisgah National Forest. A good moderate hike that takes you along Coontree Creek and over Coontree MT. Hike is steep in places. ONLY meeting place is the Pisgah Ranger Station.
HALF DAY No. 7981 Dec. 8
Lovers Leap via Tanyard Gap 1:30 PM
Hike 6, Drive 72, Rated BC
Bill Ross, 299-7637
e-mail: wrossmath@cs.com
This in & out hike on the Appalachian Trail starts at the overpass of US 25/70. Lovers Leap provides great views of the French Broad River & surrounding Mountains.
HALF DAY No. 7982 Dec. 15
Christmas Party Hike 12:30 pm
Hike 4-5, Drive 50, Rated CC
Diane Hankins, 2998-2870 (before 9 pm)
Note early start time–Leisurely paced annual hike. Bring a little gift (wrapped please) for the party & receive one too. Where we go will depend on the weather. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old (those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult.) Unless other arrangements are made with leader BEFORE Dec 14th, the ONLY meeting place will be Ingles parking lot across from Biltmore Square Mall.
HALF DAY Dec. 22
No Hike Leader Available
Have a Great Holiday!
HALF DAY DEC 29
No Hike Leader Available
Have a Great Holiday!
HALF DAY No. 7983 Jan. 5
Turkey Pen Loop 1:30 PM Hike 5, Drive 55, Rated C-C
Bruce Bente, 692-0116
e-mail: bbente@cytechusa.com
A nice winter hike, low elevation and close to Asheville. We'll cross the footbridge over the S. Fork of the Mills River, then do a loop on the scenic Pounding Mill and Mullinax trails.