4th Quarter
All Day/Half Day Saturday and Sunday Hikes
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.
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.
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 I240 UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
ALL DAY NO. No. A0304-265 Oct. 12 Panthertown from West Entrance 8:00 AM Hike 8-9, Drive 120, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Joe Cirvello 828-627-1797 joec@brinet.com Come to see brilliant fall colors, bogs, waterfalls, plutons and great views in this beautiful valley near Cashiers. We'll do a moderately-paced loop hike in this unique setting. Second meeting place at Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 8:40 AM. Topo: Big Ridge
ALL DAY NO. A0304-266 Oct. 19 MST Sequence Hike: NC 128 - Black Mtn. Campground 7:30 AM Hike 11, Drive 130, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated A-B Lenny and Danny Bernstein 828-236-0192 lsberns@worldnet.att.net Features one over-6000' peak. This dramatic section of the MST features outstanding views and beautiful woods. Hike up and over Mt. Mitchell, then a long 3600' downhill to Black Mtn. Campground and the eastern end of the MST maintained by CMC. A chance to bag Mt. Mitchell for your SB6K patch and good fall colors along the route. NOTE: Possible key swap hike; to be decided on day of hike. Topos: Montreat, Mt. Mitchell, Celo
ALL DAY No. A0304-267 Oct. 25 Horsepasture River 8:00 AM Hike 7.5, Drive 100, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Neal Andreae 828-698-2546 nandreae@gowebway.com See the waterfalls - Drift, Turtleback, Rainbow and Stairway, ending at Windy, the finale downstream near Lake Jocassee, if the weather is not rainy. Second meeting place at Bi-lo in Pisgah Forest at 8:40 AM. Topo: Reid. Also Sierra Club guide to Jocassee Gorges.
ALL DAY No. A0304-268 Oct. 26 Hospital Rock, Pretty Place, Rainbow Falls 8:00 AM Hike 8, Drive 80, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Hank Czubek 864-292-6212 hankczubek@charter.net This is a challenging hike in Jones Gap State Park. Hiking up and past Hospital Rock we will have a spectacular view during lunch at Pretty Place. In the early afternoon we will walk to Rainbow Falls and back to our cars via a little-used trail. Second Meeting place at Jones Gap State Park at 9:00 AM. Topo: Standingstone Mtn.
ALL DAY No. A0304-269 Nov. 2 (strenuous) Richland Balsam Ramble 8:00 AM Hike 10, Drive 90, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA Dave Wetmore 828-884-7296 dwetmore@citcom.net See some country never before hiked by CMC, the pleasant old roads and beautiful meadow below Richland Balsam. Starting at Richland Balsam, we'll join the MST at Beechflat Branch and take the MST to Haywood Gap. No bushwhacking, but some rough trail and unmaintained old roads. Second Meeting Place: Rough Butt Bald overlook at BRP mile 425.4 at 8:45 AM. Topos: Tuckasegee and Sam Knob
ALL DAY No. A0304-213 Nov. 2 (moderate) Rocky Knob & Greybeard from BRP 8:30 AM Hike 6.2, Drive 60, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Tommie Boston 828-686-5029 tambee2@aol.com Note later starting time. This is a near-repeat of our May hike; this time we're hoping for good weather to enjoy the great views. We will hike from the BRP to Blue Ridge Pinnacle, and an in-out trail to Rocky Knob and Greybeard. Return using a portion of the old Toll Rd. A couple of short steep sections. This primitive trail is a 6-hour hike. The only meeting place will be the back parking lot at the Folk Art Center. Topo: Montreat
ALL DAY No. A0304-270 Nov. 9 Cedar Rock Mtn. - John Rock 8:30 AM Hike 8-9, Drive 80, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Barbara Passmore 828-230-2670 bpsss354@aol.com Note later starting time. A moderately paced hike from the Pisgah Fish Hatchery to lunch on the rock face of Cedar Rock Mtn. with its great views .Then return via Cat Gap and more great views from John Rock as we return on the John Rock and Horse Cove Trails. Second meeting place at Fish Hatchery parking lot at 9:15 AM. Topo: Shining Rock. Also Nat'l. Geographic Pisgah Ranger District map.
ALL DAY No. A0304-271 Nov. 16 Chestnutwood Mtn. 8:00 AM Hike 8.5, Drive 70, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Don Gardner 828-754-4067 gardog3@charter.net We'll do our major climbing before lunch on this pleasant hike past streams, two nice cascades, a glimpse of the Black Mtns, and a 20 year old timber harvest in the Grandfather District. Some challenging bushwacking and hiking on overgrown trails. Short car shuttle. Topo: Old Fort
ALL DAY No. A0304-415 Nov. 23 Deep Creek - Kephart's Last Stand 7:30 AM Hike 13.5, Drive 135, 2160 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA Danny Bernstein 828-236-0192 danny@hikertohiker.org This lovely hike starts at the Deep Creek entrance of the Great Smoky Mtns. Natl. Park, outside of Bryson City. The trail follows Deep Creek past a waterfall, campground and mixed woodlands to Campsite #57, Horace Kephart's last permanent campsite. Next a short, steep section of the Martin Gap Trail and then we go downhill on the Indian Creek Trail where we will enjoy another waterfall. Some rockhopping may be needed for a dry creek crossing. Second meeting place: Rest area on US 23/74 near Waynesville at 8:00 AM. Topos: Bryson City, Clingman's Dome
ALL DAY No. A0304-273 Nov. 29 Boogerman Trail 9:00 AM Hike 8, Drive 90, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Jorge Munoz 828-658-0606 jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us ote later starting time. A lush forest with giant old-growth Tulip trees and remnants of pioneer life make this a favorite loop hike in the Cataloochee area of the Smokies. If we're lucky we may spot one of the elk that have been introduced into this valley. Topos: Cove Creek Gap, Dellwood
ALL DAY No. A0304-274 Nov. 30 Chimney Tops and Alum Cave Bluffs 8:00 AM Hike 9, Drive 150, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA Amy Treverton 828-298-1882 athikerbabe@yahoo.com Two spectacular Smoky Mountain highlights on one trip! We will first climb Chimney Tops, a rocky outcropping with marvelous views of the Clingman's Dome - Mt. Le Conte area. In the afternoon we will take in Alum Cave Bluffs, another rocky wonder. Second meeting place: Quality Inn at junction of US 19 and US 276 in Maggie Valley at 8:30 AM. Topos: Clingman's Dome, Mt. Le Conte
ALL DAY No. A0304-275 Dec. 7 (strenuous)Rich Mtn., Roundtop Ridge, Pump Gap, AT 8:00 AM Hike 12, Drive 70, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated AA-A Tom Sanders 828-252-6327 mel&tgs@main.nc.us A new hike for the CMC. From Tanyard Gap we will hike north on the AT to Rich Mtn, with good views, then down beautiful Roundtop Ridge (never hiked by CMC in memory), then up Pump Gap Trail to the AT and north to the trailhead. Bordering on AA-AA with solid climbs up Rich Mtn. and Pump Gap Trail. Topo: Hot Springs
ALL DAY No. A0304-276 Dec. 7 (moderate) AT: Streets Gap to Big Bald 8:00 AM Hike 9, Drive 70, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Joanne Tulip 828-299-3495 joanne_flower@yahoo.com 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 Tennessee. The first 0.6 miles climbs up to Streets Gap, then follows the AT to Big Bald. If we're lucky, the forest will be coated with rime ice. Topo: Sams Gap and Bald Creek
ALL DAY No. A0304-277 Dec. 14 Bent Creek Loop #2 8:30 AM Hike 9-10, Drive 20, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Ruth Hartzler 828-251-0886 ruthmtn@aol.com Note later starting time. A nice Bent Creek loop originated by Tom Bindrim, starting at the Hardtimes trailhead. We will hike part of the MST, a little easy off-trail (about one-third mile), the Lower Sidehill Trail, and stroll past Lake Powhatan. A great close-in, cool weather hike. Topos: Dunsmore Mtn., Skyland
ALL DAY No. A0304-278 Dec. 21 Kitsuma Peak 9:00 AM Hike 8, Drive 60, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Lenny and Danny Bernstein 828-236-0192 lsberns@worldnet.att.net Note later starting time. Our hike up Young's Ridge offers great views of Greybeard, 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 Mtn.(exit 64) at 9:20 AM. Topos: Old Fort, Black Mtn.
ALL DAY No. A0304-280 Dec. 28 North Slope / Art Loeb Trails 8:00 AM Hike 8, Drive 70, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Larry Modlin 828-251-5092 lmodlin@warren-wilson.edu A good winter hike and a pretty trip, especially if there is some snow. We'll follow the Art Loeb Trail from the Davidson River Campground up to Neil Gap, then down the Connector and North Slope Ridge Trails to the campground, then follow the river back to the cars. Topos: Pisgah Forest, Shining Rock
NEW YEARS DAY No. A0304-281 Jan. 1 Green River Gamelands 8:30 AM breakfast, 9:30 AM Hike 8, Drive 20 (from Hendersonville), 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Bruce Bente 828-692-0116 bbente@cytechusa.com This annual hike begins with breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Hendersonville (exit 22 on I26), followed by a pleasant loop on a series of trails around the Green River Gamelands. We'll hike down to and along the Green River, with a late lunch at the big rocks on the Green River, and then hike up and out on the Pulliam Creek trail. Topo: Cliffield Mtn., and Map of the Green River Gamelands Trails
ALL DAY No. A0304-282 Jan. 4 (strenuous)Black Mtn. - Buckhorn Gap Loop 8:00 AM Hike 11-12, Drive 70, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Carroll Koepplinger 828-667-0723 carrollkoepp@cs.com This hike will first take the Black Mtn trail past Black Mtn. and Clawhammer Mtn. to Buckhorn Gap, then follow FS 5058 and the Buckhorn Gap Trail down past Twin Falls to FS 477. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place at parking lot next to Pisgah Forest Maintenance yard at 8:40 AM. Topos: Pisgah Forest, Shining Rock
ALL DAY No. A0304-283 Jan. 4 (moderate) Montreat Ramble #2 9:00 AM Hike 8, Drive 30, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Marlene Santamaria 828-299-9095 marlena98@hotmail.com Note later starting time. This will be a moderate loop hike starting in Montreat and climbing to a ridgeline. This close-to-home hike promises a good workout and nice views. Second meeting place at McDonalds in Black Mtn. at 9:30 AM. Topo: Montreat
Half-Day Sunday Hikes
Half Day hikes submitted by Elisabeth Feil, 684-8719. For the next schedule, please call Paula Robbins, 281-3253 or Pat Elias, 687-1651, with suggestions. Leaders: Mail sign-up sheets to this quarter's scheduler. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.
HALF DAY No. H0304-292 Oct. 12 North Slope Trail 1:00 PM Hike 6, Rated C-B Pat Elias 828-687-1651 peliasy@aol.com Note early start time. An easy to moderate hike in Pisgah National Forest. NOTE: Only meeting place will be the Pisgah Ranger Station new parking lot.
HALF DAY No. H0304-089 Oct. 19 Lemon Gap to Max Patch 12:30 PM Hike 5.5, Drive 140, Rated C-B Les Love 828-658-1489 lesrlove@aol.com Note the early start time. This AT hike highlights beautiful fall foliage & panoramic views from the top of Max patch. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old. (Those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult.)
HALF DAY No. H0304-293 Oct. 26 Cane Creek Loop 1:30 PM Hike 4, Drive 80, Rated C-C Gerry McNabb 828-274-0057 gcmcnabb@charter.net We'll take a clockwise loop. There are several foot bridges, some without rails. Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Ranger Station new parking lot at 2:15 PM.
HALF DAY No. H0304-294 Nov. 02 Picklesimer Fields 1:30 PM Hike 5, Drive 65, Rated C-B Tom Sanders 828-252-6327 mel&tgs@main.nc.us In and out hike from the fish hatchery. We'll take the Butter Gap trail and see how far we get. Second Meeting: Place Fish Hatchery at 2:20 PM. HALF DAY No. H0304-295 Nov. 9 Pump Gap Loop 1:00 PM Hike 4, Drive 80, Rated C-B Jorge Munoz 828-658-0606 jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us Note the early start time. From Silvermine trailhead in Hot Springs we have a good climb to the ridge where we will visit an old mountain cemetery, cross the AT and return on Pump Gap Trail. There is beautiful vegetation & scenery to enjoy beside good company.
HALF DAY No. H0304-296 Nov. 16 MST: Parkway HQ to Folk Art Center 1:00 PM Hike 5, Rated C-C Anita & Richard Walkey 828-681-2967 walkey@juno.com Note the early start time. This easy in & out hike begins at Parkway Headquarters. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old. (Those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult.) NOTE: Only meeting place will be the Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters parking area.
HALF DAY No. H0304-297 Nov. 23 Sams Gap South 12:30 PM Hike 5, Drive 50, Rated C-B Neal Andreae 828-698-2546 nandreae@gowebway.com Note early start time. An AT hike from Sams Gap to Hog Back Ridge shelter & return. An opportunity to check out the relocation under I 26 & an AT parking lot!
HALF DAY No. H0304-298 Nov. 30 Sleepy Gap from Hardtimes Trailhead 1:30 PM Hike 4-5, Drive 20, Rated C-C Elizabeth Feil 828-684-8719 hofeil@brinet.com This is a popular loop trail in the Bent Creek area. There is some climbing involved, but it will feel good on a cold day.
HALF DAY No. H0304-102 Dec. 7 Coontree Loop 1:00 PM Hike 3.7, Drive 70, Rated C-B Paula Robbins 828-281-3253 paularww@bellsouth.net Note early start time. Starting from Coontree parking area this moderate hike goes along Coontree Creek & over Coontree Mountain. Hike is steep in places. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station new parking lot at 1:45 PM.
HALF DAY No. H0304-299 Dec. 14 Christmas Party Hike Noon Hike 4-5, Drive 50, Rated C-C Diane Hankins 828-298-2870 (before 9 PM) Note early start time. Leisurely paced annual hike. Bring a little gift (wrapped, please) & receive one too. Where we go will depend on the weather. Only meeting place is the Ingles parking lot across from Biltmore Square Mall. Suitable for anyone over 10 years old. (Those under 18 MUST be accompanied by adult.)
HALF DAY No. H0304-300 Dec. 21 MST from Craven Gap or Ox Creek 1:00 PM Hike 6, Drive 14, Rated B-C Ruth Hartzler 828-251-0886 Ruthmtn@aol.com Note early start time. Depending on where BRP is open we will either start at Craven Gap or Ox Creek. Only meeting place will be the Folk Art Center back parking lot.
Half Day Dec. 28 No Hike Scheduled Happy Holiday!!!
HALF DAY No. H0304-301 Jan. 4 Pink Beds Loop 1:00 PM Hike 5, Drive 80, Rated C-C Elizabeth Feil 828-684-8719 hofeil@brinet.com Note early start time. From Pink Beds parking lot we will make a pleasant loop past meandering streams & wildlife clearings. An easy popular hike with negligible elevation change. Second meeting place: Pink Beds parking area at 2:00 PM.