All Day Saturday and Sunday Hikes
4th Quarter 2005
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 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. Some hikes will have second meeting places as described in hike listings.
This weekend’s events will be based at Fontana Village Resort near Fontana Dam in the Smokies. We will schedule a variety of hikes of different lengths for Saturday, Oct. 1 and Sunday, Oct. 2. Additional information will be posted on the CMC E-Newsletter, including descriptions of the planned hikes and Fontana Village information, including reduced room rates for this event. For those without access to the Internet who wish a paper copy of this information, please telephone Bruce Bente at 828-692-0116.
Hike 8.7, Drive 95, 3500 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net
P400 This very strenuous and difficult hike will start with an initial very steep mile (up to 39 degree incline) to Green Knob and its spectacular views, then we’ll do a short bushwhack down to the Buckeye Gap trail. We’ll return on the seldom-hiked lower Haywood Gap Trail returning to the Sunburst Campground. There are two wet crossings, one river and one carway. Wilderness area limited to ten people. Please contact leader to reserve your space. Topo: Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map
Hike 10, Drive 120, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Joe Cirvello, 828-627-1797, cirvello25@bellsouth.net
I spent all day with two other CMC hikers exploring alternative trails for the annual Panthertown Prowl, and concluded that we could not improve on the route that was used in the past. So this year we will again begin and end at the West entrance for the fantastic views of Panthertown valley, then hike to Upper Warden's Falls, Schoolhouse Falls, and then lunch on top of Little Green with great views. After lunch, we'll hike down and through the valley, up to the summit of Big Green, down along Panthertown Creek, past Granny Burrell Falls and back up to Salt Rock Gap for our farewell views of the valley. Second meeting place: Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 8:30 AM Topo: Big Ridge
Hike 10.2, Drive 140, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-B
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com
900M An outstanding rock outcrop along the AT and stunning views are the highlights of the trip. From Newfound Gap, we’ll hike 4 miles to our lunch spot at the Bunion, then along Dry Sluice Gasp, Grassy Branch and Kephart Prong Trails down to US 441. Note that this hike has 2800 ft. of descent . Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Quality Inn in Maggie Valley, US 19 SIDE, at 8:40 AM Topos: Clingman’s Dome, Mt. Guyot, Smokemont; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map
Hike 8, Drive 50, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.org
Note later start time. Our hike up Young’s Ridge offers great views of Greybeard, Green Knob and the Mt. Mitchell area. We will return on old US 70, now blocked off to traffic, where we will see the railroad and tunnel. This hike is the CMC contribution to the WNC “Together We Read” program, which this year is reading “The Road” by John Ehle, about building the railroad up to Swannanoa Gap. Second meeting place: Parking lot adjacent to McDonald’s at exit 64 of I-40 at 9:20 AM. Topos: Old Fort, Black Mtn.
Hike 9, Drive 80, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, bsmucker@charter.net
Starting at Jones Gap St. Park (NOTE: $2 entry fee per person), we will hike a scenic loop route with great leaf colors. We’ll ascend on the Rim of the Gap trail. On top, we’ll take the #21 trail to Pinnacle Pass trail, then down with a stop at a spectacular overlook of the valley far below. Second meeting place: Left side of Ingles parking lot at 8:40 AM (I-26 to exit 53, right on Upward Rd. 1 mile to Ingles at US 176); also Jones Gap St. Park parking lot at 9:00 AM. Topos: Cleveland, Table Rock; also Mountain Bridge Wilderness map
Tom Bindrim and Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7296, dwetmore@citcom.net
Based on the interest expressed when we first had this course last spring, we have decided to offer it again. Attendees must bring a compass and a copy of the Dunsmore Mtn. topo map. The map can be bought at a good outdoors store or a Foirest Service office. There will be a short informal class, followed by a practical exercise. Please contact Dave Wetmore for information on the meeting time and to register. You must register before the course. No walk-ins please. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.
(strenuous)
Hike 12.2, Drive 60, 3100 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+
Don Walton, 828-654-990, donwalton@bellsouth.net
P400 This strenuous will start at the Buck Springs parking area on US 276 and cover the entire AMST down to US 276 near the maintenance yard. It will feature great views from Clawhammer and Black Mtn.. Car shuttle. Topos: Shining Rock, Cruso, Dunsmore Mtn., Pisgah Forest; also Nat’l. Geo. PNF map and MST Profiles, pg. 76 - 79
(moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 55, 1700 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Ruth Hartzler, 828-251-0886, ruthmtn@aol.com
Note later start time. We will take the Big Butt trail from Balsam Gap on the BRP, following the ridge crest to Big Butt (Yeates Knob), a short bushwhack at just under 6000 ft., and return via the same route. We will stop at Point Misery for lunch and late fall views of the Black Mtns. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 8:50 AM. Topos: Montreat, Mt. Mitchell; also South Toe River PNF map
Hike 7, Drive 40, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Tom Bindrim & Joan Lemire, 828-273-3880
We’ll do our major climbing before lunch on this pleasant hike past streams, cascades, a glimpse of the Black Mtns., and a 25 year old timber harvest in the Grandfather District. Some bushwhacking on overgrown trails, and a short car shuttle. Topo: Old Fort
Hike 10, Drive 75, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Don Walton, 828-654-9904, don walton@bellsouth.net
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 steeply to Street Gap on the AT, then follows the AT to Big Bald. Weather permitting, we plan to spend a long lunch on the summit, enjoying the view, so bring appropriate clothing. Topos: Sams Gap, Bald Creek
Hike 11, Drive 70, 2300 ft. ascent, Rated AA-A
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary@charter.net
From Tanyard Gap we will hike north on the AT to Rich Mtn. for good views, then down beautiful Roundtop Ridge, then up Pump Gap Trail to the AT and north to Tanyard Gap. Bordering on AA-AA with solid climbs up Rich Mtn. and Pump Gap trail. Topo: Hot Springs
(strenuous)
Hike 10, Drive 80, 1650 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Ann Gleason, 828-859-9387, cowbonetail@yahoo.com
Starting at Jones Gap St. Park (NOTE: $2 entry fee per person), we will hike up the Jones Gap Trail along the Middle Saluda River, then the Bill Kimball Trail up through the boulders and forest, climbing over the granite face of El Lieutenant. We’ll continue on the Kimball trail, walk a short portion of US 276 to our return loop on the Tom Miller and Jones Gap Trails. *Meet at Westgate to form carpools and meet leader at left side of Ingles parking lot (H’ville) at 8:40 AM (I-26 to exit 53, right on Upward Rd. 1 mile to Ingles at US 176); also Jones Gap St. Park parking lot at 9:00 AM. Topos: Cleveland, Table Rock; also Mountain Bridge Wilderness map
(moderate)
Hike 9, Drive 80, 1100 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Chip Miller, 828-654-9331, backpacker54nc@bellsouth.net
P400 *Note later start time. This new CMC loop hike will start from Cathey’s Creek Rd. and follow an overgrown forest road to the Art Loeb Trail, with lunch at the Butter Gap shelter. We’ll return via a no-name trail for variety. Nice winter views. Second meeting place: Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 9:00 AM Topos: Rosman, Shining Rock
Hike 11, Drive 65, 3400 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Joanne Tulip, 828-299-3495, tulipinnc@aol.com
This strenuous trip from Curtis Creek climbs up and over the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Green Knob fire tower. Great views along the way as well as at the lunch stop on the summit of Green Knob. May be challenging if there is snow at the higher elevations. Topo: Old Fort
Hike 8.5, Drive 60, 3200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA+
Paul Benson, 828-251-190, pdbenson@charter.net
SB6K, P400 Note early start time. We will hike from the Big East parking lot up the steep Chestnut Ridge trail over Dog Loser and Old Butt knobs to lunch at Shining Rock (6040 ft.) 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 leader for reservations. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map
Hike 9, Drive 20, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Lenny & Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.org
P400 Note later start time. Join us for a Christmas hike around Bent Creek, starting at the Hardtimes trailhead. A great close-in, cool weather hike suitable for everyone. Dinner at a casual Chinese restaurant for those interested. Topos: Dunsmore Mtn. , Skyland; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map
Hike 8, Drive 20 (from Hendersonville), 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com
*Form carpools at Westgate at 7:30 AM and meet leader for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Hendersonville (exit 53 on I 26). After breakfast, we’ll do 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. Short car shuttle. Topo: Cliffield Mtn., and Map of the Green River Gamelands Trails
HALF-DAY No. H0504-467 Oct. 2
Dupont Forest: Cascade Lake P.L #1 12:30 PM*
Hike 5+ miles, Drive 75, Rated C-C
Rusty Breeding, 828-692-0359, bree@planetusa.net
Note early start time. Hike begins at 1:30 PM at the Cascade Lake Road parking lot. One boots-off creek crossing; bring water shoes. Highlights: Bridal Veil Falls from the top and Big Rock overlook. *Meet at Westgate at 12:30 PM to form carpools; meet leader at side parking lot of Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 1:00 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-286 Oct. 9
Sycamore Cove Trails 1:00 PM*
Hike 6, Drive 70, Rated B-B
Pat Elias, 828-687-1651, patelias@bellsouth.net
A moderate hike (some uphill) in the Pisgah National Forest along several trails: Thrift Cove, Grassy Road. *Meet at Westgate at 1:00 PM to form carpools; meet leader at entrance to Davidson River Campground parking lot on US 276 at 1:45 PM.
HALF DAY No. H0504-008 Oct. 16
Bee Tree Gap Road to Rattlesnake Lodge 1:00 PM
Hike 5.7, Drive 35, Rated B-B
Don Walton, 828-654-9904, donwalton@bellsouth.net
Note early start time. This moderate hike will feature good views and a variety of trees and late wild flowers in bloom. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Folk Art Center lower parking lot at 1:20 PM.
HALF DAY No. H0504-485 Oct. 23
Old U.S. 70 and the Railroad 12:30 PM
Hike 5-6, Drive 60, 1,000-ft ascent, Rated C-B
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.org
Note early start time. We will walk up on old U.S. 70, now blocked off from traffic, to Swannanoa Gap, where we will enjoy a view of the valley, the railroad and tunnel. This hike is the CMC contribution to the WNC “Together We Read” program; this year’s book is The Road by John Ehle, about building the railroad up to Swannanoa Gap. (See www.togetherweread.org.) Second meeting place: Parking lot adjacent to McDonald’s at exit 64 of I-40 at 12:50 PM. Topos: Old Fort, Black Mountain.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-068 Oct. 30
Balsam Gap to Point Misery 1:00 PM
Hike 6, Drive 70, Rated B-B
Jorge Munoz, 828-658-0606, jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us
Note early start time. This in-and-out hike begins at Balsam Gap (Milepost 359.7) on the Blue Ridge Parkway and follows the ridge crest to Point Misery, with superb views of Mt. Mitchell and the Blacks. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 1:20 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-023 Nov. 6
Bent Creek Gap to Beaver Dam Overlook 1:30 PM
Hike 3.8, Drive 30, Rated C-C
Renate Rikkers, 828-298-9988, rerikkers@aol.com
A moderate in-and-out hike over the top of Ferrin Knob on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-058 Nov. 13
Looking Glass Rock 1:00 PM*
Hike 6, Drive 33, Rated B-B
Barbara Passmore, 828-667-8684, bpsss354@netzero.com
*Note early start time. This in-and-out hike to the top of a granite monolith provides a good workout and beautiful views. *Second meeting place: Ranger Station on US 276 at 1:30 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-316 Nov. 20
Carl Sandburg 1:00 PM*
Hike 4, Drive 50, Rated C-C
Laura Stallard, 828-697-1579
*Note early start time. This loop hike begins at the parking lot of the Carl Sandburg Park in Flat Rock and follows the trail taken by the poet and Lincoln biographer to the top of Big Grassy Mountain. *Second meeting place: Sandburg Park parking lot at 1:30 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-377 Nov. 27
Lake Powhatan to MST Connector 1:30 PM*
Hike 4.5, Drive 30, Rated C-C
Sherman Stambaugh, 828-254-1736
This moderate hike is on a well-graded trail, on the small creek trail to an unnamed connector trail to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Just what you need after Thanksgiving! *Second meeting place: Ingles Parking lot across from Biltmore Square Mall on NC 191 off I-26 at 1:40 PM.
HALF DAY No. H0504-486 Dec.. 4
Yellow Gap to Bradley Creek 1:00 PM*
Hike 4-5, Drive 56, Rated C-C
Greg Goodman, 828-684-9703
*Note early start time. Drive to Yellow Gap Parking area, then hike in-and-out along FS 5015 to Bradley Creek to view scenery and results of clear-cutting. *Meet at Westgate at 1:00 PM to form carpools; meet leader at the North Mills River parking area at 1:30 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-430 Dec. 11
Green River Game Lands 12:30 PM*
Hike 5, drive 70, Rated C-C
Becky Elston, 828-749-1886, belston@cytechusa.com
*Note early start time. We will hike the Long Ridge/Turkey Gut/Stair Step trails to form a five-mile loop. There should be nice winter views of Mt. Tryon and other mountains. Join hike leader for dinner at Cracker Barrel after the hike. *Meet at Westgate at 12:30 PM to form carpools; meet the leader at Cracker Barrel off I-26, exit 53 at 1:00 PM at the NW corner of the parking lot.
HALF DAY No. H0504-299 Dec. 18
Christmas Party Hike Noon*
Hike 4-5, Drive 50, Rated C-C
Diane Hankins, 828-298-2870 (before 9 PM)
*Note early start time. A leisurely paced annual hike. Bring a little gift (wrapped, please) and receive one too. Where we go will depend on the weather. *Only meeting place: Ingles Parking lot across from Biltmore Square Mall on NC 191 off I-26. Suitable for anyone over 10 years of age. (Those under 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.)
Merry Christmas! No hike Christmas Day.
HALF-DAY No. H0504-431 Jan. 1
Chestnut Cove to Sleepy Gap to Explorer Trail 1:00 PM*
Hike 5, Drive 20, Rated C-C
Paula Robbins, 828-281-3253 (before 9 PM), paularww@bellsouth.net
*Note early start time. Work off all those extra holiday party calories on this moderate loop hike in Bent Creek on part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. *Second meeting place, Ingles parking lot across from Biltmore Square Mall on NC 191 south of I-26 at 1:10 PM.