All day hikes submitted by Tom Sanders 252-6327. Driving distance is round trip from Asheville. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.
ALL DAY No. 7911 July 21
Yeates Knob (Big Butt) 9:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 70, Rated BB
Jorge Munoz 658-0606
This pleasant hike along the southernmost twist of the Black Mtns. features lunch at the overlook on Little Butt, 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
SATURDAY No. 7912 July 27
Dark Prong Rock Hop 8:00 AM
Hike 6-8, Drive 65, Not rated but strenuous
Tom Sanders 252-6327
A great adventure, but you must be in good shape and not averse to getting wet. Waterfalls, a beautiful isolated stream, and lots of fun. Wear light, non-slip footwear and bring bathing suit for swimming in one of the numerous waterholes. Trip not desirable in rain. Second meeting places: French Broad Overlook and Wagon Road Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway. Topo: Shining Rock
ALL DAY No. 7913 July 28
Horsepasture River 8:00 AM
Hike 7, Drive 100, Rated BC
Bernard Elias 274-0202
See the waterfalls - Drift, Turtleback, Rainbow, Stairway, and end at Windy, the finale further downstream near Lake Jocassee. In places steep and strenuous. Optional swimming on the way back. Trip not desirable in rain. Second meeting place: Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 8:40. Topo: Reid. Also Sierra Club guide to Jocassee Gorge.
ALL DAY No. 7914 (strenuous) August 4
Tanawha Trail 8:00 AM
Hike 13.3, Drive 150, Rated AA-A
Don Gardner 828-253-8198
According to Alan de Hart, "there is not a similar trail elsewhere in the state." A fragile and ancient ecosystem, rhododendron and laurel tunnels, hardwood coves, boulder fields, and great views make this a special trip. Second meeting place: McDonalds in Black Mountain. Topo: Grandfather Mountain
ALL DAY No. 7915 (moderate) August 4
Mt. Mitchell Ramble 9:00 AM
Hike 7-8, Drive 65, Rated BB
Tom Sanders 252-6327
We will do a loop on several trails in the Mt. Mitchell area, including the Old Mt. Mitchell Trail, Camp Alice Road, and the Commissary Ridge Trail. If we're still feeling good, we'll go over to 6647 ft. Mt. Craig and its spur, Big Tom. Be prepared for fantastic views in every direction. Second Meeting Place: Craven Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Topo: Mt.Mitchell
SATURDAY WORK DAY No. 7944 Aug. 10
Give some of your outdoor time back to the trails by helping on a Saturday work day, and learning what is involved with trail maintenance. Meet at the Moose Cafe at 8:00 AM for breakfast and we'll be back from
working around 4:00 PM. Fun, educational, and productive. Call Les Love 658-1489.
ALL DAY No. 7916 August 11
Mountains-to-Sea: Mt. Mitchell to Balsam Gap 8:00 AM
Hike 9.7, Drive 65, Rated A-B
Bruce Bente 692-0116
One of the really great sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, with the opportunity to climb 6684 ft. Mitchell as well as 6359 Blackstock Knob. The first part of the hike features exceptional views south from the Black Mountains, while the second part the trail-building and rock-work achievements of the CMC. Largely downhill, but about 1000 ft. rise. Topos: Mt.Mitchell, Montreat
ALL DAY No. 7917 August 18
Tuckasegee River from Devil's Elbow to the Source (See below)
Hike 7, Drive 140, Not rated
Dave Wetmore 884-7296
From the east entrance to Panthertown, we'll take the trail out to the ridge above Devil's Elbow. From there we'll go down to the Tuckasegee River at the Elbow, then up the River to the lower end of Panthertown Valley. On the return a stop at Schoolhouse Falls. If there is high water or rain the trip will be cancelled. If in doubt call the leader the night before. Only meeting place Bi-Lo in Brevard at 8:30 AM. Topos: Big Ridge and Lake Toxaway.
SATURDAY No. 7918 August 24
Blue Ridge Parkway to Mt. Mitchell 8:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 65, Rated B-AA
Bill Ross 299-7637
This is a different hike for the CMC. We will ascend the old trail up to Clingmans Peak, via Potato Knob, with exceptional views, then over Mt. Gibbes (6571 ft.), across Stepps Gap, short bushwhack up Mt. Hallback (6320 ft.), and end at Mitchell. Quite a bit of uphill, but a real adventure. Second meeting place: Craven Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Topos: Mt.Mitchell, Montreat
ALL DAY No. 7919 August 25
Blueberry Hike 8:00 AM
Hike 6, Drive 65, Rated B-B
Bob Byrd 299-7681
While the objective of this hike is to pick blueberries in the area around Grassy Cove Top (6040 ft.), we will also enjoy the spin along the Art Loeb Trail with views in all directions and bagging Black Balsam Knob (6214 ft.) and Tennent Mtn. (6040 ft.). Eat your fill and take home a gallon! Second Meeting Place: Cold Mountain Overlook at Wagon Road Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway and US 276. Topo: Shining Rock.
SEQUENCE HIKE
MST: Balsam Gap to FR-816 Aug. 31 -Sept.2
This is a great experiment by Lenny and Danny Bernstein for the CMC. Three consecutive day hikes to continue a planned traverse of the completed sections of the MST in the mountains from West to East. Come for one, two, or all three.
Saturday No. 7920 Aug. 31
Balsam Gap to Double Top Mountain Overlook 8:00 AM
Hike 10, Drive 100, Rated A-AA
Lenny and Danny Bernstein 236-0192
A steady uphill climb through diversified woods with views of the Plott Balsams. Second meeting place: Rest Area on US 25-74 beyond Waynesville at 8:45 AM. Topo: Hazelwood.
Sunday No. 7921 Sept. 1
Double Top Mountain Overlook to Bear Pen Gap 8:00 AM
Hike 15, Drive 90, Rated AA-AA
Lenny and Danny Bernstein 236-0192
A long but moderate hike south of the part maintained by the CMC. Casual dinner after the hike for those who are interested. Topos: Hazelwood, Sam Knob
Monday No. 7922 Sept. 2
Bear Pen Gap to FR-816 8:00 AM
Lenny and Danny Bernstein 236-0192
The south end of the part of the MST maintained by the CMC. Part of this hike is in a Wilderness Area, so the group size is limited to 10. Call leaders to reserve your spot. Topos: Sam Knob, Shining Rock
ALL DAY No. 7923 Sept. 8
Mountains-to-Sea: Craggy Picnic Area to Craven Gap and Don's House 8:00 AM
Hike 12.5, Drive 50, Rated A-B
Don Walton 298-5084
This hike is largely downhill, but does include a solid ascent to Lane Pinnacle, where the views are spectacular, and some periodic ups. A favorite and accessible experience, passing by Rattlesnake Lodge and ending at Don's house for refreshments. Topos: Craggy Pinnacle and Montreat.
ALL DAY No. 7924 Sept. 15
Shining Creek, Greasy Cove, Big East Fork Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 13, Drive 90, Rated AA-AA
John Pawcio 299-8126
A favorite of those who like strenuous hikes, this one has everything: 3 rushing streams, great views from meadows on Shining Rock ledge, 3 stream crossings, an extraordinary variety of environments, and maybe even some late blueberries. Wilderness area, so call for reservations. Topo: Shining Rock
ALL DAY No. 7925 Sept. 22
Vineyard Gap-Forge Mtn. Loop 9:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 55, Rated BC
Jan Thorsen 299-3944
A loop hike from the Turkey Pen parking area through Vineyard Gap, a walk along the Forge Mtn. ridge, a pleasant stroll along the bank of the South Mills River, ending with a climb up to the parking area. Second meeting place at Turkey Pen parking. Topo: Pisgah Forest
BACKPACK No. 7926 Sept. 26-29
Peaks over 6000 in the Smokies
Hike 40, Drive 200, Rated AA-AA Lenny Bernstein 236-0192
We will backpack through the Smokies staying at shelters and collecting 6000 ft. peaks along the way. Time and weather permitting we will climb 6-8 of the trail-less 6000 footers in the Smokies. Backcountry camping rules limit this trip to 8 people and reservations for the shelters have to be made a month in advance. For additional information and to reserve your spot, call Lenny by August 26.
SATURDAY No. 7927 Sept. 28
Boone Fork Trail 8:30 AM
Hike 5, Drive 150, Rated CC
Diane Hankins 298-2870 (before 9:00 pm)
Leisurely paced hike in Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville. Only meeting place: Oteen Ingles Parking Lot near the post office flagpole (unless other arrangements made with leader before Sept. 26). Additional 1-mile walk to the Linville Falls overlook may be added after the hike. Topo: Linville Falls
ALL DAY No. 7928 Sept. 29
Green Ridge, Appalachian Trail, Fork Ridge Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 10.5, Drive 90, Rated A-AA
Carroll Koepplinger 667-0723
A great fall hike. From near Carmen, we will ascend on a strenuous climb to the AT, visit the Shelton Civil War Union grave site, enjoy views from Big Butt Mtn., and stop at Jerry's Cabin before returning via Fork Ridge. Topos: Greystone, Flagpond
ALL DAY No. 7929 Oct. 6
Cedar Rock Mtn.- John Rock Loop 8:00 AM
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 and Rainbow Falls Trails 8:00 AM
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 1-40 at Exit 24. Topo: Mt. Leconte.