ALL-DAY SATURDAY and SUNDAY 2nd QUARTER 2007 HIKE SCHEDULE

Hike Ratings - First Letter: Distance,     Second Letter: Elevation Gain.

ALL DAY NO. A0702-443 Apr. 8
Pine Mtn. Loop 8:00 AM*
Hike 9-10, Drive 50, 2380 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Tom Bindrim & Joan Lemire 828-273-3880, tjbindire@yahoo.com
P400 *Meet at Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leaders at North Mills River parking lot at 8:30 AM. From North Mills River area, we’ll ascend Seniard Mtn. to Double Head and Pine Mtn. (the one with the BRP tunnel) and return through Bent Creek Gap, Bad Fork Hollow and Wash Creek. Some off-trail hiking. Expect late return. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also Nat’l. Geographic PRD map

ALL DAY NO. A0702-333 Apr. 15
Bearwallow Mtn. 8:30 AM*
Hike 9.2, Drive 30, 2700 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net
*Note later start time. This hike is an old CMC favorite. From Hickory Nut Gap on US 74-A, we will hike over Ferguson Peak, then through undulating, open meadows before reaching our lunch spot on the summit of Bearwallow Mtn. Extraordinary views down towards the Lake Lure area. Topo: Bat Cave

ALL DAY NO. A0702-558 Apr. 22
Round Top Ridge Trail to Rich Mtn., AT to Hot Springs 8:00 AM
Hike 11.7, Drive 70, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Paul Benson, 828-251-1909, pdbenson@charter.net
From Hot Springs we climb to the lookout tower on the summit of Rich Mountain via the Round Top Ridge Trail, then descend on the AT through Tanyard Gap, Pump Gap and Lovers' Leap Ridge back to Hot Springs. An option to enjoy a relaxing post-hike soak in the natural hot spring waters is offered. If interested contact the leader by April 18 for reservations. Topo: Hot Springs

BACKPACK No. A0702-559 Apr. 28 - 29
Spring backpack in the Smokies: Maddron Bald & Hen Wallow Falls
Hike 17.9, Drive 126, 3300 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+
Chip Miller, 828-654-9331, backpacker54nc@bellsouth.net
900M This 2 day, one night backpack will start at the Snake Den Ridge Trail for a hike to backcountry campsite #29.(We will camp at this "rationed" site.). Many books regarding the GSMNP list this hike as "THE BEST" backpacking loop in the park! Old growth forest, balds, waterfalls, virgin woods and spring wildflowers. Trees along the way are: Yellow Poplar, Buckeye, Beech, Fraser Magnolia and Silverbell. Also pass huge American chestnut stumps. Trails are: Snake Den Ridge, Maddron Bald and Gabes Mtn trail which leads back to Cosby Campground. Space is limited to 8 participants. For more info , meeting place and time, call leader. Topos: Hartford, Luftee Knob, Mt. Guyot, Jones Covealso Nat'l Geo. GSMNP map

SATURDAY NO. A0702-459 Apr. 28
MST: NC 128 to Glassmine Overlook 9:00 AM*
Hike 6.4, Drive 80, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7296, dwetmore@citcom.net
*Note later start time. We will head up into the old growth Spruce–Balsam forests south of Mt. Mitchell and enjoy the amazing rock work on a trail built by CMC ten years ago. This scenic hike has dramatic views and some rocky climbs. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Craven Gap on BRP at 9:15 AM Topos: Mt. Mitchell, Montreat; also MST Profiles, pg. 66-69 and PNF S. Toe River, Mt. Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail maps

ALL DAY NO. A0702-164 Apr. 29
Hawkbill Creek - Snowball Circuit 8:00 AM
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723. carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net
Hike 8-9, drive 50, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
This exciting spring trip will bushwhack up Hawkbill Creek, then up to Hawkbill Rock and Little Snowball Mtn., the site of an old fire tower, and then down to the starting point. The wildflowers and ramps have been spectacular every time CMC has taken this hike. The hike will also feature panoramic views from Hawkbill Rock and little Snowball and enjoyable open-woods, off-trail hiking. A strenuous climb, but the pace will be moderate. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle

No Hike Scheduled May 6
No hike is scheduled because the Great Southeastern Hiking Festival is being held May 3-6 in Montreat, NC, with CMC as a co-host.

ALL DAY NO. A0702-560 May 13
Groundhog Creek, AT, Rube Rock Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 10, Drive 100, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Stuart English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net
A beautiful loop hike, rich in wildflowers. Located in the Harmon Den area of Pisgah Nat’l. Forest, we’ll hike up to and along the AT to Brown Gap, then descend and hike along the old railroad grade back to our cars. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop offr I-40 at exit 24 at 8:30AM. Topo: Waterville

SATURDAY NO. A0702-257 May 19
Hemphill Bald – Rough Fork Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 13.7, Drive 96, 3200 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+
Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213, ccf108@gmail.com
900M If this is a clear day, we will experience some of the most spectacular views in WNC. We will hike to Hemphill Bald for lunch, then down Caldwell Fork Trail and back up Rough Fork Trail, passing enormous old-growth tulip trees along the way. A strenuous hike, but the trails are well-graded. Second meeting place: Rear of Post Office parking lot on US 19 in Maggie Valley at 8:30 AM, but phone leader first. Topos: Bunches Bald, Dellwood; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

ALL DAY NO. A0702-265 May 20
Panthertown Prowl #5 8:00 AM
Hike 8-10, Drive 120, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Joe Cirvello, 828-252-2721, cirvello25@bellsouth.net
Rescheduled from last fall due to inclement weather, you now have an opportunity to see this beautiful area, located near Cashiers, in spring. This moderate loop hike has everything: waterfalls; granite domes with impressive cliffs; high-altitude bogs; a lovely valley floor; great views from the tops of Little Green and Big Green Mountains; and the probability of wildflowers. Second meeting place: Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 8:40 AM. Topo: Big Ridge

ALL DAY NO. A0702-033 May 27
Ramsey Cascades 8:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 160, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Janet Martin, 812-738-8154, jaykaymartin@msn.com
900M This is one of the classic hikes in the Smokies. We will pass through a grove of old-growth tulip poplars on our way to sixty-foot high Ramsey Cascades, located in a rich forested glen. The drive and effort to reach this trail are a small price to pay for the reward. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Mt. Guyot; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

MEMORIAL DAY JOINT HIKE WITH SMOKY MTNS. HIKING CLUB
ALL DAY NO. A0702-089 May 28
AT: Max Patch to Lemon Gap and Return 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 100, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, bsmucker@charter.net
Our annual joint hike with Smoky Mountains Hiking Club will begin and end at Max Patch to enjoy one of WNC’s most stunning views, hike along a beautiful section of the AT, and see the new AT shelter recently built by CMC. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Lemon Gap

National Trails Day
Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking in the Little Cataloochee Valley. Kevin Fitzgerald, Deputy Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will be hiking with us. Choose from an easy half-day hike or a challenging climb.

SATURDAY ALL-DAY NO. A0702-561 June 2
Mt. Sterling from Cataloochee 8:00 AM
Hike 13.3, Drive 100, 3300 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.org
900M The views on Mt. Sterling are awesome. Starting at the Little Cataloochee Trailhead, we’ll hike up the Long Bunk Trail past Hannah Cemetery. Then we turn on the Mt. Sterling Trail, an old jeep road, which makes the climbing easier than it sounds. There will be wildflowers and views as we go up. Second meeting place: Pilot truck stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Cove Creek Gap; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

SATURDAY HALF-DAY NO. H0702-557 June 2
Little Cataloochee Church 8:00 AM
Hike 5 miles, Drive 100, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader, Jean Gard, 828-777-1814, jeangard@charter.net
900M Hike to the Little Cataloochee Church and cemetery on a good jeep road, with a short diversion to the Hannah Cemetery. Residents in this vibrant Little Cataloochee community had to leave when the area became the Great Smoky Mountains Nat’l. Park. After the hike, those who wish can drive to the Big Cataloochee valley and see the church, school and other structures. Second meeting place: Pilot truck stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Cove Creek Gap also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

ALL DAY NO. A0702-449 June 3
Bald Mtns. Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 9.7, Drive 135, 2900 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Les Love 828-658-1489 lesrlove@aol.com
This is a beautiful Tennessee hike only 1 1/4 hours away. We'll hike from the Horse Creek Rec. Area to Pete's Branch Falls, then up Sarvis Cove along the creek to the AT at Cold Spring Mountain for lunch. We'll go back down an old jeep road that has great views. This hike is strenuous and has seven rock-hop creek crossings that may involve wading, so come prepared. Topo: Greystone; also Nat’l. Geo. French Broad & Nolichucky Rivers map

ALL DAY NO. A0702-248 June 10
AT: Spivey Gap to Nolichucky River 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 110, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated A-B
Chip Miller, 828-654-9331, backpacker54nc@bellsouth.net
This AT sequence hike is the first section north of CMC’s maintenance sections. The hike features beautiful woods and striking views of the Nolichucky Gorge as we drop down to the end point at the hostel at the Nolichucky River .Car shuttle. Topo: Chestoa

ALL DAY NO. A0702-376 June 17
Mt. Le Conte via Rainbow Falls and Bullhead Trails 8:00 AM
Hike 13, Drive 180, 3900 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+
Don Gardner, 828-754-4067, gardog3@charter.net
900M From Cherokee Orchard near Gatlinburg, we’ll ascend Rainbow Falls Trail, stopping to look at the falls, and then to a late but spectacular lunch spot at Cliff Top on Mt. Le Conte; we’ll descend on scenic Bullhead Trail. A long day and strenuous hike, but the evenly-graded trails make it easier. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Mt. Le Conte; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

SATURDAY NO. A0702-555 June 23
MST: NC 80 to Woods Mtn. 8:00 AM
Hike 10, Drive 90, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated A-B
Don Walton, 828-654-9904, donwalton@bellsouth.net
Hike on a little-traveled section of the eastbound MST north of NC 80 to Woods Mtn., with seldom seen views of the Blacks and Mt. Mitchell. Second meeting place: parking lot adjacent to McDonald’s at exit 64 of I-40 at 8:20 AM Topos: Celo, Little Switzerland

ALL DAY NO. A0702-562 June 24
AT: Carvers Gap – Elk Park 8:00 AM
Hike 12, Drive 130 or 150, 1800 (NB) or 4000 (SB) ft. ascent, Rated A-A or A-AA+
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net (SB)
Susanna Whitaker, 828-808-3071 (NB)
This hike is timed to see the rhododendrons and flame azaleas in full bloom. We’ll hike the AT over five summits of more than 5400 ft, including Hump Mtn. and Little Hump, with the most spectacular scenery in our region. From Hump Mtn. we’ll use the side trail to Elk Park. Hikers will have the choice of direction and amount of climbing on this key swap hike. Expect a long day due to long driving time. Second meeting place: call leader Topos: Carvers Gap, White Rocks Mtn., Elk Park

NIGHT HIKE NO. A0702-324 June 29
Bent Creek Moonlight Hike 7:30 PM*
Hike 5-6, Drive 15, 700 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Kathleen Hannigan, 828-271-3559, Kathleen.hannigan@pgnmail.com
P400 *Note start time! This new hike is scheduled for a night with a full moon. We’ll meet at Hard Times Trailhead, and will do a leisurely 5- to 6-mile loop, pausing frequently to observe wildlife as darkness descends. We’ll look for the beavers at the back of Lake Powhatan and stop on the lake pier to enjoy the surroundings. Bring a flashlight. *Only meeting place is Hard Times Trailhead on Bent Creek Rd.
Topo: Dunsmore Mtn; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

ALL DAY NO. A0702-181 July 1
Black Balsam & Tennent Mtn. to Graveyard Fields 8:00 AM*
Hike 9, Drive 65, 1100 ft. ascent, Rated A-B
Janet Onan, 828-698-3237, janonan@bellsouth.net
SB6K, P400 This scenic hike traverses a long stretch of balds with spectacular 360 degree views. From FS 816, we’ll hike over 6214 ft. Black Balsam and 6040 ft. Tennent Mtn. to Ivestor Gap. We’ll then follow an old road south to the Graveyard Ridge Trail and follow it back to our cars. Short car shuttle. *Meeting places: Form carpools at Westgate at 8:00 AM, and meet leader at Cold Mtn. overlook (BRP M.P. 412) at 8:30 AM. Topos: Sam Knob, Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geographic PRD map