All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente 828-692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net. Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center parking lot near CVS (Exit 3B off I-240) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Some hikes will have second meeting places as described in hike listings. Please contact the hike leader if you are not sure of the meeting location.

ALL DAY NO. A0802-031 Apr. 6
South Mtns. Loop 8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 9.3, Drive 170, 2350 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.com
South Mountains State Park south of Morganton has outstanding views, a beautiful waterfall, and a new visitor center. We’ll climb to Jacob Fork River Gorge Overlook and then continue to Chestnut Knob Overlook, a rocky outcropping with outstanding views toward the Kings Mountain Range and on a clear day, Charlotte’s skyline. Later after another climb, we’ll reach the top of High Shoals Waterfall – truly awesome. Awesome too is the wooden staircase and platform, which allows a close look at the falls and the jumble of rocks in Jacob Fork. Since this is a state park, the trails are meticulously maintained. Optional supper after the hike in Black Mountain. Second meeting place: Parking lot adjacent to McDonald’s at exit 64 of I-40 at 8:20 AM. Topo: Benn Knob

ALL DAY NO. A0802-604 Apr. 6
Splash Dam via Trace Ridge *8:30 AM
(moderate)
Hike 7.8, Drive 42, 1100 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7296, dwetmore@citcom.net
P400 *Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at Trace Ridge Trailhead at 9:00 AM. This will be a moderate hike mostly on old roadbeds up the Big Creek Trail, to what appears to the uninitiated as only a rocky place. If those rocks could talk, they would tell a tale of long arduous months of labor, the pitfalls of succession, the striving of man with nature and the consequences of that effort. Several wet but easy stream crossings. Come and learn the secrets of Big Creek! Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

ALL DAY NO. A0802-201 Apr. 13
MST: NC 80 over Woods Mtn. to Woodland Park 8:00 AM
Hike 12.2, Drive 85, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Don Walton, 828-654-9904, donwalton@bellsouth.net
This new CMC hike will hike a little-traveled and scenic section of the MST over Woods Mtn. and on to US 221,with seldom-seen views of the Blacks and Mt. Mitchell. Long descent. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Little Siena Restaurant at intersection of US 70 and NC 80 at 8:30 AM. Topos: Celo, Little Switzerland

ALL DAY NO. A802-164 Apr. 20
Hawkbill Creek - Snowball Circuit 8:30 AM*
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723. carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net
Hike 8.4, drive 50, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
*Note later start time. This great wildflower hike will begin alongside Hawkbill Creek, then climb a short but strenuous bushwhack 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. The pace will be moderate. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle

SATURDAY NO. A0802-454 April 26
Porters Creek Trail *9:00 AM
Hike 7.4, Drive 160, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, ashok.kudva@mchsi.com
900M *Note later start time. This trail is famous for its wildflower displays. We will first pass the remnants of old homesteads and the Owenby cemetery before entering a moist sheltered cove with large trees, masses of wildflowers, a rushing creek and even a waterfall. Optional supper after the hike at Bear Creek Grille. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 of I-40 at 9:30 AM, but call leader first. Topo: Mt. Le Conte; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map #229

ALL DAY NO. A0802-066 Apr. 27
AT: Garenflo Gap – Bluff Mtn. *8:30 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 80, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Jim Reel, 828-738-0751, jimr57@yahoo.com
*Note later start time. We’ll do an in-and-out hike on the AT in hardwood forests from Garenflo Gap to the summit of 4686 ft. Bluff Mtn. We will enjoy the many wildflowers that carpet the forest floor while the leader shows off the AT section that he maintains. After lunch on the summit it will be all downhill back to the trailhead. Topo: Lemon Gap

ALL DAY NO. A0802-605 May 4
Forney Ridge - Noland Creek & Divide *7:30 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 17, Drive 145, 3500 ft. ascent, Rated AA+-AA+
Don Gardner, 828-754-4067, gardog3@bellsouth.net
900M *Note early start time. Strenuous hike! This hike is designed for 900M fans and will cover a series of hard-to-get trails in the Clingman’s Dome area. We will hike down the Forney Ridge and Springhouse Gap Trails, then turn uphill on the Noland Creek and more steeply on the Noland Divide Trail back to Clingman’s Dome Rd. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place: Maggie Valley Post Office parking lot at 8:00 AM, but must call leader first. Topos: Clingman’s Dome, Silers Bald, Noland Creek, Bryson City; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map #229

ALL DAY NO. A0802-060 May 4
Pilot Mtn. – Farlow Gap *8:30 AM
(moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 80, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Ruth Hartzler, 828-251-0886, ruthmtn@charter.net
P400 *Note later start time. This hike is timed for what we hope will be the bloom of rare pink-shell azaleas and trout lilies. It starts with a steep climb to the summit of Pilot Mtn., then down to Deep Gap and a short climb over Sassafras Knob. It’s nearly all downhill or level as we continue to Farlow Gap with its trout lily flower display. We’ll return on a pleasant seldom-used graveled forest road. There will be several stops for photography along the way. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station at 9:05 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

ALL DAY NO. A0802-216 May 11
AT: Sams Gap to Devil Fork Gap 9:00 AM*
Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, lsberns@worldnet.att.net
Hike 8.5, Drive 90, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
*Note later start time. This section of the AT features magnificent wildflower displays and nice views into Tennessee from the ridge line, traversing a series of knobs along an unusual section of the TN-NC state line where Tennessee is east of N.C. and the southbound hiker is actually traveling north. Car shuttle. Topo: Sams Gap

ALL DAY NO. A0802-214 May 18
Standing Indian Circuit 8:00 AM
Hike 11, Drive 170, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Cindy McJunkin, 828-213-9701, mcjfive@aol.com
The Standing Indian area in the Nantahala National Forest is known for its beautiful forest, rushing streams and excellent vistas. We’ll hike up the Kimsey Creek Trail to the AT, and the AT to our lunch spot, Standing Indian. At 5498 ft., it is the highest mountain on the AT south of the Great Smoky Mountains, with outstanding views. We’ll return on the Ridge Trail. Optional supper at the Jarrett House on the way home. Second meeting place: Rest Stop beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Rainbow Springs

ALL DAY NO. A0802-008 May 25
Bee Tree Gap to Ox Creek Rd. *9:00 AM
Hike 7.9, Drive 38, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Janet Martin, 812-738-8154, jaykaymartin@msn.com
*Note later start time. A moderate hike on the MST over Lane Pinnacle with excellent views, interesting rock formations and many wildflowers. There are several steep but short ups and downs and a long, well-graded descent. 8-mile car shuttle. Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 9:20 AM. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle

MEMORIAL DAY JOINT HIKE WITH
SMOKY MOUNTAINS HIKING CLUB
ALL DAY NO. A0802-606 May 26
Mt. Sterling via Big Branch or via Mt. Sterling Gap 8:00 AM
Hike 9 or 12.4, Drive 110, 2000 or 4100 ft. ascent, Rated A-A or AA-AA+
Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, bsmucker@charter.net
900M This year, our annual joint hike with the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club offers options for a longer climb on an old manway or a shorter hike with a car shuttle.
Longer hike: We will access the Big Branch manway at the Baxter Creek trailhead, and climb this old but passable manway, paralleling Big Branch to the Mt. Sterling ridge. The ridge will be followed to rejoin the Baxter Creek Trail up to the summit for lunch and the good views from the fire tower. Our return will be via the Baxter Creek Trail.
Shorter hike: After an 8-mile car shuttle to Mt. Sterling Gap, we will hike up the Mt. Sterling Trail to the summit and join the other group. After lunch, we’ll all hike down the Baxter Creek Trail together. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 of I-40 at 8:30 AM Topo: Waterville; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map #229

ALL DAY NO. A0802-113 June 1
Cold Mountain 8:00 AM
(strenuous)
Hike 10.4, Drive 70, 3400 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Michael Cornn, 828-698-3672, mcornn@aol.com
P400, SB6K Come and join us on this beautiful hike up Cold Mtn. From Camp Daniel Boone we will climb to the summit of this 6030 ft. peak and enjoy the great views along the way. Wilderness area, limited to 10, so call leader for reservation. Topos: Waynesville, Cruso; also Natl. Geo., PRD map #780

ALL DAY NO. A0802-131 June 1
Laurel Mtn., Slate Rock Creek Trails *9:00 AM
(moderate)
Hike 8, Drive 55, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, Kathleen.hannigan@pgnmail.com
P400 *Note later start time. From Yellow Gap, we’ll hike up the Laurel Mtn. Trail to Sassafras Gap, and then turn downhill to the Slate Rock Creek Trail, following this pretty mountain stream down to Yellow Gap Rd. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place: North Mills River Recreation area parking lot at 9:30 AM. $3 parking fee. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

ALL DAY NO. A0802-607 June 8
Cat Gap Figure Eight Loop *8:30 AM
Hike 10, Drive 72, 2370 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Tom Bindrim & Joan Lemire, 828-273-3880
P400 *Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form carpools, and meet leaders at the Pisgah Fish Hatchery at 9:15 AM. This new CMC hike will be a combo of old favorites. Starting at the Pisgah Fish Hatchery, we’ll do a figure-8 using the Cat Gap Loop, interrupted by a trip over Chestnut Knob and a trip around the John Rock Loop. All on trail, moderately paced, expect later return. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

ALL DAY NO. A0802-599 June 15
Daniel Ridge-Caney Bottom – Cove Creek Falls Loop *8:30 AM
Hike 10, Drive 80, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Stuart English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net
P400 *Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form car pools, and meet leader at Pisgah Forest Ranger Station at 9:05 AM. We’ll start with the 4-mile Daniel Ridge Loop, ending at Toms Springs Falls, a 100 foot falls. From these falls, we’ll follow an old FS road, go down a perfectly good but unmapped trail to Caney Bottom Trail. Here we’ll loop around it to Cove Creek Trail and 60-foot Cove Creek Falls, then back to Caney Bottom Loop and eventually back to our cars on Davidson River Road (FS 475). Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780

ALL DAY NO. A0802-047 June 22
AT: Indian Grave Gap – Iron Mtn. Gap 8:00 AM
Hike 10.8, Drive 120, 3300 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net and
Bob Hysko, 828-651-0293, rhysko@yahoo.com
This hike was scheduled and cancelled twice in 1999-2000 before the weather cooperated and allowed us to do the hike on the third try. Let’s see if we can beat the jinx this time. We will hike along the main crest of the Iron Mtns., and pass the appropriately named Beauty Spot, with exceptional views of the Roans, Blacks and into Tennessee. Then we hike over scenic 5180’ Unaka Mtn. and Little Bald Knob. Key swap, with both directions of similar challenge. Topos: Huntdale, Unicoi, Iron Mtn. Gap

SATURDAY NO. A0802-357 June 28
Pisgah Ridge Loop *9:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 70, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@bellsouth.net
P400 *Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 9:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at BRP Cold Mtn. overlook (M.P. 412) at 9:40 AM. We’ll do a scenic circle of the entire Graveyard Fields area, using the Pisgah Ridge Trail and MST to lunch at a beautiful overlook. In the afternoon, there will be one stop for a quick swim. Then we’ll follow a side trail up to a ridgeline with great views. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map #780 and USFS Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wilderness map

Scouting Report for #357 Pisgah Ridge hike

The 6/28/08 Pisgah Ridge loop hike was scouted on 6/4/08. This hike is an extended variation of #357 in the hike database, and the database will be revised soon to show both options.

The 6/28 hike will be 9 miles long with a 2100' total ascent, rating it B-AA instead of the B-B that is listed in Lets Go. However, an option will be offered for a shorter hike of about 7 miles and 1500', for a B-B rating. (There is a bail-out point for the shorter hike.)

This hike offers great views over most of its route. It goes completely around the perimeter of Graveyards Fields, partially on no-name trails, and will include the option of swimming at a waterfall in the afternoon. We will hike 2 miles of a trail that has never before been done on a CMC hike. Anyone who likes mountain scenery should not miss this hike!

ALL DAY NO. A0802-566 June 29
Roans in Bloom 8:30 AM*
Hike 8, Drive 150, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Tish Desjardins, 828-656-2191, desraylet@aol.com
SB6K *Note later start time. A beautiful AT hike with some of WNC’s finest views. Expect rhododendrons and flame azaleas to be in bloom, with perhaps an early Gray’s Lily. From Carver’s Gap we’ll go north past Grassy Ridge (6160 ft.) to a scenic overlook for lunch, then double back south to Carvers Gap. From here we’ll drive up to see the Rhododendron Gardens and the vista from Roan High Bluff (6287 ft.). (small fee to enter garden area) Topo: Carvers Gap; also Nat’l. Geo. South Holston & Watauga Lakes map #783

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NATIONAL TRAILS DAY HIKES:

National Trails Day
Celebrate National Trails Day by hiking in the Little Cataloochee Valley. Choose from an easy half-day hike or a moderate hike. Both hikes are listed with the all day Sunday and Saturday hikes.

SATURDAY ALL-DAY NO. A0802-273 June 7
Boogerman Trail *9:00 AM
(moderate hike)
Hike 8, Drive 90, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Charlie Ferguson, 828-333-5165, ccf108@gmail.com
900M *Note later start time. A lush forest with many wildflowers, 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 some of the elk that have been introduced into this valley. Second meeting place: Pilot truck stop at Exit 24 off I-40 at 9:30 AM. Topos: Cove Creek Gap, Dellwood; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map #229

SATURDAY HALF-DAY NO. H0802-557 June 7
Little Cataloochee Church 9:00 AM
(easy hike)
Hike 5 miles, Drive 100, Rated C-C
New hikers please contact leader: Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
900M *Note later start time. 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 9:30 AM. Topo: Cove Creek Gap; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map #229

New CMC challenge program/National Trails Day Hike:
The Forest Fire Lookout Association and the CMC are co-sponsoring a new challenge (LTC) that involves hiking to 24 publicly accessible fire towers in our area. To kick off the challenge, Peter Barr will be leading a hike to one of the towers.
SATURDAY HALF-DAY NO. H0802-617 June 7
Wesser Bald lookout tower 9:00 AM - meet in front of the outfitters at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 Highway 10W, Bryson City, NC
(easy hike)
Hike 3.8 miles, Drive 165, 750 feet ascent, Rated C-C
New hikers please contact leader: Peter Barr, 704-941-9296 , pjbarr@unc.edu
LTC: Shuttle to Tellico Gap.  Hike up AT to Wesser Bald tower for lunch and discussion on history of the tower, and then down old fire/jeep access road back to the gap.  Roundtrip is 3.8 mi., but hikers have the option to continue and additional solo 6.5 miles and 3000 feet descent on the AT northbound back to the NOC. Topo: Wesser