TRAILMARKER READY FOR SOME OUTINGS WITH THE PHOC? The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter. Since Volume 30 Number 3.

Transcription

1 TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter May-June 2012 Since 1982 Volume 30 Number 3 READY FOR SOME OUTINGS WITH THE PHOC? Visit us on the Web

2 Page 4 of 16 About our Hike Rating System Our rating system provides a useful, general gauge of a hike s difficulty. It factors in distance and elevation gain and is intended to help you choose hikes that you will find most enjoyable. R0-R10 These are more walks than hikes. They re usually close to home, the trails are flat, and distances are generally short. An after-dinner walk around the block would be rated R1 or R2. Our Wednesday Night Walks are R5. R10-R20 Most of these hikes will be in the lower mountains and foothills. Distances will be about 5-8 miles, with vertical ranging from feet...not easy if you re new to hiking! Trails will be dirt and rock. As long as you re in moderately good shape, you should be able to enjoy the outing. R20-R30 Hikes in the low end of this range will be too hard and overly stressful for many new members. Plan on an all-day trip, with at least 4 hours of continuous hiking in rugged and steep terrain. At a minimum, be sure to pack two quarts of water, lunch, a snack, and rain gear. R30-R40 These are strenuous hikes. They will usually be 10+ miles, with climbs of feet. They re appropriate only for those who have done a number of lower rated hikes. Outings Protocol Outings Inform the outing leader you are going to attend. Arrive early for the outing. If you carpool, reimburse your driver for driving costs. A suggested amount is $4.00 for each hour of driving. Always take snacks, lunch, water and rain gear. Bring extra clothes to change into after the hike. To keep vehicles clean and the air fresh, always carry something to hold muddy boots and sweaty clothes for the ride back from a hike. Your participation is at your own risk. Every Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner at the Piedmont Environmental Center. The Wednesday night Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening at the Piedmont Environmental Center at 6:30 pm for a brisk walk before dinner. The group will go to dinner after the walk unless the walk is cancelled due to bad weather, in which case the group will not go to dinner. R40+ These hikes are usually 12 or more miles with 3000 feet or more of elevation gain. They re appropriate only for fit, experienced hikers. Check with hike leader about the trip if you are wanting to do this trip for the first time.

3 Outings Page 5 of 16 May 4 6 Friday Canoe/Kayak/Camping Merchants Millpond State Park hike is good for hikers who like to hike a brisk pace. Please contact me for meeting details. [ 9-14 mi, R10-14] Join us for a canoe/kayak/camping trip to Merchants Millpond, NC s most unique state park. The 760 acre lake has ancient moss draped cypress trees and areas totally covered in sunburst water Lilies. Yes, we will see some water snakes and a few resident alligators in very comfortable non-intimidating encounters. Normally the serious bugs have not yet emerged however, to see a tick would not be unexpected. We will leave Friday morning for the hour drive to the NE corner of NC and then canoe a mile to a beautiful hardwood island campsite. First time boaters and campers are welcome. Boats can be arranged. Call for more details. See the park s website at www. ncparks.gov May 5 Woody Ridge Loop Mt Mitchell State Park Area Woody Ridge has been called the most rugged hike in the Southeast. I think this overstates it, but it s definitely a worthy climb with a truly fantastic view in the middle of it. We ll ascend Woody Ridge to the Black Mountain Crest Trail near Celo, hike the Crest Trail to Deep Gap, start descending on the Colbert Ridge Trail, and then take old roads and trails back to the Woody Ridge trailhead if Marshall s GPS help is available. Call or for meeting times and places. [10 miles; +/-3700 R50]. May 5 Umstead Circular Umstead State Park This will be a brisk paced hike in this scenic state park. This hike will be on trails and carriage roads. We will do a 9 mile loop before lunch and then have an option to do an-other 5 mile loop after lunch. We will share the trail with joggers. While there is minimal elevation gain, the pace and distance will allow for a good workout. This Reminder Imperial Koi deadline: Please see June 1st outing description and note deadline to respond is May 18th. May 6 American Tobacco Trail Bike Ride New Hill, NC The missing link of this trail was completed during the summer of 2010 and the trail is now open for 13.5 miles from our starting point. Riders can ride this entire section, out and back (27 miles), in about 3 hours. Slower riders can ride a portion and turn around wherever you would prefer. There are nice restrooms at the start point (milepost 0) and at another access point at milepost 5. No water is available though. The surface is partially paved, but mostly packed cinder. However, there is a section of packed gravel about milepost 11, which road bikes will find really annoying and may have to turn back at that point. Comfort, hybrid, and mountain bikes will do fine. We ll meet at the trailhead at 10 a.m. Contact Jim if you are coming and interested in a possible carpool or caravan. Directions to the trailhead: From Pittsboro, Jordan Lake, and points west, go east on U.S. 64 to the N.C. 751 light. Turn right, or south, go two miles to the gravel drive on the left, shortly after the Beaver Creek Bridge. See the blue Wake County Parks sign. May 6 Owls Roost Loop Bur Mil Park Lets meet at 1:30 PM at the Wildlife Center in Bur Mil Park and hike the Owls Roost watershed trail to the Greenway, and then back again, using the Fire Lane trail for part of the return trip. Proceed North on 220, past Horse Pen Creek Rd on the left, then right at the traffic light at Owls Roost, and then left into Bur Mil Park. Bear right at the club house, park in the circular driveway at the bottom of the hill. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. [7 mi, R-9].

4 Page 6 of 16 Outings May 7 Monday Power Walk (Call for location) May 12 Susan Getty Memorial Hike South Mountains State Park It is time to bring back power walks! Our objective is a good cardiovascular workout. We will walk 7 miles on the city greenway maintaining at least a 4.5 mph pace. If you are working up to this pace, we will catch you on the way back since it is usually an out and back. Please or call if you plan to attend for starting time and location. Hope to see you there! May 10 Thursday PHOC Round table Discussion and Dinner Outing Shoney s Restaurant NC Hwy 68 and I 40. Meet at Shoney s off NC Hwy 68 and I-40 for fun, food, and good times to give a little back to one of the club s silent members. Meet in the parking lot at 6:30. For additional information please contact Ken Cook. Our friend and fellow hiker, Susan Getty, left the trails and this world a little over three years ago. Many of you will recall or may have heard about Susan s Brownies hike at South Mountains. After a hard pull up Chestnut Knob and down Possum, we would reach the creek at the intersection with Shinny; that s where Susan would whisk out the Tupperware and pass around the brownies. Well, I am no baker and whatever brownies I have ever had in my house never came to life in my oven, and I would not even know where to begin. But in memory of a long-time hiking friend I will take a crash course and bring a batch to Shinny Creek. So if you care to join in honoring Susan and dare to take a brownie break by the creek, come on this fairly moderate hike on a beautiful spring day. Remember to bring lots of water; the area tends to be muggy as summer closes in on us. Meet at Shoney s at 8:00 am or behind the McDonald restaurant at the I40 exit 184 Lewisville/Clemmons Rd (left at the top of the ramp) at 8:30 am. Please call or to let Nicole know you are coming. [9 mi, +1600, R27].. May 13 Gibson Park Jamestown May 12 Scott Ridge/Cedar Ridge Trails Stone Mountain and Doughton Parks This hike will use the Mountains-to-Sea trail on the slopes of Green Mountain to connect beautiful trails at Stone Mountain and Doughton parks. The route up to the Blue Ridge Parkway will be through the backpack campsites at Stone Mountain park and along Scott Ridge, where mountain laurels will likely be in bloom. One stop for food will be at the Scott Ridge summit above the parkway. From there, the route will be on the MST to Brinegar cabin at Doughton Park. The descent to Long Bottom Road will be via Cedar Ridge trail. Drivers will participate in a shuttle between Stone Mountain and Doughton parks, but most of the cars will be awaiting the hikers at the Long Bottom Road parking area, where sodas and beer will be available. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Contact David if interested in this hike, preferably before Friday prior to the outing. (15 miles, 3500 feet, R 50) Meet in the far parking lot at Gibson Park off of Wendover at 1:30 pm. We ll hike on both trails and the Greenway. Go West out Wendover; about 3.1 miles after crossing 1-40, take a left into Gibson Park and follow the park road to the end (about 1/2 mile), to the parking lot by the restrooms, water fountain and picnic tables. Please call if you plan to attend [5 miles, R7]. May 14 Monday Monthly Meeting Piedmont Environmental Center Our May meeting will be held at the Piedmont Environmental Center on Penny Road in Jamestown. Meet for refreshments and fellowship at 7:00 with the business portion of the meeting beginning at 7:30. Donald Ip will give a presentation of a recent trip he and other club members made to the Florida Everglades. Join us for what should be an interesting program.

5 Outings Page 7 of 16 May 18 May 19 Reservation deadline for Imperial Koi Dinner on June 1 Cascades Barney s Wall Jefferson National Forest Let s head up to Virginia for a hike the club hasn t done in a few years. Northwest of Blacksburg is one of the best waterfalls Virginia has to offer, the Cascades. After a moderately, easy two mile hike up to the falls, we will continue another two miles to Barney s Wall, a sheer drop with great views back to the South. After enjoying lunch there, we will retrace our steps back down the way we came to the falls. We will take another trail on the opposite side of the creek back to our cars. Those wanting a somewhat easier day can choose to wait for us at the falls and take advantage of the swimming hole there. for meeting time and location. Dinner together on the way back is an option. [ 8.4 miles; 1600 ft; R25 ] May 19 Grandfather Mt T hike Grandfather Mountain State Park Join me for a fun Grandfather Mt day. We will be doing the T hike starting on the rough and rocky Profile Trail, connecting to the Grandfather Trail to make our way to MacRaes Peak for lunch. This hike includes the chute, ladders, cables, rock scrambling, lovely views, and usually a few bruises. Dinner will be in Boone, location to be announced. Contact Debby Harris if interested. [R 40ish, about 9 miles] May 20th Southern Alamance County Road Bike Ride Company Shops Coop, Burlington, NC For a little variety let s go for a bicycle ride. But not just any ride this one is between two localvore havens in Alamance County. We will meet at the Company Shops Coop on East Front Street Burlington, NC. There is lots of parking in the lot behind the store. While we wait for others to arrive fill free to check out the coop for a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry. We will leave the parking lot at 9:00 AM and weave our way down back streets in Burlington and Graham before reaching the rural roads of southern Alamance County. Our destination is just less than 18 miles at Saxapahaw General Store. Along the way we will pass farms and pastures as we roll up and down gentle hills. At about mile 10 there is a convenience store if anyone needs to a quick break. The Saxapahaw General Store is and old convenience market that specializes in locally grown foods. You can even order a free range egg omelet or a goat burger that s produced on a nearby farm. Check out the menu at menu/. Seating is first come first served but there is a nice patio outside where we can enjoy our selections together. After digesting our brunch we will start back to Burlington by a slightly longer route of just over 21 miles. There are one or two hills that I consider a little challenging but if we take our time everyone should be able to keep up. At the 10 mile marker we may get lucky and see alpacas grazing in the front pasture next to the road. If needed there are convenience stores at 4.5 miles and 13 miles. The route back will take us through downtown Graham past the old courthouse and then into Burlington back to the Coop where a variety of liquid refreshments are available. The ride out is rated at R23 and the route back is R34. This is a tour and not a race so we will wait at regular intervals for everyone to catch up. We will have a SAG wagon so you can drop clothing and rain gear as needed. If anyone needs a ride back to the Coop the SAG will be able to accommodate four riders and their bicycles. This trip is for road bikes but hybrids will be okay too. If you only have a mountain bike, its do able but you will earn every mile. Directions to Company Shops are take I-40/85 to exit 145 in Burlington. Turn north onto Maple Avenue and drive toward the downtown area. At Lexington Street (two blocks past Mebane Street a major intersection) turn right. Just before you reach Webb Avenue (Lexington dead ends into Webb) turn into the large parking lot to your right.

6 Page 8 of 16 Outings May 20 Lake Townsend Trail Greensboro Watershed Trails May 26 Black Mountain Crest Trail Mt Mitchell Area Lets meet at 1:30 PM for an easy, scenic hike along the wooded southern edge of Lake Townsend. From Battleground Ave or Lawndale, proceed east on Pisgah Church, continue east on Lees Chapel, bear left at Brightwood School, turn left at the T at Rudd Station Road, cross over the RR tracks and keep straight on South Shore Road for about 1/3 of a mile. Park in the gravel parking lot on your left. Allow about twenty minutes drive time from Battleground. No need to call. [8 mi, R-8] May 20 Canoe/Kayak Haw River Chicken Bridge to 15/501 Join us in a canoe/kayak trip down the popular Haw River near Pittsboro. The river portion is 6.5 miles and generally takes 3 hours. It is a novice and above trip with a few interesting but not dangerous rapids. You will need to provide you own, borrowed or rented boat. Joel can help with transporting the boats. We will leave Shoney s at 10 AM. Bring a picnic lunch. At the end of the trip, we will stop for dinner at the Carolina Brewery in Pittsboro. If you wish to forego dinner, I suspect you can be back by 5. If you plan to join or have questions, give Joel a call. May 26 Morrow Mountain Morrow MountainState Park We will be hiking to the largest Indian quarry in the southeast United States. Some parts of the trail are four feet deep in materials that were used to make tools as far back as 10,000 years ago. We will hike the Sugar Loaf Mountain Trail and the Murrow Mountain Trail where at the top; we will enjoy not only a history lesson, but a beautiful view of the confluence of three rivers; the Pee Dee River, the Uwharrie River, and the Yadkin River. 7.8 miles Moderate.We will meet in the Parking Lot of the old NASCAR café at the Four Seasons Mall at 8am. It is a one and one-half hour drive to the park. This is an out-and-back hike on the Black Mountain Crest Trail from Mt Mitchell to a scenic lunch spot near Gibbs Mtn. This trail has the reputation of being the most rugged in the southeast with ups and downs all day across multiple 6000-foot peaks. In addition to Mt Mitchell, we will cross Mt Craig, Big Tom, Balsam Cone, Cattail Peak, Potato Hill, and Winterstar. The trail north of Winterstar may not be well maintained and the hiker should expect overgrowth in some sections. This is a very difficult hike with a lot of elevation gain, rocky terrain, and is for strong experienced hikers only. Weather is extremely variable at this altitude, so bring rain gear and plenty of water. Expect to leave early, hike nine to ten hours, and return late. Please for meeting time and place. [12 miles, +/ ft, R54] May 27 Galax to Fries Bike Ride New River Trail State Park This will be a two-option, out-and-back ride at Virginia s New River Trail State Park one of the southeast s best rails-to-trails conversions. On the route from Galax to the small settlement of Fries, the riders doing the 35-mile option will cross 12 railroad trestles, including the 1089-foot Fries Junction Trestle, and pedal through the 193-foot Chestnut Creek Tunnel, the longest tunnel on the trail. Outing participants for whom the longer route is more strenuous than desired can opt for the 24-mile ride, proceed at a slower pace, and eat lunch at a riverside picnic area where Chestnut Creek meets the New River. Those riders will also experience the Chestnut Creek Tunnel and the Fries Junction Trestle. The long-ride group and the short-ride group should be back at the Galax parking area at approximately the same time. There is a nominal parking fee at Galax. The trail requires durable tires. Individuals interested in this bike ride should contact David by noon on Friday before the outing. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear.

7 Outings Page 9 of 16 May 27 Laurel Bluff/Reedy Fork Reedy Fork Creek Lets meet at 1:30 PM and hike the Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork watershed trails. Proceed north on Lake Brandt Road, past the Marina on the left, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park in the gravel parking lot on the right. [7 mi, R-8]. Department. This well attended event draws participants interested in many outdoor activities and features booths by outdoor groups and vendors starting at 7:00 am and continuing until noon. Go to for more information on the activities. The long hike will start at 7:30 am and the short hike at 8:00 am. Both hikes start from the Wildlife Center at Bur-Mil. [10.5 miles; R14] or [5.3 miles; R7] June 1 Friday Dinner Imperial Koi June 3 Piedmont Watershed Trail Lake Brandt Please join me for a fun evening at Greensboro s finest Japanese restaurant for beautifully presented food and excellent wine. We ll gather at 7 p.m. at Imperial Koi, 1941 New Garden Road, Greensboro. Please note that the outing will be limited to 30 people. The owner advised that I need to let him know the exact number of attendees two weeks in advance, so please let me know if you will attend by May 18th at 5 p.m. at the very latest. Looking forward to a fun evening! June 2 Tanawha Trail Blue Ridge Parkway Hike the entire 13.2 miles of the scenic Tanawha Trail. We ll arrange a car shuttle.this hike goes over varied terrain and includes some good climbs and some boulder climbing. No dogs allowed per park regulations. [13.2 miles, +/-2600 feet R-40] Lets meet at 1:30 PM and hike the Piedmont watershed trail out and back for a total of 6 easy miles. Proceed north on Lake Brandt Road past the Marina on the left, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left. [6 mi, R-7]. June 4 Monday Power Walk (Call for location) It is time to bring back power walks! Our objective is a good cardiovascular workout. We will walk 7 miles on the city greenway maintaining at least a 4.5 mph pace. If you are working up to this pace, we will catch you on the way back since it is usually an out and back. Please or call if you plan to attend for starting time and location. Hope to see you there! June 2 National Trails Day Bur-Mil Park, Greensboro June 7 Thursday PHOC Round table Discussion and Dinner Outing Shoney s Restaurant NC Hwy 68 and I 40 Join fellow club members on your choice of two hikes, a 10.5 mile loop of Lake Brandt, or a 5.3 mile stroll down the Greenway with a loop on the Palmetto and Nat Greene trails. PHOC will lead these two hikes as a part of National Trails Day activities sponsored by the City of Greensboro s Parks and Recreation Meet at Shoney s off NC Hwy 68 and I-40 for fun, food, and good times to give a little back to one of the club s silent members. Meet in the parking lot at 6:30. For additional information please contact Ken Cook.

8 Page 10 of 16 Outings June 9 Appalachian/Pine Mountain Trails Grayson Highlands State Park June is a fine time to take advantage of the impressive views within and from the premier highlands area of Virginia. The Rhododendron should be in their blazing glory today. The hike will begin at Massie Gap, follow the northbound Appalachian Trail beyond Scales to the Pine Mountain trail, and pass through Rhododendron Gap before again intersecting with the Appalachian Trail. Near that point, hikers will be able to choose between scrambling on the rocky Wilburn Ridge trail or skirting the ridge via the Appalachian Trail on the way back to Massie. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Wear layered clothing because the ridges at Grayson Highlands can be quite chilly any time of year. Please contact me for meeting time and place. (12 miles, 1800 feet, R34). June 9 Pilot Mountain State Park Loop Pilot Mt. /Surry County NC This loop starts at the Grassy Ridge Trail and goes to Pinnacle Hotel Road. It continues on the Mountain Trail, Ledge Spring Trail, and circles the knob on the Jomeokee Trail. After a snack at the southern overlook at the top parking lot we will start down the mountain on the Grindstone Trail. This is a moderate challenge for hikers, but it is not for beginners. Meet in Greensboro at 8:00 am at Shoney s or at the ranger station parking lot at 9:00 am. Bring water and a snack. [9.0 miles; +/ ; R27] June 9 Kayak & Canoe the New River New River State Park It is time for another annual kayak & canoe trip on the south fork of the New River. (North Carolina) We will leave Shoneys (I 40 & NC 68) at 7:30.As in the past our 10 mile paddle starts at Zaloo s Canoes. Midways we will stop for lunch at New River State Park. There you will find restrooms and drink machines. Zaloo will bus us back to Zaloo s and our cars where we can change clothes before heading to Mountain Air Steak and Seafood for dinner. Please me if you are going to paddle and or eat with us. For those who wish to rent a canoe call Zaloo s at ($47.00 per boat w/ paddles and life. jackets or $44 for a one man kayak) If you have your own boat, we will work out a shuttle or pay Zaloo s for the service. We will not be stopping along the way to Zaloo s to insure we are there at 10:00 and on the water at 10:30. Bring water, drinks, food, rain gear and or sunscreen and or to carry on the river. Remember to have dry clothes to leave in the car. June 10 Watershed Trails Lake Brandt Greensboro Join us for an 8 mile hike on the Nat Greene Trail and Palmetto Trail. These are pretty trails with views of Lake Brandt. We will meet at the Lake Brant Marina - Nat Greene watershed trailhead (on the left as you enter the marina parking lot) at 10:30 am. Bring water and snack. Call or us if you have questions. [8 miles, R12] June 10 1:30 Orientation Hike for New Members Bur-Mil Park New, recent and prospective members are invited to join Ernest for a short hike and question and answer session. We ll meet at shelter #2 where the club s annual pig picking will take place later, after our hike. Learn all about PHOC, its opportunities, appropriate gear for hikes, paddles, bike rides and what to expect on the trail. After roughly a 45 minute orientation we ll hike one of the trails in Bur-Mil Park, ending back where we started. Restrooms are available if you d like to change into pig picking attire June 10 Annual Pig picking Bur-Mil Park Shelter #2 Entertainment & Social Committee RSVP via

9 Outings Page 11 of 16 Join us at 2 pm for the club s annual pig picking (New month! Same great fun!). Famous Prissy Polly s BBQ and all fixings, trimmings; iced tea and soda will be provided by the club. Bring your favorite dessert to share. Bring a serving utensil for your dish. Bur-Mil Park regulations allow beer and wine in all shelters, but no glass containers are allowed so attendees who want to bring their own adult beverages should bear this in mind. Feel free to bring your camp chair. Enjoy fishing, swimming in the Bur-Mil pool, golf at the nearby driving range or par 3 course hiking, biking, bocce ball, volleyball and visiting with friends. Festivities and meal begin at 2:00 pm at Bur- Mil Park off of Owl s Roost Road in Greensboro. Meet at shelter #2 on the left just past the swimming pool. Please RSVP by June 3 to Shari via so we can get an accurate count; this is important for the club s budget. We had a great group and time at Spring Fling...let s do it again! and there is lots of exposure, so bring layers of clothes, rain gear and good humor! Please Matt for details and note your preferred hiking option. Long - [14.2 miles; R64] or Short [12.2 miles; R38] June 17 Triad Park Kernersville Join me for an easy 1 hour hike around Triad Park located at 9652 East Mountain Street. Bring a dish to share. After the walk we will have a picnic, hang out and play some volleyball. I am buying a lightweight, oversized training ball just for this occasion!!! We will meet in the parking lot near the volleyball courts at 11 am. Rain or shine we will still meet for a picnic at 11am (the shelters are covered). June 14 Thursday Positano s 2605 Lawndale Dr June 21 Thursday Southern Roots Jamestown Join me at one of my favorite Italian restaurants on Thursday at 6:00 pm. Please let me know by Tuesday 6/12 if you ll be there so I can give them an accurate count. Check out the menu at June 16 Roan Mountain and AT Roan Mountain State Park, TN Join me at a favorite local restaurant in Jamestown, Southern Roots at 6:30 pm. There is a great outdoor patio, a nice bar, and casual dining, southern dishes, continental cuisine, and good wines. Please let me know by Wednesday June 20th either or phone if you plan to attend. Let s enjoy one of the club s favorite areas and hike the high balds of the Appalachian Trail just north of Roan Mountain. It s a long drive, but the rewards are high meadows with great views, a beautiful valley, and options for hikers of various levels. The strenuous climbers will be dropped off at the trail-head on US 19E for a trek of 14.2 miles and an elevation gain of 5000 feet ending at Carver s Gap. Others will start at Carver s Gap and head to Little Hump Mountain (6.1 miles and 2500 elevation loss) for lunch with the strenuous hikers. Then all will head back to Carver s Gap. Those not choosing these options can still enjoy the view from the balds by proceeding from Carver s Gap to their chosen turn around point. Dinner at a location in Banner Elk or Boone will be finalized during the hike. The weather is always unpredictable June Friday to Kayak/Canoe/Camping New River State Park Let s celebrate summer with an outing on the river at New River State Park near West Jefferson. This is the trip that Joel Deaton sponsored last spring that we have agreed to lead this year. To be flexible, you can join us for any of 3 scenarios: 1 - Camp Friday night at 221 Access Campground. Paddle 15 miles and camp at Allegheny Access Camp-ground. On, paddle 4 miles and return to Greensboro by late afternoon. 2 Meet us morning to do the rest of the trip.

10 Page 12 of 16 Outings 3 Meet us morning to boat 9 miles and return home evening and skip camping. The trip is appropriate for novice and up. Call or for details. June 23 Graybeard Mountain Loop Montreat, North Carolina This hike will begin in the beautiful resort and college town of Montreat, not far off I 40. During the ascent to Graybeard Mountain, vistas to the south toward Black Mountain can be beautiful, as can the views to the west, north, and east from the 5408-foot summit of Graybeard itself. That overlook is an especially good point for viewing the route of the popular climb up Heartbreak Ridge to nearby Pinnacle peak. A modest amount of scrambling is required on rock outcrops on the Seven Sisters ridge that leads to Graybeard Mountain. My Father s Pizza in Black Mountain will be a convenient stop for supper following the hike. If interested in this outing, contact David, preferably before Friday prior to the hike. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. (9 miles, 3000 feet, R42) June 23 Moses Cone Blowing Rock This is a scenic and pleasant midlevel 10-mile walk. We will start at Bass Lake and walk uphill past the Cone Mansion on the parkway, across the fields to the firetower, and back. Dinner will be at one of the excellent nearby restaurants. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at Greensboro Shoney s, 8:30 at W-S Jonestown McDonald s. Please contact Jon with interest. R-28 June 30 Dragon s Tooth Southern Virginia This is a strenuous hike that takes us along the AT up to Dragon s Tooth. There are great views of the Roanoke Valley and surrounding mountains. Let s hope for a warm sunny day. Call or for meeting time and place. (11.4 miles R40) July 1 Salem Lake Trail Winston-Salem For this seven-mile walk at picturesque Salem Lake, we ll meet at 2:00 p.m. in the parking lot to the right just before the fenced entrance to the marina area at the lake. Mapquest directions to the lake are available using Salem Lake Dam, Winston-Salem, NC. The turn from Reynolds Park Road is to the north on Salem Lake Road at a green sign for Salem Lake. Bring plenty of water and a snack. Contact me if additional information is needed. (7 miles, R8) June 24 Gibson Park to Piedmont Environmental Center Jamestown Meet at Gibson Park off Wendover Ave at 1:30 at the last shelter area and we will hike out and back towards the PEC staying in the woods (soft ground) as much as possible. Bring water, snacks and rain gear.