TRAILMARKER. Grayson Highlands & Mt. Rogers Area Hike. Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, Cabin Ridge Trail & AT North Loop March 31

Transcription

1 TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982 May-June 2018 Volume 36 - Number 3 Grayson Highlands & Mt. Rogers Area Hike Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, Cabin Ridge Trail & AT North Loop March 31 Visit us on the Web

2 Page 4 May-June Trailmarker PHOC History Corner As I was looking through the May-June newsletters, I discovered something interesting. After many discussions, the Executive Board stated in the Jan-Feb newsletter of 1988 that suggestions for a new club name would be narrowed to four at the Jan 16 covered dish and that the final vote would be taken in the Feb 8 meeting. So thirty years ago the club name was changed from the High Point Hiking Club to the Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club. Also the presidency passed 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. What's In a Name? by Gale Magann from me to Sue Kanoy that year. Where does the time go! For some other interesting tidbits, the first Spring Fling was held in 1996 and for many years we had Memorial Day weekend car camping on Ocracoke Island and then Cosby Campground in the Smokies. The club has canoed various sections of the New River starting in 1983 and continuing this year. We also canoed the Lumbee/Lumber River for several years in the 90's thanks to Margie and Hubert Lathan and tubed the Dan and Mayo Rivers and Wilson Creek all before kayaking got popular and easier. So Happy Spring! 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. 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. See Outings Protocol on page 14.

3 Trailmarker May-June Page 5 Outings Wednesday Night Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening in the parking lot beside Tex & Shirley s at the Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a brisk walk before dinner. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will go to dinner after the walk. If bad weather cancels the walk, the group will still meet at 6:30 and go to dinner. Dates for Wednesday Night Walks & Dinner: May 2 June 6 May 9 June 13 May 16 June 20 May 23 June 27 May 30 May 3 Southern Roots Restaurant 6:30 pm 119 E. Main St. Please join me at Southern Roots, 119 E. Main St. in Jamestown for dinner at 6:30 pm. Southern Roots has a unique menu using local ingredients and supporting sustainable agriculture. Please let me know by Wednesday, May 2nd by 5pm that you are coming so I can confirm with the restaurant. Limit 12 participants. Parking is available on the side street and behind the restaurant. May 5 Shallow Ford Natural 9 am Join me in Alamance County and explore the lovely Shallow Ford Natural Area along the Haw River. We will take the Basin Creek Trail to the Hidden Hill Trail Loop and then the Homestead Trail Loop. For a longer hike we will include the Shallow Ford Loop Trail too. Please if interested. 6 miles. Address: 1955 Gerringer Mill Rd, Burlington, NC May 5 Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail to the Swinging Bridge Join me for my all time favorite local hike, GF Mt. This adventure requires rock scrambling, ladder climbing, chute climbing, and absolutely no fear of heights. The distance is about 11.5 very tough miles from the new Profile Trail parking area and back. Good weather is a must and will be rescheduled as needed. Please if you are interested in this unique and awesome adventure. May 5 Caudill Cabin, Basin Creek Trail Doughton Park Join me on this beautiful hike to Caudill Cabin. The hike is approximately 10 miles with 1800 ft. of elevation gain. A dozen or more stream crossings await you as we make our way to the cabin. The only intact structure left in the Caudill Community from the flood of Bring lunch, water shoes and hiking poles. If interested please, contact me for meeting times and carpooling locations. May 5 New River Near New River SP US 221 Access, Ashe Co. Join Catherine and me at our cabin on the South Fork of the New River for a fun day paddling the beautiful Wild and Scenic South Fork of the New River in Ashe County, NC. This paddle is also an outing for the New River Conservancy which saved this section of river from being destroyed by a dam over 40 years ago. We plan to be on the river by 10:30 am and off no later than 3 pm. Boats can be rented from the New River Outfitters. This river is great for beginners and children, class 1 and 2. Bring your lunch. Call me for exact meeting location and/or more information.

4 Page 6 May-June Trailmarker May 5-6 and Sunday Cashie River Paddle and Treehouses Windsor, NC Join us for our first ever club paddle on the Cashie River, a blackwater river, which flows through Windsor in the eastern part of NC. The town of Windsor has built two treehouses on the river that we will utilize. If these are full, there is a nice town park with camping and trailer hookups at the same location. Other options are to stay in area hotels, etc. We will drive down morning and paddle 5 miles that afternoon and take out at the treehouses. On Sunday we will put in the river at the treehouses and paddle either 5 or 10 miles. There is an option to stay Sunday night and leave for home Monday morning. Since the campsites are in town, meals will be at local restaurants. A great trip for novices and above. Contact me for more details. May 6 Sunday New Member Orientation and Walk Lake Higgins Marina, Thinking about joining but wondering what it is all about, new member and not sure how to get started, or recent member needing a refresher course? Meet with us at 1:30 pm in the small conference room at Lake Higgins Marina on Hamburg Mill Road in. Participants will hear about the PHOC, appropriate gear for PHOC hikes, and tips for staying safe on the trail. The orientation will take about 45 minutes followed by a short walk in the woods. Both activities should wrap up no later than 5:00 pm. If you need additional information please contact Butch or Terri. We look forward to seeing you! May 6 Pilot Mountain Creek Trail Sunday Pilot Mountain State Park Our last hike here was rained out so let s try again. Join me for an out and back 7-mile total moderate hike along Pilot Creek Trail. This is one of the newer trails in Pilot Mountain State Park. Trailhead is on Boyd Nelson Road. Directions: Heading north on Route 52, pass the exit for the park s main entrance. Take Exit 134 and go west on Route 268 for a short distance. Turn left onto Shoals Road and then left onto Boyd Nelson Road. The parking area is on the right, up the hill, just past the small bridge over Pilot Creek. Meeting time is 10:30 am. If there is interest, Jolo Winery is just down the road and has music on Sunday afternoons. [R-16] May 7 7 pm PHOC Monthly Meeting Slide Show & Talk Cape Town, South Africa and Environs New Garden Friends Meeting 801 New Garden Road, This past March, David Lowe took 7 PHOC friends to visit Cape Town, South Africa and surrounding areas known for nice weather, beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery. Planned hikes include up and around Table Mountain, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, wine growing area mountains of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, various other coastal trails and a strenuous overnight backpack trip. Other planned activities included enjoying the local food and culture, interacting with family, friends and other locals, surfing, swimming, wine tasting and much more. Several participants will present a slide show and share stories of their adventures and experiences. Directions: New Garden Friends is on New Garden Road, directly across from Guilford College. Go north on New Garden from Friendly Avenue, turn left at the first light, into the rear parking lot. May 10 7 pm Taaza Indian Bistro 1216 M Bridford Parkway, According to Raj, our Club member from India, this is the best Indian restaurant in town. A lovely atmosphere as well as delicious food makes this

5 Trailmarker May-June Page 7 establishment one of my favorites. Please let me know by Wed. evening, May 9, if you ll be joining me so I can make reservations. May 12 Laurel Bluff & Reedy Creek 9 am Watershed Let s meet at 9:00 am and hike the Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork watershed trails. Proceed North on Lake Brandt Road, past the marina on the left, park in the gravel lot, before the bridge that crosses the dam for the Laurel Bluff Trail. 7.5 miles [R-15] May 12 The 5 Peaks of Hanging Rock Hanging Rock State Park From the Visitor Center we will hike up to Hanging Rick, and then continue on to Wolf Rock, House Rock, Cooks Wall and then to Moore s Knob. We will hike down the steps from Moore s Knob and then around the lake. Expect good views and a good workout. Please contact me for details. 10 miles [R-30]. May 12 Shining Rock Wilderness Area Shining Rock Gap We will be using a combination of Art Loeb and Ivestor Gap Trails and crossing Black Balsam Knob (6,214') and Tennent Mountain for a distance of miles. We will do a little bushwhacking at Shining Rock Gap and then have lunch at a plateau made up of huge white Mica rocks. The views from this hike are just wonderful. This is a hike for strong experienced hikers. It is a long drive so we will be leaving Big Lots at 6:00 am. [R-48] May 13 Osprey/Townsend Trail 1pm Let s walk the Osprey/Townsend trail. Meet me at 1 pm at the entrance to the Osprey Trail on Yanceyville. The parking lot is on the left approx. 2 miles after you turn off Pisgah Church. We will hike the last bit of the Osprey prior to crossing over Yanceyville and hiking Townsend. Total length approx. 8 miles. May 15 6:30 pm Cugino Forno Pizzeria Meet at 6:30 pm at Cugino Forno Pizzeria, 1160 Revolution Mill Drive,. This is an authentic Italian pizza restaurant (ingredients regularly shipped in from Italy), located in a beautifully restored and spotless cotton mill, featuring attractive communal tables. Mama mia! Please contact me if you plan to attend. May 19 Tory s Den to Moore s Knob Hanging Rock State Park This hike offers a good climb, a moderately challenging distance, unusual views of Moore s Knob and lunch from the best view in Hanging Rock State Park. We will start from the Tory s Den parking lot on Charlie Young Road and hike over Huckleberry Ridge on the way to Moore s Knob, where we will enjoy lunch, views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the bursting spring colors. We will return on the same trails, for a round trip of about 8 miles and about an 1,800 foot change in elevation [R-26]. Depending on interest, there is an opportunity for a second longer hike, completing the Moore s Knob Loop trail after lunch, returning on the Tory s Den trail about 11.5 miles with about a 2,100 ft. change in elevation [R-34]. Carpooling will be available from Oak Ridge. Directions can be provided to those who want to meet at the trailhead. Cell: (for use on the day of the hike only). May 19 Guilford-Mackintosh Park Let s check out this park for hiking instead of kayaking. The park is only about 30 minutes east of and there is a three mile loop trail along the lake and then in the woods. We will

6 Page 8 May-June Trailmarker have lunch at the end and then do three miles back to get in 6 miles. Contact Gale for time and place to meet. May 19 Montreat East Ridge We will take the Graybeard Trail to Walker Knob then the Old Tressle Trail to the Old Mitchell Toll Road. At Sourwood Gap we will take the East Ridge Trail and go to Bogg s Bunion and Lookout Mt., and then the Rainbow Trail to the gate at Montreat for a total of 14 miles. Last year on East Ridge the Flame Azaleas and Mountain Laurel were beautiful! There is a meadow carpeted with cinnamon ferns that is also great. There are some climbs and some steep descents suitable for experienced hikers. We will leave Big Lots at 7:00 am. [R-50] May 20 1:30 pm Nat Greene Trail Lake Brandt Road Let s meet in the parking lot of the Lake Brandt Marina, 5945 Lake Brandt Road, and hike the Nat Greene Trail out and back for a total of 7 easy miles. Heading north on Lake Brandt Road, the Marina is on the left just before you cross the dam. Please let me know if you ll be joining me. May 20 Lake Brandt Paddle 9:00 am Lake Brandt Marina Let s meet at 9 am at the Lake Brandt Marina and go for an exciting paddle. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent at the Marina. No paddling experience necessary. Kayaks rent for $12 and 2-person kayaks or canoes rent for $20. The rentals are for all day and cannot be reserved in advance. Directions: From Lawndale and Pisgah Church, proceed North on Lawndale, continue North on Lake Brandt Road, past Air Harbor on the right, and turn left into the Marina gate as the road descends and bends to the right. May 24 7 pm Chinese Kitchen and Asian Cuisine Restaurant 435 Dolley Madison Rd. Let s meet for Chinese and Thai favorites plus Indo-Chinese and Manchurian food in a polished, relaxed ambiance. Rated 4 out of 5 by Trip Advisor. Please let me know by noon on Thursday if you will be attending so I can make reservations. May Friday-Sunday Upper James River Water Trail Paddle & Camping Trip Natural Bridge Station, VA We will head to Natural Bridge Station, VA for a varied adventure open to all club members. We will camp at Hopper Creek Group Campsite on Friday and night (It s Memorial Day weekend, so the reservation includes Monday). The site will accommodate 50 campers and includes 12 picnic tables, a stand-up BBQ grill, fire ring, bear-proof trash disposal and a five star vault toilet. Camping fee is $70 which we will split. Tents only, no RV s. On Sat. morning, I will lead a paddle on the Upper James River Water Trail from Alpine to Glasgow. This is an 11.3 mile float, with class I and II rapids, lasting approx. 6 hours. On Sunday, some may do the 3 miles from Glasgow to Snowden which includes class III Balcony Falls. For club members who need to rent a vessel, contact Twin River Outfitters at For those who would like to camp but not paddle, our site is a short distance from Cave Mountain Lake, Apple Orchard Falls, the AT and other foot trails, as well as Natural Bridge Park. If interested, please me. May 9 am Bald Eagle Trail Lake Higgins Watershed Trail Let s meet at 9:00 am at the Lake Higgins watershed trailhead for an out and back total of

7 Trailmarker May-June Page 9 8 easy miles. Proceed North on 220 (Battleground Ave), past the turnoff at Owl s Roost Road to Bur-Mil Park, past the spillway at the bottom of the hill, and then left onto Hamburg Mill Road. Proceed past the Marina entrance gate at the top of the hill, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left just past the fence. [R-7] May 26 Mt. Jefferson State Natural 8:00 am We ll start at the park office, climb the Mountain Ridge Trail to the summit, then take the Rhododendron Trail and stop for lunch at Luther s Rock where there are great views of the surrounding valleys from about 4,000 feet. Next, we ll take the Lost Province Trail and then circle back and down to the park office, about 6.5 miles. The trails are well graded, with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet, so please make sure you are comfortable with UP before signing up! Please me for times and carpooling details. [R-21] May 26 Doughton Park Flat Rock/Grassy Gap Trail This hike will be a steady climb 5 miles up the Flat Rock Ridge Trail, then 1 mile along the ridge on the Bluff Mtn Trail, then descend on the Grassy Gap Trail, back to the cars to complete the 13 miles ft. or call for info. [R-36] May 27 Owl s Roost Loop 1:30 pm Bur-Mil Park Let s meet at 1:30 pm at the Wildlife Center in Bur-Mil Park and hike the Owl s Roost watershed trail from the fishing pier 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 (on the left), then right at the traffic light at Owl s Roost, and then left into Bur- Mil Park. Bear right at the club house, and park in the circular driveway at the bottom of the hill, just below the Wildlife Center. 7 miles. [R-12] May 29 7 pm Rody s Tavern 5105 Michaux Rd Let s meet at our friendly neighborhood tavern at the intersection of Horse Pen Creek Rd and Battleground Ave. Rody s has a great selection of food and beers, and on Tuesdays all burgers, including the vegetarian selection, are $6 with one side. Reasonable prices for other choices. June 2 Grayson Highlands State Park, Virginia Join me in hiking in the scenic Mount Rogers area, where hopefully the rhododendrons will be in bloom. From Massie Gap we will proceed north on the AT, then on Pine Mountain Trail to Rhododendron Gap and back to the cars via Wilburn Ridge. Bring lunch and water. Mexican dinner in Sparta is an option on the way home. Please contact me for details, 13 miles. [R-35] June 2 Hanging Rock State Park Indian Creek Trail to Hanging Rock Summit Let s celebrate National Trails Day with a cool hike up along Indian Creek to the Hanging Rock summit and back. This route includes a portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail. The round trip is 9.8 miles [R-28]. We will have lunch at the picnic area where those feeling less energetic may choose to skip the Hanging Rock part. Green Heron Ale House near our parking lot should be open for celebratory libations. me for further details and with your choice of routes. June 2 Lake 3 pm Hwy 61 South Try something new: let s enjoy a 6-mile (4-mile option available) hike beside Lake MacIntosh located off 40 exit 138, Hwy 61 south park is

8 Page 10 May-June Trailmarker 1/4 mile from Red Oak Lager Haus. After entering the park gate continue straight to parking lot beside the restrooms. We ll meet in front of restrooms on the grassy circle. After our hike we'll head over to Red Oak for a mug of Hummingbird beer Red Oak permits outside food or you can enjoy a tasty dinner from a local food truck. Please contact me Friday, June 1st by noon if you plan to attend. June 3 10 am Printworks Bistro 702 Green Valley Road, Join me for an excellent brunch in one of s finest eating establishments. In addition to an extensive entrée menu, breakfast items can be ordered a la carte, providing great flexibility. If interested, please let me know by evening, June 2, so I can make reservations. June 3 Bill Craft Trail 1 pm Taylor Preserve Please join me for a 7-mile hike on this scenic trail off Plainfield Rd. Directions: Head north on Church St, crossing over Pisgah Church Rd. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead is on the right after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead will be on your left. June 7 Sarah s Kabob Shop 7 pm 5553 West Market Street Come join us for some fun and good food at Sarah s Kabob Shop! Listed as #1 on Trip Advisor s Cheap Eats in, it has some real good food, something for everyone: American, Mediterranean, Greek, Middle Eastern, and Vegetarian friendly. The Wednesday night walkers have always enjoyed this restaurant over the last few years. Please let me know by Thursday at noon if you would like to join us. June 9 Primitive and Flat Rock Trails Doughton Park This will be scenic hike with a strenuous climb to the ridge on the Primitive trail (2,200 feet of climbing in 2.8 miles). Great views throughout the hike. Contact me for meeting details. 13 miles, 3300 feet of elevation gain [R-46]. June 9 Boone Fork Trail Price Park Blue Ridge Parkway Let s hike the Boone Fork Trail at Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a an easy-to-moderate and beautiful trail which is about 5 miles. Suitable footwear is a must, since there are many stream crossings as well as a couple of ladders on the trail. After the hike, there will be an option to explore Blowing Rock, visit shops and eat ice cream! Call or for meeting times. June 9 Richardson Taylor 9 am Bill Craft Trail/Plainfield Rd. Join me for a morning hike along one of the more scenic watershed trails, the Bill Craft Trail (aka Plainfield Rd) in the Richardson Taylor Preserve. Meet a little before 9 am for a 9 am departure. This hike offers a variety of views, some observation decks, wetlands, and diverse forests and is around 7 miles out and back on relatively flat terrain. From Lawndale Ave., head North (Lawndale becomes Lake Brandt Rd). Cross the bridge. About 1.5 miles after crossing the bridge, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. Go approx. 2 miles. The parking lot will be on the left. [~R-10] June 9 & 10 AT Backpacking Trip & Sunday Sam s Gap to Erwin, TN We will go Friday 6/8 to Uncle Johnnies and stay there Fri. night. On Sat. morning we will leave our cars there and they will shuttle us to Sam s Gap

9 Trailmarker May-June Page 11 from where we will take the AT Northbound and ascend 2000' over 5 miles to Big Bald and then Little Bald. The views are 360 and beautiful. On night, we will camp around Whistling Gap and on Sunday morning, hike back to Uncle Johnnies, pick up the cars and then head home. This hike is 24 miles split up over two days. Approximately R-40 each day. June 10 1:30 pm Piedmont Watershed Trail Lake Brandt Let s 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 miles [R-9] June 11 7 pm PHOC Monthly Meeting Slide Show & Talk Return to Banff, Canada New Garden Friends Meeting 801 New Garden Road, (see directions under "PHOC Meeting" on pg. 7) In September 2017, Jim McArthur took 3 PHOC friends and several others from the Charlotte area for 6 days of hiking in Banff, Yoho, and Jasper National Parks, Alberta, Canada. Spectacular weather was enjoyed by the group as they hiked Eiffel Lake Valley to Ten Peaks, Plain of the Six Glaciers, Lake Louise, Iceline Trail, Laughing Falls, Takakka Falls, Johnson Canyon, Lake Helen and Katherine Lake, as well as Wilcox Pass. Overall, the group hiked between 70 and 75 miles with elevation gains between 2200 and 4000 feet, yet never saw a grizzly bear! Jim will also share tips on how to train for strenuous hiking adventures. June 14 Sushi Republic 7 pm 3269 Tate Street Let's meet at Sushi Republic for dinner. In addition to sushi, the restaurant offers noodle and stir-fry dishes. Check out the website: sushirepublicgso.com. Please let me know by Thursday at noon if you would like to join us. June Coastal Kayak Trip Wilmington, NC Join us for a 4-day/3-night kayaking adventure to one of North Carolina s most popular paddling destinations. Three separate day trips are planned in exploration of a variety of coastal ecosystems as we venture into a blackwater tributary, a freshwater river and the region s intracoastal waterway. Each paddle will range 6-8 miles and take us into a coastal marsh as well as a visit to a local barrier island (Keg Island aka Shark s Tooth Island on the lower Cape Fear River). This manmade island dredged from the river s soil is a great spot for hunting shells, fossilized whalebone, sharks teeth and driftwood. A cookout and a number of touring trips will also be arranged for the group. This paddle includes a 3-day/2-night option, a weekend only option, and also a low priced option. Trip is limited to 12. Please contact me for more info and interest. June New River Paddle & Camp Friday-Sunday New River State Park This 11-mile paddle is for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. We will be camping at the New River 221 Access group site Friday and night. Those who want to just paddle will need to meet with the group to do a shuttle to Wagoner Rd. Access where we will paddle back to our campsite. Sunday morning we will go to Shatley Spring Restaurant for breakfast. Contact me by phone or for details. June 8:30 am Laurel Bluff Trail Lake Brandt Road Let s meet at 8:30 am and hike the Laurel Bluff Trail, out and back for a total of 7 miles. Heading north on Lake Brandt Road, the trailhead is on the

10 Page 12 May-June Trailmarker right, just before you cross the dam. Please let me know if you ll be joining me. June 16 Apple Orchard Mountain Arcadia, Virginia Join me for a hike to the crest of Apple Orchard Mountain, the highest peak in central Virginia. The hike will begin at a National Forest Service trailhead outside of Arcadia, VA, which is on I-81 not far north of Roanoke. Beautiful Apple Orchard Falls Trail will be used to reach impressive Apple Orchard Falls. Next, the AT below the BRP will be hiked for 1.5 miles north to the grass-covered summit of Apple Orchard Mt. (4224 ft.) which, on a clear day, affords some spectacular views. Lunch will be eaten on a rock outcropping with a good views of Flat Top and Sharp Top at the Peaks of Otter. We will return on the same section of the AT to the intersection with Cornelius Creek Trail and then back to the cars. If interested, please me before noon on Friday. 10 miles, 3100 ft. elevation gain. [R-41] June 16 Moses Cone Carriage Trails Blowing Rock, NC Many club members enjoy this hike with its wide, gently graded carriage trails. Half of the hike circles the Cone Manor and Bass Lake, and the other half is an up and back trail to the fire tower (panoramic views). Each section is approximately five miles. If you don t want to do the whole thing, you can visit the Manor house and shop at the Craft Center. For those who want to do the entire hike, there will still be an opportunity for a brief tour of the Manor and visit to the Craft Center. There will also be an optional ice cream stop at Kilwin s (in Blowing Rock) on the way home. Contact Susan Slocum by if you are interested. 10 miles, 1,000 feet. [R-20] June 17 1:30 pm Lake Townsend Trail Watershed Trails Let s 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, to Yanceyville Road. Turn left at the light at Yanceyville, and proceed 1.9 miles to the Osprey-Lake Townsend parking lot. It is on the left, just around the corner from the Reedy Fork Baptist Church. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. 8 miles. [R-12]. June 21 7 pm Binh Minh Vietnamese Restaurant 5211 West Market St. Let s meet for dinner at 7 pm at the Vietnamese restaurant Binh Minh on West Market Street.,. They offer traditional Vietnamese dishes served in a subdued setup with booth seating & Asian decor. Please call or me before noon Thursday if you plan to attend. June 9 am Bill Craft Trail Taylor Preserve Plainfield Rd Please join me for this out and back hike of approximately 7 miles of quiet, scenic trail off Plainfield Rd. Directions: Head north on Church St, crossing over Pisgah Church Rd. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead is on the right after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. trailhead will be on your left. June 23 Doughton Park Loop Blue Ridge Parkway Join me hiking this club favorite close to home combining a good workout with beautiful views. This is a long strenuous hike up Flat Rock Ridge, along Bluff Mountain and down Cedar Ridge trails. Bring lunch and plenty of water. Please contact me for details, 17 miles, 3500 ft. [R-52]

11 Trailmarker May-June Page 13 June 23 Sunday Rocky Knob Blue Ridge Parkway, VA This hike has lovely views without the strenuous climb from the bottom of the gorge. We start at the Rocky Knob Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a moderate climb up to a grassy knoll. The trail parallels the BRP with views of Rock Castle Gorge, the Piedmont, and the countryside north of Floyd, VA. Just downhill from the Knob, there is a rustic shelter which used to be on the AT before it was rerouted to the west. The trail eventually crosses the Parkway and heads back in a loop along the Black Ridge Trail. Please for meeting times and places prior to noon Friday before the hike. 7.5 miles. [R-26] June 24 Bald Eagle Loop 8:30 Watershed Hike Join me for a 7-mile lollipop loop hike. Park in the small gravel lot next to Lake Higgins Marina at 4235 Hamburg Mill Road. Please let me know if you ll be joining me. June 26 3:30 pm Hops Burger Bar, 2419 Spring Garden St. Hops Burger Bar on Spring Garden St. was named the best burger spot in the nation. Maybe that s why you can never get in the door! According to the manager, the best time to avoid a long wait is mid-afternoon, early in the week hence the Tuesday at 3:30 pm time to meet. Group is limited to 15 people. Contact me early to get on the list! June 29 - July 1 Friday-Sunday New River Paddle Trip Waterfall Hike, Blacksburg, VA Please join us for paddling on a beautiful section of the New River near Blacksburg, VA. On Friday, those able to arrive early afternoon will take a waterfall hike (4-miles roundtrip to the Cascade Falls in the Jefferson National Forest). On Sat. we will paddle from New River Junction Campground to Pembroke Boat Ramp (8.5 miles, 5 hrs, Class I-II). On Sunday we will do the next section of the river, Pembroke to Bluff City (Pearisburg) (9.5 miles, 5 hrs, Class I-II). The river is about 2.5 hours from so you are welcome to join us on a day trip or for the entire experience. Please me or Lisa if interested in participating. June 30 Roan Mountain This is a high elevation scenic two version hike on the Appalachian Trail along the border of NC and TN. One group will start from Hwy 19E and hike 15 miles south to Carvers Gap climbing 5,300 feet; the other group hikes north from Carvers Gap covering the same 15 miles and climbing 2,600 feet. Both groups will meet for lunch and exchange keys. This hike is for fit and experienced hikers only. Please for meeting times and places prior to noon Friday before the hike. Uphill: 15 miles, 5,300 feet [R-68]; Downhill: 15 miles, 2,600 feet [R-41] June 30 Indian Creek Trail Hanging Rock SP This scenic hike starts at the end of Flinchum Road, near Danbury. We will hike creekside past waterfalls up to the visitor s center, and then further up to Hanging Rock itself (great views), and back down. Post-hike refreshment of choice at nearby Green Heron Ale House, overlooking the Dan River, is a distinct likelihood. Contact me for time and carpool details. 9.8 miles. [R-31] June 30 Bill Craft Trail, Plainfield 8:30 am Join me for a pleasant 7-mile out and back hike. Please see directions to trailhead for Bill Craft Trail hike listed on page 12. Please let me know if you ll be joining me.