Blue Ridge Hiking Club Hike List July- September 2016 Saturday, July 2, Elk Knob: 3.8 mile round trip with 900 ft. gain in elevation. Spectacular views at the summit. The trails are mostly moderate, but a steady climb; steep in some places. 2 ½ - 3 hours. No. dogs. Call hike leader Juin Adams at 828-295-9607 or email juinadams@yahoo.com. Monday, July 4, Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Meet at the Raven Rock Overlook, BRP MP 289.5, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, July 6, Exploring Banner Elk Area. Meet at 9:30 at the the Banner Elk parking lot next to the Bank of America (lots of parking spaces ). First, walk around the park, then cross Hwy 184 to climb uphill behind the Lees-McRae college campus, then down towards the Elk river crossing a bridge behind the cascading waters of the little lake. Then uphill a path in the woods up towards the Grandfather's Children Home walking thru the campus and arriving at the Wildcat lake picnic area (easy walk). Bring bathing suit (if desired) and a snack. Returning by the same route. Approx. 4 miles. Hike could be extended along Elk river downhill. No dogs. Hike Leader, Spiro Tsolis, 336-977-2196. Saturday, July 9, Hebron Falls from Holloway Mtn. Rd. Parking, (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Hike the Tanawha from Holloway Mtn. road east to the Boone Fork Trail, then on to Hebron Falls. After the Falls, finish Boone Fork loop back to the Tanawha and Holloway Mtn. Rd. Several water crossings. Rated moderately strenuous. 7½ mi. round trip. Bring hiking sticks, lunch and plenty of water. No dogs. Call hike leader Bob Heath at 828-773-0471. Monday, July 11, Bass Lake to Cone Manor loop. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area, off Rt.221 just west of Blowing Rock, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, July 13, AT from Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald. Meet either at Carver's Gap parking area 10:00 or carpool from Banner Elk parking lot by the park 9:15. Optional pizza lunch at the Smoky Mountain Bakers in Roan Mountain on the way home. No dogs. Contact Mike Lobban at mjlobban@bellsouth.net Saturday, July 16, Beacon Heights to Rough Ridge, (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) 4.5 miles. Rated moderate (rough and rocky in some places). Hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern US. See great views of the Parkway, Viaduct and Grandfather. Includes boardwalk, wooden stairs in Stack Rock area and a walk under the Viaduct. No dogs. Call hike leader Carol Ann Mitchell at 423-957-1207 or camitchell21@gmail.com. Meet Rough Ridge parking area 9 am to spot cars, then to Beacon Heights.
Monday, July 18, The Maze and Apple Barn at Cone Manor. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area, off Rt. 221 just west of Blowing Rock at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, July 20, Glen Burney Trail, Blowing Rock. Scenic hike along New Years Creek with views of cascades and waterfalls. Moderate to strenuous hike - all uphill on return. 3.2 miles. No dogs. Contact hike leaders, Mitch and Sheri Murray at 828-737-0248. Saturday, July 23, Table Rock and Crest Trail, The Linville Gorge Wilderness area has Table Rock as a view-filled peak above the gorge. The hike is steep but not too long, 2.2 miles. Beautiful view all the way up and down. Upon return to the parking lot we will continue (optional) on the MST across the crest and partly down toward Shortoff Mountain which will be about 3.0 miles out and back - lunch at the end of this trail before returning to the parking lot. Great views from both sides of the crest. Both hikes are considered moderate to strenuous. Meet at Christa's Country Corner on 181 at the Parkway MP 312 to carpool to the trailhead. No dogs. Bring snacks or lunch for the full hike. Contact hike leader Mike Lobban at mjlobban@bellsouth.net for details. Monday, July 25, Rich Mountain: (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at Trout Lake parking lot (1st exit left off Parkway just south of Cone Manor onto Rt. 221 and then take an immediate right onto Shull's Mill Rd going under parkway), at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, July 27, Boone Fork Trail - 4.9 miles, 4 1/2 hrs. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Rated Moderate. Includes two trail ladders. Meet at the Price Park picnic area (BRP milepost 296.5) Trail goes through campgrounds, meadows, and crosses a small creek numerous times. No dogs allowed.leader: Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-957-1207 or camitchell21@gmail.com. Meet at 9:30 am. Saturday, July 30, Mount Mitchell: We will meet at 10:00 am at the observation deck parking lot at Mt. Mitchell. The hike begins there. We will hike to Mt. Craig (6648') and Big Tom (6581') with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. The hike is about 4.5 miles and rated moderate. We can eat lunch at the restaurant following the hike. No dogs. Call hike leader Susan Smith at 828-675-1827 to sign up for the hike. Monday, August 1, Price Lake plus. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at Boat ramp parking area, BRP MP 297, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly.
Wednesday, August 3, Two Hikes near Damascus, Laurel Creek including a new hike, Buckeye Backbone. About 5 and a half miles total. Also, an opportunity to eat ice cream in Damascus following the hike. Moderate and strenuous. No dogs, contact hike leader, Gloria Marquez, 828-773-0042 Saturday, August 6, Stone Mountain, Wilkes County. Hike to the top of a 600 ft. hike bare granite dome with amazing views. On the main trail, you ll reach he summit, as well as see the Hutchinson Homestead, Stone Mountain Falls. No dogs. Call hike leader Gloria Marquez at 828-262-0375 or 828-773-0042. Monday, August 8, Green Knob Trail: (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at Sims Pond Overlook, BRP MP 295.9 at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, August 10, Appalachian Trail and Virginia Creeper. About 8 miles. From Damascus VA hike the AT uphill (moderate) to reach an intersection with the Virginia Creeper trail (easy), then follow the Creeper trail along the creek to loop back to your starting point. No dogs. Call hike leader Gloria Marquez at 828-262-0375 or 828-773-0042. Saturday, August 13, Hughes Gap to Carver's Gap, 6.6 miles, rated strenuous. This is part of AT leading to Roan High Knob and old Cloudland Hotel down to Carver's Gap. Beautiful forests and boulder formations, Bring plenty of protein and fluids, (consider Vitalite). No dogs. Call hike leader: Carol Ann Mitchell 423-957-1207 or camitchell21@gmail.com. Monday, August 15, Flat Top Observation Tower. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet in front of the Carriage House by Cone Manor, BRP MP 294.1, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, August 17, Roan Mountain - Carvers Gap to Roan High Bluff. 6.5 miles. Rated: moderate/strenuous. Meet at the Carvers Gap parking area which is on the NC/TN line at the top of NC 261 (143 on the TN side.) Spectacular 360 degree views along part of the AT that crosses the top of the bluff by the old Cloudland Hotel. Trail is rocky in parts. 5,000+ ft elevation. No dogs.leader: Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-957-1207 or camitchell21@gmail.com. Meet at 10:00 am. Saturday, August 20, Mountains to Sea Trail, Boone Trace ( MP 285.1) to Grandview Overlook. Nice hike with mostly gentle ups and downs mostly through woods with several Parkway crossings. Moderate to strenuous, about 8+ miles round trip. Lunch at the mid-point. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779.
Monday, August 22, Old John s River Road to Boone Fork. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at Sim s Pond Overlook, BRP MP 295.9, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, August 24, Mountains to Sea Trail, Grandview Overlook (MP 281.4) to Osborne Mountain Overlook. In and out of the woods along the trail. Variety of terrain. Moderate to strenuous. 8 + miles - a round-trip hike, with lunch at the mid-point. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779. Saturday, August 27, Grandfather Mountain Event Flat Rock Loop and Nuwati Trail to Storyteller Rock: (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) We will need several volunteers to lead hikes every half hour or so. Rangers will be located along both routes to provide information to hikers. Contact Bill Barksdale or Bob Heath. Monday, August 29, Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Meet at the Raven Rock Overlook, to hike south, BRP MP 289.5, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, August 31, Rich Mountain to Sims Pond: (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at Sims Pond, BRP Milepost 295.7 and carpool to Trout Lake parking lot. Climb Rich Mountain. Then hike down the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, over Shull s Mill Road to Old John s River Road to Sims Pond and the cars. Total about 7 moderate miles, gradual uphill to top of Rich, then mostly downhill from Rich Mountain. No Dogs. Juin Adams, hike leader juinadams@yahoo.com or 828-295-9607. Saturday, September 3, Trout Lake to Fire Tower, (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Approximately 7 miles, rated moderate, on Cone Manor carriage trails with approximately 650 ft. elevation gain. Meet at Trout Lake parking area. No dogs. Call hike leader Roger Bodo at 828-260-2019. Monday, September 5, Tanawha Trail to Holloway Mountain Road. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet at boat ramp parking at Price Lake, BRP MP 297, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, September 7, Appalachian Trail, Pond Mt. to Laurel Falls. Pond Mountain Trail is 9 miles on the AT from Watauga Lake on 321 where the AT crosses at Shook Branch Rd. (just before Hampton, Tenn.) to Dennis Cove parking lot on Dennis Cove Rd. We will spot cars. Rated moderate to strenuous. No dogs. About 9 miles. Call hike leader Gloria Marquez at 828-262-0375 or 828-773-0042. Saturday, September 10, Quarterly Meeting: Meet at 11:00 AM at the Linville Land Harbor Pavilion by the lake (where you see the racks of canoes). Bring a dish to share and your hiking
shoes for an after-meeting hike (weather permitting). No need to reserve. Contact host, Larry Mallett, 828-260-1675, with any questions. Monday, September 12, Carriage Barn to Blowing Rock Stables: (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet in front of the Carriage House by Cone Manor, BRP MP 294.1, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, September 14, Lost Cove Creek 7 miles, 5 hours. This is a loop trail starting with a moderate climb to the top of the ridge then a steep descent down to Hunt Fish Falls and a large swimming pool where we will have lunch. The return has several climbs & follows several tributaries of Lost Creek where there are falls, cascades and swimming holes. 6-8 water crossings. This beautiful hike is a favorite as it affords the most variety. No dogs allowed. Moderate to strenuous. Leader: Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-957-1207 or camitchell21@gmail.com. Meet at 9:30 am at Beacon Heights parking area to carpool down. Saturday, September 17, Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail: (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Hike from Boone Fork Parking area on the BRP. 5-6 hrs.; approximately 7 mi. round trip. Steady uphill trail with many strenuous, rocky sections and ladders. Elevation gain 2,060 ft. Enjoy beautiful long range views to 3 states from the top of Calloway. Bring hiking sticks, lunch and lots of water. No dogs. Call hike leader Bob Heath at 828-773-0471. Monday, September 19, Carriage House to Old Catawba Rd. (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Meet in front of the Carriage House by Cone Manor, BRP MP 294.1, at 9:30 AM. Hike 5-7 (options) miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, September 21, Leader s choice hike Contact Wes McNair at 443-949-2818 or mcnair4@comcast.net for information. Saturday, September 24 Cold Prong Pond to Storyteller Rock, (GFM 100 Mi. Challenge Hike) Hike the Tanawha Trail from Cold Prong Pond parking area (299 BRP) to the Nuwati Trail and Storyteller Rock. Approximately 7 mi. round trip. Rated easy to moderate. No dogs. Call hike leader Sheryl McNair at (443) 949-2818. Monday, September 26, Mountain-to-Sea Trail to 321. Meet at Thunder Hill Overlook, first overlook on BRP north of 321, MP 290.4, at 9:30 AM. Hike about 5 miles, at a relaxed pace, following an easy trail, no dogs, done by noon, mostly. Wednesday, September 28, Table Rock in the The Linville Gorge Wilderness - a view-filled peak above the gorge. The hike is steep but not too long, 2.2 miles. Beautiful view all the way up and down. Meet at Christa's Country Corner on 181 at the Parkway MP 312 at 9:00 AM to carpool to the trailhead. No dogs. Bring snacks or lunch for the full hike. Contact hike leader, Sheryl McNair, at 443-949-2818 or mcnair@comcast.net