TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter March-April 2012 Since 1982 Volume 30 Number 2 After lunch on Bluff Mountain at Doughton Park Visit us on the Web http://www.piedmonthikingandoutingclub.org
Outings 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. A hike rated 20 isn t a whole lot harder or easier than hikes rated 18 or 22. But a 20 will definitely be about twice as hard as a 10. And a 30 will be about three times harder than a 10. In general, here s how the ratings work: 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 R3. The 7 mile hike along the Nat Greene and Piedmont Trails at Lake Brandt in Greensboro is an R8, as is the loop trail around Salem Lake in Winston-Salem. R10-R20 Most of these hikes will be in the lower mountains and foothills. Distances will be about 5-8 miles, with climbs ranging from 500-1000 feet...not easy if you re new to hiking! Trails will be dirt and rock, and not well groomed. As long as you re in moderately good shape, you should be able to enjoy the outing. At a minimum, you should carry water, lunch, and rain gear. Our hikes are usually less strenuous than those offered on and frequently fall into this range. R20-R30 hikes often fall into this range. 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 2000+ 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. Outings Protocol Let the outing leader know you are going to attend. Arrive at least 5-10 minutes 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, and plenty of water. Always pack 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. Remember, your participation is at your own risk. Every Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner in Greensboro at Friendly Center in March. In April, at the Piedmont Environmental Center. The Wednesday night Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening in the Friendly Shopping Center parking lot near Tex and Shirley s 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. In April, the group will meet at the Piedmont Environmental Center.
Outings Page 5 of 16 March 3 Lake Brandt Big Hike, Greensboro/BurMil Park March 4 Palmetto/Nat Greene Hike, Greensboro Watershed Trails, Greensboro Meet at 8:00 a.m at the Wildlife Center in BurMil Park in Greensboro, at the end of the road and bottom of the hill near the lake. We will walk 15.4 miles, through the woods and beside the lake, using the greenway, Nat Greene Trail, Laurel Bluff Trail, Reedy Fork Trail, and Piedmont Trail. Bring water and a snack. We will finish about 1:30 p.m.15.4 miles R-26 March 3 Stone Mountain Trails, Stone Mountain State Park Today we will hike the Stone Mountain, Wolf Rock and Cedar rock trails in Stone Mountain State Park. These trails offer spectacular views of the park and the surrounding mountains. The hike will begin at the upper parking lot and trail head. Meet at Shoney s in Greensboro and be ready to leave at 8:00 a.m. or meet us at the Jonestown Road exit in Winston-Salem behind McDonald s at 8:30. (9 miles, +/-1100 feet, R21) March 3 Appalachian/Pine Mountain Trails Grayson Highlands State Park March is a fine time to take advantage of the impressive views within and from the premier highlands area of Virginia. 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 Gap. Individuals interested in this hike should contact David, preferably prior to Friday before the outing. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Wear layered clothing because the ridges at Grayson Highlands can be quite chilly in March. (13 miles, 1800 feet, R34) Let s meet at the Nature Center in Bur-Mil Park at 1:30, walk down the Greenway until we come to the Pal-Metto Trail. We ll take this to Old Battleground Ave. and return to the Greenway via the Nat Greene Trail. Please call or email me to let me know you ll be joining me. (5 miles, R7) March 7 March 8 Thursday Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner - see page 4 Friendly Shopping Center PHOC Round Table Discussion and Dinner Outing Shoney s Restaurant, NC Hwy 68 and I-40 Today is the first of a new monthly dinner outing offered to all club members to have general discussion of the club s current activities. It is also a chance to give back to one of the clubs long standing and silent members which has provided all of us security and comfort prior to the beginning and end of each and every hike. Come out to Shoney s at 6:30 for patronage and enjoy fun, food, and good times. Day packs and hiking boots are not required..flip flops and tank tops are welcome! For additional information please contact Ken Cook. March 10 Stone Mountain, The Big Loop We will begin at the upper parking lot, and climb the side of Stone Mountain to the top, where we have excellent views of the park and a good location for a snack. After our snack, we head down the back of the mountain to Wolf Rock Trail and up to Wolf Rock with its great views of Doughton Park and distant Blue Ridge Mountains. We ll do an easy scramble from there to Cedar Rock with its view of Stone Mountain. From Cedar Rock we ll head down to the Lower Falls, then Stone Mountain Falls and
Page 6 of 16 Outings back to the trailhead. 9 miles, 1,800 change in elevation, about 200 stairs up the side of Stone Mountain Falls, for an R27. We ll have lunch along the way when the spirit moves us. Bring layers of clothes and perhaps spikes of some sort as the weather will be unpredictable. March 11 Salem Lake Trail Winston-Salem March 10 Linville Gorge Today s hike is down Pine Gap, along the River to Babel Tower. We will take time to scramble to the top of Babel Tower and Avatar before hiking out up Babel Tower Trail. Expect rock to rock and you will have to crawl over many trees. The going is slow on this hike but the views of the river are beautiful. As this trail is almost all rock-to-rock or root. Only experienced hikers with verifiable experience should plan to go. Dinner afterwards will be at the Greek Restaurant Yanni s in Morganton. In the event of bad weather, this hike will be changed to another trail in the gorge. Please call or e-mail for more particular details and meeting place and time. Approximately 8 miles and 3000 ft. elevation gain and loss. R 40 March 11 Trail Maintenance, Hanging Rock & Pilot Mountain State Parks 1:00 5:00 pm Almost springtime! So, it s time for our semi-annual trail work in the parks. Join Matt at Pilot Mountain or Jay at Hanging Rock for work on the trails there we love to hike. At Pilot Mountain, A we will be installing blazes on several trails designating them as an official part of the Mountains-To-Sea Trail, or some handwork on the Grindstone Trail above the campground. At Hanging Rock we will also be working on M-S-T, either water bars on Moore s Loop or rebuilding steps on Indian Creek. The club will reward our efforts again with some delicious food at Ben s house afterward. Bring snacks, water, and heavy work gloves. Contact Matt or Jay with questions. Please let them know your choice of parks so that they may coordinate with the Rangers for tools and materials. 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) March 11 Mt Shepherd Asheboro I have a close to home and short and easy outing. We ll walk the Loop Trail around Mt Shepherd (2.8 miles) and then head up the mountain (2.0 mi round trip) and access the observation tower on top. At 1156 Mt Shepherd is the highest point in Randolph County. You ll want to skip this part if you fear heights since the tower is 120, well above the surrounding trees. Clear day views extend to Hanging Rock, Mt Pilot and all of the Triad cities. Mt Shepherd Retreat is privately owned and located 6 miles west of Asheboro, off Rte 64. We ll start and end the hike at the main lodge with access to restrooms and water. Meet at the Mt Shepherd Lodge at 9:45am or contact me and we ll try to arrange a carpool from Winston- Salem and Greensboro. [4.8 miles R-18] March 12 Monday Monthly Meeting Piedmont Environmental Center 7:30pm We are not only a hiking club, but an outings club as well. To that end, we have something a little different for our March meeting. Will Seely with Get Outdoors in Greensboro will discuss canoeing and kayaking, their schedule of classes and paddles for the upcoming season, and answer your paddling questions. Club members who frequently lead paddle outings will also offer a sneak peak of what they have planned for this year. Meet for refreshments and fellowship at 7:00 with the business portion of the meeting beginning at 7:30 in the Piedmont Environ-
Outings Page 7 of 16 mental Center on Penny Road in Jamestown. March 14 March 17 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner Friendly Shopping Center Heartbreak Ridge/Pinnacle Trails, Pisgah National Forest near Old Fort This hike will take us up Heartbreak Ridge, with beautiful views of the valley beyond Montreat, and along a short portion of the old Toll Road toward the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just before reaching the parkway, we will cut off the Toll Road trail and ascend Blue Ridge Pinnacle for 360-degree views including Mount Mitchell and other peaks of the Black Mountains, the Craggy Gardens area, and even Table Rock above Linville Gorge. Although the climb to the base of Pinnacle is long, it is relatively gentle. The ascent of Pinnacle itself is steep but short. Yianni s in Morganton is usually the chosen supper stop. Contact David if interested in this hike, preferably prior to Friday before the outing. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Wear layered clothing, including a warm fleece or jacket. (14 miles, 4100 feet, R55) at the corner of Old Battleground Road. Watch PHOC broadcast emails for the start time. [4 miles, R4] March 18 Lake Townsend Trail Greensboro Watershed Trails 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 of your left. Allow about twenty minutes drive time from Battleground. No need to call. [8 mi, R-8] March 21 March 24 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner Friendly Shopping Center Whitetop Mountain, VA March 17 Guilford Courthouse NMP, Greensboro, NC Watch PHOC broadcast emails for the start time. This is an historical lecture and hike that reviews the events of March 15, 1781 when General Nathanael Greene s revolutionary army was defeated by Lord Charles Cornwallis s British troops. This battle led directly to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia on October 19, just five months later. We will view a film, a map lecture, the exhibits in the museum, and hike the military park to see the actual location of the events. This is an easy four-mile hike. The start time will be adjusted to finish in order to see the special reenactments offered. Meet at the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park headquarters building (not to be confused with the Tannenbaum Village) on Spring Garden road Join me for this shuttle hike at the second highest peak in Virginia. Some of the cars will be left at the Elk Garden parking area on the Appalachian Trail. Others will be driven with the hikers to begin the hike at Creek Junction off State Road 728 north of Damascus. We will hike past the Lost Mountain Shelter, which has a spring and a privy. It is a 2,500-foot climb from the shelter to the summit of Buzzard Rock. Along the way, we ll cross Star Hill Branch and US 58, then traverse the side of 4,966- foot Beech Mountain. Then, summit Buzzard Rock, an outstanding rocky peak with views to the south. Soak in the High Country views from this mile-high perch and then hike around Whitetop Mountain, staying just below the mile-high elevation mark. We ll continue on to the Elk Garden parking area for a hike just shy of 10 miles. This will be scheduled as a shuttle hike. If we have some people interested in doing a shorter easier hike, those people could drop off the long hikers at Creek Junction and proceed to Elk Junction. At that point the short hikers would hike in toward Buzzard Rock until they meet up
Page 8 of 16 Outings with the long hikers and then both groups will proceed back to Elk Junction together. We can find a mutually agreeable place to eat dinner in Sparta for those so inclined. Please contact me and let me know if you are interested in this hike and which version. March 24 Falls Lake Trail, Near Durham Let s celebrate the arrival of spring with this brisk 10- mile hike on the Falls Lake trail, which is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, in the Falls Lake State Recreation Area. While the elevation gain is minimal, the distance and pace will allow for a good workout while enjoying scenic views of the lake. This hike is good for hikers who like to hike at a brisk pace. Please contact me for meeting details. (10 miles, R13 March 25th Nat Greene Trail, Lake Brandt Marina of Spring! Bring boots, lunch, water, weather appropriate outwear/raingear, camera and sunscreen. March 31 Rock Castle Gorge Loop Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia This hike has long been a club favorite. The first time I hiked this loop, I didn t think I could make it up out of the gorge. The first 45 minutes of the ascent is the hardest. However, the climb is well worth the effort, with beautiful rolling mountain views in all directions when we we reach the parkway. We will hike parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway for about 5 miles with a stop for lunch at one of the AppalachainTrail s oldest shelters. It is appropriate only for hikers who have done a number of strenous hikes. Please contact me for meeting time and place. (10.8 miles, 2850 ft, R39) March 31, Paddling outing New River, VA Let s do an early spring walk/hike alongside Lake Brandt. We ll meet at the trailhead in the Lake Brandt Marina parking lot. Let s meet at 1:30 P.M. We ll hike out the Nat Greene Trail and return on part of the Wild Turkey Trail. Bring water and a snack if you like. Easy walk/hike. 5 mi. March 28 March 31 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner Friendly Shopping Center Stone Mountain Hike We ll hike a total of 7.5 miles, up over to the summit for lunch, by the big waterfall and then out to Cedar and Wolf Rocks. This hike will have a leisurely pace (especially on the uphills) to allow us to enjoy visiting with each other and this lovely state park. Maybe we ll start seeing signs Let s get out the paddling gear and enjoy an easy 8 mile stretch of the New River in VA. We will meet at Colfax Furniture s parking lot in Winston-Salem. The address is 801 Silas Creek Parkway Winston-Salem, NC 27127. We ll load any boats on my trailer (I can take 8-10 boats) and carpool to the put-in on Rt. 58 close to Galax VA. It is about an hour and a half drive each way. We will paddle about 4 miles and have lunch along the river, and then paddle to the take out. This is an easy stretch of river and suitable for any skill level. Bring along a set of clothes in a dry container or bag along with a change of clothes in your boat, in case you swim. Boats are not available to rent on this trip at the river. Bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, water and lunch, pfd, boat and paddle and a fun attitude! If you need more information, please call or email me. Leave W-S at 9 a.m., March 31, 2012 Put boats in water after running a shuttle about 11 a.m. Estimate 3 hours of paddling and a lunch break.
Outings Page 9 of 16 April 1 1:30 New Member Orientation Lake Higgins Marina Greensboro, NC Heron, and Peninsula. We will meet at the Osprey Trail parking area on Yanceyville Road. The parking area is on the left (traveling North, just before 4910 Yanceyville Rd) at 1:00 pm. Bring water and snack. [7.5 miles, R 9] Call or E-Mail us if you have questions. Today the club offers the New Member Orientation Hike for prospective, recent, or new members. At 1:30 we will begin with a short presentation on hiking essentials as well as a question and answer session on the expectation of newer members and the club. We will provide information on the various types of club activities, group travel within the club, and volunteer opportunities to get involved as a hike leader, Activity Coordinator, and Committee Representative. There are numerous ways to get involved with the club! Afterward there will be a short hike on one of the Greensboro Watershed Trails. Participants should dress appropriately to be outside for Spring conditions; bring a snack and plenty of water. The orientation should wrap up no later than 4:30. April 1 ` Dan River Canoe/Kayak Danbury, NC Join us for our favorite section of the Dan. We will begin in the upper Dan where hwy 704 crosses near Francisco and take out at Hanging Rock river ramp. This trip is good for beginners and above. Rentals can be arranged on the river. After the trip, you may wish to join us at Hillbilly Hideaway Restaurant near Walnut Cove where the all-you-can-eat family style meal runs about $15. We will leave Shoney s in Greensboro at 9:00. Call Joel if you plan to participate and for rental information. April 4 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner Piedmont Environmental Center April 7 Virginia Creeper and AT - Taylors Valley If you re in the mood for taking it easy, yet enjoying the beauty of the deep woods and a babbling stream, join Nicole on the Virginia Creeper and the Appalachian Trails to complete a 10-mile loop. This is a relatively moderate hike and suitable for anybody with some experience walking in the mountains. We will start from Creek Junction, off Rte 58, walk on the Creeper for about a mile, pick up the AT, which we will follow for about 6 miles, and get back on the Creeper at Taylors Valley, where we may let ourselves be tempted to stop for a snack at the Creeper Trail Café. We will complete the loop on the Creeper (about 3 miles), walking for a good stretch along the beautiful creek. The plan is to stop at an eatery on the way back (Sparta is a good spot). If you contemplate driving straight home, please be aware that the drive to and from the trailhead is close to 3 hours, so be sure to bring plenty of food on the hike or for munching on the car afterward. April 7 Profile Trail to Swinging Bridge Grandfather Mountain April 1 Lake Townsend Loop Greensboro Watershed Trails Join us for a hike around part of Lake Townsend, using three of Greensboro s watershed trails - Osprey, Blue Up the kick-ass Profile Trail to the top of Grandfather Mountain. Then the fun begins!!! Across the Grandfather Trail up and down chutes, ladders and cables to the Swinging Bridge enjoying the best 360
Page 10 of 16 Outings degree view of the mountains available in North Carolina. This group will be limited to twelve hikers. Anyone on this hike has to be experienced.call or e-mail Ben for time. 9 miles,+/-3500 feet, r-46 April 8 Lake Brandt Loop Bur-Mil Park, Greensboro This walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. from the parking lot near the Wildlife Education Center at Bur-Mil Park. The first and last portions of the walk will be on the Atlantic and Yadkin Greenway. In between, we ll use the Nat Greene and Piedmont trails to complete a loop around Lake Brandt. Bring plenty of water and a snack. Contact David if additional information is needed. (8 miles, R10) April 11 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner Piedmont Environmental Center Today we will visit the beautiful Catawba /Roanoke Valleys. We will climb up the steep and strenuous trail to the top of Tinker Mountain. The views are not to be missed. We will proceed along the ridge-line to start another climb up to the top of McAfee Knob. another gorgeous view. Then we will all end the day with our favorite part -- DINNER! Please bring PLENTY OF WATER!!! [13 miles/ 3600 ft/ R-40] April 14 Hanging Rock State Park Indian Creek Trail Join us as we hike Indian Creek Trail. We ll start at the trailhead on Finchum Rd. Numerous small stream crossings and a couple of nice waterfalls. Hike is rated moderate. After the hike, those interested could stop at Priddy s country store for a soda or maybe one of their famous bologna sandwiches! Call or e-mail for meeting times/ places. Approximately 7.5 miles, R-18. April 12 PHOC Round Table Discussion Thursday and Dinner Outing Shoney s Restaurant, NC Hwy 68 and I 40 April 15, 12:00 pm Owls Roost Loop Trail Bur-Mil Park Pre Spring Fling hike Today we will meet at Shoney s for patronage and support of their fine hospitality over the years. Come out at 6:30 and be prepared for club discussions on what may be good or what may not be so good or anything other you may want to talk about. What I can tell you is we will enjoy fun, food, and good times! Don t forget, daypacks and hiking boots are not required but flip flops and tank tops are welcome. I hope to see everyone there. Let s meet at noon at the Wildlife Center in Bur Mil Park and hike the Owls Roost watershed trail to the Greenway, then back again on the Greenway in time for the club Spring Fling. Proceed North on 220, past Horse Pen Creek 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. Email if questions; no need to call. [5 mi.] April 15 Spring Fling Bur-Mil Park Shelter #2, 2:00 PM April 14 McAfee Knob & Tinkers Cliff Join us at 2 pm for our annual celebration of spring with
Outings Page 11 of 16 a good ole American Cook Out! Bring your favorite side dish, appetizer or dessert to share. Bring a serving utensil for your dish. The club will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, plates, cups, silverware, tea and soda. 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, hiking, Bocce Ball, biking, volleyball or 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 via email so we know how many burgers and hot dogs to provide. who want to take it a bit easier, Jay will lead a shorter and more leisurely version with less elevation gain: 7.6 miles and 2200 feet; it will bypass the side trip taken by Nicole s group to the guillotine. Nicole and Jay will stagger their pace so as to ensure return to base within a reasonable time span, so that we all partake together of some food in Roanoke on the way back. A third version will also be available led by Judy Davis (5.8 miles and 1700 feet) for anyone who decides along the way it s time to take it even easier. If you want to join us, please call or email Jay or Nicole for meeting time and place. [Long version: 10.7 miles/3250 ft/r44] [Middle version: 7.6 miles/2200 ft/r30] [Short version: 5.8 miles/1700 ft/ R23]. April 18 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner Piedmont Environmental Center April 22 Foster Falls to Fries Junction Bike Ride, New River Trail State Park April 20 Mimi s Café, 3322 W Friendly Friday at 7:00 PM Let s have dinner at Mimi s. Check out the menu, www. mimiscafe.com. We can even stop by REI afterwards for those who wish. I need to call with an exact count, so call, or email me by Wednesday April 18th if you plan to join me. April 21 Apple Orchard, Virginia Jay Young and Nicole Mazgaj Jay and Nicole invite you for a repeat of their two-version hike at beautiful Apple Orchard Falls near Roanoke, Virginia. We did this hike last September with a group of jolly hikers and a good time was had by all in spite of the meager trickle at the falls and along Cornelius Creek. We think April is the perfect month for this hike water tumbling down the falls, and singing in the creek, abundant wildflower bloom, and enchanting moss adorning boulders. This hike covers three trails: Apple Orchard, the Appalachian Trail, and Cornelius Creek. The long version, led by Nicole, will take you to the famous guillotine on the Appalachian Trail; it is a tad less than 11 miles and a cumulative elevation gain of 3250 feet. For those 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. The relatively flat and cartraffic-free ride begins at Foster Falls, a village that dates from the mid-1800s. Our trip will take us through the 135-foot New River train tunnel and over the 670-foot Ivanhoe Trestle, which is a great place to stop for water and enjoy the panorama of the river valley. Shortly after passing two dams built in 1913 for the Appalachian Power Company, the riders doing the 32-mile option will arrive at their turnaround point and shady lunch spot where the Chestnut Creek spur of the trail from Galax meets the main trail from Fries. Outing participants for whom the longer route is more strenuous than desired can opt for the 22-mile ride, proceed at a slower pace, and eat lunch at a picnic area near Buck Dam. The longride group and the short-ride group should be back at the Foster Falls parking area at approximately the same time. There is a nominal parking fee at Foster Falls. The trail requires durable tires. Individuals interested in this bike ride should contact David, preferably prior to Friday before the outing. Bring water, lunch, and a wind jacket in case the day is chilly April 22 at 1:30 PM Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork Lake Brandt Road
Page 12 of 16 Outings 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]. April 25 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner Piedmont Environmental Center April 27-29 Friday- Backpacking Trip on AT Roan Highlands With luck we will have good weather for this backpacking trip of moderate difficulty across several bald mountains near Roan Mountain. The distances will be short each day, but the hills are steep (or a least they seem steep with a heavy pack). Your seventy year old leader will not be breaking any speed records. On Friday we will shuttle from Route 19E to the starting point at Carver s Gap. We will hike across Jane Bald and Round Bald on the AT and into the woods about five miles to our first camp near what was the Yellow Mountain Barn (before it was torn down). The second day will be another five miles or so over Little Hump Mountain and [Big] Hump Mountain (with 360 degree vistas) to the camp site at Doll Flats. On morning the hike out is all downhill about three miles to Route 19E. Please contact George if you are interested in this outing. Prior backpacking experience is required. [Approximately 13 miles and 1,900 feet of elevation gain over three days] April 28 Stone Mountain Hike We ll hike a total of 7.5 miles, up over to the summit for lunch, by the big waterfall and then out to Cedar and Wolf Rocks. This hike will have a leisurely pace (especially on the up hills) to allow us to enjoy visiting with each other and this lovely state park. Maybe we ll start seeing signs of Spring! Bring boots, lunch, water, weather appropriate outwear/raingear, camera, sunscreen. April 28 Roan Mountain and AT Trail, Roan Mountain State Park, TN Let s cross the border into TN and enjoy a club favorite hiking the high balds of the AT just north of Roan Mountain. There are options for hikers of various levels. The strenuous climbers will be dropped off at the trailhead 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 feet 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 turning around point. Dinner at a location in Banner Elk or Boone will be finalized during the hike. Please email me foor meeting times, places and indicate your hiking choice. April 29 Bur-Mil Park Owls Roost Loop Trail Let s meet at 1:00 at the Wildlife Center in Bur Mil Park in Greensboro and hike the Owls Roost watershed trail. Proceed North on 220 past Horse Pen Creek 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 drive way at the bottom of the hill. No need to call. [5 mi.] May 4-6 Friday Merchants Millpond Canoe/Kayak/ Camping, Gatesville, NC 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 4 ½ 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