SECOND QUARTER 2010 Quarterly News Bulletin and Hike Schedule

P.O. Box 68, Asheville, NC 28802 • www.carolinamtnclub.org • e-mail: [email protected] North Shore Road settlement accepted

By Stuart English I had become editor of this newslet- I remember speaking before the crowd In February of 2006 several public meet- ter in January of 2006, and this was the with shaky knees and a mouth devoid ings were held to discuss whether to fin- first big news item that confronted me. of any saliva. It was the beginning of ish building a 34.3 mile road through the Attending two of the meetings: one at my real involvement with the Club. National Park. Swain High School and one in Asheville, continued on page 2 The road had been promised to replace an existing road that had been flooded with construction of Fontana Dam. CMC supported a monetary settlement for the people of Swain County. It has been a very controversial issue over the years. 2010 Spring Social Our annual Spring Social will once again take place at the beautiful NC Arboretum on April 24. This year’s program will be musical entertainment from our own CMC members, among them Karen Bartlett and her group performing bluegrass and Angela Martin singing and performing her own songs. There is an insert in this newsletter. Fill out the bottom portion, tear it off, and send it in with your check for $14. Ruth Hartzler and Les Love talk near the tunnel on the Road to Nowhere.

COUNCIL CORNER Council will be According to the map we picked up at My hot-shot brother was not worried doing some thinking the campground office, there was a trail at all. He told me so repeatedly. When this year about youth that connected our campsite to the creek, we started to hear the water, we were and trails. Is encour- maybe a half-mile in length. After we set revved and ran to the creek. It was aging kids to get out- up camp that first evening, Dad gave my noisy and gorgeous! side and hike part of brother and me permission to follow the We hurried back, eager to tell every- our mission? trail to the creek and back for a quick one of our adventure. We arrived at the Do you remember look before supper. Looking back, I’m a campsite to learn that Dad was having your first hike? I was bit surprised that he allowed it, but times another kidney stone attack, and we eleven. From north- were different, and I expect he wanted to had to go home. Dad lay down in the eastern Ohio, Dad drove our small car with tire us out. back seat, and we kids sat on the floor a rented pop-up camper for a week’s trip to We set out through the woods. I was and watched him hurt while Mom the Poconos. We four kids were crammed spooked and excited. It was dark in the drove down the mountain in the dark. in the back seat, sans seat belts. I was used woods, and we couldn’t see very far It was a short vacation, but I remember to flat farmland, so steep, curvy mountain ahead. That half mile seemed forever, and the long, thrilling hike. roads were a novelty. I wondered several times if we were lost. – Becky Smucker 1 "Wild Thing, I think I love you!" By Bobbi Powers The Wilderness Crew has been work - ward. They have enjoyed occasionally tak - The CMC Wilderness Crew could ing on Section 4 of the Art Loeb Trail, ing high school kids out who want to work use this classic as its theme song. This as well as joining the quarterly Saturday on trails as part of a school project. maintenance crew, formed in spring Crew that is extending the MST west - According to Becky, “We welcome new 2008 by Becky Smucker and members, young, old, male Bill Newton, focuses its efforts and female, who are willing primarily in to come out with us as their and Middle Prong Wilderness schedules allow … this crew Areas. is a great group of folks who This mixed gender crew meets are passionate about our mis - two Saturdays each month and sion, and who consider this has learned special skills required hard work to be R&R from for maintaining these wild areas. what can often be a stressful For instance, four members are work week. I am proud of our cross cut certified because no accomplishments and of how chainsaws are allowed. David we have grown into an effec - Finnan, Wilderness Ranger for tive work group.” the Pisgah District, helps the Interested in becom - crew set priorities and learn the i n g a Wi l d T h i n g ? C o n t a c t required standards and regula- Wilderness Crew members who are cross cut certified Nan Needs, Paul Becky at 828-298-5013 or tions. Dickens, Gary Eblen and Kay Shurtleff. [email protected]. North Shore Road settlement accepted by Swain continued from page 1 port CMC’s North Shore Road position also supporting the monetary settlement. More important than that, it made evi- – the $52 million monetary settlement Ditmanson remarked that we represented dent the far reaching political influence f o r S w a i n C o u n t y. I w a s p l e a s e d t o a lot of people. I feel CMC’s participation an organization like ours could have. represent CMC at a number of strat - was a factor in his comment. I was also Ruth Hartzler, chair of the Conservation egy meetings and I learned a lot. The gratified by the support from CMC Council Committee for several years, wrote, “My most significant for me was a visit to and membership. Most of CMC’s Council first project after CMC’s Conservation GSMNP Superintendent Ditmanson by attended the Asheville North Shore Road C o m m i t t e e w a s f o r m e d w a s t o s u p - a coalition of conservation organizations hearing and many members spoke in favor of the monetary settlement. Ted Snyder, CMC member and former national Sierra Peter Barr takes a walk in the woods Club President, deserves special recogni - This March, CMC member and Smoky Mountains National Park. Just a tion. Ted was untiring over a period of Challenge Committee chair Peter Barr short distance off the , years working with Swain County resi - will be departing to thru-hike the 2,178 the historic and scenic lookout is in seri- dents, conservation organizations and gov- mile Appalachian Trail. The hike will ous disrepair and in jeopardy of being ernment representatives in his efforts to take him about five months. removed. It is his goal to raise $2,178 bring about the monetary settlement." During his journey, he will be rais - – one dollar for each mile he hikes. On Friday, February 5, 2010, the Swain ing money for the restoration of the Unable to resist a challenge program, he County Commissioners voted 4 to 1 to fire tower in the Great will also attempt to start and complete a c c e p t t h e $ 5 2 m i l l i o n s e t t l e m e n t . T h e the New Hampshire 4,000 footers pro - next day the signing ceremony was held at gram during his time on the trail in that Swain County High School. CMC’s Danny state. You can follow his progress on Bernstein was there. the trail as well as find out more about How to join the Caro lina Mountain Club the Shuckstack 1 . Go to www.carolinamtnc lub.org lookout tower 2. Clic k on “How to J oin” (upper left corner) 3. Print out the “CM C Application Form” project by visiting 4. Fill it out, write a c hec k for dues and and bookmarking 5. Mail to: CM C his online jour - PO Box 68 n a l a t h t t p : / / w w w. Asheville N C 2880 2 Peter Barr gets some perspective on his upcom- PeterontheAT.com. or … write to us and we’ll mail you an application . ing thru-hike. 2

TRAIL MAINTENANCE WEDNESDAY HIKES WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-695 Apr. 28 All members are encouraged to participate All-day hikes submitted by Ann Gleason 828-859- 3 Waterfalls in SC *8:00 AM in trail maintenance activities. Non-members 9387, [email protected]. Driving distance Hike 6, Drive 200, 500 ft. ascent, Rated B-C are invited to try it a few times before decid- is round-trip from Asheville. Hikes will assemble Jack Fitzgerald, 828-685-2897, ing if they want to join the Club and be a regu- at Westgate Shopping Center near I-240 exit 3B [email protected] lar part of a crew. We train and provide tools. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Some hikes WC100 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet Below is a general schedule of work days. will have second meeting places as described in leader at Cracker Barrel, Exit 53 on I-26 at 8:30 Exact plans often cannot be made until the last the hike listing. Please phone the hike leader if AM. We will visit three (and maybe four) water- minute, so contact crew leaders for details. you are not sure of the meeting location. falls in South Carolina, all on the Waterfall 100 Crews marked with an * are currently seeking Challenge: Rileymoore, Brasstown and Opossum. new members. MST and AT section maintain- WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-652 April 7 All are in-and-out hikes, 3 miles round trip max. ers work on their own schedule. Devil Fork Gap to Rocky Fork Rd. *9:00 AM A long drive and long day, but well worth it with Monday Hike 7, Drive 80, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B waterfalls and spring flowers. Barth Brooker, [email protected] Don Walton, 828-654-9904, Wednesday* [email protected] WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-216 May 5 John Soldati, [email protected] *Be prepared for possible wet stream cross- Sams Gap to Devil Fork Gap 8:30 AM Friday Asheville* ings. This hike ventures into the new Rocky Fork Hike 8.5, Drive 90, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Piet Bodenhorst, [email protected] Tract purchase of 10,000 acres near Flag Pond, Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, Friday Pisgah TN. The first three miles of this hike is on the AT [email protected] Pete (R) Petersen, [email protected] to Flint Gap Shelter and on to Flint Gap and the This section of the AT features magnificent wild- Saturday bimonthly* entry into the Rocky Fork Tract. This route is also flower displays and nice views into Becky Smucker, [email protected] the path of a surprise attack on an Indian Camp in from the ridge line, traversing a series of knobs Saturday quarterly* the early 1800s. Car shuttle. Topo: Flag Pond along an unusual section of the TN-NC state Les Love, [email protected] line where Tennessee is east of NC and the MST and AT sections* WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-694 Apr. 14 southbound hiker is actually traveling north. Car Don Walton, [email protected] Mackey Creek Trail *8:00 AM Shuttle. Topo: Sams Gap Hike 8, Drive 75, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B HIKE SCHEDULE Joanne Tulip, 828-299-3495, WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-041 May 12 [email protected], and Tommie Boston, Sugar Cove Trail Second Quarter 2010 828-686-5029, [email protected] to Mackey Mountain *8:30 AM *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leaders Hike 11.5, Drive 87, 2900 ft. ascent, Hike Ratings at Ingles parking lot off Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:20 Rated A-AA+ First Letter Second Letter AM. From the Curtis Creek Road we descend Barbara Morgan, 828-738-3395, Distance Elevation Gain steeply to Mackey Creek on a rough non-main- [email protected] AA: Over 12 miles AA: Over 2,000 ft. tained trail. Hiking poles are recommended. Water *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader A: 9-12 miles A: 1,500-2,000 ft. shoes are also recommended for the several creek at Ingles parking lot off Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:50 B: 6-9 miles B: 1,000-1,500 ft. crossings. From the creek we ascend steeply on AM. We’ll take the Sugar Cove Creek trail and C: Under 6 miles C: Under 1,000 ft. the Connector Trail to Lead Mine Gap. A two turn onto the Mackey Mtn. Trail to Mackey Mtn mile descent on the Hickory Branch Trail takes us and return the same way. Topo: Old Fort; also Contact the hike leader if you have questions or to our cars at Curtis Creek campground. Short car NatGeo Map #779 if the weather on the hike day is questionable. shuttle. Topo: Old Fort If it's not possible for a hiker to go on the regu- WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-249 May 19 larly scheduled hike, it may be possible to accom- WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-401 Apr. 21 Buckeye Gap and pany the leader when the hike is scouted. Scouts Laurel Mountain, Slate Rock *8:30 AM Haywood Gap Trails Circuit 8:00 AM typically take place one to six weeks before the Hike 8, Drive 70, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Jim Ariail, 828-505-0443, [email protected] scheduled date. Call or email the hike leader. Greg Goodman , 828-684-9703, Hike 9, Drive 85, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B See the CMC website for more complete and [email protected] P400 Cross the BRP then go right onto the timely information, including scout reports: P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet MST, left onto Buckeye Gap Trail at unmarked www.carolinamtnclub.org/Hiking/hikemenu.htm leader at the North Mills River Parking lot junction. Descend on old logging RR grade to at 9:00 AM. We’ll take Laurel Mountain Ridge lunch spot at river, and then climb on Haywood Trail to the Slate Rock Creek Trail to the old road Gap trail to MST and back to the starting point. CHALLENGE PROGRAMS Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for SB6K For hiking all 40 peaks above 6000’. and back to our cars. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also reservation. Second meeting place: BRP Cold Contact Peter Barr, [email protected] NatGeo map #780 Mtn. Overlook (M.P. 412) at 8:40 AM. Topo: P400 For hiking every trail in Pisgah Sam Knob Ranger District. Contact Dave Wetmore, SATURDAY WORK DAY [email protected] Here is a great chance to learn what is WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-113 May 26 900M For hiking every trail in GSMNP. involved in trail maintenance. We will meet on Cold Mountain 8:00 AM Contact Dave Wetmore, [email protected] June 5 (National Trails Day) at the Moose Janet Martin, 502 494 9309, LTC For hiking all 24 lookout towers in WNC. Cafe at the Farmer's Market on Rt. 191 [email protected] Contact Peter Barr, [email protected] at 8AM for breakfast. We will return to Hike 10.4, Drive 70, 3400 ft ascent, Rated A-AA WC100 For hiking to the 100 best water- Asheville around 3:30PM. Call Les Love SB6K, P400 From the BSA Daniel Boone Camp, falls in the mountains of WNC, SC and the at 828-658-1489 ([email protected]) to we will climb and climb past laurel and rhododen- Smokies. Contact Jack Fitzgerald, 828-685-2897, verify date. dron to Deep Gap, and then continue to the [email protected] 3 top of the mountain for great views of the BRP Rated A-AA shuttle. Topos: Celo, Little Switzerland and Mt. Hardy. Wilderness area, limit 10, so con- Tish Desjardins, 828-656-2191, tact leader for reservation. Topos: Waynesville, [email protected] WEEKEND NO. A1002-tbd Apr. 16-18 Cruso; also NatGeo. map #780 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader Congaree National Park Weekend at McDonald’s in Burnsville at 8:40 AM. Hike Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-104 June 2 from Carvers Gap north on AT to Grassy Ridge [email protected] Wolfe Ford and High Falls *9:00 AM side trail, then return on the AT to Roan High Spend a weekend hiking, camping and canoeing Hike 7.3, Drive 80, 900 ft. ascent, Rated B-C Knob and Roan High Bluff, and return to trail in Congaree National Park (http://nps.gov/cosw), Laura Frisbie, 828-337-5845, head. 360 degree panoramic views and flowers. one of our newest National Parks, near Columbia, [email protected] Topo: Carvers Gap SC, a three-hour drive from Asheville (360 miles P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet round trip). This park has the largest remnant of leader at Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 9:30 AM. ALL DAY SATURDAY old-growth floodplain forest remaining in North From the gauging station on the South Mills America and its trails are flat. This trip is suit- River, we’ll hike this mostly level trail to High AND SUNDAY HIKES able for everyone. For more information, look at All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente 828-692- Falls, then cross the footbridge at Wolfe Ford http://www.hikertohiker.com/resources/cmc-con- 0116, [email protected]. All hikes assemble and loop back to the trailhead. One possible garee-national-park-weekend. at the east end of Westgate Shopping Center near wet stream crossing. Topo: Pisgah Forest; also I-240 exit 3B UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. NatGeo map #780 SUNDAY NO. A1002-066 Apr. 25 Some hikes have second a meeting place. Driving AT: Garenflo Gap – Bluff Mtn. *8:30 AM distance is round-trip from Asheville. WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-008 June 9 Hike 8.5, Drive 80, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA Bee Tree Gap to Tanbark Tunnel *9:00 AM Jim Reel, 828-738-0751, [email protected] SUNDAY NO. A1002-691 Apr. 4 Hike 6.2, Drive 30, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B & Tish Desjardins 828-656-2191, Upper Whitewater Falls – Joe Burchfield, 828-298-8413, [email protected] Round Mtn. Gap 9:00 AM [email protected] We’ll do a loop hike in hardwood forests from Hike 8, Drive 120, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B *Note that the only meeting place is the back Garenflo Gap to the summit of 4686 ft. Bluff Mtn. Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, parking lot of the Folk Art Center. A moderate We will enjoy the many wildflowers that carpet [email protected] hike on the MST over Lane Pinnacle. Good moun- the forest floor while the leader shows off the WC100 This new CMC hike will follow the tain views and, with luck, the rhododendrons will AT section that he maintains. After lunch on the Foothills Trail west from the Upper Whitewater be in bloom. There are several steep but short summit we will do a short bushwhack and then Falls parking lot (small parking fee) to Round ups and downs and a long descent. Topo: Craggy hike parts of the old AT on our way back to the Mtn. Gap, then follow the Round Mtn. trail back Pinnacle; also new MST Profiles, Pg. 58-59 trailhead. *After the hike there will be a potluck to the waterfall overlook. From here we will take supper in the nearby Bear River Community the Foothills Trail east, crossing the Whitewater WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-566 June 16 Lodge. Hikers are requested to contribute River bridge and then turning uphill on a spur trail The Roans *8:30 AM food for the supper. Food will be taken to a to the Bad Creek parking area. Short car shuttle. Hike 8 Drive 130, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B refrigerator before the hike. Please phone Tish Second meeting place: Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo Adrian Lotherington, 828-484-9132, Desjardins to coordinate what food to bring. at 9:35 AM. Topos: Cashier, Reid; also NatGeo [email protected] Topo: Lemon Gap map #785 SB6K *ONLY MEETING PLACE: Rose’s car park (opposite McDonald's), exit 19B off I-26 SATURDAY NO. A1002-053 Apr. 10 SUNDAY NO. A1002-692 May 2 in Weaverville. This in-and-out hike features East Fork Pigeon River 10:00 AM Terrapin Mtn. (Bernard Elias great views. From Carver’s Gap we go over Jane Hike 7.5, Drive 74, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Favorite Hike series #1) *9:00 AM Bald and Round Bald to . With Barbara Morgan, 828-738-3395, (strenuous) luck we will hit the rhododendron bloom. If time [email protected] Hike 5+, Drive 140, 1700 (or more) ft. ascent, allows we will drive to the gardens and walk ½ P400 Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader Rated C-A mile to see the view from Roan High Bluff (small for reservation. A stroll along one of WNC’s most Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, fee). beautiful streams, the East Fork of the Pigeon [email protected] River. We will ascend to Dark Prong for lunch *Form carpools at Westgate, stop at Pisgah WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-471 June 23 and then return. Second meeting place: Big Forest Bi-Lo at 9:35 AM for additional hik- Cold Mtn. Overlook to East parking area on US 276, north of BRP ers and meet leader at Community Bank in Bridges Camp Gap to Big East 8:00 AM at 10:45 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo Cashiers (left onto NC 107, right at next traf- Hike 9.7, Drive 55, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-A map #780 fic light and go 100 yards) at 10:30 AM. This Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, mostly off-trail hike ascends steeply through thick [email protected] SUNDAY NO. A1002-201 Apr. 11 underbrush to a rock face giving 180 degree views P400 Hike from Cold Mtn Overlook up to Green MST: NC 80 over Woods Mtn. of Whiteside Mtn. and Fowler Creek cirque. An Knob (Penny Rock) and to Bridges Camp Gap on to Woodland Park *8:00 AM alternate return with a side trip to Bearpen Mtn. the MST, then down to US 276. Short car shuttle. Hike 12, Drive 85, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA may be added, dependent upon weather condi- Wilderness area, limit 10, so contact leader for Don Gardner, 828-754-4067, tions. The extension would add two miles and reservation. Second meeting place: Cold Mtn. [email protected] include a 1100 ft. descent of a rock face. Hikers Overlook at 8:40 AM. Topo: Shining Rock *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at with a fear of heights should avoid this hike. Topo: Little Siena Restaurant at intersection of US 70 Cashiers WEDNESDAY NO. W1002-137 *June 30 and NC 80 at 8:30 AM. We will hike a little-trav- Carvers Gap to eled and scenic section of the MST over Woods Grassy Ridge Bald, Roan Mtn. *8:00 AM SUNDAY NO. A1002-060 May 2 Mtn. and on to US 221, with seldom-seen views Hike 11.9 Drive 130, 2400 ft. ascent, Pilot Mtn. – Farlow Gap *8:30 AM of the Blacks and Mt. Mitchell. Long descent. Car 4 (moderate) SATURDAY NO. 1002-008 May 22 meeting place: Rest area beyond Waynesville Hike 8, Drive 80, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Bee Tree Gap on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM. Topos: Hazelwood, Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, to Rattlesnake Lodge 10:00 AM Sylva North [email protected] Hike 6.2, Drive 40, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, SUNDAY NO. A1002-516 June 6 leader at Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 9:00 AM. This [email protected] Lakeshore Loop 8:30 AM hike is timed for what we hope will be the bloom A pleasant spring hike on the MST over Lane (moderate) of rare pink-shell azaleas and trout lilies. It starts Pinnacle and through the Rattlesnake Lodge site, Hike 8, Drive 145, 800 ft. ascent, Rated B-C with a steep climb to the summit of Pilot Mtn., featuring excellent views, interesting rock forma- Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, then down to Deep Gap and a short climb over tions and many wildflowers. There are several [email protected] Sassafras Knob. It’s nearly all downhill or level as steep but short ups and downs and a long, well- 900M Starting at the Lakeshore tunnel, we’ll do we continue to Farlow Gap with its trout lily flow- graded descent. 6-mile car shuttle. Join the hike an easy loop, consisting of the Lakeshore, White er display. We’ll return on a pleasant seldom-used leader for wine and cheese after the hike. Second Oak Branch and Forney Creek Trails. We’ll lunch graveled forest road. There will be several stops meeting place: Craven Gap at 10:20 AM. Topo: at the Fontana Lake shoreline, and then return on for photography along the way. Topo: Shining Craggy Pinnacle the Lakeshore trail and back on the bypass trail. Rock; also NatGeo. map #780 We’ll see house sites, a creek and cemeteries and ALL DAY NO. A1002-151 May 23 the historic “Road to Nowhere”. Second meeting SATURDAY NO. A1002-288 May 8 Big East to Shining Rock place: Rest area beyond Waynesville on US Kanuga Conference Center *9:00 AM via Old Butt 8:00 AM 23/74 at 9:00 AM. Topo: Noland Creek; also Nat Hike 8.5, Drive 60, 800 ft. ascent, Rated B-C (strenuous) Geo map #229 Rich Bowerman, 828-808-2891, Hike 8.5, Drive 60, 3100 ft. ascent, [email protected] Rated B-AA+ SUNDAY NO. A1002-693 June 6 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader Les Love, 828-658-1489, [email protected] Tusquitee Bald (Bernard Elias at parking lot at rear of Mountain Bank, cor- SB6K, P400 We will hike from the Big East Favorite Hike series #2) *8:00 AM ner of US 25 & White St. in Hendersonville parking lot up the steep Chestnut Ridge trail over (strenuous) at 9:40 AM. We have been fortunate to receive Dog Loser and Old Butt knobs to lunch at Shining Hike 8, Drive 210, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA permission to hike at Kanuga Conference Center Rock (6040 ft.) with its exceptional views. We’ll Ted Snyder, 864-838-3686, for this pleasant hike over varied terrain. We will return via a steep descent to the North Fork of [email protected] hike over well-maintained trails including the Shining Creek. Wilderness area hike limited to *Form carpools at Westgate, stop at rest area Doug Stirling/Wolf Mtn. Trail to the Wolf Mtn. ten people; please contact leader for reserva- beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM, overlook, then to our lunch spot on scenic Eagle tions. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo. PRD and meet leader at jct. of US 19/74 and SR 1310 Rock. Topo: Horseshoe; also Kanuga Trails map map #780 (Nantahala River Put-in) at 10:00 AM. Up Big Tuni Creek on the Chunky Gal Trail to Tusquitee ALL DAY NO. A1002-216 May 9 ALL DAY NO. A1002-470 May 30 Bald where we join the Fires Creek Rim Trail AT: Sams Gap to Devil Fork Gap 9:00 AM Fork Mtn. – Birdstand Mtn. 8:00 AM and follow a ridge to County Corners, and then Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, [email protected] Hike 9, Drive 85, 600 ft. ascent, Rated A-C down Old Road Gap Trail. Glorious views from Hike 8.5, Drive 90, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Charlie Ferguson, 828-625-2677, Tusquitee Bald. Short car shuttle. Topo: Topton; This section of the AT features magnificent wild- [email protected] also NatGeo map #784 flower displays and nice views into Tennessee P400 For the P400 fans, here is a chance to bag from the ridge line, traversing a series of knobs a remote trail from the Black Balsam parking along an unusual section of the TN-NC state lot down to NC 215. Be prepared for a 3200 ft. SATURDAY NO. A1002-570 June 12 line where Tennessee is east of NC and the descent, with only a short climb up Birdstand Dupont Forest – southbound hiker is actually traveling north. Car Mtn. There will be a wet-foot crossing of the West Corn Mill Shoals P.L. #2 *10:00 AM shuttle. Topo: Sams Gap Prong of the Pigeon River at the end of the hike. Hike 7, Drive 80, 300 ft. ascent, Rated B-C Car shuttle. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam Knob; also Kathleen Hudson, 828-698-5208, SUNDAY NO. A1002-678 May 16 NatGeo. map #780 and USFS Shining Rock & [email protected] An Edge of Panthertown *8:30 AM Middle Prong Wilderness map *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet hike Hike 7.5, Drive 110, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA leader at Hooker Falls parking lot in DuPont Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7296, MEMORIAL DAY NO. A1002-237 May 31 Forest at 10:45 AM. Several trails will take us [email protected] 8:00 AM to the top of the rushing waters of Bridal Veil *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader Hike 9, Drive 90, 3400 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+ Falls for lunch, and a close up view and walk at Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 9:05 AM. Hopefully Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, behind the falls. Start at Corn Mill Shoals Road we’ll have better weather than when this hike was [email protected] parking lot and we’ll be on Burnt Mountain Trail, first offered in January. This lollipop hike begins SB6K Our annual joint hike with the Smoky Little River Trail and Bridal Veil Falls Trail. with a long gradual ascent along the west fork Mtns. Hiking Club this year takes us to the Plott Topo: Standingstone Mtn.; also DuPont Forest of the French Broad, mostly on old roads, to the Balsams. We’ll climb four SB6K peaks while trail map viewpoint near the bottom of the Devil’s Elbow enjoying spectacular views and May flowers. Ridge. We’ll climb the old Shelton Pisgah trail to From (6292 ft.), we’ll follow a SUNDAY NO. A1002-674 June 13 our second viewpoint. From there a short cross- very rough, steep trail to Lyn Lowry (6240 ft.) – 7:30 AM country descent to another old road will take us and Plott Balsam (6088 ft.), then retrace our steps Hike 12.6, Drive 175, 2087 ft. NB ascent, 3450 ft. back to our trail and to the trailhead. Time permit- to the trailhead and hike to Yellowface (6032 SB ascent, Rated AA-AA ting, there will be a short detour to Aunt Sally’s ft.) and back. Expect a rough, uneven trail and Jacob Cox, 828-584-0395, Falls. There are a couple of rock hops on the first climbing over and under blowdowns on steep [email protected] and Carroll Koepplinger, part of the hike. Topo: Lake Toxaway slopes. Wear long sleeved shirt and pants. Second 828-667-0723, [email protected]

5 LTC Note early start time. This great AT hike OTHERWISE NOTED. Some hikes will have of the begins 4.4 miles up will visit two lookout towers, each with 360 second meeting places as described in hike list- FS 74 at the Perkins Road Trail. We will hike up degree views of the mountains. Strenuous hike. ings. to the Laurel Gap Trail, turn right and walk to the Key-swap hike. Optional supper at Jarrett House Bear Pen Trail which will take us back down to FS after the hike. Second meeting place: Rest area HALF-DAY NO. H1002-685 Apr. 4 74. We’ll walk just under a mile to return to our beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:00 AM, North Slope Loop Trail *12:30 PM cars. Expect to see spring wildflowers along the but call a leader first. Topos: Wayah Bald, Hike 4.5, Drive 65, Rated C-C way. Second meeting place: Rose's parking lot Wesser; also NatGeo map #785 Nonmembers, call leader, Lucy Prim, Exit 19 off I-26 in Weaverville at 12:45 PM. 828-693-6580, [email protected] SUNDAY NO. A1002-370 June 20 P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet HALF-DAY NO. H1002-347 May 16 South Mills River 8:00 AM hike leader at Pisgah Ranger Station, US 276 Twin Falls *12:30 PM Hike 12.5, Drive 75, 1100 or 750 ft. ascent, at 1:15 PM. A short, pleasant hike starts at the Hike 6, Drive 80, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Rated AA-B or AA-C Pisgah Ranger Station, goes up the North Slope Nonmembers, call leader, Lee Belknap, Stu English, 828-883-2447, Ridge, and back along the Davidson River. 828-698-9394, [email protected] [email protected], and Charlie Ferguson, P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet 828-625-2677, [email protected] HALF-DAY NO. H1002-675 Apr. 11 leader at Pisgah Ranger Station at 1:10 PM. P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet Jones Gap S.P. – Rainbow Falls *12:30 PM This is a moderate hike in the Pisgah National leaders at Pisgah Ranger Station at 8:35 AM. Hike 4.6, Drive 120, 1200 ft ascent, Rated C-B Forest, starting on the Buckhorn Gap Trail, taking This is another of the P400 hikes that is sched- Nonmembers, call leader, Sawako Jager, the Twin Falls Bypass to view two nice waterfalls uled during a summer month because of its nine 828-687-2547, [email protected] and completing a loop on a Forest Service road stream crossings. Plan to wear water shoes for P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet and the Clawhammer Cove Trail with its beaver the section between Cantrell Creek and Wolfe leader at Cracker Barrel, I-26 exit 53 at 1:00 dam. Ford. Two hiking poles are recommended for the PM. We will follow the Jones Gap trail along the stream crossings. The trail follows the old logging Middle Saluda River then follow the Rainbow HALF-DAY NO. H1002-403 May 23 railroad grade, so look for old trestles at stream Falls Trail uphill to beautiful Rainbow Falls. DuPont Forest–Reasonover Trail *12:15 PM crossings. This hike will be done as a key swap. Return the same way. Hike 6, Drive 80, Rated B-C Topo: Pisgah Forest Nonmembers, call leader, Kathleen Hudson, HALF-DAY NO. H1002-431 Apr. 18 828-698-5208, [email protected] SATURDAY NO. A1002-401 June 26 Chestnut Cove to MST *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader Laurel Mtn. – Slate Rock Creek 8:30 AM to Sleepy Gap to Explorer Trail 12:30 PM at Hooker Falls Parking Lot in DuPont Forest Hike 9, Drive 70, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA Hike 5, Drive 20, 900 ft. ascent, Rated C-C at 1:00 PM. This pleasant loop hike in the Brent Martin, 828-369-7084, Nonmembers, call leader, Tom Crook, DuPont Forest includes the Fawn Lake, Corn [email protected] 828-670-7251, [email protected] Mills Shoals, Bridal Veil Falls, Lake Julia and P400 We’ll hike up Laurel Mtn. trail to Sassafras This loop hike begins with a moderately steep Reasonover Creek Trails and features views of Gap, then drop down to the Slate Rock Creek trail climb from the Bent Creek Gap Road to the MST, waterfalls. and follow this beautiful trail back to FS 1206. but is otherwise an easy walk. Second meeting Short car shuttle. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also place: Ingles parking lot across from Biltmore HALF-DAY NO. H1002-009 May 30 NatGeo map #780 Square Mall on NC 191 at 12:45 P.M. Ox Creek Road to Rattlesnake Lodge *1:00 PM SUNDAY NO. A1002-566 June 27 HALF-DAY NO. H1002-490 Apr. 25 Hike 4.4, Drive 30, Rated C-C Roans in Bloom 8:30 AM Craven Gap to Folk Art Center *1:00 PM Nonmembers, call leader, Jim Ariail, Hike 8, Drive 150, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Hike 5.4, Drive 11, 750 ft. ascent, Rated C-C 828-505-0443, [email protected] Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, Nonmembers, call leader, Bonnie Allen, P400 *Note that the only meeting place is the [email protected] 828-645-0357, [email protected] back parking lot of the Folk Art Center. This SB6K A beautiful AT hike with some of WNC’s *Note that the only meeting place is the back in-and-out hike along the MST will feature the finest views. Expect rhododendrons and flame parking lot of the Folk Art Center. A pleasant historic Rattlesnake Lodge site. azaleas to be in bloom, with perhaps an early hike along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, with a Gray’s Lily. From Carver’s Gap we’ll go north gradual 1640 ft. descent. Car shuttle. HALF-DAY NO. H1002-573 June 6 past Grassy Ridge (6160 ft.) to a scenic overlook Devil’s Courthouse from FS 816 *12:00 PM for lunch, then double back south to Carvers Gap. HALF-DAY NO. H1002-436 May 2 Hike 5, Drive 75, Rated C-C From here we’ll drive up to see the Rhododendron Mt. Pisgah from Pisgah Inn 1:00 PM Nonmembers, call leader, Becky Elston, 828-749- Gardens and the vista from Roan High Bluff Hike 4.5, Drive 36, 950 ft. ascent, Rated C-C 1886, cell phone 828-606-0583, [email protected] (6287 ft.) (small fee to enter garden area). Topo: Nonmembers, call leader, Jane Laping, P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet Carvers Gap; also NatGeo. map #783 828-277-7342, [email protected] leader at Cold Mountain Overlook (BRP M.P. View beautiful scenery from the top of Mt. Pisgah 412) at 12:40 PM. The hike will differ slightly on this in-and-out hike. Second meeting place: from #573 but will be nice and cool at 5000 feet HALF-DAY SUNDAY Pisgah Inn parking lot at 1:35 PM. and afford great views from Devil’s Courthouse. HIKES Topo: Sams Knob. Newcomers are welcome, but non-members HALF-DAY NO. H1002-603 May 9 MUST call the leader before the hike to determine Big Ivy *12:30 PM HALF-DAY NO. H1002-294 June 13 the requirements. Half-day hikes submitted by Hike 5.5, Drive 55, 700 ft. ascent, Rated C-C Picklesimer Fields 1:00 PM Lucy Prim, [email protected], 828-693-6580. Nonmembers, call leader, Marcia Bromberg, Hike 5, Drive 65, Rated C-B Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All 828-505-0471, [email protected] Tom Sanders 828-252-6327, hikes assemble at the east end of the Westgate This loop in the Big Ivy Creek headwaters area [email protected] Shopping Center near Exit 3B off I-240 UNLESS 6 The Bernard Elias Favorite Hikes Series Bernard is a Bald Hike. This hike involves a favorite at the multi club meet formerly held past president long drive as it is west of Franklin. near Labor Day weekend at the Appletree of the club, our Tusquitee Bald is a 5240 foot peak Group Camp. There are tremendous views oldest member, with a spectacular panoramic view. as far away as Brasstown Bald, highest and was a pro- Bernard had this to say about the mountain in Georgia.” lific innovator of hike: “This strenuous historic hike That leaves eleven more of these hikes in new and exciting is highly recommended. It was a the future. hikes. The Let’s Go article on Bernard Elias’s favorite hikes CMC on Facebook has inspired one We have recent- interesting article about snakes and of our members ly established a snakebites. One hike leader posted a to lead them all. page on the social last minute cancellation of a hike due Ted Snyder, past Bernard Elias network Facebook. to weather. The leader did what he president of the At the moment we was supposed to do and went to both Sierra Club and a veteran CMC hike leader have over 200 fans meeting places, but he undoubtedly has taken on this somewhat daunting task. and are still growing. If you have a saved several people an unnecessary Bernard’s favorite hikes are all challenging PC and go on line, simply Google trip to the meeting places. and many haven’t been done in years. The Facebook, set up an account with Facebook was invented by Mark first two will be done in the second quarter your email address, then go to the Zuckerburg when he was a student at and are listed in the Hike Schedule for all search box at the top of the page. Harvard. It appeared on line in 2006. day Sunday hikes in this issue. They will There type in Carolina Mountain Club There are currently over 400 million be listed as the Bernard Elias Favorite Hike and hit the enter key. When our page active users world wide. There are Series. comes up, click on Become a fan. controversies surrounding Facebook On May 2, Ted will lead a hike up You will find many of your friends over privacy issues. But Facebook Terrapin Mountain in Macon County. there, as well as some new potential offers several ways to present per- Although relatively short, this will be a friends. Our fans are using Facebook sonal information with varying lim- strenuous hike. Bernard comments, “Near exactly as it should be used. They are its. In other words you can limit the summit of the mountain, there is a short describing hikes, posting pictures of the number of people who see your rocky climb, which some hikers find peril- hikes, talking about gear, and gen- information. The CMC fan page is ous, but the views of erally catching up with each other. administrated by Danny Bernstein and other surroundings are worth the slight One of our members/fans posted an and Stuart English. risk. Terrapins abound on top.” On June 6, Ted will lead the Tusquitee CMC offers map course The biennial CMC Map Course will be held on Saturday, April 17th. It will be a one-day course, half classroom, half field work. New this year will be the coverage of fundamental GPS techniques. Whether you have a GPS unit or not, this course will give you basic map-read- ing skills and the techniques needed to stay found. Enrollment will be limited to 12 people. To enroll or learn more about the course, contact the instructor, Dave Wetmore, at [email protected] or 828-884-7296. Registration closes on April 10. Yes, you can hike in the snow!

7 In and out hike from the Fish Hatchery. We’ll take Butter Gap Trail and see how far we get. Second meeting place: Fish Hatchery at Carolina Mountain Club 1:45 PM. P.O. Box 68 HALF-DAY No. H1002-453 June 20 Asheville, NC 28802 Ramble 12:30 PM Hike 5.5, Drive 104, 800 ft ascent, Rated B-C Return Service Requested Nonmembers, call leader, Gail Lamb, 828-275-4500, [email protected] Awesome panoramic views and summer wildflowers make this moderate hike a favorite. We will go to the top of Max Patch, then a combination of Appalachian and Buckeye Ridge trails. This will take us north through meadows, woods and across a small stream. We will break at the AT shelter and return on the AT. Second meeting place only if I-40 is open: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 at 1:00 PM.

HALF-DAY NO. H1002-002 June 27 MST: NC 128 to Balsam Gap *12:30 PM Hike 5, Drive 60, 1500 ft ascent, Rated C-B Nonmembers, call leader, Joe Burchfield, 828-398-8413, [email protected] NEXT CMC COUNCIL MEETING *Note that the only meeting place is the back parking lot of the Folk Art Center. This scenic portion of the MST features great When: Thursday, May 6, 2010 views, rocky climbs, and hiking through a dark spruce forest as it Where: West Asheville Library meeting room crosses Blackstock Knob (6320 ft). Although only 5 miles long, Time: 6:00 - 9:00 PM this hike ascends 1500 feet. Hikers must be capable of this amount Info: Call Barth at 299-0298 if you would like to attend. of climbing. Topo: Montreat; also NatGeo. map #779; also MST All CMC members are welcome. Profiles pp 62-63.

HIKING INFORMATION: CMC hikes are open to all and we on hikes or trail maintenance activities. Each participant agrees welcome guests, but hikers are expected to join CMC to hold harmless and free from blame event leaders and the after participating in a few hikes. Non-members Further CMC, its officers and members, for any accident, injury or need to call or e-mail the hike leader to introduce information about illness which might be sustained from participating in themselves and find out more about the hike. All regulations is available at Club hikes and other activities. hikers are encouraged to call or e-mail the leader if they have questions about the hike or the loca- www.carolinamtnclub.org CONSERVATION: CMC works with other organizations tion of the meeting place. Hikes may be canceled by concerned about the protection of our natural heritage the leader due to adverse weather or dangerous roads. to protect trails and the hiking experience in our hiking area. Minors are welcome on CMC hikes, if accompanied by a respon- Phone the Councilor for Conservation for details. sible adult. Dogs are not allowed on CMC hikes. Hikers will carpool from the meeting places to the trailhead and back. MEMBERSHIP: Everyone is eligible for CMC membership by completing a Passengers are expected to contribute 10 cents per mile towards the driver’s Membership Application Form and paying dues. Membership Application operating expenses. Most CMC hikes do not require reservations. However, Forms are available on the Club website or by mail. Annual dues are $20 check the hiking schedule to determine whether a reservation is required, for individuals and $30 for families. Applications should be sent to Carolina and if so, call or e-mail the leader to reserve your space. Mountain Club, P.O. Box 68, Asheville, NC, 28802. Hikers are expected to join Hike leaders have the right to reject participants who are not properly CMC after participating in a few hikes. Some trail maintenance activities are equipped for the hike or who are unlikely to be able to complete the hike. only open to members. All hikers are expected to follow the leader's instructions. No one should get ahead of the leader, or lag behind the sweep, without specific permission. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB OFFICERS Hikers should obtain the leader’s permission if they wish to leave the hike President: Barth Brooker, 299-0298, [email protected] before its completion. Vice-President: Marcia Bromberg, 505-0471, [email protected] Secretary: Kathleen Hannigan, 298-4591, [email protected] CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT: CMC’s website (www.carolinamtnclub.org) has Treasurer: Don Gardner, 754-4067, [email protected] a full list of day hiking needs. Most critical are water, footwear, rain gear and Immediate Past President: Becky Smucker, 298-5013, [email protected] a first aid kit. Carry at least two quarts of liquid (water, Gatorade, juice) for a Councilor for Communication: Stuart English, 883-2447, [email protected] full day hike, no matter what time of year. Hiking boots are recommended for Councilor for Conservation: Tish Desjardins, 656-2191, [email protected] all hikes. They should be broken in before the hike. Weather changes quickly Councilor for Education: Nan Needs, 696-0732, [email protected] in the mountains. Even if there is no sign of rain in the morning, you need to Councilor for Hiking: Charlie Ferguson, 625-2677, [email protected] be prepared for an afternoon shower. Your first aid kit should include any Councilor for Membership: Ashok Kudva, 698-7119, [email protected] personal medication, including allergy medication, if needed. Wear layered Councilor for Trail Maintenance: Jeff Dektor, 274-4254, [email protected] clothing – you’ll want to take layers off during a strenuous climb or as the day Councilors at Large: Jim Reel, 738-0751, [email protected] proceeds, then put them back on in cooler conditions. Danny Bernstein, 236-0192, [email protected]

RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY: Each CMC member and guest agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her own safety and for the safety of Editor: Stuart English, 883-2447, [email protected] accompanying minors. The Club cannot ensure the safety of any participant Deadline next issue: May 15, 2010

8