Blue Ridge Hiking Club Hike List – July-September 2017 July 1, Crabtree Falls, Mineral Museum, and lunch at Mountain View Restaurant: Crabtree Meadows Campground, South Toe, Yancy Co., NC, BR Parkway milepost 340. 1-1/4 hours down BR Parkway south from Boone, milepost 340. Walk down on loop trail to a pretty waterfall. Steps going down, sloped trail coming back up. Approx. 3 miles, moderate with a few strenuous parts, 700 foot elevation gain, approx. 2 hours. On our return we will visit the mineral museum just off the Parkway and then enjoy a meal at the Mountain View Restaurant (gorgeous views!) across the Parkway from the museum. No dogs. Call hike leader, Juin Adams 828-295-9607.

July 3: Trout Lake to Manor House & Figure 8 Trail: Meet at Trout Lake parking lot (1st exit left off Parkway just south of Cone Manor going to Rt. 221 and then take an immediate right, a U turn, onto Shull's Mill Rd going under parkway). Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

July 5: Trout Lake to Cone Cemetery. Meet at Trout Lake Parking lot (leave the Parkway at milepost 294.6 and turn onto Shull’s Mill Rd. and then right on the one-way road to the parking lot).about 5.8 miles round trip. Rated easy. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Roger. Bodo, [email protected] or 828-260-2019.

July 8, Upper Thunderhole Trail/China Creek Loop: A beautiful hike featuring a wide variety of terrain, near Blowing Rock. We will start where the Cone Park carriage trail crosses under 221, walk down past the stables to do Upper Thunderhole, then follow China Creek up to the 221 rest area, and back to the cars. Park across from the Blue Ridge Parkway sign on 221S, 1.2 miles up from Main Street in Blowing Rock. The Hike is 5.8 miles for the full loop. Bring lunch & water. Poles recommended for the Thunderhole descent. Some rock scrambling and significant elevation gain in the second half of the loop. No dogs, Contact Hike leader Wes McNair, [email protected], 443-949-2818, for more information.

July 10: Bass Lake to Cone Manor loop. Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area, off Rt. 221 just west of Blowing Rock. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

July12, Lower and upper Pond Creek Trails, Beech Mountain. A new moderately strenuous 4 mile hike out and back along a beautiful creek with rapids and rocks. Elevation change 689 ft. After the hike, stop at Fred’s Backside Deli for lunch on the patio and browsing the old country store. Meet at the Banner Elk Park in the parking lot, located on 194 (Main Street, E) 2 blocks from the stop light in downtown Banner Elk (toward Valle Crucis). No dogs. Carpool or caravan to the trail head. Contact hike leader, Eva Rand, 301-758-4375.

July 15, Tanawha Trail: From end to end, 13.5 mi. from Julian Price Park to Beacon Heights, ranges from easy to strenuous; about 8 hrs.- we’ll start early. Net elevation gain is about 800’. Meet at Beacon Heights. We will spot cars at Julian Price Park. No dogs. Call hike leader Bob Heath at 828-773-0471.

July 17: The Maze and Apple Barn at Cone Manor. Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area, off Rt. 221 just west of Blowing Rock. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

July 19, Cold Prong to Storyteller Rock, This hike will follow the Tanawha Trail from Cold Prong Pond parking area to the Nuwati Trail and Storyteller Rock. Approximately 7 mi. round trip. Rated easy to moderate. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Sheryl McNair, 443-306-9933.

July 22, Hughes Gap to Carver's Gap: Hughes Gap to Carver's Gap on the AT, up the NW part of the Roan Massif, 6.6 miles, moderate to strenuous in parts, 2,220 ft. elevation gain. Beautiful trail, boreal spruce pine forest, unlike others in the area. Will spot vehicles. No dogs. Call hike leader Carol Ann Mitchell at 423-772-4280, text 423-957-1207, email [email protected].

July 24: Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Meet at the Raven Rock Overlook, hiking south & north, BRP MP 289.5. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

July 26, Elk Knob. 3.8 miles round trip with 900 ft. elevation gain. Spectacular views at the summit. The trail is mostly moderate, but steady incline, steep in some places. 2 1/2 to 3 hours. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Paul Dickenson at [email protected]

July 29, 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 views 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, plus >> ICE CREAM at Christa's when we return. Contact hike leader Mike Lobban at 305-905-7000 or [email protected] for details.

July 31: Rich Mountain: 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). Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

August 2, Tanawha Trail, Beacon Heights to Rough Ridge. 4.5 miles rated moderate (rough and rocky in some places, however). Hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern US. See great views of the Parkway, Viaduct, Grandfather and other mountains, includes 200 ft. long boardwalk, walk under the Viaduct, stairs through huge boulders in the Stack Rock area. Stop at the Viaduct Visitor Center. No dogs permitted. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann Mitchell, [email protected] or text or call, 423-957-1207.

August 5, Grayson Highlands: Approximately 8 mi. round trip from Massie Gap to Thomas Knob shelter on the AT. Optional half mile hike to the "summit" of Mt. Rodgers. There are several large boulders to scramble over at Wilburn Ridge. Moderately strenuous. The hike will begin at 10 am., with a stop for lunch at the shelter. No dogs. Call hike leader Tom Goodwin at 336-877-2449.

August 7: Price Lake plus. Meet at Boat ramp parking area, BRP MP 297. Since this is a short hike, be prepared to hike over to and up a bit of the Tanawha Trail. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

August 9, Banner Elk Trails, Easy hike with a few short moderate hills, about 5 miles. No dogs. Park and meet at 9:30 at the parking lot adjacent to Bank of America (36.163771, -81.867876). Hike Banner Elk Greenway, Mill Pond Road and Elk River Town Trail. No dogs. Text or call hike leader Jim Sramek if you have questions, 407-376-3749.

August 12, Bear Wallow to Raven Rocks to Chestnut Ridge and Old Miller Homestead: Fred Behrend trail (Bear Wallow); moderate, 3 mi. to Moonshiners Run; easy 1.5 mi. to Raven Rocks and Roan Mountain Camp Ground, strenuous +/- 1.5 miles. Those who choose not to do Raven Rocks can continue on Moonshiners Run for less than a mile through a beautiful area along the Doe River, then return on that trail to the campground and car park area by the shelter. No dogs. Call hike leader Carol Ann Mitchell at 423-772-4280, text 423-957-1207, email [email protected].

August 14: Green Knob Trail: This is a short trail with a bit of elevation. Meet at Sims Pond Overlook, BRP MP 295.9. Meet at 9:30. Less than 3 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

August 16: Watauga Lake Pontoon Boat Excursion, Spend the day leisurely exploring the natural beauty of Watauga Lake on a 10 passenger, 24 foot, Bimini-topped pontoon boat. After a morning of boating, we will have a famous Blue Ridge Hiking Club covered-dish picnic at the pavilion at Watauga Point Recreation area. Ice, water, utensils, plates, cups/glasses will be provided. Continue enjoying boating after lunch. Meet at Fish Springs Marina at 9 AM for an exciting and fun day on the water. Cost for the day will be $30 per person, all inclusive. Fish Springs Marina is 32 miles from Boone. Directions - follow 321/421 out of Boone, west and then turn left in Vilas to stay on 321. Continue on 321 into Tennessee - keep going - after you make the sharp left on 321 (where 67 joins 321), the Marina is 8/10 mile on the right. Contact Larry Mallett at [email protected] or 828-260-1675 for reservations.

NOTE: Should the event be cancelled, a TBD Hike will be offered. If so, contact Mile Lobban [email protected] 305-815-2604

August 19, Grandfather Mountain Event: From the NEW Profile Trail parking area and trailhead. There will be presenters around the trailhead and along a short section of trail. They would like BRHC members to lead longer hikes (probably Profile View, Shanty Springs and Calloway Peak) – more information to come. No dogs. Call hike leader Bob Heath at 828-773-0471.

August 21: Old John’s River Road to Price Lake, and a visit to King's marker. Meet at Sim’s Pond Overlook, BRP MP 295.9. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

August 23, Price Lake to Rough Ridge - About 9 miles. The trail traverses a fragile and ancient ecosystem and leads through a surprising range of biological and geological terrains. Some sections tunnel through thickets of laurel and rhododendron. Others did down into remote hardwood coves and then ascend into evergreen glens. Boulder fields and cascading streams punctuate the landscape. Moderate to strenuous. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann Mitchell, [email protected] or text or call, 423-957-1207.

August 26, Holloway Mtn. Road to Cold Prong or possibly on to Boone Fork bridge if trail conditions permit, with return the same way. 4.5 - 7 mi., moderate walking. No dogs. Call hike leader Roger Bodo at 828-260-2019.

August 28: Flat Top Observation Tower + Cone Memorial. Meet in front of the Carriage House by Cone Manor, BRP MP 294.1. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

August 30, Mt. Mitchell to Cattail Peak. The hike will start at the summit of Mt. Mitchell (6684 ft.), continue to Mt. Crail (6648 ft.) and Big Tom (6581 ft.). These are magnificent mountains with spectacular views. Rated moderate to strenuous, the most strenuous part being the climb back up Mt. Tom on the return. About 6 miles. To participate you should be an experienced hiker. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Juin Adams, 828-295-9607.

September 2, Roaring Creek via the Humps to 19E: Approx. 8-9 miles, moderate to strenuous. There are steep climbs with magnificent vistas and descents with very rocky conditions at the end--hard on the knees, poles helpful, as well as knee strapping. Bring a hat (no trees) water and lunch. No dogs. Call hike leader Carol Ann Mitchell at 423-772-4280, text 423-957-1207, email [email protected].

September 4: Old John’s River Road to Boone Fork and the new MST Bridge. Meet at Sim’s Pond Overlook, BRP MP 295.9. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

September 6, Rich Mountain, Easy hike, about 7 miles with no shortcuts. Meet at 9:30 at Trout Lake Parking (Exit off the Parkway just south of Cone manor toward Rt. 221, then take and immediate right toward Shulls Mill Rd. and a right onto the one-way entrance to Trout Lake. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Jim Sramek if you have questions, 407-376-3749.

September 9, Quarterly Meeting: Meet at 11 AM at the outdoor Pavilion at Linville Land Harbor. Bring a dish to share. Business meeting will follow the lunch. No need to reserve. Contact host - Pam Hoffman, if you have questions, 828-262-9779.

September 11: Tanawha Trail to Holloway Mountain Road, and on to an older community cemetery. Pruners please. Meet at boat ramp parking at Price Lake, BRP MP 297. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

September 13, Tanawha Trail, Beacon Heights to Rough Ridge. 4.5 miles rated moderate (rough and rocky in some places, however). Hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern US. See great views of the Parkway, Viaduct, Grandfather and other mountains, includes 200 ft. long boardwalk, walk under the Viaduct, stairs through huge boulders in the Stack Rock area. Stop at the Viaduct Visitor Center. No dogs permitted. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann Mitchell, [email protected] or text or call, 423-957-1207.

September 16, Trout Lake to Rich Mountain: 6.75 mi. round trip to the top of Rich Mountain on the Cone Manor. This hike begins at Trout Lake and is a steady uphill climb on carriage trails with an elevation gain of 568’. No dogs. Call hike leader Roger Bodo at 828-260-2019.

September 18: Carriage Barn to Blowing Rock Stables: Meet in front of the Carriage House by Cone Manor, BRP MP 294.1. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

September 20, Wilson Creek Area, 4.6 miles, 3-4 hours. Moderate to strenuous. About 4 or 5 water crossings- normally dry in September, N. Harpers Creek Falls - beautiful. Lost cove overlook - great vista views. Loop trail. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann Mitchell, [email protected] or text or call, 423-957-1207.

September 23, Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Hike from Boone Fork Parking area on the BRP. 5 - 6 hrs. approximately 7 mi. round trip. Steady uphill trail with some parts near the top strenuous and rocky with ladders. Elevation gain 2,060 ft. Enjoy beautiful long range views to 3 states from the top of Calloway. No dogs. Call hike leader Bob Heath at 828-773-0471.

September 25: Mountains-to-Sea Trail to 321. Meet at Thunder Hill Overlook, first overlook on BRP north of 321, MP 290.4. Meet at 9:30. About 5 miles, relaxed pace. Done by noon. Guests and non-members welcome. No dogs.

September 27, Hughes Gap to Carver’s Gap - on the Appalachian Trail, up the NW part of the Roan Massif, 6.6 miles moderate to strenuous- 2,220 ft. elevation gain. Beautiful trail, boreal spruce pine forest, unlike others in the area. Will spot vehicles. Early start. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann Mitchell, [email protected] or text or call, 423-957-1207.

September 30, Elk Knob Back County Campsite Trails: Downhill and back, ridge view at bottom, waterfall/cascade along the way. No rock climbing, several small water crossings, fairly steep. Bring water and snack and sticks. 6+ miles. Strenuous. No Dogs. Call hike leader Juin Adams at 828-295-9607.