HALF-DAY No. H0603-247 Sept. 3 Ivestor Gap Blueberry Hike 12:20 PM* Carolina Mountain Club Rusty Breeding, 828-692-0359, [email protected] P.O. Box 68 Hike 7, Drive 70, 1,400-ft ascent, Asheville, NC 28802 THIRD QUARTER 2006 Rated B-B Quarterly News Bulletin *Note early start time. Meet at Westgate Return Service Requested at 12:20 PM to form carpools; meet and Hike Schedule leader at Cold Mountain Overlook on the BRP at 1:00 PM. Hike 3 miles on an old railroad grade to Ivestor Gap. The hills are P.O. Box 68, Asheville, NC 28802 • www.carolinamtnclub.org • e-mail: [email protected] famous for blueberry picking.

HALF-DAY No. H0603-349 Sept. 10 Buck Spring Trail 1:00 PM* Hiking and rafting weekend in the Nantahala Gorge Hike 6.2, Drive 50, Rated B-C Come for a weekend in the Nantahala ied from camping to cabins and motel rooms. NOC Jean Gard, 828-777-1814, Gorge, Oct. 6-8. Our base will be the is giving the club reduced rates for lodging and for [email protected] Nantahala Outdoor Center (The Harvard any activities (rafting, bike rental) you reserve before *Note early start time. This pleasant of outdoor recreation) in Wesser, about September 15. Put it on your calendar and plan to downhill hike starts at the Pisgah Inn and 100 miles from Westgate. Hike the A.T., hike and explore an area too far for a day trip. ends at US 276. Call the leader if you wish the Nantahala Gorge, Joyce Kilmer- All the information will be posted on the e- to join her for dinner at the Pisgah Inn Hard Times Road & BRP 1:30 PM Hike 5, Drive 74, Rated C-C Slickrock Wilderness Area and other News. If you want the details mailed to you, after the hike. Car shuttle. Second meeting Hike 6.6, Drive 25, 1,000-ft elevation, Renate Rikkers, 828-298-9988, place: Pisgah Inn parking lot near conve- Rated B-B [email protected] places. Challenging and moderate hikes send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Danny nience store at 1:30 PM. Pat Elias, 828-687-1651, *Note early start time. This in-and-out will be led. Bernstein, 488 Kimberly Ave., Asheville, NC 28804, [email protected] hike goes along a beautiful stream. The accommodation options are var- [email protected]. HALF-DAY No. H0603-222 Sept. 17 This is a pleasant woods walk on the old Montreat Loop #3 1:00 PM* Shut-In Trail portion of the MST. Car shut- Changes in CMC council Hike 5, Drive 40, Elevation change 1,000 tle. Second meeting place: French Broad CMC welcomes spring at the arboretum ft., Rated C-B Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Recently Linda Beja resigned her On April 22, on a gorgeous Earth events which were too few and far between. Les Joe Burchfield, 828-398-8413, 1:45 PM. position on the CMC Council and as Day afternoon, 94 CMC members and Love did an admirable of job of organizing this [email protected] Chair of the Challenge Committee. We their families and friends enjoyed several Spring Social. *Note early start time. We will explore HALF-DAY No. H0603-318 Oct. 1 will miss Linda and wish her well. Don hours of hiking, fellowship, and good There were two organized hikes. Sherman led a some different trails at Montreat. East Fork Pigeon River 1:00 PM* Gardner has agreed to replace her in food at the NC Arboretum. five mile trek around Lake Powhatan. Starting later, both capacities. The event was the idea of Sherman Paula Robbins led a loop around the arboretum. HALF-DAY No. H0603-524 Sept. 24 Stanbaugh, who felt that many CMC Maps were provided for those who wanted to do Bent Creek Gap to Santeetlah Creek, in the Nantahala Gorge. members only saw each other at social self-guided tours. Further MOUNTAINEERING INFORMATION: Consult the trip Club hikes are expected to join the Carolina Mountain In the Arboretum Auditorium, two tables were set leader for additional information regarding a par- information is available at Club. All members are encouraged to participate in aside for a gear swap area. Food was provided by the ticular hike. Hikes may be cancelled due to adverse www.carolinamtnclub.org one of the Club's many trail maintenance efforts. THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER catering of Bubba Q. Many feel that this should be weather or dangerous road and trail conditions. Please about regulations Contact a Club officer for details. an annual event! call hike leader if weather conditions are questionable. CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CLUB OFFICERS I always cringe when anyone calls And while you’re thinking about next Visitors are cordially welcome but should select trips within Lenny Bernstein–236-0192, President their endurance. When reservations are required as listed in the hike sched- something the First Annual. How do they Spring, put another event on your cal- Becky Smucker–298-5013, Vice President ule, the leader must be called to reserve a space. Hikers will carpool from the know there will be a Second Annual? But endar, the Fourth Southeast Foot Trails Dave Wetmore–884-7296, Secretary meeting places to trailheads and back. Passengers are expected to contribute I’m going to overcome my reluctance Conference (SEFTC), which will be held Carroll Koepplinger–667-0723, Treasurer 10 cents per mile towards the driver's operating expenses. and congratu- on May 3-6, 2007 at Montreat College. Gerry McNabb–274-0057, Immediate Past President late Les Love, CMC is a member of the SEFTC and CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT, ETC.: Footwear comes first. Never start a moun- Council Members: Chip Miller–654-9331, Barth Brooker–299-0298, tain trip in brand new footwear. Hiking boots are recommended. Clothing of Ruth Hartzler–251-0886, Piet Bodenhorst–298-8371, Don Gardner–754-4067, S h e r m a n has agreed to co-sponsor this meeting. any substantial type will do. Carry a sweater, even in summer, and some kind Bruce Bente–692-0116, Marlene Santa Maria–299-9095. S t a m b a u g h It will be a great opportunity to meet of rain wear. and the other fellow hikers from all over the southeast, THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL: The Carolina Mountain Club is a member Equipment for all-day trips should be a lunch, plenty of water, first aid kit, Club mem- and to show off our area. We’ll need hike of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PO. Box 807, Harpers Ferry, cell phone if available and personal medication including allergy medication. bers who put leaders, people to give workshops, and to West Virginia 25245. Telephone (304) 535-6331. CLUB TRIP REGULATIONS: Both members and visitors are expected to abide on a very suc- help with the meeting organization. RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY: Each CMC member, guest or non-member absolutely by club regulations and by instructions of the leader. Visitors should cessful First Finally, congratulations to Howard hiker agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety and the make themselves known to the leader on arrival at assembly place announced Annual Spring McDonald and all the Trail Crew mem- safety of minors accompanying such persons. The Club cannot ensure the for the trip. No one is to start ahead of the leader without definite permission, bers who finished the final stage of safety of any participant on hikes. In participating in Club hikes, each such Picnic at the Arboretum on April 22. or lag unreasonably far behind the group. construction of the new Roaring Fork person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the hike leaders, and the Ninety-four members and guests attend- MEMBERSHIP: Everyone is eligible for Club membership by completing CMC, its officers and members, for any accident, injury or illness which might ed, and I heard nothing but raves. So Shelter, affectionately known as the a Membership Application Form and paying dues. Annual dues are $20 for be sustained from participating in hikes or other Club activities. here’s looking forward to the Second McDonald Hilton. The old shelter was individuals and $30 for families, and should be sent to the Carolina Mountain Annual Picnic and many more to follow. removed on May 10. Editor: Stuart English–883-2447, [email protected] Club, P.O. Box 68, Asheville, NC 28802. Frequent non-member participants in Deadline next issue: Aug. 15 Hikers returning from the arboretum walk.. 8 1

Bill Newton retires from leading trail crew It's like a white blaze ... Trail maintainers are often a different When asked about his predecessor, Bill and clearing trails for people I would never for your car breed. Many never hike. While CMC hikers said that it was Harlow Hoskins, who founded meet or even see very often was one of the regularly take 6, 8, and 12 mile hikes; trail the crew in 1982. “Harlow was a neighbor and dumbest things I had ever heard of. Long By Leanna Joyner, CMC Member educational materials, and capi- maintainers toil all day on two or three miles it was he who drew me to trail maintenance. days in all kinds of weather carrying chain- ATC License Tag Coordinator tal improvements for the A.T. of trail, digging new tread, sawing, lopping, The ink on my retirement papers was not saws or weedeaters or digging in the dirt and The North Carolina Appalachian and connecting trails that are and weedeating, so the hiker will have a yet dry when he talked me into working on moving impossibly large rocks just didn’t Trail license plate boasts a color scheme located in North better path. the trails. I was not a dedicated hiker by any make much sense to me. But he talked me representative of the trail itself – with Carolina. For the past six years, Bill Newton has means, and I thought going into the woods into trying it and I have truly enjoyed every hiker’s dream green and perfect weather A regular A.T. led CMC’s largest crew of trail maintainers. minute of it. It is the people who are on the sky blue behind the silhouette of a hiker license plate costs Known as the CMC Pisgah Friday Crew, crew that make the work fun, and knowing SATURDAY WORK DAY climbing a ridge. The well-known and $30 and a special- they maintain approximately 150 miles of we are giving a little something back to the Here is a great chance to learn what is well-traveled A.T. Diamond makes its ized license plate trail in the Pisgah Ranger District, the Green community makes it all worthwhile. involved in trail maintenance. We will meet mark on the left side of the plate. with four charac- River Gamelands, Holmes State Forest, Carl “As to what I am proudest of – I think on Aug. 19 at the Moose Cafe at the Farmer's In addition to being a plate you can ters for a personal- Sandburg National Park, the Kellogg Center the construction of a new trail to replace a Market on Rt. 191 at 8:00 AM for breakfast. We be proud to have on your car, you’ll ized message costs and parts of the Appalachian Trail. Soon washed-out one in Holmes State Forest was CMC AT tags, left to right: Chip Miller, Howard McDonald, will return to Asheville around 4:00 PM. Call be supporting the Appalachian Trail $60. Both fee levels are in addition to the Bill will relinquish his duties and will be it. Not because of the trail itself, but because Bruce Bente, Ruth Hartzler, Carroll Koepplinger, Linda Les Love at 828-658-1489 (lesrlove@charter. Conservancy (ATC) in North Carolina. regular license fees already acquired by the Beja, Gerry McNabb (taking the photograph). sorely missed. In a recent email interview, we managed to get it named the ‘Hoskins by- net) to verify date. For each plate that is purchased or state. Tag holders will receive a free ATC he responded to some questions. way’ in honor of Harlow. But if you really renewed, the ATC receives $20 to be membership with their initial purchase of decal, patch and membership card. want to write about trail maintainers…some used for preservation programs, trail their tag. ATC members receive quarterly For more information on the NC A.T. License tag of the previous maintainers – they are the maintenance, as well as trail way and magazines about the A.T., discounts at the or for an application, visit www.appalachiantrail.org or ones who really started this thing. Dick viewshed easements and acquisitions, Ultimate Appalachian Trail Store, and a call 828-254-3708. Roberts, Harlow Hoskins, Dick Johnson, Al Kohan, and many more have done far more than I ever thought of doing.” You may never meet Bill Newton on a Surf our web: www.carolinamtnclub.org hike. But when you walk on the trails of the Sometimes the best things are right at our offered is information about what to wear, carry, Pisgah Ranger District, stop occasionally fingertips. Our website has just gotten better. and how to lead a hike. to think about him and all the others. Their Just type in www.carolinamtnclub.org and you One of the most enjoyable links on our web- legacy is everywhere you step. will immediately see our logo, address, mis- site is the E-News. The E-News appears every sion statement, a beautiful outdoor picture, and two weeks and offers current events in the club, a current newsflash. At the left side of the page as well as hiking and trail maintenance news. You is a column of links that open up information can read about future hikes as well as leader’s Write a slogan, about a variety of subjects, including how to comments about recently completed hikes. The join and an application that can be printed. trail maintenance news will give you an idea win a gift certificate There is a large section devoted to hiking, of all the work that goes on in that area. Past Write a slogan for our club that including the current hike schedule and an archives can be found here of the E-News and the Participants at the Arboretum spring barbeque enjoy dinner and each other's company. describes CMC and what our club is archive of past hike schedules. If you want to newsletter, Let’s Go. all about. We are a club that main- find out if you really want to go on that hike Current conservation issues, club history, tains trails, leads hikes, and promotes you read about in Let’s Go, the Hike Finder photo albums, and related links can also be conservation of the trails, National Link will connect you to a database that has found. There is a wealth of information here. Our CMC opposes Forests and Parks in our area. A information on over 500 hikes. These hikes Education Committee is publishing a series of catchy one or two line phrase is what can be found by length, difficulty, geographic articles in the E-News giving detailed instructions proposed Interstate 3 we are looking for. So get creative Hike leaders' banquet -- Danny area, assigned number, or simply by name. about using our website. Log on to adventure! and submit your entry no later than Bernstein and Kathleen Hannigan When you click on a particular hike, you are The CMC Council has voted to oppose M o r e September 30th! illustrate how to say no to a prospec- shown among other things, distance, elevation construction of the proposed Interstate 3 information, Send your entry to tive hiker at the annual Hike Leaders' gain, access to a printable topographic map, a Danny Bernstein through the mountains of western North including a [email protected] OR Banquet March 1. trail description, and driving directions. Also Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and northern comprehen- bags two columns mail to CMC, P.O. Box 68, Asheville, Georgia. The highway would cross the sive list of natural areas that would be impact- NC 28802, Attn: Chip Miller. The Mountain Xpress has started an outdoor sec- Appalachian and Benton MacKaye Trails ed, is available at http://www.stopi3.org NEXT CMC COUNCIL MEETING winning slogan writer will receive tion. Every week, the section will rotate between and adversely impact viewsheds from the The website encourages its readers to con- When: July 25, 2006 a $100 gift certificate to Diamond hiking, biking, fishing and water sports. Danny upper ridges crossed by these trails. In addi- tact local, state and federal elected officials Where: EarthFare Meeting Room, Westgate Shopping Center Brand! We need two volunteers for Bernstein, editor of the CMC E-News, is the hik- tion, it would adversely impact the overall to get them to put pressure on the state DOTs Time: 6:00 PM the awards committee!! If interested, ing columnist. Starting in June, she will also be environmental health of the Great Smoky and the state and federal FHWAs to open the Meal: EarthFare has tasty cafeteria-type food. Please let Lenny Bernstein know contact Chip Miller at the address the hiking columnist for Blue Ridge Outdoors, Mountains National Park by increasing air process to the public for infomation, scrutiny if you plan to attend. Call him at 828-236-0192. All CMC members are above. the monthly magazine of adventure in the Blue pollution and urban sprawl. and preparation. welcome to attend. Ridge Mountains. 2 7 Read” program, which, this year, is reading HALF-DAY SUNDAY Second meeting place: Craven Gap at ing small creeks, using log bridges. It will We will hike from Roaring Creek Road to “Saints at the River” by Ron Rash, about a 12:50 PM. HIKE SCHEDULE involve Fletcher Creek Trail via Spencer Yellow Mountain Gap at which point we girl who drowned in the Chattooga River and HIKES Third Quarter 2006 Branch and the Middle Fork; Trace Ridge join the AT along an open ridge to Little Half-day hikes submitted by Paula Robbins, the conflict between the parents who attempt HALF-DAY No. H0603-101 July 30 trailhead to Fletcher Creek Trail, to Mid Fork Hump Mt and on to Hump Mt where we 281-3253, [email protected]. Driving to recover the body and the environmental- Lower Big Laurel Creek 1:00 PM* Hike Ratings Trail, and back to Fletcher Creek. *Meet at will have lunch on a grassy bald at 5587 ft. distance is round-trip from Asheville. All ists who want to keep the river wild. Second Hike 6, Drive 60, Rated B-C First Letter Second Letter Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, We return to Yellow Mt Gap and take the hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center meeting place: Bi-Lo parking lot in Pisgah Karen Bartlett, 828-645-0291, Distance Elevation Gain and meet leader at pull-out just before Overmountain Victory Loop back to the car parking lot near CVS (Exit 3B off I-240) Forest at 8:30 AM. Topo: Tamassee; also [email protected] AA: Over 12 miles AA: Over 2,000 ft. Mills River Recreation Area at 8:30 AM. park. The fabulous vistas and meadows full unless otherwise noted. Some hikes will have Nat’l. Geographic Nantahala & Cullasaja *Note early start time. This is an easy in- A: 9-12 miles A: 1,500-2,000 ft. of flowers make the drive and moderately second meeting places as described in hike Gorges map and-out hike on a rocky trail along a beauti- B: 6-9 miles B: 1,000-1,500 ft. WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-530 July 19 strenuous walk very much worthwhile. listings. ful whitewater stream near Hot Springs to C: Under 6 miles C: Under 1,000 ft. Bent Creek Loop #10 – Stradley *ONLY MEETING PLACE: Rose’s car ALL DAY NO. A0603-528 Oct. 1 the site of an old logging camp at Runion. park, across from McDonald's at the US HALF-DAY No. H0603-064 July 2 Mountain via Rice Pinnacle 9:00 AM AT: Carmen – Allen Gap 8:00 AM Over 250 species of vascular plants have Also in the hike descriptions, the terms easy, 25/70 Weaverville exit at 8:40 AM. Topos: Fletcher Creek via Hike 8, Drive 25, 900 ft. ascent, Rated B-B (strenuous) been identified along this trail, including five moderate or strenuous reflect the overall trail Carver’s Gap, White Rocks Mtn. Spencer Branch Trail 1:00 PM* Sherman Stambaugh, 828-254-1736 Hike 13.5, Drive 95, 3300 ft. ascent, endangered species. conditions, physical challenge and other fac- Hike 6, Drive 40, Rated B-C P400 This moderate hike is in the eastern Rated AA-AA+ tors influencing hike difficulty. If you have NO HIKE SCHEDULED, Aug. 16 Greg Goodman, 828-684-9703 part of Stradley Mountain. It is probably a Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213, HALF-DAY No. H0603-465 Aug. 6 questions or if the weather on the day of the NO LEADER AVAILABLE *Note early start time. Meet at 1:00 PM new hike for most. Great views of Hominy [email protected] and Sam Knob Loop 12:20 PM* hike is questionable, contact the leader. at Westgate to form carpools, and meet Valley. We will return by Boyd Branch and Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, Hike 5-6, Drive 75, Rated C-C WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-247 Aug. 23 leader at pull-out just before Mills River Deer Lake Lodge Trail. Second meeting [email protected] Stuart English, 828-883-2447, Ivestor Gap Blueberry Hike 8:30 AM* Recreation Area at 1:30 PM. From the CHALLENGE place: Ingles across from Biltmore Square A strenuous hike with great payback. This AT [email protected] Hike 6, Drive 76, rated B-C Trace Ridge Trailhead, we will hike in a Mall on NC 191 at 9:15 AM. hike features great views from the Firescald *Note early start time. Meet at Westgate PROGRAMS: Ken and Carol Deal, 828-281-4530, moderate loop along the Big Creek Trail, Knob relo, Blackstock Cliff and White Rock at 12:20 PM to form carpools and meet SB6K For hiking all 40 peaks above 6000’. [email protected] past the Hendersonville Reservoir, and WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-237 July 26 Cliffs, and the Camp Creek Bald fire tower. leader at Cold Mountain Overlook on BRP For information, contact Don Gardner, P400 Our traditional hike to the picking along the Spencer Branch, Middle Fork and Plott Balsams 8:00 AM The Fork Ridge Trail will be used to access at 1:00 PM. We will take Sam Knob Trail, [email protected] fields of Grassy Cove Top in the Shining Fletcher Creek Trails. There will be a few Hike 9, Drive 90, 3400 ft. ascent, the AT from the Carmen area. Key swap. with side trip up Sam Knob, then left onto P400 For hiking every trail in Pisgah Rock Wilderness. Limit 10 hikers. Call for stream crossings. Rated B-AA+ Topos: Greystone, Davy Crockett Lake, Hot Flat Laurel Creek Tr.; right to off-trail up Ranger District. For information, contact Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213, reservation. *Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM Springs; also Nat’l. Geo. French Broad & through spruce forest to MST; left to FS 816 Don Gardner, [email protected] to form carpools, and meet leaders at BRP HALF-DAY No. H0603-043 July 9 [email protected] Nolichucky Rivers map and back to the parking lot. 900M For hiking every trail in GSMNP. Cold Mountain Overlook at 9:15 AM for Frying Pan Tower 1:30 PM SB6K Here is your chance to climb all four For information, contact John Gallemore, carpooling to Big Sam parking area. Hike 4, Drive 45, Rated C-C of the 6000-footers in the Plott Balsams, and ALL DAY NO. A0603-249 Oct. 1 HALF-DAY No. H0603-057 Aug. 13 [email protected] Paula Robbins, 828-281-3253, see spectacular views of the Smokies and Haywood Gap / Buckeye Gap 8:30 AM* Blue Ridge Pinnacle 1:00 PM* WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-101 Aug. 30 [email protected] nearby mountains. From Waterrock Knob, (moderate) Hike 4, Drive 25, Rated C-C Lower Big Laurel Creek 9:00 AM* This easy in-and-out hike features a spec- WEDNESDAY HIKES we will follow a very rough, steep trail over Hike 9, Drive 80, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Barbara Rathbone-Shoaf, 828-667-8684, Hike 6, Drive 60, 200-ft ascent, Rated B-C tacular display of summer wildflowers and a All-day hikes submitted by Paula McNabb, Browning Knob to Lyn Lowry and Plott Larry Modlin, 828-251-5092, [email protected] Paula McNabb, 828-274-0057, 360° view from the tower. Call the leader if 828-274-0057, [email protected]. Balsam. Then we will hike back to our start- [email protected] *Note early start time. This in-and-out hike [email protected] you wish to join her for dinner reservations Driving distance is round-trip from ing point and then to the top of Yellow Face. P400 *Note later start time. Follow MST, starts on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mt. Leisurely paced in-and-out hike along Lower at the Pisgah Inn after the hike. Second Asheville. Hikes will assemble at Westgate The hike is strenuous due to the rough trail then scenic Haywood Gap Stream down Mitchell, with great views on top. Second Big Laurel Creek to the site of Runion, an meeting place: Pisgah Inn parking lot near Shopping Center near I-240 exit 3B unless and climbing over fallen spruce trees on on rough trail through the Middle Prong meeting place: Folk Art Center Lower early 1900s logging and mining settlement. the convenience store at 2:00 PM. otherwise noted. Some hikes will have sec- steep slopes. Wear long sleeves and pants. Wilderness to junction with Buckeye Gap Parking Lot at 1:15 PM. ond meeting places as described in the hike Topos: Hazelwood, Sylva North Trail. Climb up onto a ridge to more open WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-266 Sept. 6 HALF-DAY No. H0603-525 July 16 listing. Please phone the hike leader if you forest, then follow old logging RR grade HALF-DAY No. H0603-297 Aug. 20 MST: Black Mtn. Campground DuPont Forest: are not sure of the meeting location. WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-091 Aug. 2 up. Wilderness area hike, limited to ten hik- Sam’s Gap South 1:00 PM* to NC 128 8:00 AM* Corn Mill Shoals P.L. #2 1:00 PM* Blacks South of Mt. Mitchell 8:00 AM ers—call leader for reservations. Second Hike 5, Drive 60, Rated C-B Hike 11, Drive 80, 3630 ft ascent, Hike 4, Drive 94, Rated C-B WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-465 July 5 Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, meeting place: BRP Cold Mtn. overlook at Gail Lamb, 828-350-0450, Rated A-AA+ Becky Elston, 828-749-1886, Sam Knob sketching hike 9:00 AM [email protected] 9:00 AM. Topo: Sam Knob [email protected] Ames Tryon, 828-669-3805, [email protected] Hike 5, drive 70, rated C-B Hike 9, Drive 65, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-A *Note early start time. A moderate [email protected] A pleasant loop with a break at the bottom Gerry McNabb, 274-0057, SB6K From Mt. Mitchell we will follow the in-and-out hike from Sam’s Gap to the SB6K This will be a challenging hike from of Bridal Veil Falls. Weather and conditions [email protected] Old Mitchell Trail south with a bushwhack Hogback Ridge Shelter and return along the the Black Mountain Campground over the permitting, we can walk behind the falls. P400 Take the Sam Knob trail, with side trip to climb Mt. Hallback (6320 ft.), then to Nantahala Hiking and Rafting Weekend Appalachian Trail off the new portion of I- summit of Mt. Mitchell with a descent to NC *Note early start time. Meet at 1:00 PM up Sam Knob for a new twist. We’ll take 45 6571 ft. Mt. Gibbes and continuing to Potato Oct. 6 - 8 26. 128 (Mt Mitchell Rd). Total elevation change at Westgate to form carpools, and meet minutes for a sketch, then lunch. Non-sketch- Knob, with return by partially alternate route. We will stay at the Nantahala Outdoor will be approximately 4870 ft. 10 mile leader at Hooker Falls Parking Area at ers also welcome. Meet leader at Westgate; You can also climb Mt. Mitchell to fill out Center in Wesser in the Nantahala Gorge. HALF-DAY No. H0603-112 Aug. 27 car shuttle. *ONLY MEETING PLACE: 1:45 PM. call leader if you desire a second meeting your list of 6000+ ft. peaks. Second meeting Challenging and moderate hikes are sched- Black Balsam Knob, Tennant Mtn., via place. Bring sketchpad and drawing pencil place: Craven Gap at 8:20 AM. Topos: Mt. lower parking lot at the Folk Art Center uled. In addition, you can raft and bike. Art Loeb, Shining Rock Ledge 1:00 PM* at 8:00 A.M. Topos: Mt. Mitchell, Celo and HALF-DAY No. H0603-068 July 23 or pigma micron pen, .05 size, if you plan to Mitchell, Montreat; also Nat’l. Geo. South This is also a perfect family weekend. Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, Montreat; also Nat’l. Geo. South Toe River, Balsam Gap to Point Misery 12:30 PM* sketch. A small watercolor pen could add to Toe River, Mt. Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map All the information will be posted on the [email protected] Mt. Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map Hike 6, Drive 60, Rated B-B the fun as well. Site also good for photos. E-News including the planned hikes and Hike 5, Drive 80, Rated C-B Jorge Munoz, 828-658-0606, WEDNESDAY. No W0603-475 Aug. 9 reduced room rates. If you want the details *Note early start time. This moderate loop WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-049 Sept. 13 [email protected] WEDNESDAY NO. W0603-529 July 12 Hump Mountain/ mailed to you, send a self-addressed hike features beautiful views of the moun- Walnut Bottom 8:00 AM *Note early start time. This in-and-out Fletcher Fields & Yellow Mountain Area 8:40 AM* stamped envelope to Danny Bernstein, tains and perhaps blueberries. Second meet- Hike 11.6, Drive 110, 1500 ft. ascent, hike begins at Balsam Gap (milepost 359.7) Spencer Branch Trail 8:00 AM* Hike 9, Drive 130, ascent 2400 ft., 488 Kimberly Ave., Asheville, NC 28804, ing place: Cold Mountain Overlook on Rated A-B on the Blue Ridge Parkway and follows Hike 8, drive 60, rated B-C Rated B-AA [email protected] BRP at 1:40 PM. Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, the ridge crest to Point Misery, with superb Greg Goodman, 828-684-9703 Adrian Lotherington, 828-350-8065, [email protected] views of Mt. Mitchell and the Blacks. P400 This will be a woods hike, cross- [email protected] 6 3 900M Follow the sight and sound of a spec- and moderately strenuous hike very much ascend Sam Knob (6040 ft.) with its 360 ALL DAY NO. A0603-368 Aug. 13 Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 8:30 AM. Topo: P400, SB6K Beginning with a climb up a tacular mountain stream through a beauti- worthwhile. Topos: Carver’s Gap, White degree views, then hike though high mead- Bradley Creek & Reid; also Sierra Club guide to Jocassee short, steep manway to Black Balsam (6214 ful forest to Walnut Bottom. Features to be Rocks Mtn. ows on the Flat Laurel and Little Sam Trails Riverside Stream Crossings 8:00 AM Gorges. ft.) then follow the ridgeline to Tennent Mtn. seen on this hike on a wide roadbed are the and the MST via Devils Courthouse (with Hike 9, Drive 70, 500 ft. ascent, Rated A-C (6040 ft.) and Ivestor Gap. Then we’ll hike Midnight Hole, Mouse Creek Falls and sev- ALL DAY NO. A0603-526 July 9 its great views). We then return via the MST Tom Sanders 828-252-6327, ALL DAY NO. A0603-373 Sept. 3 down Grassy Cove Ridge to the Big East eral rapids. A shorter version (6 miles) will Down the Incline 8:30 AM* across FS 816 and up to the summit of Black [email protected] Yellow Mountain 8:00 AM Fork of the Pigeon River. Two wet stream be offered if a minimum of 3 people wish to Hike 7-8, Drive 80, 1350 ft. ascent, Balsam (6214 ft.), then down a short, steep P400 Everyone had a lot of fun on this hike (strenuous) crossings. From there we’ll hike to Skinny do so. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Rated B-B manway to our cars. Second meeting place: two years ago. There are about 25 stream Hike 9.4, Drive 125, 2900 ft. ascent, Dip Falls, and then end at Bridges Camp Stop, I-40 at Exit 24 at 8:30 AM, but call Tom Bindrim & Joan Lemire, 828-273-3880 Cold Mtn. overlook on BRP at 9:00 AM. crossings, but the terrain is almost level and Rated A-AA+ Gap. Short car shuttle required at end. This leader first. Topos: Luftee Knob, Cove P400 Some off-trail, historic, wilderness Topo: Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map you will enjoy the beauty of the streams and Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, is a Wilderness area hike limited to ten Creek Gap; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP Map area, limit 10, so call leader for reservation. the diverse flora nearby. It is advisable to [email protected] people. Please contact hike leader to reserve Are you inclined? *Note later start time. ALL DAY NO. A6303-494 July 30 hike in tennis shoes and bring two hiking We’ll hike in the Cowee Mtns. on a heavily your place. Second meeting place: Cold WEDNESDAY NO. A0603-479 Sept. 20 Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form car- Buck Spring Gap to Rich Gap poles. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: forested high-altitude trail that ascends four Mtn. overlook on BRP at 8:30 A.M. Topo: Kagel Mtn. 8:30 AM pools, and meet leader at second meeting to Little Pisgah Ridge 8:00 AM NC 280 at Turkey Pen Rd. at 8:30 AM. peaks going in and three on the way back. Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map Hike 9, Drive 80, 1100 ft. ascent, Rated B-B place (phone leader for location). Topo: Hike 10.6, Drive 65, 3200 ft. ascent, Topos: Pisgah Forest, Dunsmore Mtn.; also Views from the Yellow Mtn. observation Larry Ballard, 828-891-4318, Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map Rated A-AA+ Nat’l. Geographic PRD map tower are great – a fine lunch spot. Strenuous ALL DAY NO. A0603-091 Sept. 24 [email protected] Don Walton, 828-654-9904, but rewarding. Second meeting place: rest Black Mountains Circuit 8:00 AM P400 This new CMC loop hike will start ALL DAY NO. A0603-237 July 13 [email protected] ALL DAY NO. A0603-044 Aug. 20 area beyond Waynesville at 8:30 AM. Hike 8, Drive 65, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-A from Cathey’s Creek Rd. and follow an over- Plott Balsams 7:30 AM* P400 This new CMC hike will start at the Lost Cove 8:00 AM Topos: Highlands, Glenville Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, grown forest road to the Art Loeb Trail, with Hike 9, Drive 90, 3400 ft. ascent, Buck Spring Gap overlook and go toward Hike 7, Drive 150, 1500 ft. ascent, [email protected] lunch at the Butter Gap shelter. We’ll return Rated B-AA+ Yellow Gap on the Laurel Mtn. Trail. At Rated B-B ALL DAY NO. A0603-049 Sept. 3 SB6K Beginning at Mt. Mitchell parking via a no-name trail for variety. Second Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7297, Rich Gap take an old trail down to the Big Les Love, 828-658-1489, Walnut Bottom 8:00 AM lot, we proceed south along the Old Mitchell meeting place: Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at [email protected] Creek trail. Go up this trail and on the Little [email protected] (moderate) Trail via a short bushwhack to Mt. Hallback 9:00 AM. Topos: Rosman, Shining Rock SB6K *Note earlier starting time. Here is Pisgah Ridge Trail to the BRP, and walk Everyone enjoyed this hike in the Wilson Hike 11.6, Drive 110, 1500 ft. ascent, (6320 ft.), then to 6571 ft. Mt. Gibbes. We your chance to climb all four of the 6000- along the BRP and on an old trail to our cars. Creek area last year, so we’re offering it Rated A-B will return on the Commissary and Camp WEDNESDAY NO. A0603-531 Sept. 27 footers in the Plott Balsams, and see spec- again. It features spectacular waterfalls and Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119, Alice Trails to 6684 ft. Mt. Mitchell, and Pisgah Inn to tacular views of the Smokies and nearby ALL DAY NO. A0603-241 Aug. 6 the best swimming anywhere. Bring your [email protected] go north to 6647 ft. Mt. Craig, and return. Beaverdam Overlook 9:00 AM* mountains. From Waterrock Knob (6292 ft.), Mt. Kephart via bathing suit. Be prepared for several wet- 900M Follow the sight and sound of a spec- Second meeting place: Craven Gap at 8:20 Rusty Breeding, 828-692-0359, we will follow a very rough, steep trail over Sweat Heifer Creek Trail 8:00 AM foot stream crossings. Optional supper at tacular mountain stream through a beauti- AM. Topos: Mt. Mitchell, Montreat [email protected] Browning Knob to Lyn Lowry (6240 ft.) and (strenuous) Little Siena. Second meeting place: park- ful forest to Walnut Bottom. Features to Hike 7.9, Drive 50, 1400’ descent, rated B-C Plott Balsam (6088 ft.). Then we will hike Hike 12.8, Drive 140, 1800 ft. ascent, ing lot adjacent to McDonald’s off I-40 be seen on this hike on a wide roadbed are SATURDAY NO. A0603-527 Sept. 30 P400 Hike along the MST from Pisgah Inn back to our starting point and then to the top Rated A-AA at exit 64 at 8:20 AM. Topo: Grandfather the Midnight Hole, Mouse Creek Falls and Chattooga River to the Beaver Dam Overlook. After Little of Yellow Face (6032 ft.). The hike is strenu- Michael Cornn, 828-685-3442, Mtn.; also USFS Wilson Creek map several rapids. Second meeting place: Pilot & Ellicott Rock 8:00 AM Pisgah Mtn, it’s downhill almost all the way. ous due to the rough trail and climbing over [email protected] Truck Stop, I-40 at Exit 24 at 8:30 AM, Hike 8.5, Drive 140, 950 ft. ascent, May see some early fall color. *Meet at 9:00 fallen spruce trees on steep slopes. Wear long SB6K, 900M This hike is designed to visit SATURDAY NO. A0603-357 Aug. 26 but call leader first. Topos: Luftee Knob, Rated B-C AM at Westgate to form carpools, and sleeve shirts and pants. Topos: Hazelwood, two of the best scenic overlooks in the Pisgah Ridge Loop 8:30 AM* Cove Creek Gap; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, meet leader at BRP French Broad over- Sylva North Smokies, Jumpoff and Charlie's Bunion Hike 7.5, Drive 70, 1000 ft. ascent, Map [email protected] look at 9:15 AM. and to climb Mt. Kephart (6217 ft.). From Rated B-B Hike along the Chattooga River, a Wild and ALL DAY NO. A0603-124 July 23 Newfound Gap, we will hike on the AT to Janet Onan, 828-698-3237, ALL DAY NO. A0603-367 Sept. 17 Scenic River. A long drive, but a unique and ALL DAY SATURDAY Clingman’s Dome Mt. Kephart and the Jumpoff, and from there [email protected] Art Loeb, Grassy Cove Ridge historic place: three states come together; and Mt. Collins 8:00 AM to Charlie's Bunion. After lunch, we will P400 Note later start time. We’ll do a to Bridges Camp Gap 8:00 AM their junction marked with inscriptions AND SUNDAY HIKES Hike 9, Drive 150, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated return via the AT, and then down the Sweat scenic circle of the entire Graveyard Fields Hike 9, Drive 65, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated A-B almost 200 years old. Well-maintained trails All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente, B-AA Heifer Creek (rarely hiked by CMC) and area, using the Pisgah Ridge Trail and MST, Stuart English, 828-883-2447, with gentle grades. This hike is the CMC 828-692-0116, bbente@cytechusa. Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, Kephart Prong Trails. Topos: Clingman's to lunch at a beautiful overlook. Then we’ll [email protected] contribution to the WNC “Together We com. Driving distance is round-trip from [email protected] Dome, Mt. Leconte, Mt. Guyot, Smokemont; follow the Graveyard Ridge Trail, with a side Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes SB6K, 900M Two SB6K peaks! This beauti- also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map trip to one of the Yellowstone Falls. Possible assemble at Westgate Shopping Center near ALL DAY NO. A0603-465 Sept. 10 ful hike was rained out in the last quarter, so blueberry sightings. *Meet at Westgate at Southeast. We will pass through a large I-240 exit 3B unless otherwise noted. Sam Knob we’re trying again, with a revised routing. ALL DAY NO. A0603-199 Aug. 6 8:30 AM to form carpools, and meet lead- meadow before ascending Sam Knob (6040 Natural History Hike 9:00 AM* We will hike the AT from Newfound Gap, Black Mtn. Campground er at BRP Cold Mtn. overlook (M.P. 412) ft.), a spectacular two-peaked mountain ris- ALL DAY. NO. A0603-475 July 2 Hike 5, Drive 70, 1200 ft. ascent, over Mt. Collins (6188 ft.) to Clingman’s to Green Knob 8:30 AM* at 9:10 AM. Topos: Shining Rock, Sam ing above the waters of Flat Laurel Creek Hump Mountain from Rated C-B Dome (6643 ft.), enjoy the views. Second (moderate) Knob; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map and USFS and the surrounding meadows. While there Yellow Mtn. Gap 8:30 AM* Ruth Hartzler, 828-251-0886, meeting place: Maggie Valley Post Office Hike 7, Drive 85, 2000 ft. ascent, Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wilderness is no true timberline in these mountains, Hike 9, Drive 130, 2400 ft. ascent, [email protected] & Ben Prater, SABP at 8:30 AM, but call leader first. Topo: Rated B-AA map “balds” like this have a hard time re-estab- Rated B-AA P400, SB6K *Note later start time. This Clingman’s Dome Janet Martin, 812-738-8154, lishing themselves once cleared by fire Amy Treverton, 828-298-1882, is a joint natural history hike with the [email protected] ALL DAY NO. A0603-267 Aug. 27 or man. There is a grassy, shrubby saddle [email protected] Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project. SATURDAY No. A603-242 July 29 *Note later start time. Enjoy the beauti- Horsepasture River 8:00 AM between the two knobs, and a large outcrop- *Note later start time. We will hike from During the hike, Ecologist Ben Prater Sam Knob – ful woods as we climb Lost Cove Ridge Hike 8, Drive 105, 2000 ft. ascent, ping of white quartz juts from a meadow Roaring Creek Road to Yellow Mountain will stop frequently to describe natural Devils Courthouse Loop 8:30 AM* on the Green Knob Trail from the Black Rated B-A beside the trail. After Sam Knob, we will Gap at which point we join the AT along features of the landscape. The hike starts Hike 9, Drive 75, ascend 800 ft., Rated A-B Mtn. Campground to fantastic views and Kathleen Hannigan, 828-230-4883, continue through meadows and hike back an open ridge to Little Hump Mt and on to at one of the highest trailheads in Western Stuart English, 828-883-2447, a first-class lunch spot atop Green Knob. [email protected] to our cars via the Flat Laurel Trail. Second Hump Mt where we will have lunch on a North Carolina. At 5800 ft., you’ll be hik- [email protected] After lunch it’s all downhill. Second meet- See the waterfalls – Drift, Turtleback, meeting place: BRP Cold Mtn. overlook grassy bald at 5587 ft. We return to Yellow ing through a high-elevation environment SB6K, P400 *Note later starting time. This ing place: Craven Gap at 8:50 AM. Topo: Rainbow and Stairway, ending at Windy, the at 9:40 AM. Topo: Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Mt Gap and take the Overmountain Victory more typical to southern Canada than the hike in the cool high elevations is perfect Old Fort; also USFS South Toe River, Mt. final downstream near Lake Jocassee, if the Geo. PRD map Loop back to the cars. The fabulous vistas for a hot summer day. From FS 816 we will Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map weather is not rainy. Second meeting place: and meadows full of flowers make the drive 4 5