ALL DAY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY HIKES

All-day hikes submitted by Bruce Bente 828-692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com . Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All Saturday and Sunday hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center near I-240 exit 3B UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.

ALL DAY  No. A0602-507 April 2 Little Paint Creek 8:00 AM* (strenuous) Hike 8-9, Drive 78, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Stuart Tauber, 828-254-0824, sdtauber@charter.net  *Note time change to DST. Hikers must call leader before attempting this hike. From Allen Gap, we will climb south on the AT to Deep Gap to connect with Little Paint Creek Trail (#11). We will proceed along, through and across the creek under Buzzard Roost Ridge several times to reach FS 31B and then Paint Creek Trail (#10), fording the creek several times, to finally reach Little Paint Creek campground. The creek crossings are challenging as is the trail. 10-mile car shuttle. Topo: Hot Springs; also Nat’l. Geo. French Broad & Nolichucky Rivers map

ALL DAY  No. A0602-209  April 2 Buckwheat Knob – Coontree Loop 9:00 AM* (moderate) Hike 8, Drive 67, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Les Love, 828-658-1489, lesrlove@charter.net  P400 *Note later start time and time change to DST. From the trailhead at Coontree Picnic area, we’ll climb along beautiful Coontree Creek through open forest up to Bennett Gap and on to Buckwheat Knob for lunch, then return via the other segment of the Coontree loop. A moderate woodland hike with exceptional views from the ridgeline. Second meeting place: Coontree Picnic area at 9:40 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

ALL DAY  No. A0602-208  April 9 Buck Spring Gap – Little Pisgah Loop 8:30 AM* Hike 7, Drive 40, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA John Pawcio, 828-299-8126, jpawcio@tycovalves.com  P400 *Note later start time. From Buck Spring Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway we will descend the Little Pisgah Ridge Trail to Big Creek, then ascend to Laurel Mtn. Expect good early Spring views. Second Meeting Place: French Broad Overlook on BRP at 8:45 AM. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

ALL DAY No. A0602-355 April 16 AT: Devils Fork Gap to Carmen 8:00 AM Hike 11, Drive 95, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Mike Ellis, 828-301-4117, Michael.f.ellis@gmail.com  This trip goes along nine of the most scenic miles on the AT. It features two shelters, including Jerry’s Cabin, a historic gravesite and beautiful views from atop Big Butt. We then go down Fork Ridge trail to Carmen. Car shuttle. Topos: Flag Pond, Greystone; also Nat’l. Geo. French Broad & Nolichucky Rivers map

ALL DAY  No. A0602-089  April 23 AT: Max Patch to Lemon Gap and Return 8:00 AM Hike 11, Drive 100, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Becky Smucker, 828-298-5013, bsmucker@charter.net  This hike is legendary for the Trilliums in bloom. We’ll have a chance to see the new AT shelter just built by the CMC, along a beautiful section of the AT, beginning and ending at Max Patch with one of WNC’s most stunning views. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 9:00 AM. Topo: Lemon Gap

ALL DAY  No. A0602-164  April 30 Hawkbill Creek - Snowball Circuit 8:00 AM Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723. carrollkoepp@bellsouth.net  Hike 8-9, drive 50, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA This exciting spring trip will bushwhack up Hawkbill Creek, then up to Hawkbill Rock and Little Snowball Mtn., the site of an old fire tower, and then down to the starting point. The wildflowers and ramps have been spectacular every time CMC has taken this hike. The hike will also feature panoramic views from Hawkbill Rock and little Snowball and enjoyable open-woods, off-trail hiking. A strenuous climb, but the pace will be moderate. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle

ALL DAY  No. A0602-124  May 7 Clingman’s Dome and Mt. Collins 8:00 AM (strenuous) Hike 11.7, Drive 150, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, lsberns@worldnet.att.net    SB6K, 900M Here’s a chance to knock off two of the SB6K peaks in the Smokies. We will hike the AT from the Fork Ridge access, over Mt. Collins (6188 ft.) and Clingman’s Dome (6643 ft.), enjoy the views and then return 8 miles to Newfound Gap. Those wishing a shorter hike can return to the original trailhead, for an 8-mile hike. Second meeting place: Quality Inn in Maggie Valley (US 19 side) at 8:30 AM. Topo: Clingman’s Dome

ALL DAY  No. A0602-456  May 7 AT: Stecoah Gap to Yellow Creek Gap 8:10 AM (moderate) Hike 7.6, Drive 170, 1700 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Chip Miller, 828-654-9331, backpacker54nc@bellsouth.net  A moderate hike on a southern portion of the AT, between Stecoah Gap and Yellow Creek Gap. Guaranteed to see lots of wildflowers, including rare yellow trilliums and yellow ladyslippers. There will be a car key swap. Second meeting place: Rest stop beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:40 AM. Topos: Hewitt, Fontana Dam

ALL DAY  No. A0602-218  May 14 Cataloochee Divide 8:00 AM Hike 12, Drive 85, EB: 1800 ft. ascent, Rated AA-A, or WB: 2800 ft. ascent, rated AA-AA Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, bbente@cytechusa.com  and Marianne Newman, 828-454-1036, marianneln@msn.com  900M If it is clear, we will experience some of the most spectacular views in WNC as we hike over Hemphill Bald and the Swag. Wildflowers should be wonderfully abundant. Key swap hike, with half the group starting from each end. Second meeting place: back parking lot of Quality Inn in Maggie Valley at 8:30 AM, but call leader beforehand. Topos: Cove Creek Gap, Dellwood, Bunches Bald; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

SATURDAY  No. A0602-513  May 20 Tree Identification hike (Craven Gap to Tanbark Tunnel) 9:00 AM* Hike 4.6, Drive 6, 900 ft. ascent, Rated C-C Dan Lazar, 828-280-5556, danlazar@bellsouth.net  *Note later start time. This will be a theme hike dedicated to tree identification. We will hike the MST from Craven Gap to Rattlesnake Lodge and down to Tanbark Tunnel, on a slow-paced hike dedicated to field identification of trees along the route. We’ll stop occasionally to learn the natural history of the forest we’re hiking through. Short car shuttle. *Only meeting place will be at Craven Gap. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle; also MST Profiles book, pg. 62-63

ALL DAY  No. A0602-329  May 21 Blackrock Mtn. via Fisher Creek Trail 8:00 AM Hike 7.4 or 10.8, Drive 96, 2900 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA or A-AA Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7296, dwetmore@citcom.net  SB6K? This hike starts at the end of Fisher Creek Rd. east of Sylva and climbs to the summit of Blackrock Mtn. The trail, mostly old logging roads, is steep and rocky in places, but the views from Blackrock Mtn. are superb. Depending on the weather, we may go on to Yellowface (3.4 additional miles on ridgeline) and make this a SB6K hike. Optionally, we may climb to the Pinnacle instead, with the same trailhead but only 2100 feet of elevation gain. Second meeting place: Rest area on US 23/74 near Waynesville at 8:30 am. Topo: Sylva North

BACKPACK  No. A0602-514  May 26 - 29

ALL DAY  No. A0602-336  May 28 Mt. Cammerer from Big Creek 8:00 AM Hike 11.8, Drive 110, 3300 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+ Janet Martin, 812-738-8154, jaykaymartin@msn.com  900M This great hike from Big Creek to the historic fire lookout atop Mt. Cammerer goes up the Chestnut Branch Trail and AT. Strenuous, but the payoffs are first class: a good workout and superb views. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topos: Waterville and Hartford; also Natl. Geographic GSMNP Map

MEMORIAL DAY JOINT HIKE WITH SMOKY MTNS. HIKING CLUB ALL DAY  No. A0602-515  May 29 AT: Brown Gap to I-40 8:00 AM* Hike 10.6, Drive 100, 1700 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Joe Cirvello, 828-627-1797, cirvello25@bellsouth.net  (CMC contact) Our annual joint hike with the Smoky Mtns. Hiking Club will follow the AT from Brown Gap to I-40, with a great view from Snowbird Mtn. and a long descent into the Pigeon River Gorge. Car shuttle. * Meet at Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at 8:30 AM at Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40. Topo: Waterville; also Nat’l. Geo. French Broad & Nolichucky Rivers map

SATURDAY (NATIONAL TRAILS DAY) NO. A0602-516 June 3 Lakeshore Loop 8:30 AM* Hike 8, Drive 145, 800 ft. ascent, Rated B-C Danny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, danny@hikertohiker.org  900M *Note later start time. Starting at the Lakeshore tunnel, we’ll do an easy loop, consisting of the Lakeshore, White Oak Branch and Forney Creek Trails. We’ll lunch at the Fontana Lake shoreline, and then return on the Lakeshore trail and back through the tunnel. We’ll be on the eastern end of the proposed North Shore Road where we’ll hike easy trails to see house sites, a creek and cemeteries. This is CMC’s contribution to National Trails Day. Experience your outdoors. Second meeting place: Rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 9:00 AM Topo: Noland Creek; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

ALL DAY  No. A0602-163  June 4 Linville Gorge, Sandy Flats to Pine Gap 8:00 AM Hike 7, Drive 130, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Don Walton, 828-654-9904, donwalton@bellsouth.net  Strenuous hike! We’ll first descend 1300 ft. in less than a mile from Sandy Flats trailhead, then hike upstream along the Linville Gorge in the depths of the gorge. One of the great streams of WNC. Then out of the gorge via the Pine Gap Trail. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place: Parking lot adjacent to McDonald’s off I-40 at exit 64 at 8:20 AM. Topos: Ashford, Linville Falls; also Linville Gorge Wilderness map

ALL DAY  No. A0602-517  June 11 South Mills River Ramble 8:00 AM* Hike 11.5, Drive 70, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA Tom Bindrim and Joan Lemire, 828-273-3880 P400 A nice ramble at a moderate pace, including Funneltop, Cantrell Creek and the Rigby Cutoff. Some off-trail hiking. Bring extra food in case we get back later than expected. *Meet at Westgate at 8:00 AM to form carpools, and meet leaders at the Bi-Lo parking lot in Pisgah Forest at 8:30 AM. Topo: Pisgah Forest; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

BACKPACK No. A0602-220  June 17-18 Gregory Bald Backpack Hike 15.7, Drive 250, 3500 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+ Linda Beja, 828-293-3849, lrbeja@earthlink.net  900M This overnight backpack is timed to see the world-renowned flame azaleas at the peak of bloom. [See www.tjhsst.edu/~dhyatt/azaleas/new/gregoryhybrids.html  for more info and photos] From the Twentymile trailhead, this loop hike ascends on the Wolf Ridge trail to Parson Bald, then Sheep Pen Campsite (6.8 mls.). After over-nighting at Sheep Pen, we’ll hike to Gregory Bald to see the flame azaleas and breath-taking views of Cades Cove, Thunderhead and other Smokies peaks. We’ll return on the Long Hungry Ridge and Twentymile trails (8.9 mls.), passing by beautiful Twentymile Creek cascade. Teva’s or water shoes are suggested for the six water crossings on Wolf Ridge trail. Meeting place and time: Phone the leader to reserve your place and for meeting place and time. Topos: Fontana Dam, Cades Cove; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

ALL DAY  No. A0602-459 June 18 NC 128 to Greybeard overlook 8:00 AM Hike 8.9, Drive 80, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-A Marlene Santa Maria, 828-299-9095, marlena98@hotmail.com  We head up into old growth Balsam and Spruce forests just south of Mt Mitchell. This is a scenic hike with dramatic views and several rocky climbs. Hikers wishing a shorter trek can stop after 6.4 miles at Glassmine Falls o/l, if desired. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Craven Gap on BRP at 8:15 AM. Topo: Mt. Mitchell, Montreat; also MST Profiles, pg. 66-69

ALL DAY No. A0602-137  June 25 Roans above 6000’ 8:00 AM Hike 9, Drive 150, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net  SB6K A beautiful AT hike with some of WNC’s finest views. Expect rhododendrons and flame azaleas to be in bloom, with perhaps an early Gray’s lily. From Carver’s Gap we’ll go north to Grassy Ridge (6160 ft.), then double back south to Roan High Knob (6285 ft.) and the vista from Roan High Bluff (6287 ft.). Topo: Carvers Gap; also Nat’l. Geo. South Holston & Watauga Lakes map

ALL DAY.  No. A0602-475  July 2 Hump Mountain from Yellow Mtn. Gap 8:30 AM* Hike 9, Drive 130, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA Amy Treverton, 828-298-1882, athikerbabe@yahoo.com  *Note later start time. We will hike from Roaring Creek Road to Yellow Mountain Gap at which point we join the AT, along an open ridge to Little Hump Mt and on to Hump Mt where will have lunch on a grassy bald at 5587 ft. We return to Yellow Mt Gap and take the Overmountain Victory Loop back to the cars. The fabulous vistas and meadows full of flowers make the drive and moderately strenuous hike very much worth while. Topos: Carver's Gap, White Rocks Mtn.