Saturday No. A2604-97      Oct 03, 2026
Cat Gap - Long Branch - Cemetery Loop 8:00 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 30, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, P400
Marielle DeJong, cell 828-553-7027, maredejong4@gmail.com and Danny Bernstein, 828-450-0747, dannyhiker@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26. Contact Marielle for reservation. Limit of 15 hikers. This is what age 80 looks like! Join us for a hike celebrating longtime CMC member Danny Bernstein’s milestone birthday. For this variation of CMC hike #0097, we will be hiking about 8 miles in the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest in honor of Danny's 8 decades. This lollipop hike begins on Cat Gap Loop, climbing to Picklesimer Fields area before turning onto Long Branch Trail. Long Branch Trail partially follows an old wagon road through a variety of forest types. Eventually the trail reaches the McCall Cemetery, which has graves dating back to the 1800s.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

SCOUTREPORT: Marielle and I scouted out a Pisgah loop and lollipop hike that we will lead for my big 8 0 celebration. Marielle, who works for The Pisgah Conservancy (TPC), created this 8 ++ mile hike. It shows off a couple of fantastic bridges, creeks and of course, the McCall Cemetery. "The McCall family is listed in the first census of 1798 as wagon makers who helped the Revolutionary War Cause against England." But the McCalls buried here are from the late 1800s. Come and join us.

HIKEREPORT: Eleven (11) enthusiastic hikers met at the Pisgah Fish Hatchery. In spite of the major construction at the site, we started off on the trail. Our destination was McCall Cemetery - a historic cemetery with old stumps to show where someone is buried and fresh new graves. We had a mix of hikers from Charlotte, Ohio and Tennessee - and even Montpelier, France. So there was a lot to talk about as we got acquainted. Thanks all for your participation and energy.

Sunday No. A2604-525      (canceled)      Oct 04, 2026
Corn Mill Shoals P.L. #2 - Cedar Rock 10:00 AM
Hike 6.5, Drive 60, 400 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, WC100
Henry Kassell, 845-656-5528, hkassell@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 10:30 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact hike leader via email for reservation. This hike is a pleasant variation of CMC hike #0525 up and over the granite slabs of Big Rock and Cedar Rock. From Corn Mill Shoals parking lot we will take Big Rock Trail and Cedar Trail to Little River Trail, adding in a loop on Burnt Mountain Trail. We will snack at the river and return on Corn Mill Shoals Trail. *Hike canceled due to rain forecast.*
Topo(s): Standingstone Mtn

Saturday No. A2604-209      Oct 10, 2026
Buckwheat Knob - Coontree Loop 8:30 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 60, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA, P400
Kelly O'Rourke, 434-249-5176, kellyleann@comcast.net
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 9:00 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact hike leader by email for reservation. Climb along beautiful Coontree Creek through open forest up to Saddle and Bennett Gaps and on to Buckwheat Knob; then return via Coontree Gap (opposite side of loop). This hike fulfils the requirements for hike #62 of the 100 Favorite Trails.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

SCOUTREPORT: I lead this hike for another hiking group. There were 8 of us, and we got up to the top for a quick lunch. It started raining on the way back, so we abandoned the full Coontree loop and went straight back to our cars. This gave us close to eight miles. Depending on the weather, we might go out and back as well and not complete the Coontree loop. I will let you know closer in since some of you might need this for the 100 FAV. Sections are very steep and rocky and poles are absolutely recommended. This hike has some great views of looking glass rock.

Sunday No. A2604-644      (canceled)      Oct 11, 2026
Mingus Mill semi-circlular 8:00 AM
Hike 10.5, Drive 110, 2800 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA,
Jim Ervin, 828-444-4134, ervingarden@bellsouth.net
First Meeting Place: Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler.
Second Meeting Place: Maggie Valley Post Office at 8:30 AM - but contact leader first.
900M Contact hike leader by email for reservation. Limit of 12 hikers. From the Smokemont Campground in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this hike begins with a 4.7-mile, 2,800 ft. climb up to Newton Bald, a former bald with good views from the ridge top. We will follow the Mingus Creek Trail along the ridge, then descend along the creek. If the group wants, we will hike past the Mingus Mill and visit the Enloe Slave Cemetery. Note: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in GSMNP. For more info: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm. Short car shuttle. *Canceled due to severe weather and lack of sign ups.*
Topo(s): Smokemont

SCOUTREPORT: I scouted this hike on Friday, May 8, 2026, but unfortunately had to reschedule it due to rain. The following report is based upon what was observed in late spring coupled with information provided during a very recent phone conversation with the Back Country Rangers' Office, which informed me that there had been no reports of problems on the trials in question since that time (when the ranger with whom I spoke had also been on the route that this hike will take). We began at the Newton Bald Trailhead on a beautiful spring morning at 9:51 a.m., reached the intersection of the Newton Bald and Mingus Creek trials at about 1:25 p.m., and arrived at the Mingus Creek Trailhead at about 5:00 p.m. The distances reported in the CMC hike description appear to be accurate (although I got somewhat different information from AllTrails during the scout). The total elevation gain on the Newton Bald Trail is actually about 2,900 feet given a slight depression and subsequent uphill stretch shortly before the trail's end at the intersection of the Newton Bald and Mingus Creek Trails. Thus, the hike, which is a long one, will end late in the afternoon. The trails, which were both in good condition, ran though forested areas and had few overlooks. The Newton Bald Trail involves a substantial uphill climb slightly below the ridge line along various ridges, while the Mingus Creek Trail involves a lengthy walk along a ridge line followed by a relatively steep descent down to MIngus Mill. The Newton Bald Trail should feature limited views of the Plott Balsams through the trees, while the Mingus Creek Trail should provide less obstructed views in the direction of Thomas Divide to the west as the hike proceeds along the ridge line. As the Mingus Creek Trail nears the trailhead, there were a number of creek crossings, one of which was slightly difficult to navigate in the spring (a photograph is provided). Newton Bald itself, which was once a grazing area, is now, like many of the "balds" in the Smokies, completely tree-covered.

Sunday No. A2604-175      Oct 18, 2026
Waterrock Knob, Yellow Face, Blackrock Mtn 8:00 AM
Hike 7.0, Drive 80, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA, SB6K
Mike Knies, 828-253-6114, knies06@att.net
First Meeting Place: Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler.
Second Meeting Place: Rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 8:30 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact hike leader by email for reservation. This scenic hike offers three SB6K peaks and outstanding views in the full glory of fall color. We will summit Waterrock Knob from the parking lot. After returning to the parking lot we cross over the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike a rough trail along the ridge line to Yellowface and on to Blackrock Mountain for lunch, then return the same way. Don't be fooled - this hike is more challenging than the distance implies. Rock scrambling and technical hiking are required. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Addie

Saturday No. A2604-203      Oct 24, 2026
Tanyard Gap to Lovers Leap 8:30 AM
Hike 8.3, Drive 70, 790 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, AT_MST
Henry Kassell, 845-656-5528, hkassell@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Publix at 165 Weaver Blvd. Weaverville lower end of parking lot off Exit 19 of I-26. Contact hike leader by email for reservation. We will take the A.T. south from Tanyard Gap in the Hot Springs area to Lovers Leap and return. Expect a moderate hike through beautiful woods and views from Lovers Leap. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Hot Springs

Sunday No. A2604-337      Oct 25, 2026
Shining Rock from Black Balsam #1 8:00 AM
Hike 11.0, Drive 60, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-B, Wilderness hike, limited to ten hikers, contact leader for reservation. P400,SB6K
Victor Zona, 248-767-2651, victor.zona@sbcglobal.net
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at MM 412 at 8:30 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact hike leader by email for reservation. We will take the ALT from the Big Sam parking lot at the end of FS 816 to Shining Rock (6040 ft.), first climbing Black Balsam (6214 ft.), then onto Tennent Mtn. (6040 ft.) and Grassy Cove Top (6040 ft.) along the way. This will be your chance to bag four SB6K peaks while enjoying beautiful views and hopefully the fall leaf colors. After lunch on Shining Rock, we will return to our cars via the Ivestor Gap Trail. This hike is #49 of the 100 Favorite Trails. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Sam Knob

SCOUTREPORT: The morning started out to be cloudy and windy, but by the time we reached Shining Rock for lunch the clouds disappeared and the winds stopped. The Art Loeb and Ivestor Gap trails are in very good condition. Today we encountered dozens of day hikers and backpackers, even met a hiker from England. Glad to see so many people enjoying the area. Hiked close to 10 miles in length with around 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Total moving time about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Sunday No. A2604-909      Nov 01, 2026
Asheville Camino del Norte Walk 9:00 AM
Hike 10.0, 500 ft. ascent, Rated A-C,
Karen Schultz, 312-241-3329, schultz.karenj@gmail.com and Ken Scharmann, 847-772-4693, kennethscharmann@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Montford North Star Academy 90 Montford Ave. Asheville. Contact Karen by email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers. Meeting place is next door to the Asheville Visitor Center. PLEASE do not park at the Visitor Center. Walk the Asheville Camino del Norte, a 10-mile easy walk on sidewalks and trails. See North Asheville, University of North Carolina at Asheville and the Botanical Gardens. Have a café con leche at the historic Grove Park Inn. The hike simulates a short day on the Camino. Wear good sneakers or low boots. Bring water, snacks and lunch. We will stop for morning coffee, but feel free to bring your own food.

Saturday No. A2604-330      Nov 07, 2026
Raven Cliff Falls 8:00 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 90, 1450 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, WC100
Thomas Butler, 361-484-3381, butler.tom3381@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 8:30 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact hike leader by email for reservation. We begin by exploring the short trail near the Visitor Center with tremendous views, then drive to the Raven Cliff trailhead. Raven Cliff Trail is wide with moderate ups and downs. After turning onto Gum Springs Trail we descend to the Middle Saluda River, sometimes steeply, but assisted by steps. The river, with its suspension bridge, makes for a nice lunch spot, and is also our turn-around spot. On the return we will take the 1/2-mile spur to the falls overlook. Raptor migration continues through the end of November, so it is possible we will see them. The park has a $3 entrance fee. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Table Rock

SCOUTREPORT: This is a pleasant hike in a S.C. state park, with trails that are well cared for. The first two plus miles on the Raven Cliff Falls Trail, and on to the overlook of the falls, is a moderate ascent. This is followed by another 2 miles on the Gum Gap trail, mostly downhill to the river and an impressive suspension bridge. This is our lunch and turn-around spot. Overall about 8 miles.

Sunday No. A2604-533      Nov 08, 2026
Looking Glass Overlook to Cold Mtn. Overlook 8:30 AM
Hike 5.2, Drive 70, 1550 ft. ascent, Rated C-A, AT_MST, P400
Kristen Friedman, unknown, Kristenwho62@yahoo.com
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 8:30 AM
Contact hike leader for reservation and let her know which of the meeting places you will use. Hikers should choose the meeting place that is convenient to them; form carpools and each group drive directly to the BRP Cold Mountain Overlook, MM 411.9. From there, we will have a 5-mile car shuttle. Do not drive from the Outlets to the Pisgah Forest Walmart. We will leave some vehicles at the trail end (Cold Mountain Overlook) and drive the other vehicles to the trailhead (Bridges Camp Gap) to begin the hike. This will be a pleasant ramble along the MST from Bridges Camp Gap to Pigeon Gap and the Cold Mountain Overlook. We can expect nice views from some of the overlooks on the parkway. Please note that though this hike is lower-mileage, overall ascent is 1550 feet, including one fairly steep, consistent ascent to the top of Green Knob, followed by a quite steep descent. Car shuttle. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

Sunday No. A2604-119      Nov 15, 2026
Charlies Bunion from Newfound Gap and return 8:00 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 135, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA, SB6K
Donna Lanning, 828-606-7956, dblanning@bellsouth.net
First Meeting Place: Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler.
Second Meeting Place: Maggie Valley Post Office at 8:30 AM - but contact leader first.
900M Contact the leader by email for reservation. Limit of 10 hikers. This scenic in-and-out hike will follow the A.T. from Newfound Gap to a spectacular lunch spot at Charlies Bunion. This hike is #27 of the 100 Favorite Trails. NOTE: A parking pass for each vehicle is required in the GSMNP. For more information: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fees.htm.
Topo(s): Clingmans Dome

Saturday No. A2604-910      Nov 21, 2026
Rocky Fork - Flint Creek 8:30 AM
Hike 7.8, Drive 80, 1860 ft. ascent, Rated B-A,
Les Love, 828-230-1861, lesrlove55@gmail.com and Catherine Love, unknown, catmlove2@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26. Contact hike leader for reservation. This in-and-out, creek-side hike showcases the Rocky Fork State Park and one of its links to the A.T. We will follow the Flint Creek Trail up to Flint Gap on the A.T., then return to the park entrance where we will take the side trail up to Whitehouse Cliffs for a full view of the Rocky Fork watershed. This hike fulfills the requirement for #45 of the 100 Favorite Trails. This is hunting season; please wear orange.

Sunday No. A2604-205      Nov 22, 2026
Waterrock Knob from Soco Gap 8:00 AM
Hike 9.0, Drive 77, 1950 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, AT_MST, SB6K
Kathy Cornn/Kyle, 828-458-1282, katherinenkyle@gmail.com and Michael Cornn, 828-458-1281, mwcornn@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Food Lion - 35 Westridge Market Pl. Candler.
Second Meeting Place: Maggie Valley Post Office at 8:30 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact hike leader by email for reservation. This hike starts at Soco Gap with an elevation of 4400 feet and heads steadily up to Waterrock Knob at close to 6400 feet. We will enjoy the view as we eat our lunch at the top. This section of the MST was completed by CMC in 2016. Expect to be impressed by the work that went into building this trail. We will visit Howard's Bridge, Piet's Place and some big oak, spruce and maple trees. We will return on the same trail. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Hazelwood

Sunday No. A2604-421      Nov 29, 2026
Canebrake Trail 8:30 AM
Hike 11.0, Drive 90, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated A-A,
Karen Lachow, 703-395-5879, heyk127@hotmail.com
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 9:00 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact the leader by email for reservation. This hike will start at the Frozen Creek Rd. parking lot in Gorges State Park and go down the Canebrake Trail to the pedestrian bridge on the Foothills Trail. We will have a scenic view of the lake while having lunch on the rocks where the Toxaway River enters Lake Jocassee. Return via the same route. The trail is an old logging road. Our hike back will have a steady but moderate incline.
Topo(s): Reid

Sunday No. A2604-437      Dec 06, 2026
Slate Rock Creek, Pilot Cove 8:00 AM
Hike 7.4, Drive 60, 1340 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, P400
Thomas Butler, 361-484-3381, butler.tom3381@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Walmart parking (back of center aisles close to Taco Bell) at 8:30 AM - but contact leader first.
Contact hike leader for reservation. This is a variation of CMC hike #0437. Form carpools and meet the hike leader at the second meeting place. This is a lollipop hike starting at Yellow Gap Road parking area near the Wolf Ford Horse Camp. We will walk the road 3/4 mile to Pilot Rock Trail, quickly turn onto the Pilot Connector to Pilot Cove Rd, then to Slate Rock Creek Trail, Pilot Cove Loop (where we will have lunch on Slate Rock), Slate Rock Creek Trail and back to the road via to Pilot Cove Rd, Pilot Connector, and Pilot Rock Trail. Slate Rock, a smaller and less well-known pluton, has terrific 180-degree views. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

Saturday No. A2604-92      Dec 12, 2026
Heartbreak Ridge / Star Gap 9:00 AM
Hike 6.8, Drive 80, 1650 ft. ascent, Rated B-A,
Marie Chamberlin, 678-492-6718, marie.m.chamberlin@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain). Contact the leader by email for reservation. This shortened and modified version of hike #0092 will be on the Star Gap Trail. We will hike (at a moderate pace) the Star Gap Trail to Jarrett Creek and return on the same trail. We will have the option of hiking to Bernard's Rock Overlook or possibly a short distance beyond Jarrett Creek. The 1650' ascent/descent is moderate with only a couple of short steep sections. Option on the way back to stop at Andrews Geyser (which may or may not be operating) and read the historical marker commemorating the people who built the railroad track to the top of the mountains. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Old Fort

Sunday No. A2604-640      Dec 13, 2026
Walker's Knob - Montreat 8:30 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 40, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A,
Lorraine Bernhardt, 828-699-8857, lsbernhardt50@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain). Contact hike leader for reservation. We will hike the Graybeard Trail up to Walker's Knob and back. The hike is a steady 1800 ft. climb with a wonderful view of Montreat and Black Mountain Valley from Walker's Knob. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Montreat

Sunday No. A2604-420      Dec 20, 2026
Allen Gap to Tanyard Gap 8:30 AM
Hike 8.8, Drive 60, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA, AT_MST, LTC
Tish Desjardins, 828-319-1611, tishdesjardins8@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Corner of US 25/70 & NC 208 at 9:15 AM
No reservation needed. Contact leader by phone only. Form carpools and meet leader at the second meeting place. This will be a moderately-paced hike. This is one of the prettiest sections of the A.T. in our area. We will take a side trip to the Rich Mountain fire tower and visit the Spring Mountain Shelter. Car shuttle. Please bring enough cars so that all hikers can be safely belted in for the car shuttle. This hike is #42 of the 100 Favorite Trails. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Hot Springs

Sunday No. A2604-492      Dec 27, 2026
Cold Knob P.L. #1 - MST past Sleepy Gap 8:30 AM
Hike 7.0, Drive 10, 952 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, P400
Judy Magura, 828-579-0321, quilter290@gmail.com and Jim Magura, 828-579-1099, jqs290@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Tanger Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26. Contact leader via email for reservation. This is a moderate hike in Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The route is: uphill on FS 479H; R onto Explorer Loop; R onto Chestnut Cove and unnamed trail to MST; L onto MST; L onto Stambaugh Trail; L onto Deerfield Connector; R onto to Small Creek; Lunch at Campground; L onto Homestead; L onto Pine Tree Loop; R onto Explorer Connector; R onto Explorer Loop; R onto FS 479H to trailhead. This is hunting season; please wear orange.
Topo(s): Asheville,Skyland