Saturday No. A2303-112      Jul 08, 2023
Centennial Hike -- Tennent Mountain 8:00 AM
Hike 5.3, Drive 80, 800 ft. ascent, Rated C-C, p400,sb6k
Judy Magura, 828-606-1490, quilter290@gmail.com and Jim Magura, 828-606-3989, jqs290@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Asheville Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Pisgah Inn parking lot near convenience store at 8:30 AM
Join this hike in celebration of CMC's 100th birthday. Limit of 25 hikers. Contact leader for reservation. This is a variation of Hike #112 and has been modified to eliminate walking on FS 816. From the parking lot at the end of FS 816, we will follow the Ivestor Gap Trail a short distance and then take the Art Loeb Spur Trail to access the Art Loeb Trail. We will first summit Black Balsam Knob and then Tennent Mountain for magnificent views. Tennent Mountain is named after Dr. Tennent, the first president of CMC. We continue to Ivestor Gap, turn left and return on the Ivestor Gap Trail back to our cars.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

hike report: We enjoyed a perfect day in the mountains on Saturday July 8. We parked at the end of route 816, and hiked the old fire road out about two miles to Ivestor Gap. Not withstanding the rocky road, we had a pleasant early morning temperatures, a full sun and some great conversation about past hikes in this area. The shrubs along the old fire access road had grown considerably since our first hike out 12 years ago on this trail. Once we reach Ivestor Gap, we ascended Tennent Mountain and took some time out to inspect the plaque and reflect on the history of CMC's 100 year anniversary. We continued back down along the Art Lobe Trail and back up to Black Balsam Knob for lunch and our group photo. After lunch we took the steep short trail back down to the road to complete our hike. Since it was a Saturday, we did encounter quite a few hikers coming and going on the Art Loeb trail.

Sunday No. A2303-898      Jul 09, 2023
Haywood Gap - FS 816 8:00 AM
Hike 10.8, Drive 80, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated A-A, Wilderness hike, limited to ten hikers, contact leader for reservation. p400,sb6k
Michael Cornn, 828-458-1281, mwcornn@gmail.com and Kathy Cornn/Kyle, 828-458-1282, katherinenkyle@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Asheville 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
A beautiful hike on the MST through the Middle Prong Wilderness. We will follow the MST north (east) from Haywood Gap to FS 816. About midway, optional stop to allow SB6K peak-baggers to summit Chestnut Bald. Car shuttle.
Topo(s): Sam Knob

hike report: There was a steady drizzle when we started the hike at Haywood Gap with eight hikers. The rain soon stopped and the sun stayed out the remainder of the hike. We had lunch near NC 215 on the Middle Prong Wilderness side. After lunch it was a steady uphill with a lot of rocks and roots. The views were clear though and the mountain ranges were lush because of recent rain. We didn't see any other hikers until lunch. We saw three groups after lunch. The pinkish white rhododendron were blooming and plentiful.

Sunday No. A2303-969      Jul 09, 2023
MST Richland Balsam to Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook - Rescheduled from July 2 8:00 AM
Hike 9.0, Drive 85, 1257 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, at-mst
Henry Kassell, 845-656-5528, hkassell@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Home Depot off Exit 44 of I-40. **Rescheduled from Sunday, 7/2/23** Limit of 10 hikers. Contact the leader by email for reservations. This new hike takes place in an area of the MST called the "Lost 14," named so because of the limited access. The hike begins at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a short bushwhack down to the MST. After that, it is a moderate hike for 8.25 miles. Option to begin with a short hike up Richland Balsam for SB6K. Car shuttle.

scout report:

hike report: Four Hikers set out the morning under threatening skies that very quickly turned sunny for the remainder of our outing. Gran sobrina Emilia (great niece) , Hikers Sue and Brian were also there. We forgoed the hike up Richland Balsam and headed down the Three Trees access to the MST. The access is not a bushwack but rather an old woods road , It begins with a short manway. On the hike we found recent work by the Friday Crew that was a great improvement to the treadway. We kept a steady 2 mph pace and finished by 3pm.

Sunday No. A2303-924      Jul 23, 2023
Rocky Fork - Headwaters Trail - Blockstand Loop 8:30 AM
Hike 10.0, Drive 70, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated A-C,
John Beaudet, 423-483-0306, bodaciousat@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Rocky Fork State Park parking area at 9:15 AM
Form carpools and meet leader at second meeting place. Limit of 15 hikers. Contact the leader by email for reservations. This is a variation of hike #924, exploring other trails in Rocky Fork State Park. The hike is a loop that begins on the Rocky Fork Trail but this time we will turn up the White Oak Flats Trail. We'll then hike the full length of the Headwaters Trail with its backcountry streams and campsite, then wind around on the ridge of the Blockstand Creek Trail down to its junction with the Flint Creek Trail. Continuing on the Flint Creek Trail, we will rejoin the Rocky Fork Trail and return to the trailhead. This hike fills the requirements for hike #45 of the 100 Favorite Trails.

hike report: We had a great day hiking in Rocky Fork. Karen Lachow organized carpoolers in Asheville and met the rest of us a few minutes early at Rocky Fork State Park. We had 13 CMC members and 3 Guests. After brief introductions and hike information we got going quickly hoping to beat predicted afternoon thunderstorms. We climbed 1000' into Rocky Fork's backcountry then looped around for 5 miles before descending back to Rocky Fork Creek. Along the way we saw lush plant life, wildflowers, birds, tadpoles, bear tracks and 2 Copperhead snakes. A portion of the route was along a 1920's era logging railroad grade where we saw old iron rails and coal left over from logging operations. After 10 miles we arrived back at the trailhead just before 4:00 and before any thunderstorms materialized.

scout report: I scouted the trails we will use over the last few weeks and yesterday, most have received maintenance and weed-eating recently and the only one that hasn't (Blockstand) is scheduled for two days before our hike, so all should be well. Trails in the park are a bit wet from near daily rain lately so be ready for a few waterholes to negotiate, lots of bear tracks in the wet areas to see though.

Saturday No. A2303-707      Jul 29, 2023
MST - Craven Gap to Haw Creek Overlook 9:00 AM
Hike 6.0, Drive 10, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated C-B, at-mst
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-231-9444, cakoep29@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Back parking lot of Folk Art Center. Contact leader by email for reservation. This is a pleasant in and out hike on a popular, well-maintained section of the MST. We'll hike in the woods to a scenic overlook at the turnaround point.
Topo(s): Oteen

hike report: Even with temps in the 80's plus, eight of us enjoyed a leisurely hike on an a well maintained and good tread section of the MST to Haw Creek O/L (Lunch Rock) and return. The hot and somewhat muggy weather slowed us down from any fast paced hike. Had a nice, leisurely lunch on "lunch rock" with the longest climb of the hike immediately after. With a couple of comments from other hikers seeing a bear - we did! As usual the bear just kept rambling along minding it's own pursuits. Carroll

Sunday No. A2303-135      Jul 30, 2023
Mt. Mitchell - Cattail Peak 8:30 AM
Hike 6.0, Drive 70, 2280 ft. ascent, Rated C-AA, sb6k
Marie Chamberlin, 678-492-6718, marie.m.chamberlin@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Back parking lot of Folk Art Center. Limit of 10 hikers. Contact hike leader for reservation. Strenuous hike! We will enjoy great views as we hike the ups-and-downs of the Black Mountain Crest Trail as far as Cattail Peak and return via the same route. This is a portion of the hike known as "the Death March," and we will be summiting four peaks over 6000 feet. The rocks are frequently slippery and ropes are anchored to assist in two particularly steep sections. Hiking poles a must. Come enjoy the cool, Canadian-like forest above 6000 feet!
Topo(s): Celo

hike report: Seven hikers joined me for a day of adventure on the Deep Gap Trail, also called the Black Mountain Crest Trail. Thankfully while temperatures soared in Asheville, we hiked in pleasant temperatures in the mid 60's. The day began with some fog and clouds, but we enjoyed great views at Mt. Craig and Big Tom. Everyone was a trooper through the ropes section, where new ropes had been installed recently. We admired some recent steps built by CMC trail maintainers. And everyone did well navigating the high step ups and down, tilted rock faces, and areas where some of us elected to slide down on our rear ends. We enjoyed a quiet lunch at Cattail Peak before heading back. We encountered many hikers on this Sunday hike including a boy scout troop that was finishing a 3 day camping/hiking trip in the area. We also spoke to a few hardy souls who had camped the night before, enduring the very windy thunderstorm that rolled through the area, complete with lightning. We were all thankful we missed that. We welcomed a new hiker who began with CMC doing some trail work and was interested in trying some hiking as well.

scout report: On my scout hike July 10 I was joined by 4 CMC friends: Kevin, Brian, Susan and Diane S. What an adventurous day we had! This hike offers lots of variety – technical hiking, rock scrambles, very high step ups/downs, two rope sections, beautiful forest and great views from 2 of the peaks (on a clear day). There are long stretches of large rocks, some are flat and some are tilted and can be slippery if wet. Some are also steep and these can be difficult for shorter hikers to get through. Be prepared to possibly slide down on your rear end. This is definitely NOT a beginner hike. Do not let the short mileage fool you. Although only 5 total miles, this hike is quite difficult. Expect total hiking time of at least 5 hours (yes that averages to one mph!) I was completely surprised by this hike. I knew there were several climbs up and descents, since we would cross four peaks all over 6000’ tall. I was not expecting to be encumbered in a forest with tree trunks so tall you had.to tip your head back to see the leaves in the upper branches. The shade is so dense that moss grows on the tree trunks. We began hiking at 9:30 when the temperature was about 57 (!) degrees. And while the day warmed up, it was still a comfortable mid 60’s by the time we finished. But the clouds were with us all morning so we had only views of fog/clouds from the two viewpoints. After lunch the clouds cleared enough that we enjoyed seeing Big Butt, Little Butt and Point Misery in the distance. A special surprise was finding a CMC trail maintenance crew working. They were weed whacking, lopping and even building new stairs! When I lead a group of CMC hikers in a few short weeks, all the trimmings will be dried out. But we will still enjoy the much more open trail. Some tips for this hike: Poles will be super helpful. Some hikers may like to wear gloves (fingerless biker gloves would work) to handle the rope section (totally optional). Expect the trail to be wet, as the Mt Mitchell area gets a lot of rain. Wet areas can be slippery. This is one of my favorite hikes. Join me to experience an enchanting day in the forest filled with so much variety that you will remember it for a long time.

Sunday No. A2303-368      Aug 06, 2023
Bradley Creek and Riverside Stream Crossings 8:30 AM
Hike 8.7, Drive 70, 650 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, p400
Henry Kassell, 845-656-5528, hkassell@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Asheville Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Ingles on NC 191/280 N end of parking lot in front of Pardee Urgent Care (Mills River) at 8:45 AM
Limit of 10 hikers. Contact the leader by email for reservations. Come and enjoy the water on a warm summer day. There are about 25 wet stream crossings, but the terrain is almost level and you will enjoy the beauty of the streams and the diverse flora nearby. Plan to hike in shoes/boots that you don’t mind getting soaked and use two hiking poles. Bring a towel, dry shoes, and clothes for after the hike. This is a shuttle hike and takes nearly an hour to set up. It is recommended that only high-clearance vehicles make the drive on Turkey Pen Rd.
Topo(s): Pisgah Forest

hike report: Three hikers joined me on this classic Pisgah Forest Ramble. Tia, Jeff, Carroll and I set off about 10 AM from Yellow Gap Road on the 8 1/2mile hike to Turkey Pen. We negotiated the 26 stream crossing in fine fashion . One hiker showed us how to gracefully cool off on one crossing. The water was low making it all a lot easier. A highlight was a fiel od Yellow Cut Leaf Cone Flowers.

Saturday No. A2303-357      Aug 12, 2023
Upper Pisgah Ridge Loop 10:00 AM
Hike 6.0, Drive 60, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated C-B, at-mst, p400,wc100
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, cell 828-699-6296, bbente@bellsouth.net
First Meeting Place: Asheville Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at MM 412 at 10:30 AM
Form carpools and meet leader at second meeting place. Contact leader via email for reservations. We'll do a scenic circle of the Graveyard Fields area, using the Pisgah Ridge Trail and MST, with lunch at a beautiful overlook. Possible blueberry and/or blackberry picking. Then we'll follow the Graveyard Ridge Trail, with a possible stop at one of the Yellowstone Falls.
Topo(s): Sam Knob

scout report: This 6-mile hike features good views and interesting, seldom-used trails. It was scouted on 8/8; the seldom-used trails and part of the MST segment were found to be very overgrown. Enough trail work was done today to make the hike passable. Hiking poles are strongly recommended and long pants will be more comfortable.

Sunday No. A2303-924      Aug 13, 2023
Rocky Fork to Birchfield Lake 8:30 AM
Hike 11.5, Drive 70, 2500 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA,
John Beaudet, 423-483-0306, bodaciousat@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Rocky Fork State Park parking area at 9:15 AM
Form carpools and meet leader at second meeting place. Limit of 15 hikers. Contact the leader by email for reservations. This new variation of hike #924 will take us into some of the more remote backcountry of Rocky Fork State Park with views off a high ridge. The hike begins on the Rocky Fork Trail, then turns onto the White Oak Flats Trail. We will climb up to meet the Birchfield Camp Trail, following this old logging road that leads into the Cherokee National Forest, to a loop around Birchfield Camp Lake. Return is on the same route. This hike fills the requirement for hike #45 of the 100 Favorite Trails.

hike report: We had a great group of 10 hiking out 6 miles through Rocky Fork to remote, small, Birchfield Lake. Along the way we enjoyed Rocky Fork Creek and its numerous cascades which were rollicking with all the water flowing down after recent storms. Due to forecast afternoon thunderstorms we made good time going out, all uphill, and lunched at the lake just past noon. After lunch we circled the lake, noticing numerous fresh bear tracks, and headed in to beat the storms. The easy downhill grade going back made for a good pace again and we arrived back at the trailhead just past 4:00. The group was great to make this 12 hike in such good time and of course the storms never came.

scout report: I scouted this route Saturday, July 8 and found it all very nice. The trails used to reach the lake are all old logging roads, high and dry above the creeks, so no wet feet. The lake looks nice about 2/3 full and all lush and green surrounding it. Lots of bear tracks in the wet areas, plenty of wildflowers and birds calling. We left the parking lot at 9:00, ate lunch at the lake, and were back at 3:00.

Sunday No. A2303-476      Aug 20, 2023
South Mills River - Mullinax Trail - Laurel Creek Trail 8:30 AM
Hike 8.6, Drive 40, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, p400
Kelly O'Rourke, 434-249-5176, kellyleann@comcast.net
First Meeting Place: Asheville Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Ingles on NC 191/280 N end of parking lot in front of Pardee Urgent Care (Mills River) at 8:45 AM
Form carpools and meet the leader at the second meeting place. Contact the leader by email for reservations. A refreshing hike for a hot summer day. We will hike the South Mills River Trail to Mullinax Trail, to Laurel Creek Trail, then to Bradley Branch, then back by Pea Gap to our cars. There are 4 wet creek crossings, so bring water shoes and hiking poles. It is recommended that only high-clearance vehicles make the drive on Turkey Pen Rd.
Topo(s): Pisgah Forest

scout report: Scouted on Aug. 12 with Vonnie, Beverly and Cheow. This is more like 8 miles in length with 5 stream crossings that you cannot rock hop. Plan on wearing shoes you can walk through the stream without taking your shoes off each time. Will be best to bring trekking poles. Muddy in places and some overgrown sections for some light bushwacking. Still some wildflowers and lots of mushrooms to see along the trail. Second Meeting Place: Ingles on NC 191/280 N end of parking lot in front of Pardee Urgent Care (Mills River) at 8:45 AM where the hike leader will be waiting.

hike report: We had a wonderful temperature day for a lot of water crossings! There were some twists and turns and non-marked trails...but we managed to get back to the cars around 3pm. Hike was around 8 miles in length. We saw a big group of boy scouts who had been out backpacking, and some tired looking leaders walking out when we started out in the morning. A couple of the cars had a little excitement trying to get down Turkey Pen drive due to some residents trying to get out. We were followed by a couple horse vans who were not going to back up. Thank you Dannie for trying to sort that out! A fun time was had by all. :-)

Saturday No. A2303-764      Aug 26, 2023
Herrin Knob - Mt. Hardy - Green Knob 8:00 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 65, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA, Wilderness hike, limited to ten hikers, contact leader for reservation. p400,sb6k
Brenda Worley, 828-684-8656, cell 828-606-7297, bjdworley@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Asheville 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
Form carpools and meet leader at second meeting place. We will start from the Courthouse Valley Overlook on an unused trail that skirts around Herrin Knob, then cross the BRP at Mt. Hardy Gap and climb to the summit of Mt. Hardy. Our descent is via a connector trail and the MST, including a 3-mile in-and-out hike along Fork Ridge to Green Knob (a different Green Knob!) and to our cars at Buckeye Gap. Our snack and lunch spots on Mt. Hardy and Green Knob will feature 180 and 360-degree mountain views on a clear day. Car shuttle.
Topo(s): Sam Knob

scout report: The first time I went to Green Knob was 7/29 when a workday was called by Paul Dickens. We had the Rovers and 9 college students from Florida for a day of work and a lot was accomplished. The second time, Adrianne went up with me from 215 and we did a little work on top. The third time on 8/17, I went back in with Bill Zimmerman, who is the trail maintainer for Green Mountain Trail, and Paul Dickens, who is the trail crew leader for the wilderness group, and we got it cleared for the hike. I am going in on the MST from Rough Butt Bald O/L, taking the Green Mountain Trail to Green Knob for lunch on one of the beautiful open areas on the Green Mountain. We will come back down and hike to 215 via the MST. This is all wilderness which means there are no blazes or trail signs. I won't go to Mt. Hardy as there are no views because of the overgrowth. The crews cannot work on the trail to Mt. Hardy because it is only a social trail. Should anyone in the group need Mt. Hardy for the 40/6000, I can take them back later. I have been there several times in the past, and there has never been much of a view. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts. Poles are very helpful because some areas have rough footing.

hike report: Only two hikers came out of the eight I originally had on the list, but we had a nice hike. I changed it to a partial loop from a shuttle because there was only three of us. We saw no one all day. The views were outstanding and the weather nice and cool for an August day. Thanks to Paul Dickens, Trail Crew Leader of the Wilderness Crew, and Bill Zimmerman, who is the secondary trail manager for the Green Mountain Trail for all their work in clearing the Green Mountain Trail to Green Knob.

Sunday No. A2303-640      Aug 27, 2023
Walker's Knob - Montreat 8:30 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 40, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated B-A,
Karen Schultz, 312-241-3329, Schultz.KarenJ@GMail.com and Ken Scharmann, 847-772-4693, kennethscharmann@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain). Limit of 10 hikers. Contact Karen Schultz via email for reservations. 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 a nice hike to get into the woods and into the higher elevations on a hot day. Hikers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to carpool.
Topo(s): Montreat

hike report: We registered 12 hikers and had 4 on a wait list when the Q3 schedule first came out. Several people dropped off the hike about a month before the hike and all 4 on the waitlist were able to be accommodated. Watching the Montreat forecast a couple days before the hike, we were facing rain and thunderstorms. Several more people dropped off the hike at that point. With three hikers and the 2 hike leaders remaining we planned to start the hike a little early to lessen the chance of getting caught in the rain. 2 of the 3 hikers dropped out at that point - so we were left with the 2 hike leaders and one hiker... we proceeded with the hike! There were no issues with storms, but there were significant issues with yellow jackets. We were not able to successfully navigate a nest about .8 miles from the start (ouch). About a mile later we encountered another large nest of yellow jackets swarming around shoulder level and decided not to risk going by the nest. Another group of hikers decided they were going to turn back and we did as well. We got about 2.5 miles done and after getting back to our cars, we explored Montreat. We walked around Lake Susan and up to the Assembly Center and around a lovely park on a creek. It was not the day we had planned, but it was pleasant wandering about.

scout report: Ken and I hiked the Graybeard Trail up to Walker's Knob and back on Friday 8/4/23. The 8.13 mile hike was a steady 1722 ft. climb with wonderful views of Montreat and Black Mountain Valley from Walker's Knob. We stoped and enjoyed lunch at the Walker's Knob shelter. We were reminded that this hike has some challenging terrain in several places. We strongly suggest hiking poles and sturdy hiking shoes/boots vs. trail runners. There are a number of rocky sections and many sections with exposed roots due to erosion. We counted 4 stream crossings, none were too terrible, but due to the amount of rain we had the day before the stream was high. There was also a lot of muddy sections and several portions of the trail had standing water. Two nice views attached from the Walker's Knob summit :)

Sunday No. A2303-95      Sep 03, 2023
Hemphill Bald from Polls Gap 8:00 AM
Hike 9.5, Drive 85, 1600 ft. ascent, Rated A-A,
Lorraine Bernhardt, 828-699-8857, lsbernhardt50@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Home Depot off Exit 44 of I-40.
Second Meeting Place: Maggie Valley Post Office at 8:30 AM
900M We will hike from Polls Gap to our scenic lunch spot at Hemphill Bald in the GSMNP, with outstanding views overlooking the Cataloochee Ski Area. The return route will be via the same trail. This hike is #37 of the 100 Favorite Trails. Note: A GSMNP parking tag is required at the trailhead.
Topo(s): Dellwood

scout report: This is a beautiful hike to Hemphill Bald. We had weather across the board from overcast to sunny and then a strong thunderstorm after lunch. There are several blowdowns that are easy to navigate. However, on the final climb, there are wildflowers that have overtaken the trail. We had to push through chest high overgrowth with lots of bees so if anyone is allergic, I would stay away. We decided to walk on Cataloochee property to avoid another round with the bees on the way back but will not be doing this on the group hike as we had to slide under a barb wire fence to return to the trail and signs warned of prosecution for trespassing. The parking lot is small but there is another lot less than 1/2 mile away so we can shuttle if needed. Thanks to Donna L. for scouting this with me.

hike report: Anyone who has hiked up to Hemphill Bald from either direction knows what a gem this is. We had four hikers who enjoyed this hike for the first time. We had a chilly start (how wonderful!) and beautiful weather for the day. Since the scout, a tree fell on the barbed wire fence and it was possible to climb over. However, the overgrown flowers started shrinking and retreating from the trail so we had no issues with bees. One hiker did get stung on his ankle by a yellow jacket. We had a leisurely lunch on the bald. Lots of conversation with a fun group!

Sunday No. A2303-335      (canceled)      Sep 10, 2023
Green Ridge and Fork Ridge Trail on the A.T. 8:30 AM
Hike 10.5, Drive 85, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA, at-mst
Les Love, 828-230-1861, lesrlove55@gmail.com and Catherine/Mrs Les Love, 828-658-1489, catmlove2@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26. Contact leader by email for reservation. This strenuous hike in the Shelton Laurel-Carmen area climbs alongside Dry Creek with an attractive waterfall. You will be surrounded by beautiful woods and mountains while you climb up to the A.T. On the A.T., we will see the Shelton gravesites, the views from Big Butt and maybe a few southbound A.T. thru-hikers. After lunch at Jerry Cabin Shelter, we'll descend via the Fork Ridge Trail. **Canceled due to weather**
Topo(s): Greystone

hike report: Hike was cancelled due to weather

Saturday No. A2303-314      Sep 16, 2023
Grassy Ridge Mine Overlook to Red Rock Road 10:00 AM
Hike 6.6, Drive 90, 300 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, at-mst
Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, cell 860-798-9905, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
Only Meeting Place: Home Depot off Exit 44 of I-40. Limit of 12 hikers. Contact leader by email for reservations. Have you ever wanted to hike that long MST ridge down to Balsam Gap? Here is your chance in the downhill direction, enjoying the views along the way. NOTE: 1800' descent and rocky steps so hiking poles highly recommended. Car shuttle.
Topo(s): Hazelwood

hike report: We were a small group but totally enjoyed our hike which included some very interesting trees. And since September is the MST's birthday month we wished the trail a big Happy Birthday for 46 years of great hiking!

Sunday No. A2303-578      (canceled)      Sep 17, 2023
Flat Laurel Creek, Little Sam, MST Loop 8:30 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 60, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, at-mst
Diane Jacqmin, 828-513-1298, cell 630-946-9623, dsjacq@sbcglobal.net
First Meeting Place: Asheville Outlets parking lot behind Waffle House off Exit 33 of I-26.
Second Meeting Place: BRP Cold Mountain Overlook at MM 412 at 9:00 AM
Form carpools and meet leader at second meeting place. Limit of 15 hikers. Contact leader by email for reservations. This is a pleasant loop trail with views of Sam Knob, Fork Ridge and Flat Laurel Creek. This year we'll be hiking in a counterclockwise direction, up the MST with a side trip to Devils Courthouse, then down the Little Sam Trail and a gentle return on the Flat Laurel Creek Trail. We'll end with a short walk along NC 215 to our cars. **Cancelled due to rain**
Topo(s): Sam Knob

scout report: I scouted this hike with Vonnie and Cheow on 9/7. As you can see from the photos, we had a beautiful day. The trails were all in good condition. We enjoyed the wonderful panoramas at Devil’s Courthouse and had lunch on the rocks in the middle of Flat Laurel Creek. Overall, a really fun hike.

Saturday No. A2303-295      Sep 23, 2023
Lovers Leap and Pump Gap Loop 8:30 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 80, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, at-mst
Karen Lachow, 703-395-5879, heyk127@hotmail.com
Only Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26. Limit of 15 hikers. Contact the leader by email for reservations. From the Silvermine Trailhead, we will climb up to the ridgeline and visit an old cemetery. We will then continue on the A.T. past Lovers Leap overlook and walk along the French Broad River back to our cars. This hike meets the requirements of #41 of the 100 Favorite Trails.
Topo(s): Hot Springs

scout report: I took the opportunity to scout this hike 8/4/23 when it was being offered by CMC leaders Marie C. and Diane S. during the A.T. Vista on what turned out to be the most warm and humid day so far this summer. There are different routes to take up to Lovers Leap, this is the longest and steepest at 8-miles with 1800 ft. total ascent. We began on the Lover’s Leap Trail then turned onto the Pump Gap trail hiking clockwise with an almost constant climb of 1000 ft. over 3-miles. There were a few trees down, easy to step over, and lots of colorful fungi to admire. The trail turns sharply, then levels out while crossing the A.T. twice. At the second junction with the A.T. at Pump Gap, we followed the A.T. mostly down where we got some nice views of the French Broad, to Lover’s Leap. We returned to the cars on the Lover’s Leap Trail but I am considering returning on the A.T. which has good views of the river.

Sunday No. A2303-903      Sep 24, 2023
Cataloochee and Little Cataloochee via Little Cataloochee Trail 8:00 AM
Hike 9.5, Drive 80, 1850 ft. ascent, Rated A-A,
Thomas Butler, 361-484-3381, butler.tom3381@gmail.com
First Meeting Place: Home Depot off Exit 44 of I-40.
Second Meeting Place: Pilot Truck Stop off Exit 24 of I-40 at 8:30 AM
900M Form carpools and meet the leader at the second meeting place. Contact the leader by email for reservations. We will follow Pretty Hollow Trail for 0.8 miles, turn right and follow Little Cataloochee Trail to the Cook cabin, then on to the Little Cataloochee Baptist Church and its cemetery. We will stop there for lunch and maybe continue a short distance afterwards to visit the Hannah cabin before returning to the trailhead. The lovely Cataloochee Valley is known for its thriving elk herds, and hopefully we'll see some on the way. This hike is #32 of the 100 Favorite Trails. Note: A GSMNP parking tag is required at the trailhead.