Saturday No. A2101-893-6108      Jan 02, 2021
Green River Game Lands - West Side 9:15 AM
Hike 6.5, Drive 20, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B,
Bruce Bente, 828-692-0116, cell 828-567-9443, bbente@bellsouth.net
Only Meeting Place: Cracker Barrel Restaurant off Exit 53 of I-26 in parking lot close to I-26. Driving distance from Asheville is 50 miles round trip. We plan to have breakfast at Cracker Barrel at 8:00 AM--but I'll send an email to registrants if it is not possible this year. Departure time from the parking lot will be at 9:15 AM, to hike our traditional New Year's Day hike in the Green River Game Lands. This year's hike will follow a different and slightly shorter route but will still include lunch at the end of the Green River Cove trail by the big rocks in the Green River.
Topo(s): Cliffield Mtn

hike report: Eight hikers enjoyed this 20th anniversary of the annual New years Day hike, with a ninth joining us on the way out. Due to heavy rain on NYD, the hike was done the next day in better weather, and a different route was chosen to avoid the two stream crossings on the original route. The new route followed Long Ridge, Bear Branch, Pulliam Creek, Green River Cove, Bluff, Turkey Gut and ended going back down Long Ridge Trail to our cars, for a 8.5-mile, 1800' hike. We had lunch at a sandy beach along the Green River, and while stopped at the top of the cliff on the Green River Cove Trail, we were surprised to meet another group of 8 CMC half-day hikers going the other direction. Danny posted the photo of the two groups on the CMC Facebook page, all carefully social distancing themselves.

Sunday No. A2101-892-6131      Jan 03, 2021
NC 191 to Folk Art Center 9:00 AM
Hike 13.7, 2050 ft. ascent, Rated AA-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: Back parking lot of Folk Art Center. Note later meet time. Great workout hike for the winter over the rolling Biltmore section of the MST around Asheville. Lunch and warmup at Fresh Market.
Topo(s): Asheville

hike report: Seven of us enjoyed pleasant weather with a high in the low forties. We added a few white blazes to make MST trail intersections more user friendly. The trail is in excellent condition thanks to the section maintainers. Because of COVID we did not do shuttles to the Arboretum, so this was an out and back from the Folk Art Center finishing at 3:30.

Sunday No. A2101-224-6138      Jan 10, 2021
Table Rock - Pinnacle Loop 9:00 AM
Hike 11.2, 2900 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA,
Debby Jones, 404-731-3119, Djones715@aol.com
Only Meeting Place: Table Rock State Park. This hike is limited to eight hikers. Driving distance from Asheville is 120 miles round trip. This great hike starts from the Nature Center and climbs steeply up to our lunch spot on Table Rock, where everyone can enjoy the great view. We will then follow the Ridge and Mill Creek Pass Trails, followed by a steady but moderate descent back to our cars. NOTE: $5 parking fee.
Topo(s): Table Rock

Saturday No. A2101-499-6132      Jan 16, 2021
New, Old and Future Greenways around Asheville 10:00 AM
Hike 8.0, 100 ft. ascent, Rated B-C,
Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, cell 860-798-9905, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
Only Meeting Place: Parking lot on Riverside Dr. next to Smoky Park Supper Club (east side of river). This is a figure-8 hike. We'll start by hiking the new section of greenway along the French Broad River in the River Arts District, then cross Amboy Bridge and walk on the older greenway to and around Carrier Park. We'll then head back towards the bridge and walk the future greenway on the west side of the river. Unfortunately, New Belgium is closed for the winter so no celebratory beer at the end.
Topo(s): Asheville

Sunday No. A2101-209-6139      Jan 17, 2021
Buckwheat Knob - Coontree Loop 9:00 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 10, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA, p400
Henry Kassell, 845-656-5528, hkassell@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo. Driving mileage from Asheville is 60 miles round trip. 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.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

hike report: Nine people showed up for this 9 mile hike to Buckwheat Knob and back. The weather was sun and clouds and the views of Looking Glass Rock from the ridge didn't disappoint. We lunched on the knoll before Buckwheat Knob at a campsite with good seating and sun, tagging Buckwheat knob before heading back. later we shared a rocky slope with some cyclists who showed us how they do it!

Sunday No. A2101-847-6160      Jan 24, 2021
Pinnacle 9:30 AM
Hike 8.0, Drive 30, 1900 ft. ascent, Rated B-A,
Thomas Butler, 361-484-3381, butler.tom3381@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Haywood County Rest Area 19500 Great Smoky Mtn. Expy. (US 23/74) Waynesville NC. Driving mileage from Asheville is 110 miles round trip. This hike is from the Fisher Creek Recreation Area near Sylva. We will ascend on the East Fork and Pinnacle Trails to see the great view from the Pinnacle. Our return will be via the West Fork Trail.
Topo(s): Sylva North

hike report: Great winter hike. Some sun and great views at the Pinnacle. We began with the East Fork which, while steep for the first two miles, was probably easier going up than down. We encountered some snow and ice at the higher elevation of the West Fork and on the spur to the Pinnacle. Trip down the West Fork was rocky but relatively quick.

scout report: Scouted this hike on a rainy January 1st. Forecast called for rain to end, but it did not! We began on the West fork, an old road bed with a fair amount of rocks. First two miles are steep, but there are no obstructions. Because of the heavy rain, and poor visibility, we opted to skip the spur to the Pinnacle and continued on to the intersection with the East fork and back down to the parking area. Trail is a bit rougher here, especially the last two steeper miles. Wet leaves made for slow going. Total miles hiked: 5.5, total ascent 1969 ft. Probably best to do the East fork of the loop first, especially if the trail is wet.

Saturday No. A2101-352-6129      Jan 30, 2021
Jones Gap Trail / Coldspring Loop 8:30 AM
Hike 11.0, Drive 30, 1940 ft. ascent, Rated A-A,
Sarah Broughton, 828-564-3662, sarahebroughton@icloud.com
First Meeting Place: Cracker Barrel Restaurant off Exit 53 of I-26 in parking lot close to I-26.
Second Meeting Place: Jones Gap State Park at 9:00 AM - but contact leader first.
Driving distance from Asheville is 70 miles round trip. We'll hike up the Jones Gap and Tom Miller Trails past 2 waterfalls to US 276, then loop back via the Coldspring Trail. There are several creek crossings which are usually dry unless there has been heavy rain. NOTE: $2 per person parking fee at trailhead.
Topo(s): Cleveland

hike report: 7 hikers braved the cold for this rugged loop. We enjoyed all of the cascades along the Jones Gap Trail and Coldspring Branch trail, and the ice along the rocks of Bill Kimball trail and the face of El Lieutenant. We also got to see Jones Gap Falls with a full flow. Great fun was had by all, and we made it to the trailhead just in time for snow!

scout report: An alternative route for this hike will be offered due to a bridge out on Jones Gap trail. We will hike Jones Gap trail to Bill Kimball trail, and climb up alongside El Lieutenant, then down on Coldsprings Branch trail which has a series of cascades along the way. After this loop we will continue along Jones Gap trail to two waterfalls and return to the cars via Jones Gap. Parts of this hike are steep and technical with some scrambling along rocks and roots. There will also be a few rock-hop water crossings. The changes to the route will add an additional 1+ mile to the total mileage.

Sunday No. A2101-530-6152      Jan 31, 2021
Rice Pinnacle P.L. #2 - Ingles Field Gap 9:30 AM
Hike 8.3, Drive 10, 900 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, p400
Eva Blinder, 828-275-6447, ejb5711@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Rice Pinnacle Parking Lot in Bent Creek. This moderate loop hike features great views of Hominy Valley. We will climb to the eastern part of Stradley Mountain, have lunch at Ingles Field and return by Boyd Branch and Deer Lake Lodge Trails.
Topo(s): Skyland

Sunday No. A2101-31-6151      Feb 07, 2021
South Mtns. Loop 8:15 AM
Hike 10.9, Drive 120, 2300 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA, wc100
Donna Lanning, 828-606-7956, dblanning@bellsouth.net
Only Meeting Place: Ingles off Exit 64 of I-40 (Black Mountain). South Mountains State Park, south of Morganton, has outstanding views, a beautiful waterfall, and a new visitor center. We'll climb to Jacob Fork River Gorge Overlook and then continue to Chestnut Knob Overlook, a rocky outcropping with outstanding views toward the Kings Mountain Range and on a clear day, Charlotte's skyline. Later, after another climb, we'll reach the top of High Shoals Waterfall - truly awesome. Awesome too are the wooden staircase and platform which allow a close look at the falls and the jumble of rocks in Jacob Fork. Since this is a state park, the trails are meticulously maintained.
Topo(s): Benn Knob

Saturday No. A2101-931-6163      Feb 13, 2021
Brevard Discovery Walk 10:00 AM
Hike 8.5, Drive 10, 600 ft. ascent, Rated B-C,
Danny Bernstein, 828-450-0747, dannyhiker@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo. Driving distance from Asheville is 60 miles round trip. Discover Brevard on an easy walk on sidewalks and trails. See the Silvermont Mansion, Brevard College, the lively downtown and explore the Brevard Music Center. But there will be a few new sights – cows on a lawn, the Rosenwald neighborhood and maybe a white squirrel. Wear good sneakers or low boots. Bring water, lunch and snacks. We might stop for morning coffee but feel free to bring all your own food. Email to reserve your spot. Must be paid-up CMC member. For more information about the route, see https://www.hikertohiker.net/2020/12/23/brevard-camino-walk/

hike report: This hike has had a lot of ups and downs. I took over the date from Barbara Morgan but decided to lead a hike more appropriate to the weather and time of year. Still rain was predicted on Saturday so I spontaneously moved it to Friday. People joined, canceled because there was a small chance of rain, even on Friday. Still, 7 people started the hike and one peeled off after a few miles. The Brevard Discovery walk includes the Silvermont Mansion, an iconic 1950s motel (which one of our hikers actually stayed in recently), Brevard College, Brevard Music Center and the Rosenwald (historic African-American) neighborhood. The hike takes longer than its 8.8 miles and a few hundred feet of ascent would warrant because hikers were **discovering** things.

scout report: I have scouted this several times. By now, I even know the postal carrier - and she knows me. On the last scout, Daisy K. came with me to discover treasures of Brevard. We visited the music center, Silvermont Mansion and even cows on the lawn. Eight easy, pleasant miles. We might stop at Kiwi gelato at the end. Who knows what else we might discover!

Saturday No. A2101-36-6121      (canceled)      Feb 13, 2021
John Rock Trail 10:30 AM
Hike 6.2, 850 ft. ascent, Rated B-C, p400
Barbara Morgan, 828-460-7066, barbc129@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Fish Hatchery - Pisgah Forest. Driving mileage from Asheville is 60 miles round trip. We will do a loop hike, using the Cat Gap and John Rock Trails. Great view of the mountains from John Rock.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

Sunday No. A2101-930-6159      Feb 14, 2021
Upper Weed Patch Mountain 8:30 AM
Hike 10.3, Drive 45, 1995 ft. ascent, Rated A-A,
Bev MacDowell, 828-777-5806, bevmacdowellhappy@gmail.com and Jon Bellows, 828-273-3957, jgcbellows@att.net
Only Meeting Place: Ingles on US 74-A 225 Charlotte Hwy (Reynolds). Please reserve your spot by text to 828-777-5806. This new CMC hike will explore the new Weed Patch Mountain trails near Chimney Rock State Park. We will hike the Upper Weed Patch Mountain Trail, Eagle Rock to Grey Rock and return, with a 1/2 mile side trip to Tunnel Rock. Eagle Rock has outstanding 360-degree views and is only 0.2 miles from the trailhead on a dirt road. Lunch at Grey Rock with outstanding views into South Carolina as well as a portion of Lake Lure.

hike report: There was tremendous interest in this new CMC hike. Poor weather forecast required lots of contacting from a deep waitlist, especially in the final 48 hours. We filtered down to 6 hikers. It was Jon’s 1st CMC lead. He was fantastic, with lots of info on Hickory Nut Gorge. The hiking system here is phenomenal, and continuing to be built. It was Pete’s 1st CMC hike, and Fran hiked in a red tutu in participation with a fundraiser for Black Mountain Children’s home. Even though the viewpoints were not open, the winter forest was full of grand rock formations, shallow crossing creeks, and an interesting fungus we spotted. The tread work on this hike is excellent.

scout report: Headed out in plenty of snow on a beautiful day. This new CMC Hike would have good view opportunities in the summer, but the winter views are outstanding and pretty steady. Remarkable rock features. Two side Trail jaunts to view Tunnel Rock and Eagle Rock. Bring poles!!

Sunday No. A2101-236-6146      Feb 21, 2021
Fawn Lake P.L. #1 9:00 AM
Hike 10.0, Drive 30, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated A-B, wc100
Michael Cornn, 828-458-1281, mwcornn@gmail.com and Kathy Cornn/Kyle, 828-458-1282, katherinenkyle@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo. Driving mileage from Asheville is 80 miles. This moderate DuPont Forest hike features beautiful lakes and a waterfall. We'll see Bridal Veil Falls, Lake Julia, Lake Dense and Fawn Lake.
Topo(s): Standingstone Mtn

hike report: Nine of us completed a ten-mile hike starting at the Fawn Lake parking area. We modified the hike to stay on double-track trails since the single-track trails were closed due to wet conditions. We were able to see the highlights of the original hike. Danny Bernstein shared some of the history of the DuPont State Recreational Forest. She has written a book about the forest titled “DuPont Forest- A History.”

scout report: The hike will be another labyrinth in DuPont State Forest with a lot of turns and combinations of trails. Fortunately, we found that the trails are mostly marked. The hike starts and ends with climbs and views of Fawn Lake. In addition to Fawn Lake views, we will visit three other lakes. An expansive view of Mt. Pisgah from the end of a runway is possible if the weather cooperates. A ridge walk at the beginning of the hike will be another reward. We'll have a snack break at Bridal Veil Falls and lunch at Lake Julia.

Saturday No. A2101-550-6142      Feb 27, 2021
Paris Mountain 8:30 AM
Hike 8.7, Drive 90, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA,
Lorraine Bernhardt, 828-699-8857, lsbernhardt50@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Cracker Barrel Restaurant off Exit 53 of I-26 in parking lot close to I-26. Driving distance from Asheville is 130 miles roundtrip. Located between Traveler’s Rest and Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park is one of the oldest protected areas in South Carolina. Originally, the lakes were the source of Greenville’s water supply. We will walk on well-maintained trails, enjoying good winter views and warmer weather than in Asheville. Cross road from shelters #5-6 and take Sulphur Springs Trail to Brissy Ridge Trail; Pipsissewa Trail; R onto North Lake Trail (lunch on lakeshore); Kanuga Trail; Fire Tower Trail; R in-and-out to remains of fire tower attendant's house; Sulphur Springs Trail to Mountain Lake and continue on Sulphur Springs Trail back to trailhead. $6/person entrance fee.
Topo(s): Paris Mtn

scout report: We had a beautiful sunny day for this hike with good winter views. This is a nice loop and we had lunch at the halfway point on the lake. There were a few bikes on the trail but this won’t be an issue on a Saturday. Although well marked, hikes with the same name go in more than one direction and we missed the fire tower. But that’s why you scout, right? The trail is good overall but the downhill descent on Sulphur Springs is steep and technical in the middle section so bring your poles. A couple of water crossings are required too. (There is an alternate trail that can be used if the trail is slick). We got back to the trail head to see cars waiting for a parking spot. Definitely a popular park! Thanks to Donna L. for scouting it with me.

hike report: We had six hikers (down from 17, including the waitlist) on a cloudy day. Four hikers from the Charlotte area joined us for the first part. We also met a group from Rockhill SC at lunch who took our group picture. The firetower/house remains, walk around the lake and long range views made for an enjoyable day. There are picnic tables alongside a lake at the park entrance, which would be a nice location for a potluck supper. I'm reminded again what a lovely, well maintained park this is and a great winter hike.

Sunday No. A2101-565-6135      Feb 28, 2021
Chattooga River 8:00 AM
Hike 9.0, Drive 140, 1000 ft. ascent, Rated B-C,
Sarah Broughton, 828-564-3662, sarahebroughton@icloud.com
Only Meeting Place: Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo. Driving mileage from Asheville is 180 miles round trip. We will hike down to the Chattooga River on the Walhalla Fish Hatchery Road and a trail alongside East Fork Creek to the Chatooga River. Next we will hike two miles along the beautiful Chattooga River and visit Spoon Auger Falls. Our lunch spot will be at a pretty white beach. Next, we'll hike uphill on the Foothills Trail to our cars.
Topo(s): Tamassee

scout report: I scouted this hike on a gorgeous, sunny afternoon. The temperatures were cool along the water, and warm in the sun along the ridges. We’ll enjoy views of cascades and rapids along the East Fork and Chatooga River for the first half of the hike, before we climb up to the ridge on the Foothills trail and back to our cars. Because of the direction we will be doing the loop, which will allow us to get the road portion out of the way first, we will stop for lunch at a campsite along the Chatooga instead of the white sand beach.

hike report: 7 hikers enjoyed the cooler weather for this hike. We had great views at our lunch spot along the river. With the addition of the road to make this hike a loop, total distance was closer to 10.7 miles with a greater ascent from the river on the Foothills Trail.

Sunday No. A2101-910-6153      Mar 07, 2021
Rocky Fork - Flint Creek 8:30 AM
Hike 7.8, Drive 80, 1770 ft. ascent, Rated B-A,
Karen Lachow, 703-395-5879, heyk127@hotmail.com
Only Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26. This in-and-out creekside hike showcases the new Rocky Fork State Park and one of its links to the A.T. Start at the park entrance, hike up Rocky Fork Rd. and take a side trail up to Whitehouse Cliffs for a full view of the Rocky Fork watershed. Then follow the Flint Creek Trail up to Flint Gap on the A.T., and return. All the water crossings on this route, along Flint Creek Trail, have now been bridged. This hike fills the requirement for #45 of the "100 Favorite Trails of the Smokies and the Carolina Blue Ridge."

scout report: Daisy Karasak and I took advantage of a nice day to scout this hike on February 6. While Asheville got little snow the previous week, we found almost all of the trails to be snow covered. Although we attempted to do the hike as planned, we were unable to finish any of the trails due to unsafe conditions. We also discovered after attempting to climb what used to be the Whitehouse Cliffs Trail, that it has been relocated to the far side of the parking lot. I will be re-scouting this again to check conditions and investigate alternative trails to hike. UPDATE: Danny Bernstein helped me re-scout this hike on a Spring-like day, February 24. We started on the new Whitehouse Cliffs Trail, a 2.4 mile out and back with a 930 ft. ascent. While strenuous, the trail is well built and maintained and worth the effort for the views. After a brief return to the car, we then hiked the lovely and scenic Rocky Fork Trail and Flint Creek Trails. Rather than continuing with the out and back to the AT, we decided to turn off on the Blockstand Creek Trail which goes up and along a ridge, then loops back to the Flint Creek Trail. Total was about 9.7 miles with 2000 ft. ascent. This is the version we will be doing. Let's hope for good weather the day of the hike.

hike report: Ten people joined me on a beautiful sunny day for this new to CMC hike. We started by climbing up the new trail to Whitehouse Knob with its long-range views, a 930 ft. ascent and back down. Good to get that strenuous climb out of the way early. We then hiked along the lovely Rocky Fork Creek with its dramatic cascades, doing a loop on the Flint Creek and Blockstand Creek Trails which took us up along a ridge with more great views. Total 9.7 miles and 2040 ft. ascent. A fabulous day with a wonderful group of people, all excited to experience this area. This would make a great Spring wildflower and Autumn leaves hike.

Saturday No. A2101-554-6133      Mar 13, 2021
Bent Creek #12 - MST - Arboreturm 10:00 AM
Hike 8.7, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B, p400
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-231-9444, cakoep29@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Bent Creek River Park off NC 191. We will hike from the Bent Creek River Park through the Arboretum and Bent Creek area on Bent Creek, Homestead, Small Creek, Deerfield Connector and Stambaugh Trails to the MST, then turn downhill on the MST and Hard Times Road back through the Arboretum and under NC 191 to our cars.
Topo(s): Asheville,Skyland

hike report: Due to the prediction of rain most participants cancelled. In lieu of the scheduled we did a 5mi + loop hike around the Arboretum. Bev and I enjoyed lunch on rocking chairs on a patio at the Arboretum. We returned at about !:15 pm. Cloudy skies with temp near 60 degrees and.....NO RAIN.

Sunday No. A2101-490-6122      Mar 14, 2021
Folk Art Center - Craven Gap 9:00 AM
Hike 10.8, 2390 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA, at-mst
Danny Bernstein, 828-450-0747, dannyhiker@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Back parking lot of Folk Art Center. Note: First day of Daylight Savings Time. Hike the Mountains-to-Sea Trail heading east from the Folk Art Center to Craven Gap and back. We’ll stop at Lunch Rock for a view over East Asheville and as far as Mt. Pisgah. We’ll lunch at Craven Gap and return. There may be some early spring flowers. Email to reserve your spot. Must be paid-up CMC member.
Topo(s): Craggy Pinnacle,Oteen

scout report: The hike goes up on the MST (eastbound) from the Folk Art Center to Craven Gap and back down. No flowers yet but still a lot of character. The trail is so well maintained that the hike is easier than the distance and altitude would have you believe. We will take it at a moderate pace - we have all day. Remember to Spring forward. This is the beginning of daylight savings time.

hike report: FAC to Craven Gap on the MST is a moderate hike - considering its length and distance. Eleven hikers went up and came down. The trail to Lunch Rocks is #78 of the 100 Favorite hikes. But today was Pi-Day, March 14 (3/14 get it??). Someone had sprinkled a white powder on trees from the FAC to the blue side trail that goes down to Haw Creek. Quite a mystery.

Sunday No. A2101-142-6124      Mar 21, 2021
Jerry Miller Trail to A.T. to Fork Ridge Trail 8:00 AM
Hike 10.5, Drive 30, 3300 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+, at-mst
Tish Desjardins, 828-380-1452, desraylet@aol.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 8:30 AM
Driving mileage from Asheville is 92 miles round trip. Meet leader at second meeting place. We’ll hike up the Jerry Miller Trail to Bearwallow Gap, then right on the A.T. to Big Firescald Knob for lunch and exceptional views. Afterwards, we'll turn right onto the Fork Ridge Trail down to FS 111 and a short walk to the cars.
Topo(s): Greystone

hike report: What a beautiful sunny day this was -- the views were absolutely gorgeous from up on the ridge line with the Tennessee Valley on our left and NC peaks on our right. Our lunch spot was the usual at Firescald Knob every time I lead this hike out in my neck of the woods near where I live. We pondered at "Howard's Rock" (Howard MacDonald) --- he taught me how to do trail maintenance many years ago. Amazingly, we all had completed our second vaccine shot -- yay!!

Saturday No. A2101-130-6143      Mar 27, 2021
Little East Fork to Shining Rock 8:00 AM
Hike 12.4, Drive 55, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA, p400,sb6k
Jim Magura, 828-606-3989, jqs290@gmail.com and Judy Magura, 828-606-1490, quilter290@gmail.com
Only Meeting Place: Home Depot off Exit 44 of I-40. This is a shorter version of hike #130. We will hike up the Little East Fork Creek Trail. Plan on deep forest views, rushing water and a great hiking day in the woods. We will cross Little East Fork Creek midway up, but plenty of rocks provide ample coverage for the crossing. We will continue up a steep section and intersect the Shining Rock Ledge Trail and continue to our lunch spot at the Art Loeb junction .5 mile further. If conditions are good, we will continue an additional .25 mile up to a viewpoint on Shining Rock for a lunch break. We did this hike twice this summer with hiking friends and thoroughly enjoyed the hike on both occasions. No summertime dip on this trip, but plan on some great views, great woodland scenery, rushing water and mountain views on this challenging hike.
Topo(s): Shining Rock

scout report: We had problems on our scout hike. Four of us were asked by the Scout Camp Caretaker to leave the property. We were advised that we needed permission from Scouts of America to hike over the dam and through camp to access the trail leading up to the site of High Top Tower. The Scout Camp does allow hikers to hike though a tent area to access the Shining Creek trail leading to Shining Rock and of course the Art Loeb trail which is not on scout property. We attempted to use the old logging road off Shining Creek trail to Bird Stand Mountain with had a maintained trail to our original destination, but the old logging road trail trail to the ridge line has not been maintained and we found it in extremely poor condition. We are going to explore an established and maintained trail off of 215 in a week or two and are not planning to cancel this hike at this time. We will inform scheduled hikers after our next scout.

Sunday No. A2101-548-6149      (canceled)      Mar 28, 2021
Sams Gap to Big Bald 8:00 AM
Hike 13.0, Drive 50, 3300 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA+, at-mst
Mike Knies, 828-628-6712, knies06@att.net
Only Meeting Place: 160 Zillicoa St. (USFS parking lot) off Exit 25 of I-26. This strenuous A.T. hike goes north from Sams Gap to Big Bald, then reverses direction to the start point. Beautiful views along the way. Big Bald is like a mini-Max Patch!
Topo(s): Sams Gap