Important Notice:  If you are parking at Westgate park only in the far north line of parking spaces beyond Earth Fare. Click here for a map.

All Day  Saturday & Sunday

SUNDAY NO. A1101-684 March 20
Mackey Mtn. and Sugar Cove Creek Trail *8:00 AM
Hike 12, Drive 70, 3000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+
Jim Reel, 828-738-0751, jimr57@yahoo.com and Lisa Hart
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at US 70/Curtis Creek Rd. intersection at 8:45 AM. A stop will be made at the Ingles parking lot at Exit 64 of I-40 for additional hikers. Mackey Mountain was part of the first purchase of national forest land under the Weeks Act of 1911 and is designated “Mountain Treasure” by the Wilderness Society. We will hike from the end of Sugar Cove Road up to the Mackey Mountain Trail. We’ll have great winter views and do a short bushwhack to the summit and then near bushwhack on a seldom used section of trail. This hike ends on private property with access permission for only this CMC hike. Topos: Marion West, Old Fort

SATURDAY NO. A1101-270 March 26
Cedar Rock Mtn.- John Rock Loop 9:00 AM
Hike 8, Drive 80, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated B-A
Les & Catherine Love, 828-658-1489, lesrlove@charter.net
P400, WC100 This trip features two of the spectacular bare rock faces in the Pisgah National Forest, with great views from both. Starting at the Fish Hatchery, we’ll have our major climb up to Cat Gap and then on to Cedar Rock for lunch enjoying the view. We’ll return via John Rock. Second meeting place: Pisgah Fish Hatchery at 9:40 AM. Topo: Shining Rock.

SUNDAY NO. A1101-420 March 27
AT: Allen Gap to Tanyard Gap *8:00 AM
Hike 8.8, Drive 80, 2100 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Tish Desjardins, cell: 828-380-1452, desraylet@aol.com
*Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at parking lot on US 25 at intersection with NC 208 at 8:45 AM. After the hike there will be a soak at the Hot Springs Spa, and then a potluck supper in the nearby Bear River Community Lodge. Hikers are requested to contribute food for the supper. Food will be taken to a refrigerator before the hike. Please phone the leader to coordinate what food to bring. Great views from Rich Mtn. tower, a visit to Spring Mtn. shelter and one of the prettiest sections of the AT in our area highlight this pleasant spring hike. Car shuttle. Topo: Hot Springs

SUNDAY NO. A1102-719 Apr. 3
Mackey Creek / Buckeye Knob 8:00 AM
Hike 9, Drive 75, 2000 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Jim Reel, 828-738-0751, jimr57@yahoo.com and Lisa Hart, 828-450-6986, tiw.south@gmail.com
The Mackey Mtn. / Buckeye Knob Area was part of the first purchase of national forest land under the Weeks Act of 1911 and is designated “Mountain Treasure” by the Wilderness Society. Hike from Curtis Creek Road and descend steeply to Mackey Creek on a rough non-maintained trail. Hiking poles are recommended. Water shoes are also recommended for the several creek crossings. From the creek we ascend steeply on the Connector Trail to Lead Mine Gap. At Lead Mine Gap we take the Buckeye Knob Trail. Several ups and downs along the trail across Buckeye Knob as we follow the ridge line back to the trailhead. Optional dinner at Fatz in Marion after the hike Second meeting place: Ingles parking lot off Exit 64 of I-40 at 8:20 AM. Topo: Old Fort

SUNDAY NO. A1101-631 Apr. 10
Dupont Forest Buck Forest P.L. #2 (3 Falls & 2 Lakes) *8:30 AM
Hike 9, Drive 80, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Ashok Kudva, 828-698-7119 cell:828-674-1374, ashok.kudva@att.net
WC100 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Pisgah Forest Bi-Lo at 9:05 AM. This hike goes to three of the best waterfalls and two lakes in the Dupont State Forest. We will be going to Triple and High Falls and then to Lake Dense. We will use Conservation Road to get to the south part of the Little River, then cross the dam to Lake Julia. After lunch at Lake Julia we hike to the old airstrip, horse barn and then the beautiful cascade of water over Bridal Veil Falls. Car shuttle. Second meeting place: Bi-Lo at Pisgah Forest at 9:05 AM. Topo: Standingstone Mtn.; also DuPont State Forest Map

WEEKEND NO. A1102-i Apr. 15-17
Cades Cove Weekend
Janet Martin, 502-494-9309, jaykaymartin@msn.com
Bid goodbye to ole man winter and welcome spring with a CMC weekend at a group campground in Cades Cove. Tent sites are reserved from 1:00 PM Friday to noon on Sunday. Campers need to bring their own food, beverages, tents and personal gear. Flush toilets and cold water are available but not showers. Contact the leader to register and for info about meeting location and time. Topos: Cades Cove, Thunderhead Mtn., Wear Cove; also NatGeo map #316

At this time, CMC members plan to lead the following three hikes. Hike plans are subject to change based on weather, participants, or conditions:

SATURDAY NO. A1102-720 Apr. 16
Scott Mtn.
Hike 11, 2300 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA
Janet Martin
This hike starts with a level warm-up along Rich Mtn. Loop followed by a steep climb up Crooked Arm Ridge mostly along a creek, then along a gentle grade down Scott Mtn. Trail, and a rolling walk along Schoolhouse Gap to access Turkeypen Ridge Trail down to Laurel Road. Car shuttle.

SATURDAY NO. A1102-721 Apr. 16
Anthony Creek – Russell Fields loop
Hike 13.2, 3100 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA
Bob Hysko
This hike goes up Anthony Creek and Russell Field Trails to the AT, north on the AT, and then down Bote Mtn and Anthony Creek Trails to the trailhead.

SUNDAY NO. A1102-722 Apr. 17
Chestnut Top – Schoolhouse Gap
Hike 6.4, 1300 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Janet Martin
This hike will climb steadily along Chestnut Top Trail and then take Schoolhouse Gap Trail to Laurel Road. Car shuttle.

SUNDAY NO. A1102-215 Apr. 24
Mt. Cammerer via Low Gap and Lower Cammerer Trails *7:30 AM
Hike 15.5, Drive 140, 2600 ft. ascent, Rated AA-AA
Jeff McGurk, cell: 864-921-6469, jbsbestfan@hotmail.com
900M, LTC *Note earlier starting time. This is a beautiful but tough hike from Cosby campground, first climbing to the AT, then following the AT to Mt. Cammerer. After our lunch stop on the summit, we will return down the Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail to our starting point. This long hike will end late and we’ll probably stop for supper on the way back. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at Exit 24 off I-40, at 8:00 AM. Topos: Luftee Knob and Hartford; also NatGeo map #317

SATURDAY NO. A1102-723 Apr. 30
Sugarland Mountain Trail 7:30 AM
Hike 11.9, Drive 200, 800 ft. ascent, Rated A-C
Mike Knies, 828-628-6712, knies06@att.net
900M This spectacular hike will feature a dramatic seasonal change and abundant wildflowers as we descend from 5900 ft. to 2300 ft. Great views of Mt. LeConte and Chimney Tops. Hikers must register with leader beforehand so that car shuttle arrangements can be made. Long car shuttle (or key swap if anyone volunteers to climb 3500 ft.) Topos: Clingmans Dome, Mt. LeConte, Gatlinburg; also NatGeo maps #317 and 316

SUNDAY NO. A1102-724 May 1
Blackrock Mtn. and Yellowface via Rocky Face *8:40 AM
(Bernard Elias Favorite Hike Series #9) (strenuous)
Hike 7, Drive 105, 2650 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Ted Snyder, 864-638-3686, tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net
SB6K *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at rest area beyond Waynesville on US 23/74 at 9:15 a.m. Short distance but a steep climb up the face of the Plott Balsam escarpment., on a new location for Bernard’s original route. If access road is muddy, add one mile and 760 feet of ascent. Then we curl around the bowl of a high watershed, in open woods. Short off-trail segment. Glorious 360 degree views from exposed rock summit (5810 ft.). Exit on knife-edge ridge with abrupt ups and downs, topping Yellow Face (6032 ft). Short car shuttle. Topo: Sylva North; also NatGeo map #785

SUNDAY NO. A1102-725 May 1
Birding at Tesentee Farm *7:00 AM
(easy)
Hike 2+, Drive 150, minimal ascent, Rated C-C
Becky Smucker, cell: 828-231-2198, bjsmucker@gmail.com and Brent Martin, 828-587-9453, brent_martin@tws.org
*Note early start time. This mild meander will take birders along Tesentee Creek and the Little Tennessee River for outstanding birding. It occurs on the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee’s 64-acre farm about ten miles west of Franklin, and will finish by noon. One of the best birding spots in western North Carolina. Possible afternoon hike on nearby Bartram Trail. Second meeting place: Franklin Bi-Lo at 8:30 AM. Topo: Franklin

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Half Day Sunday

HALF-DAY NO. H1101-675 *March 20
Rainbow Falls - Jones Gap S.P. 12:30 PM
Hike 4.6, Drive 90, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated C-B
Nonmembers, call leader: Sawako Jager, 828-687-2547 (cell: 828-674-4067), baiko70@aol.com
WC100 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Cracker Barrel at Exit 53 of I-26 at 1:00 PM. We will follow the Jones Gap trail along the Middle Saluda River, then follow the Rainbow Falls Trail uphill to beautiful Rainbow Falls. Return the same way. This is one of the most spectacular falls in the area. $2 fee per person.

HALF-DAY NO. H1101-101 March 27
Lower Big Laurel River to Runion 1:00 PM
Hike 6, Drive 60, 300 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader: Jorge Munoz, 828-658-0606, jorgemunoz1927@hotmail.com
This in-and-out hike near Hot Springs follows a beautiful rushing stream to the historic logging camp at Runion. Second meeting place: Trailhead at intersection of US 25/70 at NC 208 at 1:45 PM. Topo: Hot Springs; also USFS Hot Springs Map

HALF-DAY NO. H1102-346 Apr. 3
Folk Art Center to Haw Creek overlook *12:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 0, 500 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader: Lucy Prim, 32lucette@gmail.com
*Only meeting place: back parking lot of Folk Art Center. A pleasant walk in the woods and a nice overlook at the turn-around point. Topo: Oteen

HALF-DAY NO. H1102-384 Apr. 10
FS 816 to Skinny Dip *12:30 PM
Hike 5.3, Drive 70, 500 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader: Tom Joyce, 828-885-2152            (Note: description is expanded from Let's Go version)
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Cold Mtn. Overlook at 1:10 PM. This will be a pleasant, mainly downhill ramble along the MST from Black Balsam Rd.(FS 816). The trail follows an old RR grade, slabs over a shoulder of Black Balsam Mtn. and proceeds rather steeply down to Dark Prong Gap. It continues behind Graveyard Ridge, descends to the Pigeon River which it crosses at Skinny Dip Falls. From there it's a short walk to Looking Glass Overlook at MP 417 on the BRP. Car shuttle. Topo: Shining Rock; also NatGeo map #780 and MST Profiles, pg. 36-37

HALF-DAY NO. H1102-434 Apr. 17
Laurel Mountain Trail *12:30 PM
Hike 5.4, Drive 70, 950 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader: Greg Goodman, 828-684 9703, greggoodman@bellsouth.net
P400 *Form carpools at Westgate and meet leader at N. Mills River Rec. area parking lot at 1:00 PM. This loop hike will start at FS 1206, go along a ridge trail toward Black Mountain, and return via the Laurel Mountain Trail. There should be good views of the Mills River Valley. Topo: Dunsmore Mtn.; also NatGeo map #780

HALF-DAY NO. H1102-603 Apr. 24
Big Ivy - Perkins, Laurel Gap & Bear Pen 12:30 PM
Hike 5.5, Drive 55, 700 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Nonmembers, call leader: Marcia Bromberg, 828-505-0471, mwbromberg@yahoo.com
This loop in the Big Ivy Creek headwaters area of the Pisgah National Forest begins 4.4 miles up FS 74 at the Perkins Road Trail. We will hike up to the Laurel Gap Trail, turn right and walk to the Bear Pen Trail which will take us back down to FS 74. We’ll walk just under a mile to return to our cars. Expect to see spring wildflowers along the way. Second meeting place: Rose’s parking lot off Exit 19 of I-26 at 12:45 PM. Topos: Mt. Mitchell, Montreat

HALF-DAY NO. H1102-049 May 1
Big Creek in the Smokies 12:00 PM
Hike 6, Drive 110, 500 ft ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Nonmembers, call leader: Renate Rikkers, 828-298-9988, rerikkers@aol.com
900M, WC100 Big Creek, a spectacular mountain stream in the Smokies, offers hikers and walkers an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the wild beauty of this part of the park. The comfortable roadbed meanders along rushing rapids, a waterfall, huge boulders, and deep swimming holes. A beautiful forest and wildflower environment makes for a special experience. An easy in-and-out hike. Bring your camera! Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop, off I-40 at Exit 24 at 12:30 PM. Topos: Luftee Knob, Cove Creek Gap; also NatGeo map #317

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All Day Wednesday

WEDNESDAY NO. W1101-420 March 23
Allen Gap to Tanyard Gap *8:30 AM
Hike 8.8, Drive 80, 2700 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Tish Desjardins, 828-380-1452, desraylet@aol.com
*No limit to number of hikers, but call leader first. Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at parking lot on US 25 at intersection with NC 208 at 9:10 AM. Great views from Rich Mtn. tower, a visit to Spring Mtn. shelter and one of the prettiest sections of the AT in our area highlight this pleasant hike. Car shuttle. Topo: Hot Springs

WEDNESDAY NO. W1101-713 March 30
Bent Creek Experimental Forest 8:30 AM
Hike 6, Drive 20, 800 ft. ascent, Rated B-C
Lenny Bernstein, 828-236-0192, lsberns@att.net
P400 Ever wonder what kind of research they do at Bent Creek? This is your chance to find out. We’ll start with a one-to-two hour outdoor tour led by a member of the Forest Service staff, and then take a short hike from the Hard Times Trailhead. This hike was originally scheduled for last October, but cancelled by the Forest Service. Map: USFS Bent Creek Trail Map

WEDNESDAY NO. W1102-731 Apr. 6
Baxter Creek & Big Creek Wildflower Hike 8:30 AM
Hike 8, Drive 110, 1400 ft. ascent, Rated B-B
Marianne Newman, 828-257-2136, marianneln@att.net
900M, WC100 This new hike goes about 2 miles up Baxter Creek to the overlook and back, then 2 miles up Big Creek to Mouse Creek Falls and back. A major goal is to enjoy the multitude of flowers that bloom in that area in early April. Flowers along the two trails are quite different. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck stop at I-40, Exit 24 at 9:00 AM, but call leader first. Topo: Cove Creek Gap

WEDNESDAY NO.W1102-732 April 13
Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve – Twin Falls *8:30 AM
Hike 5, Drive 140, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated C-B
Jack Fitzgerald, 828-685-2897, suejackfitz@bellsouth.net
WC100 *Form carpools at Westgate, and meet leader at Cracker Barrel (near Upward Rd.) at Exit 53 of I-26 at 9:00 AM. Visit beautiful, hidden gorge with a waterfall in Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. Maybe see Oconee Bells in bloom. Then on to Twin Falls. Stop at Bob’s Place on way home, an authentic Biker Bar. Topo: Eastatoe Gap

WEDNESDAY NO. W1102-128 April 20
Chestnut Bald & Sam Knob via MST and Flat Laurel Creek Trails 8:30 AM
Hike 9.8, Drive 90, 1500 ft. ascent, Rated A-A
Barbara Morgan, cell: 828-460-7066, bcmorg@hughes.net
SB6K, P400 Trail begins where MST crosses NC 215. Follow MST north, bushwhack up Chestnut Bald, continue on MST to/on FS 816, climb Sam Knob, return via Flat Laurel Creek, Little Sam Knob, and MST to start, making a wide loop. Second meeting place: Trailhead at 9:45 AM, but contact leader first. Topos: Sam Knob, Shining Rock. Also NatGeo #780.

WEDNESDAY NO. W1102-164 Apr. 27
Hawkbill Flower Hike 8:00 AM
Hike 8.4, Drive 54, 2870 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Carroll Koepplinger, 828-667-0723, CarrolKoepp@bellsouth.net
LTC This great wildflower hike follows a rough trail up alongside Hawkbill Creek to the top of the cove, then a very steep 400 ft bushwhack up to Hawkbill Rock. Then hike along the ridge line to site of Little Snowball Tower and follow old roads and trails down to the trailhead. The wildflowers and ramps have been spectacular every time CMC has done this hike. Topo: Craggy pinnacle

WEDNESDAY NO. W1102-076 May 4
Craggy to Little Snowball 8:30 AM
Hike 7.2, Drive 38, 2630 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA
Brenda Worley, 828-684-8656, CLWorley@bellsouth.net
Hike from Bee Tree Gap, then right onto Snowball Trail over High Rock (Hawkbill Mtn) to the Little Snowball tower site and great views. Hopefully, we will also be viewing beautiful wildflowers this time of year. Topo: Craggy Pinnacle

Email your hike reports to Dave Wetmore.The deadline for reports is 9:00 p.m. on the Tuesdays before an eNews comes out. Reports for Wednesday hikes during the eNews publication week will appear in the following eNews--The Editor.

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

Half Day hikes submitted by Bonnie Allen, 828-645-0357, bonnie@allencats.com

Wednesday Hikes are submitted by Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213 ccf108@gmail.com and Ann Gleason, 828-859-9387, gleason.ann@gmail.com .

The meeting place for each hike will be designated by the hike leader and appears in the hike description. Driving mileage is round trip, based on the first designated meeting place. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.