Looking Ahead

All Day  Saturday & Sunday

SATURDAY No. A0604-422  Oct. 28 Big Laurel - Pump Gap 9:00 AM* Hike 7, Drive 70, 2400 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA Amy Treverton, 828-298-1882, athikerbabe@yahoo.com  *Note later start time. Starting at Hurricane, we’ll hike the Big Laurel Creek trail down to the French Broad River, then up Pump Branch to Pump Gap, and the AT past Lover’s Leap before ending at the hot tubs in Hot Springs. Nice scenery along the creeks and river. Bring your swimsuit and plan on stopping at either the hot tubs and/or supper. Please contact Amy if you plan to use the hot tubs so she can make reservations. Car shuttle. Topo: Hot Springs; also Nat’l. Geo. French Broad & Nolichucky Rivers map

ALL DAY No. A0604-217  Oct. 29 Sandy Mush Bald Ramble 8:00AM Hike 9.5, Drive 40, 3100 ft. ascent, Rated A-AA+ Rob Resnick 828-255-8066 rob@reschiro.com  Sarah Carothers 828-586-3282 sjcarothers@hotmail.com  After dividing our group in two for a key swap hike, one group will ascend up Surritt Cove. The other group will hike up Long Branch Cove and both groups will traverse the ridge tops of the Newfound Mountains with their great views to reconnoiter for lunch atop Sandy Mush Bald. Some cross-country hiking required, and be prepared to cross a few barbed-wire fences. Thanks to Long Branch Environmental Education Center for providing access and coordinating permission from contiguous landowners. If the weather is clear, the views do not get any better! Topos: Sandy Mush, Fines Creek

ALL DAY No. A0604-406  Nov. 5 Pink Beds to Clawhammer and Return 8:30 AM* (strenuous) Hike 8, Drive 86, 2300 ft ascent, Rated B-AA Tom Sanders, 828-252-6327, tomary2@charter.net  P400 *Note later start time We will climb from the Pink Beds (FS 477) to Club Gap. Then we take the Black Mt. Trail, climbing through Buckhorn Gap and along the ridge to the overlook at Clawhammer Mt. for lunch and 180 degree views. *Meet at Westgate at 8:30 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at Pisgah Ranger Station at 9:00 AM. Topos: Shining Rock, Pisgah Forest; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

ALL DAY No. A0604-526  Nov. 5 Down the Incline 8:40 AM* (moderate) Hike 8, Drive 80, 1350 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Tom Bindrim & Joan Lemire, 828-273-3880 P400 This hike is being repeated for those who missed it last time. Some off-trail; historic; wilderness area, limit 10, so call leader for reservation. Are you inclined? *Note later start time. Meet at Westgate at 8:40 AM to form carpools, and meet leader at second meeting place (phone leader for location.). Topo: Sam Knob; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

Half Day Sunday

HALF-DAY  No. H0604-062     Oct. 29 Daniel Ridge Loop Trail   1:00 PM*
Drive 70, Hike 4, 800 ft. Ascent, Rated C-CNonmembers, call leader, Pat Elias, 828-687-1651; patelias@bellsouth.net

P400 *Note early start time. After scrambling across the Davidson River on stones because of the washout of the bridge in Hurricane Ivan, the trail climbs gradually beside a lovely stream with small waterfalls. A larger waterfall is seen just before the end of the hike. *Note: If the river is flooded, a different hike will be chosen. Second meeting place: Fish Hatchery parking lot off FS475 at 1:45 PM.

HALF-DAY NO. H0604-533      Nov. 5 Looking Glass Overlook to Wagon Road Gap on the MST    1:00 PM*Drive 70, Hike 5, 1500 ft. Ascent, Rated C-ANonmembers, call leader, Ruth Hartzler, 828-251-0886, ruthmtn@charter.net

P400 *Note early start time. This moderate one-way hike features great views from Green Knob. Second meeting place: BRP Wagon Road parking area (M.P. 412) at 1:40PM.  Short car shuttle.

All Day Wednesday

WEDNESDAY NO.  NO. W0604-540 Oct 25 MST: Buckeye Gap to FS 816 8:00 AM Hike 10, Drive 70. Rated A-A Jack Fitzgerald, 828-685-2897, suejackfitz@bellsouth.net  P400 Beautiful walk in woods, around Mt. Hardy and Chestnut Bald. Views from Silvermine Bald area. Short car shuttle. Second meeting place: Cold Mountain overlook at 8:40 AM. Topo: Mt. Hardy; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

WEDNESDAY NO.  NO. W0604-089 Nov. 1 Max Patch 8:00 AM Hike 11, Drive 100, 1800 ft. ascent, Rated A-A Adrian Lotherington, 828-350 8065, jaloth@bellsouth.net  A late fall hike that may be our last opportunity to scale this beautiful section of the AT before Jack Frost descends! We will begin and end at Max Patch, one of WNC's most stunning views. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 AM. Topo: Lemon Gap.

WEDNESDAY NO.  NO. W0604-438 Nov 8 Rich Mtn., Round Top Ridge Trail, Lover’s Leap 8:00 AM Hike 9.5, Drive 70, Rated A-B Don Walton, 828-654-9904, donwalton@bellsouth.net  From Tanyard Gap we will go north on the AT to the beautiful Rich Mountain views, then descend to Hot Springs via Round Top Ridge Trail, and culminate the day with a short climb to Lover's Leap, finishing on the AT in Hot Springs.

Looking Back......

All Day  Saturday & Sunday

ALL DAY No. A 0604-082 Oct. 15 The Blacks Beyond 6000 7:30 AM (strenuous) Hike 11.3, Drive 125, 3,000 ft. (northbound) or 6,000 ft. (southbound) ascent, Rated AA-AA+ Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213, ccf108@gmail.com  (southbound) & Don Gardner 828-754-4067 gardog3@charter.net  (northbound) SB6K Note earlier starting time. Key-swap hike. This is your chance to bag seven SB6K peaks on this very strenuous hike. The southbound initial climb is 3100 ft., and there’s much more climbing in the ups and downs between peaks. North-bounders get to go down the 3100 ft. The hike is great fun with incomparable views, but do not consider this unless you are in top shape. Bring extra water. Participants should phone a leader beforehand. Second meeting place: Phone leader. Topos: Celo, Mt. Mitchell; also PNF South Toe River, Mount Mitchell & Big Ivy Trail Map

The southbound group of 5 strong hikers started up the Black Mountain Crest Trail from Bowlens Creek. It was 32 degrees F and blue skies above. This was a steady 3,100 foot climb over 4.2 miles which would be a very strenuous hike by most standards. For us that was the warm-up. As we arrived at the top, ahead of schedule, we received our first of many spectacular views of the Crest Ridge and mountains of western North Carolina. The rest of our hike was in front of us - Celo, Horse Rock, Gibbs, Winterstar, Potato Hill, Cattail Peak, Balsam Cone, Big Tom, Mt. Craig and Mt. Mitchell. We arrived at the short manway to Celo Knob and decided to skip going to the top since most of us had been there before. We made sure the entrance to the manway was well marked for the northbound group.

We continued on the Crest Trail near Gibbs Mountain. This part of the trail has not been maintained and is quite overgrown from the sides all the way to Deep Gap. Fortunately we could see our feet and the trail floor, which was not the case when the hike was scouted a month ago. We stopped near Gibbs where we had trampled a new manway up to the top. We made sure it was marked for the northbound group and proceeded up to the top. Since we had made the manway, someone else had found it and marked it (and much of the trail between Celo and Winterstar) with pretty pink ribbons. The hike to the top was quick and those that wanted to climbed the large rock outcrop at the top or explored other outcrops. We made a quick descent to the main trail and continued down the trail to where we could eat lunch downwind from some trees.

Throughout the hike there would be periodic openings, which gave us views of what we had hiked behind us and what we had to look forward to. Each view was a wonderful IMAX worthy vista. The fall colors were varied according to altitude. The pictures we took could only hint at our experience. Winterstar always seemed to be about a 15 minute hike away. We would hike that 15 minutes and it was still 15 minutes away. We would hike up to the top of what we thought was Winterstar and there would be another peak beyond it. Then we would get to that peak and would start downhill again to get to the real Winterstar. It felt like the Black Mountains version of the mirage of a lake on the desert. We finally got to the real Winterstar about 2:20.

Just on the other side of Winterstar was an opening to the west. We could see many of the 6K peaks including the Balsams and the high ridge lines of the Smokies, about 50 miles away. This was the clearest weather we have seen in a long time. When we had an East and North View we could see the 6K peaks at Roan Mountain, Grandfather Mountain and the peaks at Linville Gorge. Anyone that wanted to bag the 6K peaks just by looking at them could have bagged most of them on this hike. Mount Washington was not quite visible – it may have been cloudy there.

The 500 foot descent to Deep Gap was steep. The 700 foot ascent to Potato Hill was more gentle and the trail began to look more maintained. Now most of the hike was in the woods with occasional views. We passed Cattail Peak and were now only three miles from the Mt. Mitchell Parking lot.

Of course the last three miles felt like the last ten since we had already done a lot of climbing and descending. The hike to Balsam Cone was easier, which gave us a chance to savor the descent and climb up to Big Tom. The climb was fairly short and steep with several steep sections of big rocks to climb over. Big Tom gave us another great view to the west and north. Mt. Craig was a short walk from there and gave us a wonderful view of Mt. Mitchell and the other 6K peaks to the south and west. We could see that the tower on Mt. Mitchell had been torn down, a road had been widened on one of the trails to the top and heave equipment was up there for the demolition and rebuilding of the tower. A little less than a mile of hiking with some minor uphill and we were at the parking lot where the northbound group had left out cars. We had made very good time. The trails up to Mt. Mitchell itself were closed for the tower rebuilding.

There was only one “incident” on the hike worthy of reporting. One hiker got a case of zipoff pant legs dyslexia and wound up with the right pant leg on his left leg. Fortunately the other hikers were quite experienced in this phenomenon and by putting their heads together were able to help resolve the problem. We were able to quickly resume our hike without further incident. Nature had to be smiling on us by providing ideal weather and viewing conditions this day. Charlie

North Bound. It was a beautiful day and crystal clear. The Fall colors were in reasonable splendor and we could see for miles and miles. We had a total of 11 hikers, 6 who headed Northbound and 5 Southbound. The keyswap came off without a hitch. The trail was overgrown in many areas, especially between Deep Gap and Celo. This is obviously the lesser traveled portion of the trail. There are new signs up at several junctions that are very nice. Charlie had done a great job in clearing the bushwack manway up to the summit of Gibbs, having scouted it a few weeks earlier. We thus bagged seven (7) 6,000 footers on this hike, which is one of the great Club hikes. On the way to Mt. Mitchell we saw a number of wild turkeys and a gray fox.
All in all, a wonderful, early morning crisp, clear day. It doesn't get any better than that! Don Gardner

ALL DAY No. A 0604-265  Oct. 22 Panthertown Prowl #5 8:00 AM Hike 8-10, Drive 120, 1200 ft. ascent, Rated B-B Joe Cirvello, 828-252-2721, cirvello25@bellsouth.net  This will be our annual exploration of beautiful Panthertown valley, and again is timed for the brightest leaf colors. Our route this year will be determined by a scouting trip and will be posted on the E-Newsletter at a later time. Second meeting place: Bi-Lo in Pisgah Forest at 8:30 AM Topo: Big Ridge; also Nat’l. Geo. Nantahala & Cullasaja Gorges map

No Report

Half Day Sunday

HALF DAY  No. H0604-381     Oct. 15 Snowball Trail  1:00 PM*
Drive 50, Hike 5.5, Rated B-B

Nonmembers call leader, Jorge Munoz, 828-658-0606, jmunoz@buncombe.main.nc.us *Note early start time. This is a moderate in-and-out hike with a nice steady climb to High Rocks (Hawkbill Mtn.). Diverse and centennial trees to be admired all the way on the ridge. Stop for a snack at Snowball Mountain before return. Second meeting place: Craven Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway at 1:20 PM.

Eighteen hikers turned out for a magnificent day on the trail. We had perfectly cool temperatures, a crystal clear sky, and good comradarie. Starting at Beetree Gap we climbed up and over Snowball Mtn. (about 5,200') then dropped down along a ridgeline before climbing Hawkbill Rock. There we had a snack and admired the stunning views in all directions. Fall color was good but not at peak. After a break we continued on down Hawkbill Rock toward Smowball Gap and Little Snowball Mtn. Lack of time forced us to turn around before we reached Snowball Gap. We retraced our steps and once again stopped to admire the view from Hawkbill Rock. We returned to the trailhead about 6:00 p.m. just as the air was becomming noticeably cooler. Great day enjoyed by all! John Whitehouse for Jorge Munoz.

HALF DAY  No. H0604-464       Oct. 22 Balsam Gap to Greybeard Overlook 1:00 PM*
Hike 3.5, Drive 44, Rated C-C Nonmembers, call leader, Renate Rikkers, 828-298-9988, Rerikkers@aol.com

*Note early start time. Although the distance on this portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is not long, this hike provides a good workout, with 400 feet ascending and 700 descending, with great views midway. Short car shuttle. *Only meeting place: Folk Art Center lower parking lot.

No Report

All Day Wednesday

WEDNESDAY NO.   NO. W0604-336   Oct 11 Mt. Cammerer from Big Creek 8:00 AM Hike 11.8, Drive 110, 3300 ft. Ascent, Rated A-AA Susanna Whitaker, 828-684-5948, susannwhit@earthlink.net  900M We will travel west on I-40 and take the Waterville Exit and continue a short distance to our trail head in the Big Creek area. This fantastic hike takes us up the AT which will take us to Mt. Cammerer, featuring the historic stone fire tower built according to the “Yosemite model” in the 1930’s: a CCC project. We will enjoy a lunch break on top and take in the expansive autumn views. The ascent is rather long, but the pace will be moderate. Return on same trails. Second meeting place: Pilot Truck Stop at exit 24 off I-40 at 8:30 am. Topo: Waterville; also Nat’l. Geo. GSMNP map

Fourteen of us gathered to conquer MT Cammerer. Early morning was a bit foggy and overcast. We did encounter scant drizzle one half hour or so into the hike, but then Mother Nature cooperated and gave us a spectacular early fall day. A new hiker from the NC Piedmont region joined us and liked it so well that he has since joined CMC. Other events along the way included one developing rather severe leg cramps. He readily volunteered to drop out and meet us on the way back or other options that would not detain our hike. Instead, we gave him water with electrolytes, massage and then stretching. After a few minutes, all of us were on our way. A few of the other men even "felt some minor cramping as well" after observing a couple of the women administering leg massage. Others enjoyed the brief rest before resuming our 3,000+ foot climb.

The sun broke out in time for our lunch at the Fire Tower on top, allowing us stupendous 360' views. Our descent was pleasant with oohs and aahs heard frequently describing a single colorful tree or extensive vista. The rain kindly waited until we had all returned to our cars and headed for home. A short time later we were bestowed a beautiful double rainbow. Our day was concluded with eight of us having dinner together, reflecting on a near perfect day. Susanna .... Picture by Ashok Kudva.

WEDNESDAY NO.    NO. W0604-539    Oct 18 Downhill to Pilot Mtn. 8:00 AM Hike 6, Drive 88, 2200 ft. ascent, Rated B-AA Dave Wetmore, 828-884-7297, dwetmore@citcom.net  P400 Downhill to Pilot Mountain! We’ll take the Art Loeb Trail from the parkway through Farlow and Deep Gaps to the magnificent views from the summit of Pilot Mountain. Then uphill from Pilot Mountain. If the weather cooperates, it should be a lovely hike. Second meeting place: Pisgah Ranger Station at 8:35 AM. Topo: Shining Rock; also Nat’l. Geo. PRD map

After waiting in the fog at Westgate until 8:05, the leader drove to the Pisgah Forest Ranger station to find nine hikers waiting.The weather was sunny and warm, the leaves were colorful, and the views from Pilot Mtn. were excellent. In other words, a pleasant and beautiful hike. Dave

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

Half Day hikes submitted by Paula Robbins 828-687-1651 paularww@bellsouth.net.

Wednesday Hikes are submitted by Charlie Ferguson, 828-398-0213 ccferguson@email.com and Ann Gleason, 828-859-9387, cowbonetail@yahoo.com .

The meeting place for each hike will be designated by the hike leader and will appear in the hike description. Driving mileage will be listed, round trip, from the first designated meeting place.
Leaders: Mail please mail your sign-up sheets. Meet at Westgate unless otherwise noted.