HALF-DAY SUNDAY HIKES
Hike Ratings
First Letter Second Letter
Distance Elevation Gain
AA: Over 12 miles AA: Over 2,000 ft.
A: 9-12 miles A: 1,500-2,000 ft.
B: 6-9 miles B: 1,000-1,500 ft.
C: Under 6 miles C: Under 1,000 ft.
Half-day hikes submitted by Paula Robbins, 828-281-3253, paularww@bellsouth.net . Driving distance is round-trip from Asheville. All hikes assemble at Westgate Shopping Center (Exit 3B off I-240) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Some hikes will have second meeting places as described in hike listings.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-101 Apr. 9
Laurel River Wildflower Stroll 1:00 PM*
Hike 6, Drive 60, 200-ft ascent, Rated B-C
Becky Elston, 828-749-1886
*Note early start time. Leisurely paced in-and-out hike along Lower Big Laurel Creek to the site of Runion, an early 1900s logging and mining settlement. Over 250 plants have been identified along this trail, including five that are endangered. Long pants suggested (poison ivy sprouts early).
Half Day Hike No. H0602-345 April 16
Seven Gaps and Seven Knobs 1:00 PM*
Hike 6.5, Drive 25, Rated B-C
Stuart English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net
*Note early start time. We should see many wild flowers on this up-and-down hike that begins at the intersection of the Bent Creek Gap Road and the BRP, follows a portion of the MST and then follows the old Boundary Trail to Yellow Gap. Second meeting place: Ingles across from Biltmore Square Mall at 1:15 PM
HALF-DAY No. No. H0602-009 April 23
Ox Creek Road to Rattlesnake Lodge and return 1:30 PM
Hike 4.4, Drive 15, Rated C-C
Jane and Lew Blodgett, 828-274-7863
This popular hike to a historical site features fine switchbacks and many spring wildflowers. Second meeting place: Folk Art Center lower parking lot, 1:50 PM.
HALF-DAYNo. H0602-010 April 30
Ox Creek Road to Craven Gap and return 1:30 PM
Hike 3.6, Drive 15, Rated C-C
Jean Gard, 828-777-1814, jeangard@charter.net
A leisurely in-and-out hike to enjoy the many spring wildflowers on this easy hike on the MST. Second meeting place: Folk Art Center lower parking lot, 1:50 PM.
HALF DAY No. H0602-403 May 7
Dupont Forest: Fawn Lake P.L. #5 12 Noon*
Hike 6, Drive 90, Rated B-B
Becky Elston, 828-749-1886, belston@cytechusa.com
*Note early start time. A moderate loop hike covering portions of six different trails and featuring Reasonover Creek. A new bridge over the creek eliminates the former “boots-off crossing.” *Meet at Westgate at 12 noon to form carpools, and meet leader at Hooker Falls Parking Area at 12:45 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-511 May 14
Florence Nature Preserve 1:30 PM
Hike 5, Drive 40, 600 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Don Walton, 828-654-9904, donwalton@bellsouth.net
Tour the new 600+-acre Florence Nature Preserve in the Lake Lure area. This is an easy loop hike.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-464 May 21
Greybeard Overlook to Balsam Gap 1:00 PM*
Hike 3.9, Drive 44, 700 ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Ruth Hartzler, 828-251-0886 ruthmtn@charter.net
*Note early start time, and only meeting place is Folk Art Center lower parking lot. Although the distance on this portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is not long, this hike provides a good workout, with 700 ft. ascending and 900 ft. descending, with great views midway. Short car shuttle.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-153 May 28
Caney Bottom –Cove Creek Loop 1:00 PM
Hike 4.6, Drive 40, 1280-foot ascent, Rated C-B
Renate Rikkers, 828-298-9988, rerikkers@aol.com
P400 *Note early start time. This is a pleasant loop hike off FS 225. Second meeting place: Fish Hatchery on FS 475 at 1:35 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-512 June 4
Pisgah Inn to Big Ridge Overlook 1:00 PM*
Hike 5.7, Drive 40, 800-ft. ascent, Rated C-C
Ken and Carol Deal, 828-281-4530, KMCDeal@aol.com
P400 *Note early start time. Hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from the Pisgah Inn, with a brief stop to view the Buck Spring Lodge site. We will continue over Little Pisgah Mountain down to the Big Ridge Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Car shuttle.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-043 June 11
Frying Pan Tower 1:30 PM
Hike 4, Drive 50, Rated C-C
Barry and Heather Fletcher, 828-299-4776, hmflet@aol.com
P400 This is an easy in-and-out hike through a spectacular display of wild flowers to a great view from the tower location. Second meeting place: Pisgah Inn at 2:00 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-453 June 18
Max Patch Ramble 1:30 PM
Hike 4, Drive 104, Rated C-C
Gail Lamb, 828-350-0450, galmb46@aol.com
Awesome panoramic views from the summit of Max Patch make this a favorite hike. Part of the way will be on the AT.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-347 June 25
Twin Falls 12:40 PM*
Hike 6, Drive 80, 1000 ft ascent, Rated B-B
Stuart English, 828-883-2447, stuengo@citcom.net
P400 *Note early start time. This is a moderate hike in the Pisgah National Forest, starting on the Buckhorn Gap Trail, taking the Twin Falls Bypass to view two nice waterfalls and completing a loop on a Forest Service Road and the Clawhammer Cove Trail. *Meet at Westgate at 12:40 PM to form carpools, and meet leader at Pisgah Ranger Station at 1:15 PM.
HALF-DAY No. H0602-064 July 2
Fletcher Creek via Spencer Branch Trail 1:00 PM*
Hike 6, Drive 6, Rated B-C
Greg Goodman, 828-684-9703
P400 *Note early start time. From the Trace Ridge Trailhead, we will hike in a moderate loop along the Big Creek Trail, past the Hendersonville Reservoir, and along the Spencer Branch, Middle Fork and Fletcher Creek Trails. There will be a few stream crossings. *Meet at Westgate at 1:00 PM to form carpools, and meet leader at pull-out just before Mills River Recreation Area at 1:30 PM.