Foothills Outdoor & Recreational Group

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Note: RSVPs will open 2 weeks before the start date of this event. Once you sign up and obtain a slot to attend, it is expected you will not drop out of the event later.

If you enjoy rail-trails that flaunt their railroading past, you're sure to love the Thermal Belt Rail-Trail. The trail begins in Gilkey, and a recent extension takes it over 13 miles southeast to Forrest Hunt Elementary in Forest City. The trail is also newly paved from point-to-point.

Along the way, the trail passes through the charming small towns of Spindale, Rutherfordton, and Ruth. A highlight of the route is its passage by the Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park, where gold was mined and gold coins were minted in the mid-1800s.

https://www.traillink.com/trail/thermal-belt-rail-trail/

We have done this event a few times now and it is always a fun time (minus the horrible head wind no matter which direction we peddled). Hopefully it will be cool weather.

We will meet at the trail head, which is a small parking lot that will not accommodate a large amount of vehicles, so carpooling is recommended. It is mostly level terrain, but there are numerous portions where you will be peddling vigorously.

This will be a very leisurely peddle down a very scenic trail. The goal is to go out 11 miles and then turn around and come back for a total of 22 miles on the day. There are plenty of bike stopping areas along the way that have restrooms and bike repair supplies/tools. Around the 15 mile mark (or 7.5 miles from the trail head) there is a great little pub that offers excellent pizza and adult beverages. We will take an hour or so break to grab some grub and drinks before making our way through the last torturous 7.5 miles. With one mile left to go the final charge will start back to the vehicles. Remember, the last one back is a rotten egg!!

Please be in decent bicycling shape before signing up for this event. 22 miles is a long way to peddle...trust me, I know!! Bring plenty of water and snacks.

PLEASE READ AND REMEMBER THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION!! THERE ARE LOTS OF LOGISTICS. Anyone signing up after 4/14 can share a site! Read all the comments to get information about sharing. There are those of us who like to tent camp, so let's do it together. There is a new primitive campground on the west end of Lake James, Black Bear Campground and Park. It is begging for us to enjoy a weekend there where we can hang out together, swim, kayak from the nearby Bear Creek boat ramp and hike the local section of the Fonta Flora Trail and other campground trails or go to the Bear Creek trail that the group did recently.
Camping options:

1. Primitive sites means it is intended for tents. All the sites have a tent pad, picnic table, a fire ring, maybe a raised grill and available water. There are a few parking spaces that might be big enough for an RV but there are no hookups.
2. if you don't want to tent camp, there are camping cabins available. These are basically maybe 8'x10' buildings with a window or two and 2 cots inside that can be outfitted with a pad and sleeping bags, etc.
3. If you don't what to camp, you can sign up and come for the below activities, letting me know in the comments when you plan to come.

Once I get some participants, I am going back over to scout out the sites that are best for hanging my tarp over a picnic table to create a gathering place. Then I will let you know, and you will have to make your own reservations, hopefully in adjoining campsites. It is imperative that we move quickly in case sites get rented. Unfortunately, I cannot reserve a site for you. There is a group site, but from my recollection it isn't appropriate for my tarp that I string from trees.
They do have a senior discount, even though the web description doesn't mention it right now. They may have that corrected by the time you show up. Full price is $21/night discounted price- $16. cabins- $36.

The plan for the weekend:

• I will be checking in on Friday afternoon and get a fire going for a "bring your own food" cookout. As folks sign up, we can discuss what food you might want to bring enough to share.
• Saturday, after a leisurely breakfast, we will go to the boat ramp with our kayaks, for those who would like to paddle on the lake, and explore the inlet, ending up at the Bear Creek Marina to eat a nice meal. I have an extra kayak if anyone needs one.
• Saturday evening will be a shared finger food snack, since we probably will not have eaten lunch until 2-3PM. Again, we will hang out around the fire. I don't see a "rules" page, but there is probably a formal rule of no alcohol.... I imagine discrete drinking is very possible.
• Sunday Morning: Depending on the size of the group we could build a big Sunday breakfast if we want. After breakfast and breaking camp, we can do a hike. If we have already explored the ones in the campground, we can go back to the trails in the federal game lands across the road. I heard there are some ruins of the past back up the road we didn't go on when we hiked it before.

IN CASE OF RAIN- Well let's intend that doesn't happen but there are probably no refunds for weather in the campground. I will be there regardless, and we can hang out under the tarp, play cards or other inventive games with hopes that it will clear enough to do a hike or paddle. We can drive to the marina to eat, as well.
Reservations can be made online at https://blackbearcampgroundandpark.com/ BUT WAIT UNTIL I FIND MINE FIRST IF YOU WANT TO CAMP IN A GROUP.

This is a leisure paddle suitable for beginners and can be paddled in most any type of kayak or canoe.

It's a scenic river and a local favorite. Approximately 6 miles and takes around 2 1/2 to 3 hours, allowing time to enjoy the scenery.

Bring some food and we'll find a place to stop & snack.

Though a leisure paddle, we still need to be safety conscious. PFDs (vests) are required and must be worn, not just carried in your boat. You should also have a whistle. Everyone is expected to stay with the group so that a head count can be maintained.

We'll meet at the Corpening Bridge Access at 11:00, 2978 Corpening Bridge Rd, Morganton, and set shuttle to Johns River Boat Access on Hwy 64/18.

Hope to see you there!

Note: This is a natural flow river, not a dam release. Conditions vary and if the level is low may require some patience getting through the low sections. If too low to navigate, we will switch to a section of the Catawba provided the dam is running.

Experienced whitewater kayakers (or canoes) only. We will not be doing raft rentals on this meetup. Of course, PFDs and helmets are mandatory. Also, you should have a whistle.

The Tuck Gorge is considered by most to be a Class II+ river, but Double Drop is actually rated as a Class III.

This is a beautiful section of the river with many good places to surf & play. So we will take our time going down the river. Approximately 5 miles.

I'm allowing guest on this paddle but please, if you bring a guest make sure they are up for it and they must wear a helmet.

For convenience we will go thru the Dillsboro River Co for the shuttle. This way once we take out everyone can load and go. Shuttle fee is $5 per person. 11:00 is the time to be at the Dillsboro River Co. (Once I have a head count and finalize plans with the outfitter the time may be adjusted slightly)

Hope to see you there!