About us
Interested in taking a short, long, or somewhere in the middle length hike in western North Carolina? Everything from a quick (3-4 hour) hike to a full day of hiking. Check us out and experience the pristine and amazing wilderness of western North Carolina!!!
Everyone is welcome to the group, beginner or expert, 2 legs or 4 (depending on the hike organizer and the location), young and old. Please note that, while the group is open to everyone, not all hikes are appropriate for everyone. Hike organizers reserve the right to limit the hike size and screen potential participants to ensure their own safety and that of others in the group. Hike organizers will also try to post as much information as possible about the hike, however since there are so many trails in the area, we have not always hiked them before and are sometimes relying on published or posted information.
The fee for this meetup group is paid for by the Organizer. Contact the organizer, Tracey, if you would like to donate to the meetup fees. Please remember that our hike leaders are volunteers. We are doing this because we enjoy hiking, and want everyone else to enjoy it too.
Suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! So, come on in, interact, enjoy yourself, and we'll see you on the trail!
Upcoming events
3
Graybeard Falls -- 6 mi, 1,200 ft. gain
Ingles Market - Black Mountain, 550 NC 9, Black Mountain, NC, US[Sign-up opens Sunday, Feb. 1st at 8 PM]
The Mt. Graybeard Trail is a favorite of many, myself included. We’ll do an out-and-back, around 3.1 miles up, then the same coming back. There's a clearing by Graybeard Falls where we'll take a little break before heading down.
Because of the long uphill segment and lots of heads-down walking over roots & rocks, I’m giving this a solid 5.0 difficulty level on a 10-point scale. We'll move at a fairly good pace, averaging around 2.3 mph. Parts of the uphill are definitely not in the "easy" category, so if you're a first-timer and unsure if you're good with 1,000'+ elevation gains, it's best not to attend this one and risk holding back the group.
If you ever use hiking poles, they'd be useful here. Prepare for a trio of stream crossings with some potential rock-hopping depending on water levels. The trail can be muddy in parts, too. Yes, this hike can be a bit sloppy, but it's worth it!
Wear good hiking shoes, bring some water, and a little snack if so inclined.
Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Guest Policy: If you'd like to bring a guest, they'll need to join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, if you've made it onto the "Going" list, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a "+1". Depending on timing and demand, I may be able to add your guest.
MEET-UP TIME & PLACE
Parking at the trailhead is very tight, so carpooling is a must. Let's meet promptly by 9:30 AM at the Black Mountain Ingles at 550 Route NC-9. It's near Exit 64 off I-40. We’ll gather at the north end of the Ingles parking lot toward McDonald's (but not in the McD's lot), which is toward the right when you enter the Ingles lot. Look for my car, a silver Hyundai sedan.
On Google Maps: https://bit.ly/3TLR4yG
We'll organize into several vehicles and then drive 15-minutes to the Graybeard Trailhead.
COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS
Only sign up if you definitely plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.If you're on the waiting list, keep checking through the evening before the hike. We often get last-minute dropouts. Also, if you know at some point that you won't be able to attend even if someone drops out, please remove yourself from the waiting list.
WEATHER
I'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.QUESTIONS?
You can message me through MeetUp until 8:30 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group event involves hiking and, possibly, transportation to and from the meetup site. Participants are responsible for their own safety and affirm that they have the appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment, and supplies. Hiking may involve risks to oneself and property. Neither your hike organizer nor Asheville Hiking Group can assure your safety nor eliminate all risks. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.18 attendees
Courtesy Cross Post - Black Mountain Camino - Black Mountain Town Square
Black Mountain, 100 Main Street, NC, USSee the updated post on the Camino Society Facebook page
Save the date: Saturday Feb 7 at 9:00 am
Black Mountain Camino
The meeting spot is
Black Mountain Town Square at the main intersection downtown of State Street and Hwy 9.https://maps.app.goo.gl/LuD614YPpehztKKr8https://maps.app.goo.gl/LuD614YPpehztKKr8
About 10.5 miles finishing around 1:30.
It is possible to cut it short at 4.5 miles or 8 miles.
There will be a coffee stop.
Pack a lunch
Leader: Maurice Frank, WNC Camino Society
More details to follow about a week before the walk on the WNC Pilgrims on the Camino Facebook page.
No sign up - just show up.
9 attendees
Past events
3856
