What we’re about
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 (2)
See all- Visitor Ctr to Folk Art Center, Out-and-Back, 5.5 mi. 700ft. Elev. GainBlue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Asheville, NC
[Sign-ups open Sunday 4/28 at 8:00 PM]
This is a popular hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, an out-and-back between the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center and the Folk Art Center. It's a pleasant and basic walk in the woods, neither strenuous nor spectacular, with gradual ups and downs throughout. Difficulty level is a 3 out of 10 on my highly subjective scale.
We'll start at the Visitor Center and take a 15-minute snack break at the Folk Art Center before turning around for the return leg.
The trail is fairly clear with no major steps, streams, or hazards.
Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed according to Forest Service regulations.
MEETING TIME & DIRECTIONS
We'll convene by 9:00 AM at the Visitor Center parking lot, off Hemphill Knob Rd., which crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 384.
Link for Google Maps: BRP Visitor Center
Look for me and my car -- a silver Hyundai -- around the center of the lot.
We'll try to set out by 9:05.
COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS (Please!)
Only sign up if you *truly* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers will have sufficient notice. (The same goes if you're on the waitlist and know you can't attend. Please change to "Not Going.") And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.
WEATHER
We'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.
GUESTS
If you'd like to bring a guest, please have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own.
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.