Tanasee Bald and Herrin Knob/Devil's Courthouse, Silvermine Bald. See details

This is two hikes, the 1st to Tanasee Bald and Herrin Knob. The 2nd, Devil's Courthouse to Silvermine Bald and ending at the newly repaved Black Balsam Rd. The trailheads for both hikes are very close to each other and about an hour long drive from Ingles.

Please be aware of your abilities and read the details carefully before signing up for these or any other hikes. You should also wear closed toe footwear with good traction, and be ready for sudden changes in the weather.

The first hike is about 2 trail miles, and then a half mile or so walk along the Blue Ridge Parkway back to the trailhead at the Herrin Knob overlook. I rate it as strenuous due to short but very steep sections and the likelyhood of having to go over, or under, trees that have fallen across the rarely maintained, unmarked, ungraded trail. The forest is a Spruce-Fir Northern Hardwood Mix. Most of the trail is on Tanasee Ridge, which is the southern most extent of the Spruce-Fir Ecosystem of the Southern Appalachians. It is also where Jackson, Haywood, and Transylvania Counties converge. We will take two short off trail trips to Tanasee Bald (no longer bald) and to the top of Herrin Knob which has an open forest and views of Mt. Hardy. We will not move at a fast pace, we will stay close, and will move off trail a bit to take things in. I've done this hike a number of times, but as the trail is not heavily used or graded it is easy to lose track of it if you don't know it well. That said, if you feel like walking faster than me, and moving up and out front, please don't go, as no one likes the idea of losing a hiker. Bring lunch and water. As we will be well above 5000 feet for both hikes it could be chilly.

For the next hike we will drive to the Devil's Courthouse parking area, set-up a shuttle to Black Balsam Rd, which is a very short drive. Then hike to the Courthouse, hold a mock trial if needed, head towards Silvermine Bald, passing Chestnut Bald, and walk along the cliffs overlooking the Parkway, and end where trail reaches the newly reopened Black Balsam Rd. There are places near Silvermine Bald with good views to the south and west. This 2nd hike is about 2 miles or so. Most of the first half mile is paved, but very steep and without switch backs. The rest of the trail to the Courthouse is also very steep and rocky. After leaving the Courthouse, the trail is moderate, then easy past Silvermine Bald.

Well behaved dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash at all times.

RSVP opens Thursday 10/16 at 7:00PM