About us
ASTA endeavors to provide pathways for outdoor recreation that promote healthy lifestyles and connect enthusiasts to nature. Whether it is walking, peddling, hiking, paddling or horseback riding, Alleghany County is rich with existing resources for all to experience. This Meetup group is for anyone with an interest in enjoying our outdoor resources such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, New River, the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Segments 5 and 6 and three existing parks in the Sparta town limits. We will coordinate group hikes and other trail related events in our local geographic area.
Events will be planned for different degrees of difficulty and length. Our pace will be moderate and tailored to fit the diverse needs of the group. Other events such as trail maintenance, trail days, paddling, peddling and others will also be posted here.
Anyone that is interested can join at no cost. Please just answer a few questions in the request to join and include a photo so we know who you are. All our events will be posted here. Our group is sponsored by the Alleghany Sparta Trail Association, check us out - http://www.spartatrails.org .
If you can't participate in our events, you can contribute in other ways or you can participate by making a donation. Please visit our website. ASTA is all-volunteer lead and is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.
Upcoming events
2
Doughton Park Hike, plus Girl Scouts Day
The Bluffs, 45338 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Laurel Springs, NC, USDescription & Difficulty: Join ASTA and Girl Scouts (Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont) for a hike during their Outdoor Activities Day in Doughton Park. All hikers are invited to join a presentation given by a Park Ranger at 10:00AM at Brinegar Cabin or wait to meet the group at the parking lot at the Bluffs Visitor Center at 11:00AM. (NOTE We will go from Brinegar Cabin to Bluffs in cars so it is not part of the hike) Departing from Bluffs parking lot we will hike along the Bluff Mountain trail/Mountains to Sea Trail. The trail crosses a meadow with vistas and passes the Lone Tree before reaching the picnic area. We'll take a break here for lunch (bring your own) and have time to explore Bluffs Rocks which offer long range views to the west. The return hike will be on the same route back to the Bluffs Restaurant & Visitor Center parking area. Families are encouraged to join this Activities Day and hike!
The hike distance is a total of about 3 miles round trip. The hike is rated easy to moderate. There is approximately 200 feet of elevation gain.
**Emergency Contact Info: Please complete the attached Member and Emergency Contact Information Form so we have your emergency information; we can also send you information about how to put this info on your phone.
ASTA Member and Emergency Contact InformationHow to find us and trail map: Park at the Bluffs Visitor Center & Restaurant on the Blue Ridge Parkway. A google map link to the lot is below.
Google Map - Bluffs Restaurant & Visitor CenterWeather: This hike is weather dependent. If the weather forecast turns inclement, we will possibly reschedule the event for a different day and time. If it is questionable, please check back here to the home page before the event to see if conditions have changed, we will try to update event status as timely as practical.
Other Info: You should expect roots, rocks and poor footing in some locations on the trails. To reduce the chance of a fall and for balance, a hiking pole or poles is recommended. Also, please wear shoes with good ankle support and traction. You should bring water, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and season (example: warm gear in cold weather and rain gear for seasonal hikes is always a good idea), a snack if desired (please pack out any trash), and during bug season a good repellant for mosquitos and ticks may be desired. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.
Terms of Participation: Participation in this event constitutes acceptance of the terms of participation as listed for this group on its homepage. On behalf of yourself and any guest you invite, participation in our events is entirely at your own risk.
2 attendees
Past events
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