What we’re about
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)
See all- Basin Creek Trail to Caudill Cabin in Doughton Park, NCState Rd 1730 (Long Bottom Road), Traphill, NC
Join ASTA For A Trail Days Hike
Description and Difficulty: Join ASTA for a beautiful 9.4 mile hike from Longbottom Rd. to the Caudill Cabin in Doughton Park (out and back). This is a moderately challenging hike, with elevation gain of 1558 feet, and will take 5-6 hours. The hike will go thru the old Basin Creek community that was devastated by hurricanes of 1916. We will pass the gravesite of Alice Caudill and old chimneys and foundations from the original community that are still visible along the way. We will be hiking along the creek most of the way; there are waterfalls and numerous creek crossings. The water should be low enough to stone hop across the creek, but plan on an extra pair of dry socks, just in case! Hiking poles are recommended for the creek crossings. If time and desire allows, and if we can find the trail, we can hike up to the Basin Creek Community Cemetery, only a 10 minute (one way) detour, but very cool.
**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: Park at the Longbottom Road parking area, the road is off Highway 18 in Wilkes County as you head toward Laurel Springs. A map like to the parking area is below. We will also use the All Trails app for the hike and it is recommended you download.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/A6qymdF2vJFHsyjx9
Caudill Cabin Trail, North Carolina - 137 Reviews, Map | AllTrailsWeather: 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. Getting wet feet is a possibility! 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 lease 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.
- Doughton Park Picnic Area to Basin Cove OverlookDoughton Park Picnic Area, Laurel Springs, NC
Description - Join ASTA for a hike from the Doughton Park Picnic Area to Basin Cove Overlook (out and back). This is a great hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail and Section 5 of the MST trail as it goes through Doughton Park. At the beginning, we will traverse down Alligator Back (and eventually up), which is a steep trail that is not in great condition, sticks might come in handy. The hike offers excellent long-range vistas from various overlooks. Other parts of the hike are thru the forest and woodlands. Due to road closures on the Parkway for paving, we will be unable to leave a car at Basin Cove Overlook. You are welcome to turn around at any time to make the hike shorter, just let the hike leader know.
Consider having a meal or snack at the Bluffs Restaurant after the hike, they are open 11-4.
Difficulty: The hike is considered moderate (and moderately strenuous for Alligator Back). The pace will be around 2 to 2-1/2 MPH but will be adjusted to allow the group opportunities for observing and photos. Total distance will be around 7.5 miles. Elevation gain is around 800 feet.
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 InformationACCESS NOTE: We will meet at the Doughton Park Picnic Area Parking lot, near the Bluffs Restaurant, on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Alleghany County, NC. A google map link to the parking lot is attached. A link to the Blue Ridge Parkway and a link to the NPS Doughton Park map are also attached**. Access is via Route 21.**
https://maps.app.goo.gl/56kAioXkMssEFHPA9
Maps - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Doughton Park Hiking Trails - Blue Ridge Parkway (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Weather: 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. Rain gear is always recommended for your pack.
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 leash 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. If you sign up on MeetUp and cannot make it, please remove your name so we don't wait for you to show up.
