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 (3)
See all- Sleepy Gap 5-mi., 950 ft. Elev. GainSleepy Gap View point, Arden, NC
This is a pretty 5-miler with a 950' elevation gain. Several easy stream crossings, a little cardio, and a major dose of the beautiful forests we all love so well. We'll average around 2.3 mph.
It'll be a bit strenuous in places and you should be experienced enough to know you can handle some hills. Difficulty rating of around 4 out of 10. Most of the elevation gain occurs in the 4th mile. It'll be tough if you're out of shape or not accustomed to hills.
We'll traverse pieced-together segments from several trails, taking us to lovely Lake Powhatan, our halfway point. There will be a 15-minute break before completing the rest of the loop back to the parking lot.
The trail is fairly clear with no major steps, streams, or other hazards. Bring some water and something for a quick snack if you'd like.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but the Forestry Service requires them to be leashed.
MEETING TIME & DIRECTIONS
We'll convene by 9:00 AM at the Sleepy Gap Overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, mile marker 397.3. It's four miles south of the NC Arboretum.
This Link takes you there on Google Maps.
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. 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.
GUEST POLICY
If you'd like to bring a guest, have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own.
-------------------------------------------------------------
LEGALESEThis 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.
