About us
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
7
Bent Creek: 7 mi 1000 ft elev. gain
Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road, Asheville, NC, US[Sign-up opens Sunday 5/3, 8:00 pm]
Consider this a true moderate-level hike, somewhat longer and faster than my usual Friday morning jaunts. It's not an easy one, and not for beginners. We'll be covering 7 miles with at least a 2.5 mph pace.
Thanks to Todd for putting together this route, largely on Lower Sidehill Trail and South Ridge Rd. It's a pretty area deep into Bent Creek. The plan is for a "lollipop" with a short stem at the start and finish, and a big loop the rest of the way.
There's good footing throughout, with a combination of forest trails and gravel roads. If you're on the fence about poles, you probably won't need them here. Bring water and a snack if you're inclined. There'll be a little break somewhere around the middle.
CARPOOLING TIME & PLACE
There's very limited trailhead parking, so we'll carpool from the Asheville Outlets behind the Waffle House (directions below). Look for me and my silver Hyundai. Come early to allow for traffic. We'll depart by 9:00 AM
Here's the Waffle House location on Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/kjkQTmGQA7QNgbWLAFrom Exit 33 on I-26,
- Head south a short distance on Brevard Rd. (Rt. 191) to the traffic light with Ingles on the right and Waffle House on the left.
- Turn Left into the Asheville Outlets.
- Drive just past the Waffle House and turn left onto the parking lot access road, NOT into the Waffle House lot.
- Take the first right. We'll park and meet in this area of the lot.
ALSO IMPORTANT
Dogs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but U.S. Forest Service regulations require leashes. Wear sensible hiking boots. Bring some water. If you're on the fence about hiking poles, you probably don't need them for this one.Guests. If you'd like to bring a guest, they must join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike independently. Alternatively, contact me in advance to ask if it's okay to bring a +1 after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on timing and demand, we may be able to add your guest.
COURTESY TO WAITLISTERS (Please abide!)
Only sign up if you *truly* plan to come. And if you're on the borderline of dropping out for any reason, buck up and join us! I promise you'll be glad you did.If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't ever be a "no-show" for any MeetUp events. Let your organizer know in advance.
If you're on the waiting list, keep checking the evening before. Despite what I wrote above, we usually have last-minute dropouts.
WEATHER
I'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 8:00 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.-------------------
LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group (AHG) 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 damages or losses.16 attendees
Strawberry Gap
Strawberry Gap Trailhead Parking, 5797 Gerton highway ,, Gerton, NC, UShttps://maps.app.goo.gl/v6bUg7qyxqX4PDuo8
5 miles, approx 1100 ft elevation gain. see link below to AllTrails
pace of 2 - 2.5 mph
sorry no dogs are allowed on this trail as it passes through private property
Strawberry Gap Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/strawberry-gap-trail?sh=pacpnj&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_viralityper previous hikes:
gear up as appropriate, trekking poles are an option. bring a snack as we'll take a break mid-hike. and plenty of water
ground rules: 1) if you sign up, show up or change your status. 2 ) be sure you are in adequate physical shape to complete the event. 3) show consideration toward all attendees. I hike for stress reduction and want to keep it that way as much as possible
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. By signing up for this event, participant understands and agrees12 attendees
Past events
3934
Group links
Members
13,504
