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
4

Craggy!
Folk Art Center, MP 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, nc, USWe'll start at Graybeard Overlook (BRP) and hike on the MST past the Douglas Falls trail, then beyond the Visitor Center, then take the side trail to the Craggy Gardens overlook, and then have our break at the gazebo, which is our turn around. About 7 miles out and back on the MST. Craggy trails: rocky with uneven terrain. Pace approximately 2 mph, at times slower.
Not a dog friendly hike.
Optional car pool: Meet at Folk Art Center, lower parking level at 8:00. Trailhead at 8:30.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY: The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup Terms of Service: https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service#h_9e385395-a405-4361-8afc-854a4f586c82.
1 attendee
Scenic AVL #3: Kennilworth
Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road, Asheville, NC, USThis route includes the Kenilworth neighborhood and the historically diverse South Asheville neighborhood. We will stop at a historic church and cemetery, as well as Kenilworth Park and Chiles House. We will go up Reservoir Rd to take in the view and get a workout.
Rating: Moderate+
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: 670 feet
Surface: Road
Type: Butterfly Loop
Pace: 3 mph on the flats, slower up Reservoir Rd
Gear: In winter, please bring a headlamp or flashlight. water, snack, poles for the climb
Features: Neighborhood charm Kenilworth, a little history, and views from the top. Not likely to see bears - but we did see one near this route earlier in the spring.
Dogs: On leash.
Cautions: Maintain normal traffic awareness.
Route: Kenilworth to Reservoir Rd .Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Badgers can always attend hikes, even if you are on the waiting list
On-Time Departure
I typically have 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive.If you are late, park on Chile's Avenue near Leah Chile's Park
and meet us at the historical marker at the top of the park across from Chile's house.Guests and Plus Ones
This is a pretty good hike to bring guests. It is not as tough as some of the hikes in the series, and if someone wants to bail after the first loop, it is easy to find your way back to the cars.Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms17 attendees
Scenic AVL #4 - Weaverville Wander
Lake Louise Park Public Bathrooms, 82-92 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville, NC, USRating: Very Strenuous for Steep Elevation Gain
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation: 1,100 feet
Surface: Road
Pace: 3.2 mph
Gear: 2L water, snack, poles for the climb up Hamburg.
Features: Get to know Weaverville, Lake Louise, and views from the top. This route begins at Lake Louise, through the east Weaverville neighborhood, up-up-up Hamburg mountain, and through downtown. Dogs: On leash, with water and snacks
Head Lamp or Flashlight Required in WinterStarting Location: We will meet at the Lake Louise Public Bathrooms. Call the organizer if you can not find us. 828-290-0886
If you are running late: Park at the Presbyterian Church and intercept us.
30 Alabama Ave, Weaverville, NC 28787In case of bad weather, the hike will cancel by 4:00 pm, and be rescheduled to the following week.
Route: Weaverville Wander
Cautions: There is a 300 ft stretch along Hamburg Mountain road, which has limited shoulder and will require us to walk single-file.
Know your pace! Please note that this is a relatively fast paced hike, 3.2 mph even up hills. On flat sections, we will go faster. Please be aware of your abilities and level of physical fitness. We will stop and wait for people to catch up in certain spots and for water breaks, but we don't want to leave people behind or wait a long time. It will take about 2 - 3 hrs to complete.
Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Check your status HERE.
People who hike as guests or plus ones are not tracked on the spreadsheet.
Badgers are always welcome on any hike, even if there's a wait list.On-Time Departure
I typically have 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive. If you are late, you'll be left behind.*Please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
- Notes and comments are genuinely appreciated.
*If you have questions, call the hike leader at 828-290-0886.
Guests: If you bring a guest/plus one, make sure they know what they are in for. No flip flops. If someone hikes as a guest, the hike will not count toward a badge. If your guest can't keep up, turn back.
Waitlist: Please note that people that come to my hikes regularly may be bumped up above newcomers on the waitlist, particularly if they only need 1 or 2 hikes to get their badge. This is to reward people who come regularly, and it is also to be fair to new people who want to be on the hikes. Please keep an eye on your RSVP status.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms17 attendees- Notes and comments are genuinely appreciated.

Scenic AVL - Hendersonville - with WNC American Pilgrims on the Camino
First Congregational Church, 1735 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC, USOverview: This hike is offered as a monthly training hike with the WNC Asheville Chapter of the association of American Pilgrims on the Camino. The route has been announced on the WNC Camino Group Facebook Group Page.
If you are unfamiliar with the Camino, here are a few links to learn more:*American Pilgrims on the Camino
Distance: 5, 7, or 11 miles
Pace: 3.2 mphStart Times
9:00 am- Meet at First Congregational Church, 1735 5th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC
10:45 - 11:00 - Southern Streams coffee across from the FCC church.First Section: The first section is a five mile loop. The loop ends at Southern Streams coffee house, which is across from the church where we start. Join us here for coffee, even if you don't have time to walk.
Second Section: Starting at about 11:15 am from Southern Streams coffee, continue through lower Laurel Park. For those who want to exit, you can return to the church on the Ecusta Trail for a total of about 7 miles.
Last Section: To downtown and St. James Church, returning via Ecusta Trail. 10.5 miles total distance.
Caution: There are a few stretches on busy roads where we will need to walk single file.
Full Route: Laurel Park Loop
Parking: We are meeting at the First Congregational Church. Please carpool if possible.
Dogs: On leash the entire time. The first section is shady, but the pavement may be hot on the last section. Please consider your pup's feet in the heat.
Scenic Asheville Series: This hike counts as a Wildcard substitute on my Scenic Asheville Series. There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Check your status HERE.
Questions
If you have questions, call the hike leader (Gracen) at 828-290-0886.Guests: For this hike, there are no guest restrictions. Bring them with you.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic and/or hiking on natural surfaces. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. You are responsible for any guests, dogs or other companions you bring with you. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms9 attendees
Past events
4051


