The Asheville Hiking Group

Rough Creek Watershed is open again for hiking. Portions, especially the Cherry Cove trails, were severely damaged during Helene, but the trail and road system is in the best shape ever, and I've been hiking the area for several years. We'll hike the perimeter roads and the Cherry Cove trails. Winter is the best time to hike this area

This is a lollipop, and we'll hike the lolli clockwise. It's approx. 8 miles. The distance between the lowest elevation and the highest is approx. 1,300 feet. Most of our climb will be at the beginning. Our speed will be about 2.3 mph. We'll take a snack break at the overlook on Cherry Cove.

Parking is at the Canton Park and Ride, and we'll carpool to the trailhead, approx 4 miles.

No dogs.

Legal stuff:

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. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.

Description: We will work our way from the Hardtimes trailhead up to the MST near Grassy Knob. Then continue on the MST a bit past Chestnut Cove . We will then return on various trails to decend back to Lake Powatan and the trailhead.
Elevation Gain estimated approximately 2,000'.

Distance: Approx. 10 miles.

PACE: This is a BRISK PACE Fitness Hike averaging 2.5 MPH (on steeper climbs) to 3+MPH on the flatter / downhill sections with brief regrouping as needed and at trail intersections. This hike is not for the casual hiker. Please know your hiking abilities before signing on. If you are new to our fitness hikes and have questions message me directly or post on this site..

DOGS: are welcome.

Carpool : Because this hike is close to Asheville, arrange your own carpooling if you know someone who wants to. Please post if you wish to ride share, otherwise see you at the trailhead at 10:00 a.m.

Weather: Cancellation due to weather will be made on or B/F 7:30 a.m. hike day.

HIKE LEVELS

Level (1) Up to 600 feet of elevation gain.

Level (2) 600'- 900'; Level (3) 900' - 1200'; Level (4) 1200' - 1500'; Level (5) 1,500' - 1,800**';** Level (6) 1,800' - 2,100'; Level (7) 2,100' - 2,400'; Level (8) 2,400' - 2700'; Level (9) 2700' - 3000' Level (10) 3000' - 4000';

ULTIMATE HIKES are from 4000 to 6000 feet in elevation.

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: https://www.meetup.com/terms

This is another hike starting from the Explorer Loop trailhead at FS479H. This loop will go further to the southeast in Bent Creek and go up to the MST to do Cold Knob and the Pine Mountain trail. We will go back along the MST to Chestnut Cove Overlook before dropping back down into Bent Creek and back to the trailhead. This hike is about 7 miles and 1700 ft of elevation gain mostly in the first half.

There isn't much parking at the trailhead and it can be hard to find via GPS so let's plan to meet in the Outlet Mall parking lot at 9:00 before proceeding to the trailhead.

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. I am opening this one up for guests in case you might have visiting family that would like to come. Please make sure everyone is okay with a fairly strenuous hike.

Legal Stuff
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. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.