Folk Art Center to Visitor Ctr, Out-and-Back, 5.5 mi. 700ft. Elev. Gain

[Sign-ups open Sunday evening, 8:00 pm, April 6th]

SPECIAL NOTES
(1) Two months ago when we did this hike, we had to bypass a blocked-off area of the trail by scrambling down (and later up) a wooded hillside. It was only maybe 100 ft., but the footing wasn't great. Everyone made it fine. Still, it was a bit of a tough segment on an otherwise relatively easy hike. Just letting you know that if you're injured or wobbly, you might want to skip this.

(2) We'll likely meet a couple of friendly horses on some property adjacent to the trail. The owners welcome passersby to feed them apples and carrots. Bring some along and make two new friends for life!

DESCRIPTION
This is a popular hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, an out-and-back between the Folk Art Center and the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center. Hurricane debris is everywhere, but the trail is very passable. There are mild ups and downs and one moderately strenuous but short segment. The difficulty level is a 3 out of 10 on my highly subjective scale.

Since the BRP Visitor Center is the halfway point, we'll pause there for a 15-minute break before turning back. The VC has restrooms.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed according to Forest Service regulations.

MEETING TIME & DIRECTIONS

We'll meet at the Folk Art Center parking lot by 9:30 a.m. The entrance is well-marked near Milepost 383.

Link for Google Maps: Folk Art Center

You'll pass the front of the building on your right. Keep going to the second parking lot on the right, furthest past the building. Look for my car, a silver Hyundai.

To repeat: SECOND parking lot on the right.

We'll try to set out by 9:35.

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. (The same goes if you're on the waitlist and know you can't attend. Please switch to "Not Going.") And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.

WEATHER

We'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 8:00 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.

GUESTS

If you'd like to bring a guest, please have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own.

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