MST Walker Knob Overlook/Balsam Gap toward Route 128, 8mi, 2,300ft FITNESS HIKE

Great time to do this hike -- colors changing already up there and Parkway isn't full of leaf peepers quite yet. BUT, government could shut down Wednesday midnight. If govt shuts down, I'll post an alternative hike Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, assuming the Parkway is still open Wednesday ...
Car poolers will meet in the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, near Bull Gap at 9:30am. The hike will start at the Walker Knob Overlook on the Parkway. Please let the hike leader know where you intend to meet us: carpool spot (9:30am) or trailhead (10:00am).

Any rain cancellation or venue change will be made by 8:00am.

Out and back hike. The trail elevates quickly and then undulates along a ridge of the Black Mountain chain. Expect to see lots of moss, ferns, and fungi. Some of the trail is rocky; some is soft moss and pine needle carpet.

We will stop for lunch at the Allen Rinas overlook, a rather prominent rock outcropping with a great view over the Asheville watershed (see photo) near the 4mi point, and turn around there.

More ambitious hikers are welcome to continue the approximately one mile (and 350ft.) descent to Route 128, and turn around there.

We will be near 6,000ft elevation and under forest cover for most of the hike.

PACE: Fitness hikes proceed at a steady BRISK pace adjusting for steepness of grade. PLEASE BE IN SHAPE AND CAPABLE OF HIKING THIS DISTANCE WITH ELEVATION. This is not a hike for beginners. If your interests include outdoor fitness hiking for cardio conditioning and endurance join us.

DOGS: Dogs are welcome as long as they are trail friendly.

IF YOU SIGN ON THIS HIKE AND CHANGE YOUR MIND (EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST) GO BACK TO THE RSVP LINK AND CHANGE YOUR STATUS TO FREE UP YOUR RESERVED SPOT.

Release of Liability:
The organizer of this trip is volunteer and is 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 acknowledging that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms

This is a Level 7 hike.
Hike Levels:Level 1; 300-600 feet elevation gain; Level 2 600-900'; Level 3, 900-1200"; Level 4; 1200-1500' Level 5; 1500-1800' LEVEL 6; 1800-2100' Level 7; 2100-2400' Level 8; 2400-2700' Level 9; 2700-3000' Level 10; 3000-4000' ULTIMATE HIKES; > 4000'