Wildflower 1 - 1:15 pm -Green River - Bishop Branch - 10 Miles, 2000 Elevation

This is a repeat of the hike that Richard Phelps posted for Wednesday, March 18. I have borrowed some of his description and directions, and thank him kindly for his information about the trail. We will avoid the major washouts left by Helene.

Rating: Very Strenuous for Distance (~10 miles) and Elevation (~2,000).
Surface: Natural trail, rocky in spots, normal natural hazards.
Gear: Water, snack, poles for the downhill.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome, but have a leash handy in case we run into other hikers or dogs.
Pace: 3.0-3.2 mph, but I will stop to take pictures of the wildflowers. This is a pretty brisk pace, so be aware of your condition.
Starting Point: Bishop Branch Trailhead in Green River Gamelands on Big Hungry Road
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hbSPcmgk24kKApMq5
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/copy-green-river-from-bishop-branch-ea0a4c2
Note that I plan to hike it clockwise, which is backwards from the direction that Richard's hike went.

Features: I have not hiked this route since before Helene, and it is one of my favorite spring hikes. Green River Gamelands has a very nice variety of trilliums and other spring wildflowers. The route includes waterfalls, cascades, and rushing water. There will be a few manageable water crossings.

Any rain cancellation will be posted by 11:30am.

NO GUESTS: If someone wants to come with you, please ask them to read the description and sign up. There have been instances in the past with guests not being able to keep up and/or being unprepared.

CAR POOL: Those who wish to car pool can meet at 16 Regent Park Blvd in front of the NC Lottery office. I will not be at the carpool location because I will be coming from HVL. Please leave a note in the comments indicating where you intend to meet the group: Regent Park (12:30) or Bishop Branch Trailhead (1:10). If you are coming from Hendersonville and want to carpool, message me directly.

Hike Leader Contact: CALL do not text 8282900886.
Do not text me at the start of the hike, because I will be busy checking people in and answering last minute questions.

This hike does not count toward a Scenic Asheville badge. I haven't decided if I will do a badge for wildflower hikes..... maybe a fridge magnet....

DIRECTIONS to TRAILHEAD: From Asheville, travel south on I-26 East past Hendersonville to the Flat Rock area. Get off the interstate at Exit 53 and turn left (east) onto Upward Road. Stay on Upward Road for 1.7mi. passing apple orchards. Just past the Upward Holiness Baptist Church turn right onto Big Hungry Road. Stay on Big Hungry Road for almost 5 miles but be alert and follow the signs for Big Hungry. (At times, continuation on Big Hungry looks more like a turn off the main road.) Pass the Pulliam trail head and continue to the next one. Photo is of the Bishop Branch Trailhead.

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 acknowledging that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms