What we’re about
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)
See all- Graybeard Falls -- 6 mi, 1,200 ft. gainIngles Markets, Black Mountain, NC
[Sign-ups open Sunday May 12th at 8 PM]
The Mt. Graybeard Trail is one of my favorites. We’ll do an out-and-back, 3.1 miles each way. There's a clearing by Graybeard Falls where we'll take a little break before heading back down.
Because of the long uphill segment and the slightly nasty footing (lots of roots & rocks), I’m giving this a solid 5.0 difficulty level on a 10-point scale. We'll move at a fairly mild pace, but it's not in the "easy" category. If you're a first-timer and unsure if you're good with 1,000'+ elevation gains, best not to risk holding back the group.
There's no rock scrambling, but plenty of up-and-down stepping. If you ever use hiking poles, they'd be useful here. Prepare for a trio of stream crossings that include a little rock-hopping. Depending on water levels, your feet might get wet. The trail can be muddy in parts, too. Yes, this hike can be a bit sloppy, but it's worth it!
Wear good hiking shoes, bring some water and a little snack if so inclined.
Dog Policy: Dogs are extremely welcome but must be leashed.
Guest Policy: If you'd like to bring a guest, they should join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, if you've made it onto the "Going" list, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a "+1". Depending on timing and demand, I may be able to add your guest.
MEET-UP TIME & PLACE
Parking at the trailhead is very tight, so carpooling is a must. Let's meet promptly by 9:00 AM at the Black Mountain Ingles at 550 Route NC-9. It's near Exit 64 off I-40. We’ll gather at the north end of the Ingles parking lot toward McDonald's (but not in the McD's lot), which is toward the right when you enter the Ingles lot. Look for my car, a silver Hyundai sedan.
On Google Maps: https://bit.ly/3TLR4yG
We'll organize into four cars and then drive the 15-minutes to the Graybeard Trailhead.
COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS
Only sign up if you definitely plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.If you're on the waiting list, keep checking through the evening before the hike. We often get last-minute dropouts. Also, if you know at some point that you won't be able to attend even if someone drops out, please remove yourself from the waiting list.
WEATHER
I'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 8:30 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.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.