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
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Scenic Avl Series #1: Hard Times Trail - Arboretum
Bent Creek Hard Times Trail Head, 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville, NC, USIf you plan to carpool, add a comment below.
Join me for a hike after work in Bent Creek. We will start at the Hard Times trailhead and hike about 5 miles.
Rating: Moderate
Length: 4.75 (shorter miles due to maintenance work going on in the arboretum).
Surface: Trail/Logging Road
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Pace: 3.0-3.2 mph
Dogs: on leash.
Gear: In winter, bring a headlamp or flashlight. In the summer, bug spray and water, depending on the heat.
Bears: None so far this year, but now is the season for them.
Features: We will go into the Arboretum and look at the flowers.
Cautions: Muddy after rain, with some high grass. Long pants and bug repellent recommended.Carpool: If you want to carpool, please put a comment below and plan to meet at Papa's and Beer at 5:30 PM, in front of the restaurant, two rows back; carpool location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8oGqteNy2X9dnccS9
If there are no comments, I will not stop. CALL ME, NOT TEXT, if you can't find me.: 828-290-0886.Trailhead Location
Hard Times Trailhead
375 Wesley Branch Rd · Asheville, NCSpring, Summer, Fall Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-march-14-2024-39ae2ed?u=i&sh=ifwm3x
Alternate Winter Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/hard-times-alternate-37968adScenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Check your progress here: Hiker Spreadsheet. Special perk for badge holders: You can always come on the hike, even if you are on the waitlist.
RSVP and On-Time Start:
- There is no cell coverage at the start of the hike. If you are late, we will leave on time because we can't see last-minute texts or comments.
- Please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
NO Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking which may be on natural trails with typical hazards or on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. 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/terms26 attendees
Bent Creek/Arboretum -- 6 mi, 900 ft. elev. gain
Bent Creek River Park, 1610 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC, USSign-ups open Sunday, Oct. 19, 8:00 PM
This is a walk in the forest along varied trails, including some one-lane gravel roads that are good for side-by-side socializing. It's mostly easy-going on gradual hills, with a couple of moderately strenuous areas. Several trail segments are cobbled together to give us around six miles in all. Not too hard, but not for beginners if you've never done this sort of thing. I give it a 3.5 difficulty level. We'll take a 15-minute rest around halfway through for a water break and snack if you'd like to bring something.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but the Forestry Service requires leashes for all. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended. Most people won't need poles for this one.
MEETING TIME & PLACE
We'll meet at Bent Creek River Park. Please come early for sign-in & introductions so we can leave promptly at 9:00 AM.Here's the location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/Wtw2zi8K4eKFuDHUA
GUESTS
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, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a "+1" after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on timing and demand, I may be able to add your guest.COURTESY TO WAITLISTERS (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. Avoid dropping out within 18 hours of the hike so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.We'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM on the morning of the hike if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.
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.2 attendees
Scenic AVL #2 - Waynesville Way
Haywood Soil & Water Conservation District, 589 Raccoon Rd,, Waynesville, NC, USCarpooling: Please announce in the chat if you would like to carpool. I recommend 8:15 from 16 Regent Park Blvd, Asheville (near Sam's Club), but I am coming from Hendersonville, so I won't be there.
Rating: Strenuous for Distance
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1000 feet, in small chunks
Features: Fall color, Rural farm views, neighborhood charm, nice downtown. There's a little country museum towards the end of the hike, where some of us may stop for a look around. Bring cash for entrance donation. https://share.google/6wxUr4BWOtmO0fOZV
Wildlife: No bears, but there are lots of birds and a few cows.
Pace: 3.2 mph when moving, but we will stop here and there.
Surface: Road
Dogs: On leash
Route: Waynesville Way
Running Late? If you are running late, meet us at the public parking lot downtown, near the public bathrooms, at 88 Montgomery Street.
Coffee Break: We will stop for coffee after the first hour, so bring some form of payment if you are interested.Special Instructions:
- Mountain Research Station: We are walking down Test Farm Road across the NC Agricultural Extension Mountain Research Station. Please sign in using the Visitor Registration website.
Scenic Asheville Series: This hike has replaced the Owen Park Warren Wilson Farm hike, which is closed due to Helene. There are 10 hikes in the series; hike 9 of them and receive an attractive badge for your pack.
RSVP and On-Time Start:
- Call (do not text) the hike leader on the day of the hike if you can't find the start 828-290-0886
- If you decide you cannot come, please change your RSVP
- If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice.
There are generally 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive. If you are late, you'll be left behind.
No Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. 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/terms18 attendees
Past events
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