The Asheville Hiking Group

Lots of folks from the Fitness Group are traveling this week so I am filling in to lead a hike. This is a 10.4 mile out and back starting at the Craggy Garden Visitors Center and going along the MST to Glassmine Falls Overlook with about 2000 ft (Level 6) of elevation gain. Some sections are rocky so keeping a fast pace can be tough.

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/uploaded-route-e1974dd

Pace: Brisk pace overall average of 2.5 MPH on extended climbs and 3+ mph on lower grade and downhill sections, briefly regrouping at intersections and after longer strenuous climbs. This is a strenuous hike for conditioned hikers. Be capable of hiking this distance and pace before signing on.

Carpool: 9:20 am Meet at the Folk Arts Center parking lot. Please indicate if you wish to carpool. and meeting place.

Dogs: Trail friendly dogs are welcome.

HIKE LEVELS
Level (1) Up to 600 feet of elevation gain.
Level (2) 600'- 900'; Level (3) 900' - 1200'; Level (4) 1200' - 1500'; Level (5) 1,500' - 1,800**';** Level (6) 1,800' - 2,100'; Level (7) 2,100' - 2,400'; Level (8) 2,400' - 2700', Level (9), Level (10) 3000' - 4000';
ULTIMATE HIKES are >4000 feet in elevation.

[RSVP opens Sunday, April 19th, 8:00 pm]

With so many trail segments cobbled together, this is practically a grand tour of the Bent Creek area! We'll start at the Ledford Branch parking lot and cover parts of Bent Creek Gap Rd., Explorer Loop Trail, Sleepy Gap Trail, Shut-in Trail, Deerfield Connector, Small Creek Trail, Homestead Trail, Hard Times Rd., and Deer Lake Lodge Trail. (There are a few other unnamed segments as well.) Total distance is around 6.5 miles with an elevation gain of just under 1,100'. We'll do a moderate pace of around 2.4 mph. It's not an easy hike for many of us. I'd give it a 4 out of 10, while many of my other hikes are in the 2 - 3.5 range with half the elevation gain.

Wear sensible hiking footwear, and bring an ample water supply. Around 2/3 of the way through, we'll find a spot for a short snack break.

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, 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.

MEET-UP TIME AND PLACE
Please arrive at the Ledford Branch parking lot a few minutes early for sign-in and introductions. It may be busy, so leave some extra time in case you need to park along the access road and walk to the lot. We'll hit the trail a.s.a.p. after 9:30 AM.

DIRECTIONS
From Exit 33 on I-26,
Head south on Brevard Rd. (Rt. 191) for 2 miles
Right at the lights on Bent Creek Ranch Rd.
After .3 miles bear left onto Wesley Branch Rd.
Go about 2 miles, past Rice Pinnacle and Hard Times Trailheads
Bear right at the fork & the sign for Ledford Branch Trailhead.
Go around 500' to the parking lot on the right.