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 (1)
See all- Rice Pinnacle Lollipop: 5.3 mi., 530 ft. Elev. GainRice Pinnacle Trailhead, Asheville, NC
[RSVP opens Sunday May 4th 8:00 pm]
This is a typical lovely hike in the Bent Creek area. It incorporates segments from the Wolf Branch and Corvair Trails, along with several connectors. At 5.3 miles and a tame 530' elevation gain, I'd rate it 2.5 on a 0-10 difficulty scale. We'll average around 2.4 mph -- not a fitness hike, but you should have enough experience hiking to know you can deal with the mild hills and moderate pace.
We'll stop for a brief snack & water break halfway around. Wear sensible hiking boots. If you're on the fence about hiking poles, you probably don't need them for this one.
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
Try to arrive 5-10 minutes early at the Rice Pinnacle parking lot. Look for me at my silver Hyundai. We'll do sign-ins and intros, then 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 1.4 miles and turn right just past the sign for the Rice Pinnacle Trailhead
- Go left at the fork. You'll see the parking lot after a short distance.
Click here for the location on Google Maps
Please use the Comments section to arrange ride-sharing with others so that we don't overwhelm the parking lot.
COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS (Please abide!)
Only sign up if you *TRULY* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers will have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.If you're on the waiting list, keep checking the evening before. Despite what I wrote above, we always get last-minute dropouts.
WEATHER
I'll monitor National Weather Service forecasts for the hike area and email cancellation messages by 7:30 AM if the forecast is for more than a 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, by joining a hike, 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 eliminate all risks or be responsible for your well-being. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.
