Shining Rock Wilderness and Sam's Knob Lollypop loop FITNESS HIKE

The Hike will start at the Sam's Knob parking lot at the end of the Black Balsum Knob Road off the Parkway. There are toilets at the parking lot whick hopefully will be open.
We will hike up Sam's Knob first for a warm up and then start the loop up the Art Loeb trail. The loop will take us up to Shining Rock. We will then return to the parking lot in part on a gravel rd.
The hike will be about 13 miles with 2300' elevation gain.
This route is full of expansive views. It is also very open most of the way and the weather is supposed to be warm and sunny (high of 66) so bring lots of water and sunscreen and maybe a raincoat just in case there is an afternoon shower. Here is a link to the route. It is the route #2. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/shining-rock-wilderness-loop-via-art-loeb-trail-36a773b

Pace: We will hike at a brisk pace averaging approximately 3 mph adjusting for steepness of grade and rugged trail conditions. Please be comfortable with this distance, elevation and pace.
Dogs; Friendly dogs ok.

Car Pool or Follow to the trailhead. To Carpool, meet at the Westgate Plaza parking lot near the dumpsters below Earthfare at 8:20 am. Please post if you plan to meet us there otherwise we will see U at the trailhead at 9:30 am.

Hike Levels: Level (1) Up to 600 feet; 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) 2700' - 3000' Level (10) 3000' - 4000'; Ultimate Hikes are > 4,000'.
Hike Cancellation: IF YOU SIGN ON THIS HIKE AND CHANGE YOU MIND (EVEN IF ON THE WAITLIST) GO BACK TO THE RSVP LINK AND CHANGE YOUR HIKE STATUS TO FREE UP YOUR RESERVED SPOT.
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 acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms