Rice Pinnacle Lollipop: 5.3 mi., 530 ft. Elev. Gain

[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.