Folk Art Ctr. - Lunch Rock, 5 mi. 800ft. Elev. Gain

[Sign-up opens Sunday, Feb. 15th, 8:00 PM]

Multiple reviewers on AllTrails tell us that this segment of the Mountain to Sea Trail is reopened and passable. Some downed trees remain, but they can be negotiated (we're told), and all the larger ones have been cleared. Let's give it a try!

This is an out-and-back hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Looking past the hurricane damage, there's the usual wooded beauty we've come to expect. As a bonus, this one's capped off with a lovely view at the turnaround point. Nearly all the elevation gain is in the first half of the trek -- not advisable unless you know you can handle an 800-ft elevation gain spread across two miles. Difficulty level 3.5 out of 10 on my highly subjective scale.

We'll keep a humane pace on the uphill, take a 15-minute snack break at the vista point midway, and then head back for an easy downhill return.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed according to Forest Service regulations.

MEETING TIME & DIRECTIONS

We'll convene by 9:00 AM at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The entrance road is near Milepost 383.

On Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/85AQ8VhC1pByMCSC8

You'll pass the front of the building on your right. Keep going to the second parking area furthest from the building. Look for me and my car -- a silver Hyundai.

We'll try to set out by 9:05.

COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS (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 so wait-listers will have sufficient notice. (The same goes if you're on the waitlist and know you can't attend. Please change to "Not Going.") And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.

WEATHER

I'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.

GUESTS

If you'd like to bring a guest, please have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own.

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.