AT South at Devil's Fork Gap to the Historic Shelton Graves site: Fitness Hike.

This is a pretty out & back 11.5 mile forest hike on the Appalichian Trail with about 2,200' of elevation gain, with some views throught the trees. There is a bit of a scrambling over some holes left by up-rooted trees from hurricane Helene at Flint Gap, and we may also encounter some recent downage from the previous high wind gusts over the past few weeks?? We will take a short spur trail to the Civil War era Shelton Grave site and stop for a snack before returning.
Pace: We will hike at a brisk pace averaging approximately 3mph 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. Meet at the Park and Ride parking lot, Exit 17 I-26 at 8:30am. Please post if you plan to meet us there, or I will see U at the trailhead at 9:00 am. .
Directions: Drive I-26 W from Asheville to the Flagpond, TN exit.. Take a left at the end of the ramp then go right when you reach a tee intersection at Flag Pond. Continue until you see a left turn onto HWY 352W. If you miss the turn you will see the entrance to Rocky Fork State Park a short distance after. If so, turn around and go back. Follow 352W for approx. 4 miles to the State line. (Devil's Fork Gap)There a a fairly big parking area on the left side of the Rd. where U will see hikers / dogs gathering.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8FzB5VkWmLivhBvE8

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