Rocky Fork Watershed Park to the Appalichian Trail. 11 mile Fitness Hike

Hike Highlites include the White House Mountain Knob viewpoint, the Rocky Fork River and Flint Creek/gorge trails, and the Flint Mountain Shelter on the Applichian Trail (north).

Deacription: This 10-11 mile out and back hike begins with an approximate one mile steep climb (with switchbacks) on a relatively smooth Whitehouse Cliff trail to White House Knob overlooking the surrounding mountains of the Rocky Fork Watershed Park. Then we return to the parking area and follow the gravel road alongside the beautiful Rocky fork River. We will turn left over the river bridge to the Flint Creek trail following the winding Flint Creek gorge trail to a second steep climb to the Appaichian trail. Left on the AT (north) and continue a moderate climb to the Flint Mountain shelter where we will pause for a snack break and return. On the return we may take a partial loop on the upper Blockstand Trail back to the Flint Creek trail and parking area. Most of the elevation gain is on the outbound trek. The Entire hike is shaded under a decidious forest canopy.
Elevation Gain estimated approximately 2,100'.

Distance: 10-11 miles.

PACE: This is a BRISK PACE Fitness Hike averaging 2.5 MPH (on steeper climbs) to 3+MPH on the flatter / downhill sections with brief regrouping as needed and at trail intersections. This hike is not for the casual hiker. Please know your hiking abilities before signing on. If you are new to our fitness hikes and have questions message me directly or post on this site..

DOGS: are welcome.

Carpool option: Meet at I-26 Park and ride (exit 17) at 8:30 a.m. Please post if you wish to ride share, or follow to the trailhead otherwise see you at the trailhead at 9:00 a.m.

Weather: Cancellation due to weather will be made on or B/F 7:30 a.m. hike day.

DIRECTIONS: FROM ASHEVILLE:

I-26 West FOR 31 miles and take Exit 50 toward Flag Pond Rd. At the stop turn right for approx. 0.4 miles to a "T". Turn left onto Upper Higgins Creek Rd for 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Old Asheville Hwy for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto Rocky Fork Rd for 1 mile to the gravel road Main Entrance Gate (left). Continue on the gravel road for 1/4 mile to Parking lot on the right.

HIKE LEVELS

Level (1) Up to 600 feet of elevation gain.

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 from 4000 to 6000 feet in elevation.

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