Strawberry Gap 5.2 mi., 1,200 ft. elev. gain

[Sign up opens Sunday, July 20th @ 8:00 PM]

This is a fairly strenuous out-and-back hike, nearly all of the uphill parts being on the way out. We'll do a moderate pace of around 2.3 mph, with breaks as needed and a 15-minute snack/water break at or near the turn-around point. It's a typical walk in the woods for these parts (which is to say, beautiful!), and the payoff at the top -- Blue Ridge Pastures -- has a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Dog Policy: Dogs are officially prohibited on this trail.

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.

CARPOOLING TIME & PLACE
There's ample parking at the lot by the trailhead, but let's carpool anyway so that our large group doesn't fill it up.

Here's a link to the carpool location on Google Maps.

• We'll meet 9:00 AM at Food Lion parking lot, 1350 Charlotte Highway (Rt. ALT-74) in Fairview.
• Gather at the side of the lot closest to the Highway, furthest from the store. Look for me and my silver Hyundai.
• We depart Food Lion just after 9:00 AM, so please arrive before that time. It's about 10 minutes from there to the trailhead.

Directions from Asheville

• Take Alt 74 East toward Fairview.
• From the intersection with I-40 and I-240, you'll be on ALT-74 for 6.7 miles. Food Lion is on the left.

Directions from Hendersonville

• US 25 North to Fletcher, right turn onto Cane Creek Rd.
• In 8.7 miles, turn left onto Alt-74, Charlotte Highway
• Food Lion is less than a mile on the right

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 possible so wait-listers can 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 the National Weather Service forecast for the hike area. If the forecast calls for a> 50% chance of rain or temps below 25, I'll email cancellation messages by 7:30 AM.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.

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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.