Ledford-Sleepy Gap-Powhatan Loop: 6.4 mi., 1,100 ft. elev.

[RSVP opens Sunday July 27th, 8:00 pm]

With so many trail segments cobbled together, this is practically a grand tour of the Bent Creek area! We'll start at the Ledford Branch parking lot and cover segments of Bent Creek Gap Rd., Explorer Loop Trail, Sleepy Gap Trail, Shut-in Trail, Deerfield Connector, Small Creek Trail, Homestead Trail, Hardtimes Rd., and Deer Lake Lodge Trail. (There are a few other unnamed segments as well.) I haven't hiked this exact route before, but AllTrails estimates it at 6.4 miles and an elevation gain of just under 1,100'. We'll do a moderate pace of around 2.4 mph. It's not an easy hike for many of us. I'd give it a 4 out of 10, while most of my other hikes are in the 2.2 - 3.3 range.

Wear sensible hiking footwear, and bring an ample water supply, especially if it's a warm day. Around 2/3 of the way through, we'll find a spot for a short snack break.

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
Please arrive at the Ledford Branch parking lot a few minutes early for sign-in and introductions. It may be busy, so leave some extra time in case you need to park along the access road and walk to the lot. We'll hit the trail a.s.a.p. after 9:00 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 2 miles, past Rice Pinnacle and Hard Times Trailheads
Bear right at the fork & the sign for Ledford Branch Trailhead.
Go around 500' to the parking lot on the right.

Google Maps link

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 8:00 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy on the trail, 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.