Scenic AVL Wildcard - Laurel Park - With AVL Camino Society
Details
The RSVP is now Open.
Overview: This hike is offered as a monthly training hike with the WNC Asheville Chapter of the American Society of Pilgrims on the Camino. The route has been announced on the WNC Camino Group Facebook Group Page.
This route has three loops; after the first loop, we will stop at Southern Streams coffee to chat about Camino preparation and the experience of walking the different routes, including the Frances, the Norte, and the Portuguese. If you are unfamiliar with the Camino, here are a few links to learn more:
Distance: This hike is made up of three sections. You can join and hike as much or as little as you want. For those who are just starting their training, come out for the 4 mile lollipop!
- First Loop (2 options):
- Option 1 - Laurel Park Lollipop: 4 miles, slower pace, a little less elevation gain, ending at Southern Streams Coffee.
- Option 2 - Five Mile Loop: A five mile loop with a steep climb up to Davis Mountain Road, 3.0-3.2 mph, also ending at Southern Streams.
- Everyone meets at Southern Streams for a 30 minute coffee break and camino chat.
- Second Section: Starting at about 10:45 from Southern Streams coffee, continue through lower Laurel Park. For those who want to exit, you can return to the church on the Ecusta Trail for a total of about 7 miles.
- Last Section: To downtown and St. James Church, returning via Ecusta Trail. 10.5 miles total distance.
Elevation Gain: 800 ft total if you do the full 10.5.
Pace: 3.0-3.2 mph
Surface: Road, with short stretch on gravel road.
Rating: Strenuous for distance, if you do the whole thing.
Features:
- Neighborhood charm, last of the fall color, Hendersonville downtown.
- St. James Church: The sextant of St. James has graciously agreed to open the church for us so we can go inside to see the shell decoration and talk a little bit about the history of St. James.
- No bears. There may be geese or ducks on Rhododendron lake.
Cautions: There are a few stretches on busy roads where we will need to walk single file.
Full Route: Laurel Park Loop
Short Loop: Laurel Lollipop
Parking: We are meeting at the First Congregational Church. Please carpool if possible.
Gear: 2L water, snacks, cash for coffee at Southern Streams.
Dogs: On leash the entire time.
After Event: Some of us will go to El Sol y La Luna, Cali-Mex, after the hike.
Scenic Asheville Series: This hike counts as a Wildcard substitute on my Scenic Asheville Series. There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Check your status HERE.
On-Time Departure
We will start by walking the labyrinth at the First Congregational Church, so this is a pretty relaxed start.
- Please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
- If you have questions, call the hike leader (Gracen) at 828-290-0886.
Guests: For this hike, there are no guest restrictions. Bring them with you. We will have a sign in at the start.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic and/or hiking on natural surfaces. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. 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. You are responsible for any guests, dogs or other companions you bring with you. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms