AT at Hot Springs to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower; 12.5 mile Fitness Loop Hike.
Details
MEETUP OPTIONS:
9:15 AM To carpool at Weaverville walmart parking, lower level parking on the right. OTHERWISE, meet at the trailhead parking area @ 9:55 AM. Right turn just before the bridge at Hot Springs; quick left under the bridge to the riverside parking on the right. Please comment if you plan to carpool.
DISTANCE: 12.5- 13 miles.
ELEVATION GAIN: Approximately 3,200'.
'
This loop hike begins at the riverside parking area at Silvermine Rd. We will take the AT south to the Rich Mountain Fire Tower spur and return on the Round Top Trail. The out bound hike {approximately 8 miles} has 2 extended climbs. The first is up and beyond Lover's Leep near Hot Springs, and the second begins at Tanyard Gap to the Fire Tower spur trail (total elevation gain of approximately 3,200'. The return loop we will take the Round Top Trail which is a gradual (knee friendly) descent to a left on the river road for about 1/2 mile back to the parking area.
If people are interested, after the hike we can to visit the Big Pillow Brewery for refreshments and food .
Hike Highlights include beautiful high ridge-line views overlooking the French Broad River Valley (picture), rocky outcrops at Lovers Leap, an old waterfilled tobacco field reservoir, and long range moutain views from the fire tower.
PACE: We hike at a steady pace averaging 2.5 MPH on longer climbs with brief regrouping as needed and at trail intersections, and 3- 3+mph pace on level and downhill sections. This is for conditioned hikers. Please know your hiking abilities and be capable of hiking this distance, elevation, and pace, BEFORE SIGNING ON.
DOGS: Well-behaved dogs are welcome. There is water available at the reservoir and small active step-over springs. The final phase is along the relatively flat shoulder of the French Broad River).
RSVP CANCELATION: IF YOU SIGN UP FOR THIS HIKE, OR THE WAITLIST, and CHANGE YOUR PLANS, CANCEL YOUR RSVP TO FREE UP YOUR RESERVED SPOT FOR OTHER HIKERS. THE WAITLIST REMAINS ACTIVE UNTIL 8 AM HIKE DAY SO YOU MAY BE MOVED ON UNTIL THAT TIME.
WEATHER: Cancellation due to weather will be made on or before 7:15 am on the day of the hike.
*HIKE LEVELS:
Level 1: 0-600'; Level 2: 600-900'; Level 3: 900-1200'; Level 4: 1200-1500'; Level 5: 1500-1800'; *LEVEL 6 1800-2100'; *LEVEL 7; 2100-2400';
Level 8; 2400-2700'; Level 9; 2700-3000'; Level 10; 3000-4000';
ULTIMATE HIKES > 4000'
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