Scenic Avl Series #1: Hard Times Trail - Trolls! - Arboretum

If you plan to carpool, add a comment below.

Join me for a hike in Bent Creek. We will start at the Hard Times trailhead and hike about 6 miles. We will stop to see the Trolls in the Arboretum

Rating: Moderate
Length: 6 - Hardtimes, Arboretum, bigger loop back to cars. If you want to cut it short after the Arboretum, that's fine, too.
Surface: Trail/Logging Road
Elevation Gain: 400-600 ft
Pace: 3.0-3.2 mph
Dogs: on leash.
Gear: In winter, bring a headlamp or flashlight at night. In the summer, bug spray and water, depending on the heat.
Bears: None so far this year, but now is the season for them.
Features: We will go into the Arboretum and look at the Trolls exhibit, and any other exhibits that interest us.
Cautions: Muddy after rain, with some high grass in summer. Long pants and bug repellent recommended.

Carpool: If you want to carpool, please put a comment below and plan to meet at Papa's and Beer 15 minutes before the start time, in front of the restaurant, two rows back; carpool location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8oGqteNy2X9dnccS9
If there are no comments, I will not stop. CALL ME, NOT TEXT, if you can't find me.: 828-290-0886.

Trailhead Location
Hard Times Trailhead
375 Wesley Branch Rd · Asheville, NC

Spring, summer, fall and winter daytime route:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-march-14-2024-39ae2ed?u=i&sh=ifwm3x
Alternate Winter Route used at night: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/hard-times-alternate-37968ad

Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Check your progress here: Hiker Spreadsheet. Special perk for badge holders: You can always come on the hike, even if you are on the waitlist.
.

RSVP and On-Time Start:

• There is no cell coverage at the start of the hike. If you are late, we will leave on time because we can't see last-minute texts or comments.
• Please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.

NO Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.

Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking which may be on natural trails with typical hazards or on city streets that may have traffic. 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. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms