Shortoff Mountain to the Chimneys, 14 mile Linville Gorge Hike, Challenging...

*This is a Level 10 hike.
13 -14 mile out and back hike with approximately 3,600 feet of elevation gain. A geologist's favorite with beautiful long range views of rock formations and mountain peaks along an expansive gorge.
NOTE: the posted time duration is the estimated hiking time
NOT including driving time.

Make sure you read through the entire description before signing up please.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
Hike Begins at the end of the Gravel (non-paved) Wolf Pit Road's cul-de-sac parking area. We will climb Shortoff Mountain trail to acess the MST to the Chimneys with its SPECTACULAR 360 views overlooking Linville Gorge (NC's mini Grand Canyon) .
Part of this hike is on a relatively flat trail near or along the Gorge rim with approximately 3,600 FEET OF ELEVATION GAIN that is divided into long steep segments below:

1. Shortoff Mountain climb at the beginning; to the rim; steep, rocky climb but unobstructed trail with switchbacks... beautiful views overlooking the Gorge and Lake James.
2. Decent from the rim to the bottom of the gorge then begins a STEEP climb up to the other side, the steepest, longest and most strenuous of the 3 climbs with no switchbacks and continues onward to the Chimneys. Bring your camera.
3. Return from the Chimneys to the Gorge base a final steep climb to the opposing rim (plateau). Continue along the rim to the final descent down Shortoff Mountain and to the parking area.

ALMOST ALL OF THIS HIKE IS EXPOSED SO WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND /OR SUNSCREEN AND BRING EXTRA WATER.
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR THE DAYS ARE GETTING SHORT. MY THOUGHT IS, IT IS ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE A HEADLAMP, SOME EXTRA FOOD AND AN EXTRA WARM LAYER IN MY PACK JUST IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS.

We will have lunch / snack on the Chimneys and enjoy the views.

PACE: We hike at a brisk pace. (2 1/2- 3 1/2 mph)This is a fitness oriented hike and people are at different levels so we may spread out a bit. IMPORTANT! PLEASE BE SURE OF YOUR HIKING ABILITIES AND CAPABLE OF HIKING THIS DISTANCE, PACE AND ELEVATION BEFORE YOU RSVP. IT IS A LONG, STRENUOUS HIKE AND LIKE I MENTIONED BEFORE, DAYS ARE GETTING SHORT. THE GROUP WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WAIT FOR SOMEONE WHO CAN'T KEEP UP
We do this hike earlier (or later) in the season to avoid the hotter humid weather.

IF YOU RSVP THEN CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR RSVP TO NOT ATTENDING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO ANYONE ON THE WAITING LIST CAN BE ADDED.

CARPOOLING: We will depart the Home Depot parking lot at 8:15 am.
It is a 1:15 hours drive. Each rider should contribute a few dollars to the driver for gas if you participate in the carpool.
PLEASE POST IF YOU PLAN TO CARPOOL.
If you plan to meet us at the trailhead BE THERE BY 9:30- TO begin immediately.

DOGS; Dog friendly welcome hike bring EXTRA WATER.

FITNESS HIKES are typically between 9 and 14 miles with the difficulty rating based on the total elevation gain for each hike irrespective of distance.

*HIKE LEVELS INFO.:
Level 1 up to 600 feet elevation gain. Levels 2: 6-900 feet. Level 3: 9: 1200 feet. Level 4: 1200-1500 feet. Level 5: 1500- 1800 feet. Levels 6: 1800-2100 feet. Level 7: 2100-2400 feet. Level 8: 2400- 2700 feet. Level 9: 2700-3000 feet. *Level 10. 3000-4,000 ft.