Craven Gap Out-and-Back -- 5 mi, 800 ft. elev. gain

This hike was postponed from Sunday, Jan. 11th

I scouted this hike recently, and this segment of the MST has indeed been cleared after a long closure. I'm excited as it's our first time back in sixteen months! If you're familiar with this hike, the first mile is unrecognizable -- a testament to Hurricane Helene's devastation. The views have changed remarkably. After that it looks a little more "normal."

From the Craven Gap parking lot, we cross the Parkway and head south on the Mountain-to-Sea Trail. It's hilly but doesn't add up to much elevation gain. We'll take a short break 2.5 miles out, then return the way we came. There aren't really any ultra-scenic features. Just your basic, beautiful, winding forest trail. At our pace (about 2.4 mph), I'd give it a 3.5/10 difficulty rating. We should be back in the parking lot soon after noon.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but Forestry Service regulations require leashes.

*** CARPOOLING STRONGLY RECOMMENDED ***
The Craven Gap parking lot used to be large, but now it's small due to reconstruction. Please try to work out carpooling with others on the hike. Depending on where you're coming from, good places to rendezvous may be (1) Ingles on Tunnel Rd. (closest to the downtown tunnel), which is near Town Mountain Rd., (2) Harris-Teeter on Merrimon Ave next to Trader Joe's, (3) Folk Art Center. I'll be bringing several people from my downtown location.

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

Click here for the location on Google Maps. Better yet, search for the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Town Mountain Road. From the intersection of College St. & Town Mtn. Rd. in downtown Asheville, the Craven Gap parking lot is 6.3 miles northeast on Town Mtn. Rd.

We'll meet at 9:30 AM, so shoot for a 9:25 arrival. After formalities and intros, we'll set out by 9:35.

GUESTS

If you'd like to bring a guest, please have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike independently.

COURTESY TO WAITLISTERS (Please!!)

Only sign up if you *truly* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible. Avoid dropping out within 18 hours of the hike so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.

We'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM on the morning of the hike if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.

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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 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 assure your safety nor eliminate all risks. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.