Daffodil Flats via Pinnacle-Pinch In 8 miles 2300' Fitness Hike

Laura Jean has recently scouted this trail and will lead this loop hike which will start with a steep descent on the MST/Pinnacle/Leadmine Trails, connecting to the Linville Gorge trail (LGT) on the bottom of the gorge where we will walk towards the daffodil flats. We will take a break here and enjoy the flowers in bloom. Then continue on the LGT to the Pinch In trail. The Pinch In is a strenuous 1.5 mile trail up out of the gorge. There is an awesome viewpoint about 2/3 up the trail that we will stop and break at providing great views of shortoff mtn, lake james, and the linville valley. Then continue up to the top and walk the dirt road (2.2 miles) back to the cars. Both trails in and out of the gorge are steep. The Pinch in is especially challenging but worth it! Total mileage approx 8.8 miles for the loop. If anyone does not feel up to the challenge of the Pinch In, then another option you can choose to make the hike an out and back at daffodil flats, which will make the hike only about 5 miles-ish.
Our pace will no doubt be slower on the uphill Pinch In but mostly maintain a pace of 2.5 + miles an hour otherwise. This is not for beginner hikers. Please know your hiking abilities before signing on.

Dogs: Trail friendly dogs are welcome.

Carpool option. Meet at Home depot I=26 E, Exit 8 at 8:30am upper parking on the left of the entry road. Please post if you would like to meet us there.
Option 2. Stop at the Fonta Flora Brewer parking lot to carpool to / from the trailhead. See in commnent below.

Attaching a link describing the loop hike. https://www.dwhike.com/Hikes-in-the-South/North-Carolina-Hikes/Pisgah-NF-Grandfather/Leadmine-Trail-Pinch-In-Trail-Daffodil-Flats-Hike.

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 acknowledging that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms