Explorer Loop - MST - South Ridge Loop - 6.6 Miles 1300+ Ft

Details

• 6.6 Miles, 1300 Ft elevation gain with option to add 300 more ft
• Carpool meeting time is 9:15 at the Asheville Outlets parking lot behind the Waffle House.
• Sign up starts Friday at 5pm

This is a nice Bent Creek loop starting at the Explorer Loop trailhead and going up to the MST by Chestnut Cove. We will head down the MST beyond Sleepy Gap and drop back into Bent Creek on a no-name trail and back along South Ridge and Explorer Loop to the trailhead. There is an option just after Chestnut Cove to go up to Grassy Knob and gain about another 300 ft of elevation. We will do a moderate pace of about 2.7 mph but stop for breaks as needed.

It looks like the cooler weather is returning next week but I am going to do a bit of an easier one on Monday. I am substitute leading the fitness group hike on Wednesday so that will be my harder hike for the week.

CARPOOL
We will meet at the Asheville Outlets behind the Waffle House at 9:15. Please be there a little early so we can leave at 9:15 for the trailhead. Parking is limited at the Explorer Loop trailhead so please try to carpool.

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

QUESTIONS?
You can message me through MeetUp until 9:00 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (508) 965-2333.

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.