Scenic AVL - Hendersonville - with WNC American Pilgrims on the Camino
Details
Overview: This hike is offered as a monthly training hike with the WNC Asheville Chapter of the association of American Pilgrims on the Camino. The route has been announced on the WNC Camino Group Facebook Group Page.
This route starts with a five mile loop, a coffee break, and a figure eight. We will stop at Southern Streams coffee to chat about Camino preparation and the experience of walking the different routes, including the Frances, the Norte, and the Portuguese. If you are unfamiliar with the Camino, here are a few links to learn more:
*American Pilgrims on the Camino
Distance: This hike is made up of three sections, all crossing the Ecusta trail. You can join and hike as much or as little as you want 5 miles, 7.5 or 10.5) For those who are just starting their training, come out and do the first or second half!
***9:30am **- Meet at First Congregational Church, 1735 5th Ave W, Hendersonville, NC 2873
*** First section is a five mile loop. **There is a short but steep climb up to Davis Mountain Road, with a short stretch along a gravel road. Pace will be 3.0 mph. The loop ends at Southern Streams coffee house, which is across from the church where we start.
*** 11:00 am **- Southern Streams Coffee house, near FCC church. 30 minute coffee break and camino chat. (if you want to sleep in, meet us here at 11 ish)
***Second Section: **Starting at about 11:30 am from Southern Streams coffee, continue through lower Laurel Park. For those who want to exit, you can return to the church on the Ecusta Trail for a total of about 7 miles.
*** Last Section: **To downtown and St. James Church, returning via Ecusta Trail. 10.5 miles total distance. We plan to arrive at the church around 1:15 pm.
**Elevation Gain: **800 ft total if you do the full 10.5.
**Pace: **3.0-3.2 mph
**Surface: **Road, with short stretch on gravel road.
**Rating: **Strenuous for distance, if you do the whole thing.
Features:
*Neighborhood charm, last of the spring color, Hendersonville downtown, St James church.
*No bears. There may be geese or ducks on Rhododendron lake.
**Cautions: **There are a few stretches on busy roads where we will need to walk single file.
**Full Route: **Laurel Park Loop
**Parking: **We are meeting at the First Congregational Church. Please carpool if possible.
**Gear: **2L water, snacks, cash for coffee at Southern Streams.
**Dogs: **On leash the entire time.
**After Event: **Some of us will go to El Sol y La Luna, Cali-Mex, after the hike.
**Scenic Asheville Series: **This hike counts as a Wildcard substitute on my Scenic Asheville Series. There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Check your status HERE.
On-Time Departure
We will start by walking the labyrinth at the First Congregational Church, so this is a pretty relaxed start.
- Please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
*If you have questions, call the hike leader (Gracen) at 828-290-0886.
Guests: For this hike, there are no guest restrictions. Bring them with you.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic and/or hiking on natural surfaces. 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. You are responsible for any guests, dogs or other companions you bring with you. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms