Bent Creek: 7 mi 1000 ft elev. gain

[Sign-up opens Sunday 5/3, 8:00 pm]

Consider this a true moderate-level hike, somewhat longer and faster than my usual Friday morning jaunts. It's not an easy one, and not for beginners. We'll be covering 7 miles with at least a 2.5 mph pace.

Thanks to Todd for putting together this route, largely on Lower Sidehill Trail and South Ridge Rd. It's a pretty area deep into Bent Creek. The plan is for a "lollipop" with a short stem at the start and finish, and a big loop the rest of the way.

There's good footing throughout, with a combination of forest trails and gravel roads. If you're on the fence about poles, you probably won't need them here. Bring water and a snack if you're inclined. There'll be a little break somewhere around the middle.

CARPOOLING TIME & PLACE

There's very limited trailhead parking, so we'll carpool from the Asheville Outlets behind the Waffle House (directions below). Look for me and my silver Hyundai. Come early to allow for traffic. We'll depart by 9:00 AM

Here's the Waffle House location on Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/kjkQTmGQA7QNgbWLA

From Exit 33 on I-26,

• Head south a short distance on Brevard Rd. (Rt. 191) to the traffic light with Ingles on the right and Waffle House on the left.
• Turn Left into the Asheville Outlets.
• Drive just past the Waffle House and turn left onto the parking lot access road, NOT into the Waffle House lot.
• Take the first right. We'll park and meet in this area of the lot.

ALSO IMPORTANT
Dogs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but U.S. Forest Service regulations require leashes. Wear sensible hiking boots. Bring some water. If you're on the fence about hiking poles, you probably don't need them for this one.

Guests. If you'd like to bring a guest, they must join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike independently. Alternatively, contact me in advance to ask if it's okay to bring a +1 after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on timing and demand, we may be able to add your guest.

COURTESY TO WAITLISTERS (Please abide!)
Only sign up if you *truly* plan to come. And if you're on the borderline of dropping out for any reason, buck up and join us! I promise you'll be glad you did.

If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't ever be a "no-show" for any MeetUp events. Let your organizer know in advance.

If you're on the waiting list, keep checking the evening before. Despite what I wrote above, we usually have last-minute dropouts.

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

QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 8:00 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: (803) 767-3094.

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LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group (AHG) 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 damages or losses.