Wednesday night Bent Creek

Hard Times Trailhead near Lake Powhatan Rec Area
RSVP's don't open until 6PM Sunday night.
Weather: will know more by Monday and will let everyone know the details then.
I did this hike series for many years before 2022, but I did it as a high-speed hike, and I am now doing it as a moderate speed hike. This is a numbers limited event and I expect people who sign-up to show up. Late cancellations, and those that don't show up are bumping other interested hikers, and they will not be allowed on future hikes.
If all goes well, I will try to post a hike most weeks, and for days Tue or Wed, distance, and start location, like switching between Hard Times trail-head and Bent Creek River Park, may change.
The current route is about 5.5 miles.
Please folks, this is intended as a moderate paced hike, and we'd like all attendees to keep up with the hike leader(s). This hike is intended as a workout hike for people to get in condition to do weekend hikes.
Moderate paced means 22-24 min miles, or 2 ½ mph.
As such, we do not take breaks, take in views, or snap photos along the way. Please make sure you're able to keep up with the group. This hike has always served as a good chance to get exercise during the week, meet new people, and create interest for weekend enjoyment hikes. It's a great introduction to the AHG family.
No need to RSVP "No" or "not attending" unless changing from a "Yes."
Please read the full description before RSVPing, and only sign up if you are sure you can go. Thanks in advance for keeping your RSVP up-to-date and not being a last-minute cancellation or no-show. This is an ongoing issue with Meetups and often keeps people on waitlists from being able to attend our hikes.
Hard Times Trailhead near Lake Powhatan Rec Area
Follow signs off of Brevard Rd (Rt 191) to Lake Powhatan Rec Area. The road is Bent Creek Ranch Rd. to Wesley Branch Rd. Follow signs to Lake Powhatan until you come to Hard Times Trailhead on your left, 2.5 miles. It is very clearly marked. Parking is very limited at the trailhead but there’s a paved pull-off just before the Hard Times trailhead and more parking just beyond at the Ledford Branch trailhead. We will access Bent Creek forest by way of Hard Times Trail and do some combination of loop and out and back.
Arrive at the trailhead BY 6:00. Because it is a weeknight hike, we are unable to wait for latecomers, fighting daylight.
***If you are running behind, please post a comment on this Meetup page by 5:45 pm. There is no cell service at the parking lot, so if we don't have any advance notice of you running late by 5:45, we can't get any notifications at the trailhead and we will not wait for you.
We start the hike at 6:00, rarely do we get much later than that.
• Wear closed-toed footwear appropriate for hiking. The trail will consist of dirt, rocks, roots, mud and mulch.
• Bring plenty of water.
• Bring rain gear if a chance of rain is in the forecast.
Headlamps suggested
• Dogs on leashes the whole time are welcome. This is an active mountain bike area and it can get messy with dogs running loose among hikers and mountain bikers.
Please make sure to keep your RSVP up-to-date. You don't want to be "that person" who cancels last minute or no-shows and keeps someone from joining in if there's a waitlist. Thanks for your consideration - it is appreciated!
Feel free to post questions not covered in this description in the comments section.
Thanks - we'll see you on the trail!
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic and/or natural trails with roots, rocks, and steep sections. 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. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms