Mt. Mitchell to Winter Star, 8.4mi, 2,900ft, Fitness Hike

Description: Out and back difficult, rugged and challenging high mountain forreat hike with beautiful mountain flora (picture) and fauna, and many gorgous vistas. Trailhead begins on the Black Mountain Crest Trail ( at Mt. Mitchel) from the picnic area (lower parking lot) to Winter Star Mountain. We will be hiking up and over peaks that are above 6,000' (Mt. Mitchel's elevation is over 6,400 feet).. This hike includes some rugged rocky sections with steep rope assist and ladder climbs. This hikes is specifically for conditioned hikers. Please be sure of your hiking ability before signing on.

PACE: All fitness hikes have a brisk steady pace, adjusting for trail conditions, and regrouping as needed. Due to steepness of grade and rugged conditions we will probably average about 2.5 mph.
If you sign up and change your mind even if on a waitlist, change your RSVP to "not attending" to free up your reservation.

Weather: Cancelations due to wet or predicted stormy weather conditions will be announced on or before 7:00 am hike day. Temperatures are usually 10+ degrees colder than Asheville and often windy.

CAR POOL: Two options I will be at the Ingles Market on Weaver Blvd, Weaverville by the Gas pumps leaving at 8:25 am, or Asheville hikers can meet at the Folk Arts Center parking lot on the BRP at 8:25 am.. Please post where you plan to meet otherwise see you at the Mt. Mitchel picnic area trailhead at 9:30.

Driving to Mt. Mitchell picnic area: From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north/east past the various Craggies to Route 128. Turn left toward Mt. Mitchell. Drive all the way to the Mt. Mitchell parking lot. The picnic area is to your left just as you enter the parking lot on the lower level.

Dogs are welcome, but have a leash handy in case we run into other hikers or dogs.

HIKE LEVELS This one is level 9-10.

Hike Level (1) Up to 600 feet of elevation gain. Level (2) 600'- 900'; Level (3) 900' - 1200'; Level (4) 1200' - 1500'; Level (5) 1,500' - 1,800'; Level (6) 1,800' - 2,100'; Level (7) 2,100' - 2,400'; Level (8) 2,400' - 2700'; Level (9) 2700' - 3000' Level (10) 3000' - 4000'; ULTIMATE HIKES are hikes > 4,000' elevation gain; We post 3-4 of these hike challenges a year.

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