Strawberry Gap and Trombatore trails, 10 mile Fitness Hike.
Details
This will be a strenuous out and back hike of about 10.1 miles and 2,400 feet of elevation gain ( level 8*) as we hike up the Eastern Contential Divide. We will pass through thick rhododendrons and mountain laurels, pass large boulders and experience long-range views at Ferguson Peak and the Blue Ridge Pasture, and continue with a forest hike on the Trombatore Trail.
We begin with a steep climb on the well-maintained Strawberry Gap trail. At ~2.5 miles, we will enter the open Blue Ridge Pastures for long range views and connect to the Trombatore forest trail. We will turn around at the end of the Trombatore Trail, with a snack/water break of ~15 minutes.
PACE: This hike will be at a brisk pace (between 2.5-3.3 mi/hr) adjusting for steepness of grade and/or rugged trail conditions, brief regrouping as needed. This 10 mile level 8 fitness oriented hike of 2400 feet gain is for conditioned hikers. Join us If you like fitness oriented hike workouts.
Dogs are not permitted on this trail, as it is on private property. Please respect landowner rules...."
Carpool: 8:30 am to meet at the East Asheville Home Depot parking area on the left side upper parking lot adjacient to the upper enterance road. Post if you plan to meet us there, otherwise see you at the trailhead.
Predicted Temperatures during Hike Hours: sunny w 30% clouds cover @ 68-79 degrees mild winds@ 4 mph
Cancelation: will be posted on or before 7am hike day.
DIRECTIONS to TRAILHEAD: From Asheville, take US74-A (Alt 74), also known as Fairview Road or Old Charlotte Highway) towards Gerton. Parking lot is on the right a short distance after crossing over the Eastern Contential Divide.
IF YOU SIGN ON THIS HIKE AND CHANGE YOU MIND (EVEN IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST) GO BACK TO THE RSVP LINK AND CHANGE YOUR STATUS TO FREE UP YOUR RESERVED SPOT.
*Hike Levels: Level 1; 300-600 feet elevation gain; Level 2 600-900'; Level 3, 900-1200"; Level 4; 1200-1500' Level 5; 1500-1800' LEVEL 6; 1800-2100' Level 7; 2100-2400' Level 8; 2400-2700' Level 9; 2700-3000' Level 10; 3000-4000'
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 acknowledging that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms