Mills River-BRP: Spencer Gap & Ferrin Knob 6 miles, 1225’ ascent

Directions: From I-26, exit 33 (Blue Ridge Parkway, Brevard Rd) : South on Brevard Rd (NC-191) for 2.4 miles to the light at the Arboretum / BRP entrance. Turn Right (West) on the BRP to trailhead
Trailhead: Bent Creek Gap: BRP milepost 400.3 at Bent Creek Gap Rd--take the gravel road on the left to park under the overpass. Departing on time: 8:30. Look for Silver Lincoln SUV. Cell: 239-777-4743
Details: Hike south of the BRP from Bent Creek Gap Road into the Mills River area, and then north of the BRP over Ferrin Knob. Some rocky footing and fairly steep climbs up Trace Ridge and Ferrin Knob. Starting from BRP milepost 400.3: Walk down the National Forest Rd for 1-3/4 miles to a right on Spencer Gap trail; then up Trace Ridge trail for a short distance to the BRP. Pickup the Mountain-to-Sea Trail on the north side of the BRP opposite Beaverdam Gap Overlook. Climb Ferrin Knob for a snack break, and return to the trailhead. Type: Loop Max elev: 4000’. Avg moving pace: 2.4 mph. Difficulty (1=effortless, 10=hard): 5. Dogs: welcome if well-behaved, leashed, and subject to area restrictions. Option of having a beer/lunch at the Stoneridge tavern following the hike
**Courtesy (Please read carefully!)** Only sign up if you \*truly\* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible. Avoid dropping out within 24 hours so that wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.
LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group 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. By signing up for this event, participant understands and agrees.