Snowball!

Beginning at Beetree Gap near the Craggy picnic area, we’ll follow the trail north into the western Great Craggy Mountains. The trail follows a high ridge in the Big Ivy region of Pisgah National Forest. A highlight of the hike is Hawkbill Rock, an exposed peak with wide-ranging views of the Elk Mountains. This area is a bit of a scramble. The trail then continues north along a wide ridge. The terminus of the trail is the site of a former lookout tower.

Snowball is 3.5 miles out and access to the trail from the intersection of Bee Tree Gap and the BRP is 0.5 miles. Out and back is approximately 8 miles. The trail profile includes hiking up to Snowball Mtn., then down to Hawkbill Rock, and beyond that down to Snowball Gap, then up to Little Snowball Mtn., and finally up to the site of Little Snowball fire tower. Total elevation is over 2,000 feet.

Like most of our summer hikes at elevation, this is not an easy hike. You will be fatigued. Hiking pace will be slow: 1.5 to 2 mph. This is not a dog friendly hike.

Car pool: Meet at Folk Art Center, lower parking level at 8:30. Limited parking at Bee Tree Gap.

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 of Service: https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service#h_9e385395-a405-4361-8afc-854a4f586c82.