Flat Laurel Creek Rock Scramble

This is one of the most popular creek scrambles near Asheville. Note this is not the Flat Laurel Creek Trail, it is a creek hike. It begins at NC Hwy. 215 near the confluence of Flat Laurel Creek and the West Fork of the Pigeon River (35.3285, -82.9096), approximately, at about 9:30. We will ascend past numerous rapids and impressive waterfalls. We will be in the creek or rock hopping most of the day. The requirements are a good sense of balance, comfortable shoes with good traction, and ability or interest to hike and climb in a creek. Good swimming holes abound. The pace will be moderate, with time for pictures, and we will take a short break at one of the many scenic spots for lunch. After finishing the ascent we will trail hike up to the Black Balsam/Big Sam parking lot, where cars will be left for this shuttle. You will have the option to hike up Big Sam Mountain (over 6K) for the view. However, the group will proceed directly to the parking lot for Big Sam.
We will climb 950 feet and hike approx. 3.5 miles.
We will be meeting at the end of Black Balsam Knob Road (FS 816) at the parking lot for the Big Sam trailhead at 9:30 am. The coordinates are 35.325586, -82.881986.
Any questions I can be reached or text at 828 231-3581.

LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group (AHG) 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, and especially walking and climbing rocks in a creek, involves serious risks. Neither your hike organizer nor Asheville Hiking Group can assure your safety nor eliminate all risks. Participants assume full responsibility for any damages or losses, or injuries.