What we’re about
Interested in taking a short, long, or somewhere in the middle length hike in western North Carolina? Everything from a quick (3-4 hour) hike to a full day of hiking. Check us out and experience the pristine and amazing wilderness of western North Carolina!!!
Everyone is welcome to the group, beginner or expert, 2 legs or 4 (depending on the hike organizer and the location), young and old. Please note that, while the group is open to everyone, not all hikes are appropriate for everyone. Hike organizers reserve the right to limit the hike size and screen potential participants to ensure their own safety and that of others in the group. Hike organizers will also try to post as much information as possible about the hike, however since there are so many trails in the area, we have not always hiked them before and are sometimes relying on published or posted information.
The fee for this meetup group is paid for by the Organizer. Contact the organizer, Tracey, if you would like to donate to the meetup fees. Please remember that our hike leaders are volunteers. We are doing this because we enjoy hiking, and want everyone else to enjoy it too.
Suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! So, come on in, interact, enjoy yourself, and we'll see you on the trail!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Scenic AVL #5: Murdock Grove Weaver Blvd LoopWeaver Park, Asheville, NC
Meet in the Murdock Avenue Parking Lot
Rating: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles
Pace: 3.2 mph
Elevation Gain: 800
Surface: Road
Dogs: On leash
Wildlife: Wild Turkey; not likely to see bears - but we saw them last time!Route: Murdock Grove Loop
Special Note: If you get ahead of the group, please wait at the high point on the route, which is on Horizon Hill Road.
Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Special perk for Badge Holders: You can always come on a hike, even if you are on the wait list
RSVP and On-Time Start:
- If you decide you cannot come, please change your RSVP
- If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice.
- There are generally 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive. If you are late, you'll be left behind.
- Please note that there is never cell coverage at the start of the hike, so please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
Notes and comments are genuinely appreciated.
Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. 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 - John's Rock, Pisgah Fish Hatchery, approx. 11 Mile Loop/ 2250' el. gainPisgah Center for Wildlife Education, Pisgah Forest, NC
This is a scenic hike in Pisgah National Forest with nice views from John Rock. Start from Davidson River/ Pisgah Fish Hatchery parking lot.
Elevation gain is around 2250 on this one.. We will attempt to stay together as a group and will stop to regroup at trail intersections.The hike route will be a counterclockwise circuit, as follows:
From trailhead,
W on Cat Gap Loop trail with short side trail to Cedar Rock Falls, S on Butter Gap trail, E on Art Loeb trail passing base of rock face on S side of Cedar Rock Mtn., N on Cat Gap Loop trail, ~1.8 mi on John Rock trail up and over open ledges of John Rock where we will break and take in some views , W on Cat Gap Loop trail returning to trailhead.
Please bring: Water, lunch or snacksCarpooling: meet at West Gate Plaza below Earthfare at 8:30.
PACE: We hike at a steady brisk PACE averaging 3mph adjusting for ruggedness and steeper trail conditions, and brief regrouping as necessary. PLEASE KNOW YOUR HIKING ABILITIES AND BE CAPABLE OF HIKING THIS DISTANCE, ELEVATION, AND PACE BEFORE SIGNING ON. THIS HIKE IS FOR CONDITIONED HIKERS.
DOGS: Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
WEATHER: FAVORABLE WEATHER AT THE TIME OF THIS POST but Cancellation due to weather will be made on or before 7:15 am on the day of the hike.
CANCELATION: IF YOU SIGNUP FOR THIS HIKE AND CHANGE YOUR PLANS, CHANGE YOUR RSVP TO NOT ATTENDING TO CANCEL YOUR RESERVED SPOT (EVEN IF ON THE WAITLIST AS THE WAITLIST IS ACTIVE UNTIL HIKE DAY).
*HIKE LEVELS:
Level 1: 0-600'; 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';
ULTIMATE HIKES > 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 - Sleepy Gap 5-mi., 950 ft. Elev. Gain (10-mi Option)Sleepy Gap View point, Arden, NC
[Sign-up opens Sunday 9/7 @ 8:00 PM]
This is a pretty 5-mile loop with a 950' elevation gain. Several easy stream crossings, a little cardio, and a major dose of the beautiful forests we all love so well. We'll average around 2.3 mph.
Immediately following the hike, I'll lead anyone interested in a reverse version of the same hike. Combined, that would make 10 miles and 1900' elevation gain. Let me know in the comments or via direct message if you plan to come along for the second loop.
The rest of this description refers to the 5-mile version.
Difficulty level: 4. It'll be a bit strenuous in places, and you should be experienced enough to know you can handle some hills. Most of the elevation gain occurs in the 4th mile. It'll be tough if you're out of shape or not accustomed to hills.
I've pieced together segments from several trails, taking us to lovely Lake Powhatan, our halfway point. We'll take a 10-minute break there before completing the rest of the loop back to the parking lot.
The trail is fairly clear with no major steps, streams, or other hazards. Bring some water and something for a quick snack if you'd like.
Dog Policy: Dogs are welcome but should be leashed at all times.
MEETING TIME & DIRECTIONS
We'll convene by 9:00 AM at the Sleepy Gap Overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, mile marker 397.3. It's four miles south of the NC Arboretum. Try to come a few minutes early.This Link takes you to Sleep Gap Parking on Google Maps.
CARPOOL OPTION
For those willing to carpool, we'll meet at the Asheville Outlets behind the Waffle House. We'll depart from there by 8:45 AM, so please come a bit early -- and also leave some extra time for morning traffic if you're coming on I-26.This link takes you to Asheville Outlets parking on Google Maps:
COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS (We beg you!)
Only sign up if you *truly* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers will have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.WEATHER
I'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 8:30 AM the day of the hike.
GUEST POLICY
If you'd like to bring a guest, you'll need to have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a +1 after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on demand, I may be able to add your guest.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. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.
