Sam's Gap to Big Bald; 12.5 mile; Fitness Hike.

TYPE OF HIKE: Out & Back
DISTANCE: 12.5 miles.
ELEVATION GAIN: approximately 3,250'

Ride share; If anyone would like to ride share or follow us to the trailhead we will meet at the Park & Ride parking lot, I-26 exit 17 @ 9:30 am). Post if you plan to meet us there, otherwise I will see you at the trailhead @ 10:00 am.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:
This out and back roller-coaster style hike on the well-maintained Applichian Trail North that trecks over several ridge lines to the Summit of Big Bald Mountain. This includes an initial climb to a grassy meadow from which one can see the summit of Big Bald,(the tallest peak centered in the picture) where we will break for a snack and enjoy the 360 views before returning. This hike is mostly under a hardwood canopy until the open bald summit. The starting elevation at Sam's Gap is 3,760 feet and ascends to 5,516 feet with a total out & back elevation gain of approximately 3,250 feet. (Asheville's elevation is around 2,000'). High Mountain Temperatures are usually 10+ degrees cooler than Asheville.

PACE: We maintain a steady pace about 2.5 mph on climbs with brief regrouping as needed and at trail intersections, and 3+ MPH on down grade sections. There are plenty of cardio and endurances sections on this trail, therefore hikers should be comfortable with this distance and pace. If you have any questions please post or message me on this site.

DOGS: Dogs that are trail-friendly with other dogs and hikers are welcome. We may be met at the trailhead by Rascal, a friendly local trail dog that often accompanies hikers on out and back hikes.

Directions: The trailhead parking is about a 30-minute drive from Asheville on excellent roads. Take I-26 West to the Wolf Laurel exit, RIGHT at the exit stop sign then left at the "T" intersection. Continue on this route for about 3 miles until you see the I-26 HWY bridge passing over your route. The parking lot is on the left (with overflow on the right) before passing under the I-26 bridge.

HIKE LEVELS
Hike level (1) Up to 600 feet of elevation gain.Level (2) 600'- 900'; Level (3) 900' - 1200'; Level (4) 1200' - 1500'; Level (5) 1,500' - 1,800'; Level (6) 1,800' - 2,100'; Level (7) 2,100' - 2,400'; Level (8) 2,400' - 2700'; Level (9) 2700' - 3000' Level (10) 3000' - 4000';

ULTIMATE HIKES are > 4,000' elevation gain;

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: https://www.meetup.com/terms