Bent Creek: Sidehill, North Boundry, Little Hickory Top Loop

This loop hike includes Lower Sidehill trail, a social trail up to North Boundary Road at Green Top, which we haven't done before, our mid-hike break at Ingles Field Gap, and a return on Little Hickory Top trail and Laurel Branch road. This Bent Creek variation is provided by Craig. He and I scouted it a couple of weeks ago.

The social trail between Lower Sidehill and North Boundary Road at Green Top has a section that is very steep: approximately a 1,000 foot gain over 3/4 mile.

Rain call: If necessary, we'll send out a cancellation by 7:30 A.M. Monday and, perhaps, reschedule later in that same week. Craig will then lead that hike.

Not a dog friendly hike.

Parking is limited. It's 2 miles down the dirt road from Ledford Branch parking lot at the Explorer Loop trailhead: the intersection of Bent Creek Gap Road and Forest Service Road 479H.

Stats:
Distance: approx. 9.5 miles
Pace: approx. 2.25 mph
Ascent: approx. 1,600 feet

This is will be my last hike with the group for a while. I will have shoulder surgery on Wednesday (5/28), and they don't want me falling down on a rocky trail. I don't want to do that, either!

Release of Liability Boilerplate:
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