John's Rock, Pisgah Fish Hatchery, approx. 11 Mile Loop/ 2250' el. gain

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 snacks

Carpooling: 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