(VVS) Mount Hardy & Fork Ridge Meadows via Flat Laurel Creek

Taking the long way to Mount Hardy and Fork Ridge Meadows!

Starting from the Sam Knob parking lot between Sam Knob and Black Balsam, we'll hike west through the Sam Knob meadow and connect with the Flat Laurel Creek Trail. From there, we'll get some great views of Green Knob to the west as well as a few waterfalls along our path.

We'll make a short walk along 215 to connect with the MST and then head to Fork Ridge Meadows and the summit of Mount Hardy. We'll have lunch at Fork Ridge Meadows, so depending on time, we'll decide whether to save the ascent of Mount Hardy for before or after lunch. The best views of the day will be at Fork Ridge Meadows.

Once we've done both, we'll retrace our steps back to the parking lot. This isn't a crazy elevation gain today, but it's lengthier than others at a little more than 14 miles roundtrip. If we have time and feel like really killing ourselves, we could add on a stop to Sam Knob.

Meet at University Square at 7 a.m. If you're coming from WNC or somewhere else in South Carolina, let's work together on finalizing carpools. Parking space is limited at the trailhead, and can be crowded on the weekend.

Miles: 14.2 miles
EG: 1985 feet
Speed: 2.5 mph
Hike Leader: Damien