Linville Gorge Hike/Dinner

We will meet at the Harris teeter gas pumps in Clemmons across from Tanglewood (4150 Clemmons Rd) at 8:15, then drive 1 3/4 hours to hike Shortoff Mountain. The hike should be over by 5:15 or earlier. I have scheduled another hike on Sat, 10/11 and depending on the forecast and my work schedule, I will cancel one or the other. We will stop for a bathroom break on the way. We will eat at Las Salsas in Morganton afterwards. We should get back to Clemmons by 8:30. Please bring $ for carpool and dinner, lunch, H2o, sunglasses and appropriate clothing. We need to carpool as I expect parking to be limited.
DESCRIPTION OF HIKE AND DIFFICULTY:
From the top of Shortoff Mountain (elevation 2,883 ft.), soak in some of the most spectacular views in the North Carolina mountains, with sweeping vistas of the Linville Gorge and Lake James. The Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is one of the wildest, most rugged gorges in the eastern United States. It's an outdoor paradise for hikers and backpackers.
Located in the Shortoff Mountain area is nearby Lake James in Burke County. The 4.5-mile round-trip hike gains 1,321 ft. in elevation. The first mile of the hike is strenuous as you climb the mountain on the rocky trail with switchbacks, but it's safe and easy to follow. The last 1.25 miles is a mostly level trail across the broad summit, with plenty of spots for panoramic views. It's a great option for a winter hike since it's a very sunny hike. There will be an option to hike the .66 mile Olsen trail which meets up with the main trail: The Olsen hugs the cliff (500 feet down in some places) and is not for those with a fear of heights. It goes past a small cave and travels along the face of and just below Shortoff. I am going to limit this to 10 people or 2 vehicles, Unless someone has, or has access to, a large SUV and is willing to drive