What we’re about
Interested in taking a short, long, or somewhere in the middle length hike in western North Carolina? Everything from a quick (3-4 hour) hike to a full day of hiking. Check us out and experience the pristine and amazing wilderness of western North Carolina!!!
Everyone is welcome to the group, beginner or expert, 2 legs or 4 (depending on the hike organizer and the location), young and old. Please note that, while the group is open to everyone, not all hikes are appropriate for everyone. Hike organizers reserve the right to limit the hike size and screen potential participants to ensure their own safety and that of others in the group. Hike organizers will also try to post as much information as possible about the hike, however since there are so many trails in the area, we have not always hiked them before and are sometimes relying on published or posted information.
The fee for this meetup group is paid for by the Organizer. Contact the organizer, Tracey, if you would like to donate to the meetup fees. Please remember that our hike leaders are volunteers. We are doing this because we enjoy hiking, and want everyone else to enjoy it too.
Suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! So, come on in, interact, enjoy yourself, and we'll see you on the trail!
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Scenic AVL #3: KennilworthHarvest House, Asheville, NC
This route includes the Kenilworth neighborhood and the historically diverse South Asheville neighborhood. We will stop at a historic church and cemetery, as well as Kenilworth Park and Chiles House. We will go up Reservoir Rd to take in the view and get a workout.
Rating: Moderate+
Distance: 5 miles
Pace: 2.5-3.0 mph, definitely on the slow side due to recent injury. If you are looking for a 3.5 mph hike, this is not the hike for you.
Elevation: 670 feet
Surface: Road
Type: Butterfly Loop
Gear: 2L water, snack, poles for the climb
Features: Neighborhood charm Kenilworth, a little history, and views from the top. Not likely to see bears.
Dogs: On leash.
Cautions: Maintain normal traffic awareness.
Route: Kenilworth to Reservoir Rd .Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack.
On-Time Departure
I typically have 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive. If you are late, you'll be left behind- If you no-show 2 times without changing your RSVP and/or contacting the hike leader, you may be blocked from the group.
- Please note that there is never cell coverage at the start of the hike, so please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
- Notes and comments are genuinely appreciated.
No Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. 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 - Strawberry Gap 5.2 mi., 1,200 ft. elev. gainFood Lion, Fairview, NC
[Sign up opens Sunday, July 20th @ 8:00 PM]
This is a fairly strenuous out-and-back hike, nearly all of the uphill parts being on the way out. We'll do a moderate pace of around 2.3 mph, with breaks as needed and a 15-minute snack/water break at or near the turn-around point. It's a typical walk in the woods for these parts (which is to say, beautiful!), and the payoff at the top -- Blue Ridge Pastures -- has a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
Dog Policy: Dogs are officially prohibited on this trail.
Guest Policy: If you'd like to bring a guest, they should join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a "+1" after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on timing and demand, I may be able to add your guest.
CARPOOLING TIME & PLACE
There's ample parking at the lot by the trailhead, but let's carpool anyway so that our large group doesn't fill it up.Here's a link to the carpool location on Google Maps.
- We'll meet 9:00 AM at Food Lion parking lot, 1350 Charlotte Highway (Rt. ALT-74) in Fairview.
- Gather at the side of the lot closest to the Highway, furthest from the store. Look for me and my silver Hyundai.
- We depart Food Lion just after 9:00 AM, so please arrive before that time. It's about 10 minutes from there to the trailhead.
Directions from Asheville
- Take Alt 74 East toward Fairview.
- From the intersection with I-40 and I-240, you'll be on ALT-74 for 6.7 miles. Food Lion is on the left.
Directions from Hendersonville
- US 25 North to Fletcher, right turn onto Cane Creek Rd.
- In 8.7 miles, turn left onto Alt-74, Charlotte Highway
- Food Lion is less than a mile on the right
COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS (Please abide!)
Only sign up if you *TRULY* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.If you're on the waiting list, keep checking the evening before. Despite what I wrote above, we always get last-minute dropouts.
WEATHER
I'll monitor the National Weather Service forecast for the hike area. If the forecast calls for a> 50% chance of rain or temps below 25, I'll email cancellation messages by 7:30 AM.QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.--------------------
LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group event involves hiking and, possibly, transportation to and from the meetup site. Participants are responsible for their own safety and, by joining a hike, affirm that they have the appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment, and supplies. Hiking may involve risks to oneself and property. Neither your hike organizer nor Asheville Hiking Group can eliminate all risks or be responsible for your well-being. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.
