Bob Benner Memorial Trail - moderate hike

The parking lot is very small so I'm putting a limit of 10 and hoping at least a few will carpool.

This is an out & back for a total of 2.6 miles (1.3 one-way). The moderate rating is due to the 500' elevation gain which is pretty much a continuous gradual climb for the first mile.

I'll need to stop a few times on the way up to catch my breath, so slow hikers are more than welcome on this one!

Once we're at the top we can have a bite to eat and enjoy the view of South Mountain. Remember to bring a snack and some hydration.

In spite of the short distance, expecting to be on the trail for 2 hours so we can keep it at a leisure pace and spend a little time up top.

The trailhead is located at 5142 Old North Carolina 18 in Connelly Springs, approximately 11.8 miles southeast of downtown Morganton. Traveling from Morganton, look right for a gravel parking area and trail kiosk just beyond a small white church.