Get Backpacking! Conditioning Hike at Hanging Rock State Park

This will be a backpacking conditioning hike at Hanging Rock State Park ( http://www.ncparks.gov/hanging-rock-state-park ) in Danbury, NC on Saturday, March 19th.

This hike will leave from in front of the visitor center office at 9:30am. From the visitor center we will hike to Window Falls and then return on the same trail and through the parking lot to the Hanging Rock Trail. We will hike up to the Hanging Rock (~800ft elevation gain) and take a pack-off break. We will return back down the Hanging Rock Trail and make our way to the pavilion at the beach waterfront to use the picnic tables and facilities for a short lunch break. After lunch we will hike toward Huckleberry Ridge and take the Moore’s Wall Loop Trail up to Moore’s Knob (~900ft elevation gain). We will take a pack-off break on Moore’s Knob. From there we will walk down the hill and through the campground on our way back to the visitor center office. The total distance should be a little over eight miles. A map of the park can be found here: http://www.ncparks.gov/sites/default/files/ncparks/maps-and-brochures/hanging-rock-parkmap_0.pdf

If you are running late you can join the hike when we loop back through the parking lot from Window Falls as we head to the Hanging Rock Trail.

Several members of this hike will be crew members who have RSVP’d for the GetBackpacking! Hike the AT in Southwest Virginia trip on March 31-April 2 ( https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Triangle/events/229085220/ ). They will be carrying trek-weight backpacks so the pace while walking will average about 2.0 mph. Carrying a trek-weight backpack is not a requirement for this hike. The hike has an estimated completion time back to the visitor center office of between 3:00pm and 4:00pm.

We will meet in the Chapel Hill area along I-40 for carpooling at a location and time (probably leaving at around 7:00am) to be supplied via email a few days before the event to those attending. Those not carpooling will be sent information on how to identify the crew at the visitor center office.

To participate in this event you must:

1. Be physically fit and able to hike over eight miles with some steep ascents, descents, roots, rocks, and varying weather conditions. This event should be considered between moderate and strenuous with two significant elevation gains/losses.
2. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, as this event will proceed unless dangerous weather is forecast. Any possible cancellation would be made by 6PM on Friday, March 18, 2016.

TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY
I fully realize that this activity involves a risk of personal injury, property damage, or loss of my person or property. I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, and same for persons with whom are in my party, waive and release any claims or rights against GetHiking! Triangle, all of its owners and coordinators for any and all injury, damages or loss to my person or property incurred during this activity. I also understand that GetHiking! Triangle organizers are not required, nor should it be assumed that they are CPR/First Aid/Wilderness Survival Certified and I am responsible for my own personal safety.

Your RSVP indicates release of liability as indicated in the TRIP PARTICIPANT WAIVER OF LIABILITY above.

If you should have any questions, PLEASE do not hesitate to contact me through the Meetup contact options.