Update: National Trails Day: Walk Connemara Farms (Carl Sandburg's Home)

Due to some post-Helene related problems, there are some updates to this walk. Please note the changes in bold, including a new start point (see directions).

Spend time on the trails walked by Carl Sandburg. Walk past his home, by the goat barn, and over the rock where Sandburg often wrote his poetry.

We will be walking with the Asheville Amblers Walking Club, AARP, and perhaps some others. We will register at the Sandburg Home Hikers' Parking Lot, 1928 Little River Rd, Flat Rock, NC 28731. Be there at 8:30 sharp, with a 9:00 step-off. The walk is free, but the Amblers do accept donations (suggested donation: $4.00).

There will be 5 KM/3 mile and 10 KM/6 mile options. The 5 KM walk is described in the first paragraph above. Sandburg used to like to climb Big Glassy Mountain on his property, and that is the additional distance for the 10 KM walk. It is a nice trail, but fairly steep. The view from the top of Big Glassy is definitely worth the effort.

This is a hilly walk, even if you don't do Big Glassy; many will want walking poles. A portion of the trail has roots and other tripping hazards. Tennis shoes will be fine for most; if it has rained that day there is one slick place, so be sure your shoes have good tread. Bring a protein snack and water bottle. Dogs on leash are acceptable but are unable to go into the buildings on the Connemara property. Strollers are not recommended.

There are restrooms near the Sandburg house.

In the Village of Flat Rock there is a great BBQ place where some of our group will have lunch.