National Trails Day: Walk Connemara (Carl Sandburg's Home) & Flat Rock

Spend time on the trails walked by Carl Sandburg. Walk around a lake, past his home, by the goat barn, and over the rock where Sandburg often wrote his poetry. Then walk a short distance to visit the quaint shops of the village of Flat Rock. Go by the rock for which the village is named and past the Flat Rock Playhouse (the official NC State Playhouse).

We will be walking with the Asheville Amblers Walking Club, AARP, and perhaps some others. We will register in the back parking lot at Quality Inn & Suites Hendersonville - Flat Rock, 111 Commercial Blvd., Flat Rock NC 28731, at the I-26 exit 53 (next to Cracker Barrel). Be there at 8:30 sharp, as we have to travel from there to the Start Point, trying for a 9:00 step-off, or as soon as possible after 9. Don't worry, we will give you simple directions to get to the Start Point. 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 beginning of the walk and near the Sandburg house.

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