National Ice Cream Day: Counterclockwise Walk at Little Champion in Waynesville

July 20 is National Ice Cream Day. Let's walk at Little Champion, and then those who choose to do so may run over to Jack the Dipper for some ice cream!

Old Timers call this property on Old Howell Mill Road near Old Asheville Highway "Little Champion" because the Canton Champion Paper Mill put in this plant to put wax on paper for making milk cartons. The Mill changed hands several times, but the Old Timers kept calling it Little Champion.

The walking track at Little Champion runs by Richland Creek with lots of creekside trees, by fishing spots, and by a picnic area. There is a bathroom in the middle of the track. We plan to do 4 counterclockwise laps. (Yes, you are free to do fewer or even more!)

Be sure you enter the property on the Old Asheville Highway (east) side of the plant, drive to the rear of the building, and then turning left, go all the way to the far end of the back of the gravel parking lot, down by the sign designating the Drop Lot. After you park there, walk just a bit further into the Drop Lot down a slope to the trailhead where we will assemble. (If you go down the stairs into the middle of the track, you will be in the wrong place and miss where the group is assembling.)

Dress appropriately for the weather. There is a little hill on each lap, so some may want a walking stick. Bring water and a protein snack. This is a paved track, so tennis shoes will be fine. Dogs are welcome. Strollers will have no problem.

What flavor do you want at Jack the Dipper?