Clockwise 3-Mile Walk at Little Champion Plant in Waynesville Off Howell Mill Rd

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. (Note that Google Maps calls it Evergreen Packaging, and there is the sign of an even more recent owner on the building.)

The 3/4-mile 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 clockwise laps. (Yes, you are free to do fewer or even more!) That will make a total of 3 miles.

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 plenty of water and a protein snack. This is a paved track, so tennis shoes will be fine. Dogs are welcome. Strollers will have no problem.