Flat Creek Tr & BRPkwy, a Saunter

GSMNP Parking Pass reqr’d (Designated drivers, that I choose, will receive instructions how to get the parking tag)
PLEASE READ CONFUSING DETAILS CAREFULLY..;-)
We are the Sloth Hiking Group: “We will get there when we get there.”
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them.”
I am going to the Flat Creek Tr on the Heintooga spur of the BRPkwy; and return on the BRPkwy. Up to 12 of you are welcome to join me.
Hike Details:
Hike Length: 3.0 mi total; Total descent: 800 ft: Accum ascent: 400 ft; Elevation: 5000ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Moderate; 5 (easy) rockhop Crk Xings. Short steep section at the end.
This event requires a car shuttle. Sedans acceptable.
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Going Drive time: 60mi/1.25hr (1-way) from Lowes; via Hwy 276/Maggie Valley/Hwy 19/BRPkwy. We will ‘recon’ at Teagues Shell; 130 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley for a stretch and a potty break..
Return trip drive time: via BRPkwy/Hwy 215: 65 mi/2.0hrs
With various stops on the BRPkwy.
APPRX RETURN TIME: 4 PM (=6.75hrs)
Trailhead: Google Map = “Heintooga Overlook”
Carpool contributions appreciated. $8.00 r’qr’d (includes parking pass fee)
Weather Check: Waynesville, NC
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 2 driver(s). (8)
We suggest masks and open windows while carpooling. Only you know your own health status so judge accordingly if an event may endanger your health or the health of others.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
This is NOT a dog-participant hike. We will be in the GSMNP.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Flat Creek Trail is an amazingly beautiful 2.7 mile 1-way hike located just off The Blue Ridge Parkway, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail follows alongside two different creeks, and is full of lush moss, grass and trees making for an absolutely gorgeous and beautiful hike that begins at the Heintooga Picnic area
Woodlands of red spruce, American beech, yellow birch, and striped and red maple make this trail a real treat.
A bull elk and his family are known to be in this area. We saw them last time!
We will return Via the BRPkwy with various stops at overlooks. (rest stop at Waterrock Knob).
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie's contact: curmudgeonhiker@gmail.com
(BEFORE day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**