CoonTree Loop Tr; the hike

Date change to Thu, Mar 12. Please keep RSVP's updated.
We are the HFF Trail Trekkers: We a’gonna get our step-counters a’workin’ !!
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bsh_8qxUfDY**
Hugh will lead on the CoonTree Loop Tr to the Bennett Gap O’Look; Up to 12 ppl are welcome to join us.
PARTICIPANTS REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF THE HIKE ORGANIZER.
Hike Distance: 4.5 mi Loop; Accum ascent: 1200ft; Pace: 2.5 mph.
Difficulty: Some steep sections (up & down). Roots & rocks. NOT suitable for beginners or those with balance issues.
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Apprx return time: 12:30pm (=3.0 hrs)
We will meet at: Coontree Picnic area
Google Map = “Coontree Picnic area”
GPS: 35.289664, -82.763641
Look for a Dk Toyota RAV.
Tour Guide leaves at 9:16a)
Weather Check: Brevard
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Mountain Trolls are thieves; Zip your backpacks tight.
The trail goes through thick rhododendron areas, areas with deciduous trees, hemlocks, along streamsides, as well as along a ridge allowing distance views off to both the left and right of the ridge. Once at the ridge line, you will have climbed almost 1200 feet in elevation. You have about 60 feet more of climbing once you turn right onto Bennett Gap Trail, but from then on, it is all downhill (in some cases, very steeply downhill).
Going to the overlook up the Bennet Gap Tr adds in another 1.2 miles (RT) and 200 more feet of climbing.
All hikes are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: : The organizer of this event is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this event. 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.
Hugh's contact: (before day of hike): (662) 324-2425 (text only)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**