Rumbling Bald Trail; a Wildflower Saunter

We are the Sloth Hike Team of WNC: “We will get there when we get there.” We dare to go where the ‘real’ hike groups don’t !!
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ8H4EK2vt4**
I am going to explore the boulder field of Rumbling Bald Trail in Chimney Rock St Pk; A few of you are welcome to join me.
This is a Wildflower Photo-op Hike.
Distance: 2.5 mile Loop; Accum ascent: 500ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Moderate: well developed trail with undulating gradual climbs w natural trail surface. Some stone stairs. Some steep sections.
Drive time: 3/4hr/35 miles (one way)
Google map = “Rumbling Bald Access, Lake Lure, NC”
Apprx return time: 2:30 PM (+5.0hrs)
Optional: Most of us will lunch in Chimney Rock (RiverWatch) after the hike.
Carpool contributions appreciated. $5.00 suggested
Weather Check: Lake Lure, NC
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 4 driver(s) (=15ppl)
We suggest 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.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged. My attempts to quiet the prattlers has failed. This has become a ‘social networking’ event.
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT HIKE. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs. Well trained dogs (you don’t have to yell) can be 'off-leash'. 'On leash' in vicinity of other hike groups. Small (lap)dogs may carpool. Large dogs will drive themselves.
Description;
Wood elves are mischievous in the Spring; Zip your backpacks tight.
16 people is the largest number of caterwauling, inconscient, galumphing bods that I am capable of keeping continuously enduring unhazardously.
The Rumbling Bald Trail is a loop trail that meanders through a beautiful hardwood forest along the south face of Rumbling Bald Mountain, revealing huge boulder fields and the base of the cliff areas.
These are the cliffs that can be seen from Lake Lure.
Remember - hikes led by Gordie tend to have challenging surprises. 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, member, and guest By signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendersonville 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**