Sam Knob/Little Sam Tr/MST Loop, the hike

We are the HFF Trail Trekkers: We a’gonna get our step-counters a’workin’ !!
**https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ8H4EK2vt4**
Hugh will lead the Sam Knob/Flat Laurel, Little Sam, Art Loeb Loop in the Black Balsam area of the Pisgah Ridge; Up to 12 of you are welcome to join.
PARTICIPANTS REQUIRE THE APPROVAL OF THE HIKE ORGANIZER.
Distance: 7.0 mi Total; Accum Ascent: 1300 ft; Pace: 2.0 mph
Difficulty: single track with steep sections, Moderately Rough;. Rocky with roots. Rock hops over streams. Read full description below….
WE WILL SPEND TIME FOR A LUNCH AT THE FLAT LAUREL CRK ROCKHOP XING..
Drive time: 45min/ 23 mi 1-way
Apprx return time: 3 PM (=5.5 hrs)
Carpool contributions appreciated. $3.00 suggested
Weather Check: Balsam Grove, NC
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Black-Balsam-Knob/forecasts/1894
Weather cancellations will be posted at 6:30am.
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
We currently have 1 driver(s) (=5ppl)
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.
DESCRIPTION;
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Trekkers’ tend to have challenging surprises.
The climb to Sams Knob is just shy of 400 ft. in ½ mile via several switchbacks on the trail. This makes for a constant ascent. We pass a lush, young forest of mostly northern hardwood trees. There are many rooty and rocky areas along the trail, - it is getting pretty eroded in spots
The trail goes through a few switchbacks, Lush vegetation grows near rock outcrops beside the trail, including blueberries, strawberries, sedges and grass, mountain laurel, Carolina rhododendron, and countless wildflowers including bluets. At one point you will ascend a set of wooden steps up a particularly steep and rough spot. then, the trail will pass beneath some large rock outcrops, which lie just below the summit. We’ll reach a grassy, shrubby saddle between the two high knobs, and a large outcropping of snow white quartz juts from a grassy meadow beside the trail
The Laurel Crk Loop adds the mileage to the hike with a rocky trail and a rock hop across the Flat laurel creek. We will take a side trail to the Flat Laurel Crk Cascades.
We will continue south on the Little Sam Knob Tr, then east on the MST, then north on the Art Loeb Tr, then back to the car.
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**