Flat Creek Tr & BRPkwy, a Road Trip

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 !!
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:
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: 5 (easy) rockhop Crk Xings. Short steep section at the end.
This event requires a car shuttle. Sedans acceptable.
Masticating will be ‘in motion’.
Drive time: 60mi/1.75hr (1-way) from H’vlle; via Hwy 276 thru Maggie Valley.
Return trip drive time: via BRPkwy/Hwy 215: 85 mi/2.25hrs
Return Not earlier than: 4:30PM (=7.0 hrs)
Trailhead: Google Map = “Heintooga Overlook”
Carpool contributions appreciated. $11.00 suggested (includes parking pass fee)
Weather Check: Waynesville, NC
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 1 driver(s). (limit 12)
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver's car at the end of the hike.
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.
THIS IS NOT A DOG-PARTICIPANT HIKE. WE WILL BE IN THE GSMNP.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. My attempts to quiet the prattlers has failed. This has become a ‘social networking’ event.
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. (rest stop at Waterrock Knob).
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.
gordie's contact: curmudgeonhiker@gmail.com
(BEFORE day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**