Foster Creek Preserve; a Saunter

Sometimes even the most benign little trail can be filled with wondrous surprises. Nestled in a small valley in North Mills River, North Carolina, and surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, the Foster Creek conservation easement is covered with a soft, cushioned pine straw bed and lined with wildflowers, ferns, and fungus, and a rare Southern Appalachian bog and nearly 300 species of plants and animals also find safe harbor on this land.
Remember - hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have pleasant surprises.
Difficulty: Easy, if you can handle the distance & climb. Well developed trail – earthen & forest road. 1 moderate short climb in the beginning.
Wood elves are mischievous; zip your bags tight..
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=Bsh_8qxUfDY
Hike Details:
Social ‘hour’ at 9:45 AM. Flotilla leaves at 9:55 AM.
Hike Distance: 2.5 mile; Accum ascent: 275 ft; Pace: 1.5mph
Drive time: 10 minutes 1-way.
Return Not earlier than: 12 noon (=2.0 hrs)
Carpool contributions appreciated. $1.00 suggested
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.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair.
Weather Check: Mills River
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
I currently have 1 driver(s) (=??ppl)
We suggest slightly 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.
..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 (text only)
**Pics: https://www.flickr.com/photos/146993931@N05/albums**