Pink Beds Loop (5.2 miles, moderate) & Sliding Rock

NOTICE: I forgot to mention that we're gathering in the parking lot in front of the Target at Stonecrest at 8:00am to rideshare/convoy up to the trailhead. If you prefer to just meet us at the trailhead, plan on arriving by about 10:45. We'll be there then or shortly after.

The key to hiking in the summer around here is to get up to higher elevations and start early. These two factors tend to work against each other, as the higher elevations are further away and thus involve later starts. BUT...if we leave Stonecrest at 8:00am, we can be hiking on the Pink Beds by 11:00, and ready to take a dip in the cooling waters of Sliding Rock by early afternoon. Then it's a leisurely ride back to Charlotte.

The Pink Beds Loop (https://www.romanticasheville.com/pink_beds.htm) is a moderately challenging 5.2 mile loop trail that generally follows a stream, crossing from one side to the other over well-maintained bridges several times. The trail gets its unusual name from outcroppings of pink rocks (now mostly covered with vegetation). It's considered to be a "highland wetland" in that parts of it never completely dry out, thus it comprises a unique ecosystem featuring rare plants and flowers that aren't found elsewhere. It usually takes about two hours to traverse. Bring water and a snack or lunch, and wear a hat and sunscreen. Bug repellant is also a good idea. The trail has very little elevation change (meaning that it's relatively flat) but it does get muddy in spots.

After we've done our hike, we'll proceed to the famous Sliding Rock (https://www.romanticasheville.com/sliding_rock_north_carolina.htm) and cool off in the bracing cold mountain waters. It's five dollars a head to enjoy the slide down the slippery smooth rock, and there are changing facilities on site. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, of course. For those who prefer not to slide down the rock, there's a shallow pool one might cool off or splash about in, or just dangle one's toes if one is a mind to.