About us
Yancey Hiking & Outdoors is a group for people of all ages who enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures. Both beginner and expert hikers and campers are welcome. Hikes will vary in length with a quick hike being 1 to 3 hours, to a longer hikes of 4 hours to all day. Hopefully in the future, we can get some backpacking trips planned as well. Levels of trail difficulty will vary from easy to difficult, but as you know, there are a lot of hills and mountains in the area. Most hikes will involve at least a little climbing, with other hikes being very difficult and for experienced hikers only. Our goal is to provide a variety of hikes ranging from easy to difficult at various times and days throughout the month.
In addition to hiking, other outdoor adventures may be offered as well to include things like camping (with hiking opportunities), backpacking, zip-lining, water sports, etc. The limit is the imagination of the organizers and suggestionsof our members.
The more organizers we can get, the more hikes and larger variety of adventures we will have.
Dogs will be welcome based on the event organizer and location. As a side note, this group is open to everyone. However, not all hikes and events are appropriate for everyone. Organizers reserve the right to limit the event size and screen potential attendees to ensure their own safety and the safety of others in the group. Be sure to read all the event, hike, and trail/location information posted in the event description. As organizers, we like to locations and hike any trails first, but there are times when events and hikes will be posted that are new to the organizer as well. In this case, the organizer will be relying on published information, trail maps, and trail blazes.
The fee for this meetup group is paid for by the Organizer because she wants to provide a hiking group so the people in our area can get outdoors and enjoy the company of others. If you would like to be an organizer or kick in a donation to help cover the group fee, please contact Angela. The leaders and organizers are volunteers. They are organizing these events because they enjoy hiking and the outdoors. We want all who to join us to enjoy it as well.
Upcoming events
13
Carvers Gap at Roan Mountain
Carvers Gap Trailhead, TN-143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687, USA, Roan Mountain, TN, USTime: 1:15pm Meetup at the trailhead
Carpool leaving Roses parking lot near Burger King @ 12:15pm sharp.Location:
The Carvers Gap trailhead is located directly at the Tennessee–North Carolina state line along State Route TN-143 / NC-261 (GPS coordinates: 36.106807, -82.110331Meet in small parking lot near the restroom.
*Parking is at a premium; carpooling is strongly suggested. Spaces fill up quickly on weekend & when rhododendrons are in bloom.
Hike Information: Moderate hike
The hike from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Bald via the Appalachian Trail is a 4.7 to 5-mile round-trip trek with about 1,272 feet of elevation gain, taking you across the longest continuous stretch of high-elevation grassy balds in the Appalachian Mountains. We will plan to hike a distance that feels comfortable for most of the group. (At least an hour out.) We will hike no longer than two hours out, regardless of where we are on the trail. After two hours, we will turn around and head back to the trailhead so we can be back before dark.
Bring water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for a variety of weather conditions.
Route Breakdown
· Carvers Gap to Round Bald (~0.6 miles): The hike starts at Carvers Gap (elevation 5,512 feet), climbing past wooden stairs and a short gravel path through spruce-fir and rhododendron forests before opening up into the wide meadows of Round Bald (5,826 feet).
· Round Bald to Jane Bald (~1.4 miles total): The trail dips down into Engine Gap and climbs through rockier terrain up to Jane Bald (5,807 feet). This section features open alpine views, wild berries in season, and occasional seasonal grazing goats from the Baa-tany Goat Project.
· Jane Bald to Grassy Ridge Bald Spur (~2.15 to 2.5 miles total): Past Jane Bald, you reach a trail junction. Turn onto the unblazed/spur trail heading toward Grassy Ridge Bald. This final push is narrower, rockier, and climbs steeply through dense rhododendron thickets before opening onto the massive grassy summit ridge.
· The Summit (6,165 feet): The top features the Cornelius Rex Peake Memorial stone and offers unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of Grandfather Mountain, Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountains to the east, and Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains to the south.Important Tips & Conditions
· Weather Exposure: The balds are completely above tree line with zero shade. High winds and rapidly shifting temperatures are common year-round.
· Best Time to Visit: Mid-to-late June is famous for peak Catawba rhododendron and flame azalea blooms; October offers vibrant fall colors.
· Parking: The lot at Carvers Gap fills up very early on nice weekends and peak bloom days.Water & Facilities: Vault toilets are available at Carvers Gap, but there is no drinking water at the trailhead (a natural spring is located about 0.1 miles past the Grassy Ridge junction).
5 attendees
Past events
4
