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The Asheville Hiking Group

Asheville, NC, US

14,507 members · Public group

Organized by Tracey R. and 40 others

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What we’re about

Interested in taking a short, long, or somewhere in the middle length hike in western North Carolina? Everything from a quick (3-4 hour) hike to a full day of hiking. Check us out and experience the pristine and amazing wilderness of western North Carolina!!!

Everyone is welcome to the group, beginner or expert, 2 legs or 4 (depending on the hike organizer and the location), young and old. Please note that, while the group is open to everyone, not all hikes are appropriate for everyone. Hike organizers reserve the right to limit the hike size and screen potential participants to ensure their own safety and that of others in the group. Hike organizers will also try to post as much information as possible about the hike, however since there are so many trails in the area, we have not always hiked them before and are sometimes relying on published or posted information.

The fee for this meetup group is paid for by the Organizer. Contact the organizer, Tracey, if you would like to donate to the meetup fees. Please remember that our hike leaders are volunteers. We are doing this because we enjoy hiking, and want everyone else to enjoy it too.

Suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! So, come on in, interact, enjoy yourself, and we'll see you on the trail!

Upcoming events (4+)

Wed, Apr 2, 2025, 9:30 AM EDTFork Ridge Overlook to Blackrock Mountain Fitness Hike, 10mi, 2,400ft gain
Fork Ridge Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway, Waynesville, NC
...If you sign up and change your mind even if on a waitlist, change your RSVP to "not attending" to free up your reservation.

Any rain (or smoke/fire) cancellation will be posted by 7am.

Out and back: We will start on the MST at the Fork Ridge Overlook on the Parkway, heading toward Waterrock Knob Visitor Center. There, we will turn off the MST and walk by the parking lots down to the Parkway, where we will pick up the Blackrock Mountain trail. We will be above 5,000 feet elevation for the entire hike. Cooler. Could be windy. https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-june-18-2022-5-47-pm-556f391

PACE: All fitness hikes have a brisk steady pace (~3 mi/hr), adjusting for trail conditions, and regrouping as needed. These hikes are specifically for conditioned hikers. Please be sure of your hiking ability before signing on. This hike includes some steep rock scrambling.

CAR POOL: We will meet at the Cracker Barrel at 8:45am -- near the intersection of Smokey Park Highway and I-40. Please let the hike leader know if you plan to drive straight to the trailhead. Cracker Barrel 8:45; Trailhead 9:30am.

DIRECTIONS: From the Cracker Barrel, head west on I-40. After passing Canton, take Exit 27 -- US74/US23/Great Smoky Mtns Expressway in the direction of Sylva, Franklin. At Balsam Gap, turn right toward the Blue Ridge Parkway, and then right again in the direction of Cherokee. Fork Ridge Overlook is found at about mile mark 449..

From Cracker Barrel to Balsam Gap/Parkway exit -- 30min/30miles
From Balsam Gap/Parkway exit to Fork Ridge Overlook -- 10min/6miles

Dogs are welcome, but have a leash handy in case we run into other hikers or dogs.

Release of Liability:
The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses and damages arising from, as a result of and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledging that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms

HIKE LEVELS are based on the total elevation gain for each hike while distances vary as described. Lower level hikes focus on endurance conditioning and higher-level hikes add increasing cardio challenges.

Hike Level (1) Up to 600 feet of elevation gain. Level (2) 600'- 900'; Level (3) 900' - 1200'; Level (4) 1200' - 1500'; Level (5) 1,500' - 1,800'; Level (6) 1,800' - 2,100'; Level (7)* 2,100' - 2,400'; Level (8)* 2,400' - 2700'; Level (9) 2700' - 3000' Level (10) 3000' - 4000';

ULTIMATE HIKES are hikes > 4,000' elevation gain; We post 3-4 of these hike challenges a year.
8 attendees+3
Wed, Apr 2, 2025, 5:45 PM EDTWednesday Bent Creek to Grassy Knob to Sleepy Gap 6+ miles
Bent Creek Hard Times Trail Head, Asheville, NC
This is a FAST HIKE, 3.5+MPH with 1200 feet of elevation

Fitness afternoon hike at a FAST pace without breaks. Please be aware of your abilities and make sure you are confident that you will be able to keep up with the group before signing up. We will not be able to slow down.

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

The hike is a 6 mile loop -

Hike will begin at the Hard Times Road Parking lot / Trail Head. Will hike to Grassy Knob and Sleepy Gap before returning to the Trail Head.
🐶 are welcome!
16 attendees+11
Fri, Apr 4, 2025, 9:30 AM EDTLedford Branch Loop: 5 mi., 500 ft. Elev. Gain
Ledford Branch Trailhead, Asheville, NC
(RSVP opens Sunday March 30th, 8:00pm)

This is a typical lovely hike in the Bent Creek area. The route I've cobbled together adds up to about 5 miles and a relatively mild 500' elevation gain. With the hills and moderate pace -- around 2.4 mph -- I'd rate it 2.5 on a 0-10 difficulty scale. It's not a "fitness hike," but you'll need to be able to walk up and down some hilly terrain.

We'll traverse a mishmash of trail segments and connectors, from wide gravel roads to single-file trails, mostly good footing. Around halfway through we'll find a spot for a short snack break.

Wear sensible hiking footwear. Bring some water. If you're on the fence about hiking poles, you probably don't need them for this one.

Dog Policy: Dogs are extremely welcome but must be leashed.

Guest Policy: If you'd like to bring a guest, they should join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a "+1" after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on timing and demand, I MAY be able to add your guest.

MEET-UP TIME AND PLACE
Try to arrive a few minutes early at the Ledford Branch parking lot for sign-in and intros. It may be busy, so leave some extra time for the possibility you may need to park along the road to the lot. We'll hit the trail a.s.a.p. after 9:30 AM.

DIRECTIONS
From Exit 33 on I-26,
Head south on Brevard Rd. (Rt. 191) for 2 miles
Right at the lights on Bent Creek Ranch Rd.
After .3 miles bear left onto Wesley Branch Rd.
Go about 2 miles, past Rice Pinnacle and Hard Times Trailheads
Bear right at the fork & the sign for Ledford Branch Trailhead.
Go around 500' to the parking lot on the right.

Google Maps link

I encourage everyone to use the Comments section to arrange ride-sharing with others so that we don't overwhelm the parking lot.

COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS (Please abide!)
Only sign up if you *TRULY* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers will have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.
If you're on the waiting list, keep checking the evening before. Despite what I wrote above, we always get last-minute dropouts.

WEATHER
I'll monitor National Weather Service forecasts for the hike area and email cancellation messages by 7:30 AM if the forecast is for more than a 50% chance of precipitation.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 7:30 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.

--------------------
LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group event involves hiking and, possibly, transportation to and from the meetup site. Participants are responsible for their own safety and, by joining a hike, affirm that they have the appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment, and supplies. Hiking may involve risks to oneself and property. Neither your hike organizer nor Asheville Hiking Group can eliminate all risks or be responsible for your well-being. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.
22 attendees+17
Sat, Apr 5, 2025, 9:00 AM EDTScenic AVL Wildcard - Laurel Park - With AVL Camino Society
First Congregational Church, Hendersonville, NC
Overview: This hike is offered as a monthly training hike with the WNC / Asheville Chapter of the American Society of Pilgrims on the Camino. Check out their announcement here: WNC Camino Society Newsletter.

This route has three loops; after the first 5-mile loop, we will stop at Southern Streams coffee to chat about Camino preparation and the experience of walking the different routes, including the Frances, the Norte, and the Portuguese. If you are unfamiliar with the Camino, here are a few links to learn more:

American Pilgrims on the Camino

Stingy Nomads Camino

Gronze Camino Planner

Distance: This hike is made up of three loops. You can join and hike as much or as little as you want.

Half: 5 Miles, one short steep climb, but very pretty this time of year.

3/4: ~ 7 Miles

Full: 10.5 Miles

Elevation Gain: 800 ft total, but it is rolling without big climbs
Pace: 3.0-3.2 mph - a little slower than some of my other hikes, due to the large size of the group.
Surface: There may be some rough gravel on the Ecusta Trail, otherwise road.
Rating: Strenuous for distance, if you do the whole thing.
Features: Neighborhood charm, Hendersonville downtown
Cautions: There are a few stretches on busy roads where we will need to walk single file.

Route: Here is the AllTrails Link to the Laurel Park Loop route. The loop is a three-loop figure eight, so if you need to cut out early, there are two spots where it is easy to return to your cars.

Parking: We are meeting at the First Congregational Church. The parking lot is being repaved, so there is a lot of gravel. Please plan to park in the area closest to Southern Streams coffee (off of 5th street, near the old railroad tracks).

Gear: 2L water, snacks.
Dogs: On leash the entire time.
After Event: Some of us will go to El Sol y La Luna, Cali-Mex, after the hike.

Scenic Asheville Series: This hike counts as a Wildcard substitute on my Scenic Asheville Series. There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack. Check your status HERE.

On-Time Departure
We will wait about 5 minutes for people to arrive. We will also start by walking the labyrinth, so this is a pretty relaxed start.

Please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.

If you have questions, call the hike leader at 828-290-0886.

Guests: For this hike, there are no guest restrictions. Just bring them with you.

Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms
14 attendees+9

Past events (3620)

Tue, Apr 1, 2025, 9:00 AM EDTBent Creek: Chestnut Cove, MST, Hard Times, South Ridge, Explorer Loop--10 miles
This event has passed
7 attendees+2

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