The Asheville Hiking Group

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continuing smaller group, less intensively paced hikes

SO happy that this section of the parkway has reopened!

This is a cool hike involving 3 overlooks and 2 sections of the Shut-In portion of the Mountains to Sea trail

starting point is the Stony Bald overlook on the BRP approx. MM 403. see location link below

https://maps.app.goo.gl/CVX5T6Cs3x96Qx3T6

approx 4.5 mile out and back with ~1000 ft elevation gain

from Stony Bald, we proceed to the Big Ridge overlook, which involves 2 parkway crossings. from Big Ridge, then on to the Mills River overlook, which is the turnaround point, where we will take a break. of course, we will pause at each overlook to appreciate the view

pace of 2 - 2.5 mph

well behaved dogs are welcome to attend

the plan is to arrive at Stony Bald at about 9:45 to hang out and get organized/acquainted before heading out, hopefully on time

per previous hikes:

gear up as appropriate, trekking poles are an option. bring a snack as we'll take a break mid-hike. oh and plenty of water!

ground rules: 1) if you sign up, show up or change your status. a no-show may undercut a motivated waitlister. 2 ) be sure you are in adequate physical shape to complete the event. 3) show consideration by emphasizing group effort and group cohesion. communication, collaboration, cooperation, that sort of thing. and showing up. showing up is just plain awesome. I hike for stress reduction and want to keep it that way as much as possible

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 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 assure your safety nor eliminate all risks. By signing up for this event, participant understands and agrees

This portion of the MST, heavily damaged by Helene, opened about 2 months ago. We'll start at the parking lot at Fresh Market, Hendersonville Rd., take the spur trail, which is a little tricky, to MST, and head west to the bridge at Dingle Creek, which is our turn around. The trail has been immaculately restored to it previous condition. Also, sections that were heavily forested with a dense upper canopy are now amazingly opened to the sky.

This is not a difficult hike, and we'll hike at a slow pace, between 2.0 and 2.5 mph. Out and back is about 5 miles. Expect to spend 2.5 to 3.0 hours hiking on the trail.

8:45 for carpooling on the side of the Parkway near the Ox Creek/Elk Mountain Rd intersection with the Parkway OR 9:30 at the Mt. Mitchell picnic area/Black Mountain Crest Trailhead. ...If you sign up and change your mind even if on a waitlist, change your RSVP to "not attending" to free up your reservation.

Out and back: We will hike the Black Mountain Crest from the picnic area (lower parking lot) to Winter Star Mountain and back. Gorgeous vistas await.

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 rock, rope, and ladder climbing.

CAR POOL: For those who wish to car pool, we will meet at the intersection of the BRP and Ox Creek/Elk Mountain Road, near Bull Gap. Tell the hike leader where you intend to meet the group: BRP/Elk Mtn Road (8:45am) or Mt. Mitchell picnic area trailhead (9:30).

Driving to Mt. Mitchell picnic area: From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north/east past the various Craggies to Route 128. Turn left toward Mt. Mitchell. Drive all the way to the Mt. Mitchell parking lot. The picnic area is to your left just as you enter the parking lot on the lower level.

Dogs are welcome, but have a leash handy for walking through the picnic area and later, in case we run into other hikers or dogs.

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. This one is level 9.

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.

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 acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms