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 (3)
See all- Hard Times Lollipop -- 5.5 mi., 500 ft. Elev. GainAsheville Outlets, Asheville, NC
[Sign-up opens Sunday evening, Jan. 12th, 8:00 PM]
This is my 100th hike organized for the AHG. I still feel like I'm new at this, so my heartfelt thanks to all the old and new hiking buddies who've kept this (and me) going despite the occasional wrong turn.
This hike ambles around the beautiful Bent Creek area on some gravel roads and winding trails. It's not too hilly, and the 500' elevation gain is gradual. I give it 3 out of 10 for difficulty. We'll keep about a 2.4 mph pace. There are some mild rocks and roots along the trail, with several easy stream crossings.
Our route is lollipop-shaped: a short stem at the start, then a big loop eventually takes us back to the stem. We'll take a little break at Lake Powhatan around a mile before the end -- just long enough for a quick snack if you're so inclined.
Dogs. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but leashes are required by U.S. Forest Service regulations. Wear sensible hiking boots. Bring some water. If you're on the fence about hiking poles, you probably don't need them for this one.
Guests. If you'd like to bring a guest, you'll need to have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, contact me in advance to 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.
CARPOOLING TIME & PLACE
We really need to carpool this one as there's very limited trailhead parking, and it fills up fast. We'll meet at the Asheville Outlets behind the Waffle House (directions below). Look for me and my silver Hyundai. We'll depart from there by 9:30 AM, so please come five or ten minutes early -- and leave some extra time for morning traffic.
Here's the exact location on Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/kjkQTmGQA7QNgbWLA
From Exit 33 on I-26,
- Head south a short distance on Brevard Rd. (Rt. 191) to the traffic light where Ingles is on the right and Waffle House to the left.
- Turn Left into the Asheville Outlets.
- Drive just past the Waffle House and turn left onto the parking lot access road, NOT into the Waffle House lot.
- Take the first right. We'll park and meet in this area of the lot.
I encourage everyone to use the "Comments" section to ride-share with others who might live near you.
COURTESY TO WAITLISTERS (Please abide!)
Only sign up if you *truly* plan to come. And if you're on the borderline of dropping out for any reason, buck up and join us! I promise you'll be glad you did.
If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't ever be a "no-show" for any MeetUp events.
If you're on the waiting list, keep checking the evening before. Despite what I wrote above, we usually have last-minute dropouts.
WEATHER
I'll watch the weather and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation.
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 8:00 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.
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LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group (AHG) 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. Participants assume full responsibility for any damages or losses.
