Chargers and Rechargers Hikes - July, August, September, 2015 - Blue Ridge Hiking Club

Chargers and Rechargers Hikes - July, August, September, 2015

Wednesday, July 1. Elk River Falls and Jones Falls: Two beautiful falls on the same hike.
The trailhead begins at the Elk River Falls and follows the NC/TN line along the river. We will
then climb up to the AT and follow the AT South to a side trail to Jones Falls. Both falls are
spectacular; a "must see" hike. Total of 5 moderate (out and back) miles with one easy creek
crossing. Meet in the Banner Elk park in the lot next to Bank of America (Rt 194) at 9:00 sharp
for car pooling; or at the trail head outside of Elk Park at 9:30. No dogs. Hike leader: Bill
Barksdale, rebelhiker1@gmail.com, 828-348-9793.

Saturday, July 4 - No scheduled hike. Enjoy your holiday!

Monday, July 6: Bass Lake to Cone Manor loop. Meet at Bass Lake, off Rt. 221 just west of
Blowing Rock, at lower parking area next to the lake. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed
pace, on an easy trail, no dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, July 8, Elk Knob. We are fortunate to have Elk Knob State Park in our county.
The view from the top, after climbing a moderate well-maintained trail is spectacular. Another
new trail has been constructed at the base of the mountain for those who want to do more
exploring. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Juin Adams, 828-295-9607.

Saturday, July 11 Snake Mountain: The highest mountain between Grandfather Mountain and
Mount Rogers, Snake Mountain is part of the amphibolite range of mountains in Watauga and
Ashe Counties. Initial climb to the ridge top is very steep and strenuous and rocky. Elevation
gain is 1,378’. Once atop the ridge the trail ambles along with great views over to TN, down
through an open area and back to the cars. This is a hike for experienced hikers. Distance is
about 3.65 mi. No dogs. Contact hike leader Tom Goodwin at 336-877-2449 or
tom_goodwin@unc.edu.

Monday, July 13: Moses Cone Trails to Blowing Rock Stables, Meet in front of the Carriage
House by Cone Manor, BRP MP 294.1 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy
trail, no dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, July 15, Trout Lake to Carriage House: Meet at Trout Lake parking lot (leave
the Parkway at milepost 294.6 and turn onto Shull's Mill Rd. and then right on the one-way road
to the parking lot). No dogs. Contact hike leader Roger Bodo 828-260-2019

Saturday, July 18, Story Teller Rock and Flat Rock from Boone Fork Parking area on the
BRP. The hike will follow the Nuwati Trail to Storyteller Rock with the return trip via the
Cragway, Daniel Boone Scout and Tanawha Trails. Storyteller and Flat Rock afford beautiful
vistas of the Boone Bowl and beyond. Approx. 7 mi., some parts strenuous and rocky. No dogs.
Call hike leader Bob Heath at 828-773-0471.

Monday, July 20: Rich Mountain: Meet at Trout Lake parking lot (1st exit left off Parkway
just south of Cone Manor onto Rt. 221 and then take an immediate right onto Shull's Mill Rd
going under parkway). 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no dogs,
usually done by noon.

Wednesday, July 22, Hike and Wine in Foscoe. We will first hike on a newly created short
trail to a beautiful waterfall on Otter Creek a trail atop Seven Devils. Following the hike we will
return to HWY 105 and travel less than 1/2 mile (by car) to Grandfather Winery where we will
take a short hike up in the vineyards and then enjoy our picnic lunches on the shore of the
Watauga River. Those who wish may purchase a glass of wine to enjoy with the lunch they have
brought. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779.

Saturday, July 25, Roan Ramble. Meet at Carver's Gap, Roan Mountain at 10 am to carpool
(there is a fee) up to Roan Bluff area. Short, easy hike through beautiful forest to the overlook,
then down to the old Cloudland Hotel historic site for some history. Then amble through the
renovated Rhododendron Gardens with another overlook, picnic in the gardens picnic grounds--
also new! For those that want to hike some more, there is a trail from the hotel site down to
Carver's Gap, then across the road on up to Round Bald and beyond to Jane Bald or Grassy
Ridge. Easy to moderate, depending on what you choose. No dogs. Carol Ann Mitchell hike
leader, 423-957-1207 or camitchell21@gmail.com.

Monday, July 27: Price Lake plus. Meet at Boat ramp parking area, BRP MP 297. 9:30 am,
more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, July 29 Walking and hiking in Banner Elk. Starting at 9:30 am from the Banner
Elk park nearby the Bank of America (lots of parking spaces ). At first will be walking around
park, then crossing hwy 184 to climb uphill behind the Lee's McRay college campus, then down
towards the Elk river crossing a bridge behind the cascading waters of the little lake. Then uphill
a path in the woods up towards the Grandfather's children Home walking thru the campus and
arriving at the Wildcat lake picnic area (easy walk). Bring bathing suit if wished to swimm and
snack. Returning same route. Approx. 4 miles. Hike could be extended along Elk river downhill.
No dogs. Hike Leader, Spiro Tsolis, 336-977-2196.

Saturday, August 1, Crabtree Falls, Mineral Museum: We will travel south on the parkway
to milepost 340 and hike to Crabtree Falls (moderate to strenuous but short - less than 3 miles).
On our return we will visit the mineral museum just off the Parkway and then enjoy a meal at the
Mountain View Restaurant (gorgeous views!) across the Parkway from the museum. No dogs.
Contact hike leader, Juin Adams 828-295-9607.

Monday, August 3: Green Knob Trail: Meet at Sims Pond Overlook, BRP MP 295.9. 9:30
am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, August 5, Exploring New Trails, We will explore two short newly-constructed
trails in the Boone area. First, we will meet at the Methodist Church near New Market to hike the
Church trail up the backside of Howard Knob. Those who want to do the second hike will then
drive to Tweetsie to walk along the completed section of the Middle Fork Creek Trail (which,
when completed, will go from Boone to Blowing Rock). Both hikes are short. The first one is
steep but not difficult. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779.

Saturday, August 8, Leaders Choice hike. Contact hike leader, Gloria Marquez, 828-262-0357.

Monday, August 10: Flat Top Observation Tower. Meet in front of the Carriage House by
Cone Manor, BRP MP 294.1. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no
dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, August 12, Table RockThe Linville Gorge Wilderness area has Table Rock as a
view-filled peak above the gorge. The hike is steep but not too long, 2.2 miles. Beautiful view all
the way up and down. Upon return to the parking lot an option will be offered to continue on the
MST across the crest and partly down toward Shortoff Mountain which will be about 3.0 miles
out and back. Great views from both sides of the crest. Both hikes are considered moderate to
strenuous. Meet at Christa's Country Corner on 181 at the Parkway MP 312 at 9:00 AM to
carpool to the trailhead. No dogs. Bring snacks or lunch for the full hike. Contact hike leader Bill
Barksdale for more information. rebelhiker1@gmail.com, 828-348-9793.
Saturday, August 15, Old Mitchell Trail: 5 miles long and rated moderate with beautiful
views of Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountain Range. We can plan to eat a picnic lunch at Mt.
Mitchell, then do the return hike to our cars. Plan to meet at the restaurant at Mt. Mitchell. No
dogs. Call Susan Smith for time to meet, driving/carpooling info. 828-675-1827.

Monday, August 17: Old John’s River Road to Boone Fork. Meet at Sim’s Pond Overlook,
BRP MP 295.9. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no dogs, usually
done by noon.

Wednesday August 19, Sims Pond to Rich Mountain to Trout Lake Meet at Trout Lake
parking area, carpool to Sims Pond Overlook, hike Old John's river road to MST and then up
Rich Mountain with a stop on top for snack or lunch then down to Trout Lake parking lot. One
small stream crossing, one set of log steps and one fence ladder. A fairly good trail, but steep at
times. 6+ miles. Moderate-strenuous. No dogs. Call hike leader Juin Adams at 828-295-9607.

Saturday, August 22, Grandfather Mtn. State Park Go G.R.E.E.N. Day: Chargers will lead
a NATURALIST HIKE (Bob Cantu) about 1 mile along the lower Profile Trail. There will also
be 3 additional hikes on the Profile Trail: Lower level to Foscoe View 1.7 miles, Middle level to
Shanty Springs 2.7 miles, and to Calloway Peak (Bob Heath) 3.3 miles (all mileage one way).
This will be the normal Saturday hike event for the Chargers. We will have 3 hike leaders, one
leader for each of the 3 hikes. Bill Barksdale will coordinate with the Park. We will also have a
table at the event site; we will need volunteers for this part. No dogs, Contact Bill Barksdale for
car-pooling details and to volunteer to work at the table. rebelhiker1@gmail.com, 828-348-9793.

Monday, August 24: Boone Fork Trail: Meet at Price Picnic Grounds near the restrooms BRP
MP 294. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no dogs, usually done by
noon.

Wednesday, August 26, Carver’s Gap (TN) to Grassy Ridge. Grassy Ridge, along the eastern
flank of Roan Mountain, is the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian Mountains. At
an an elevation over 6,000 feet, it is one of the highest grassy balds in the Appalachians.
Spectacular views of Grandfather Mountain, Sugar Mountain and the Black Mountain. Hike is
about 5 miles total. Mostly moderate. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann Mitchell,
camitchell21@gmail.com or 423-772-4280.

Saturday, August 29, Trout Lake to Fire Tower: Approximately 7 miles, rated moderate, on
Cone Manor carriage trails with approximately 650 ft. elevation gain. Meet at Trout Lake
parking area. No dogs. Call hike leader Roger Bodo for info. at 828-260-2019.

Monday, August 31: Tanawha Trail to Holloway Mountain Road. Meet at boat ramp
parking at Price Lake, BRP MP 297. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy
trail, no dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, September 2, Beech Mountain Upper and Lower Pond Creek, Nice hike along
a beautiful creek with rapids and waterfalls. Views of the backyards of nicely landscaped homes.
A moderate 4 miles out and back with about a 689 foot elevation change. We will start at the
bottom and get the climb over early. Optional Lunch at Fred's Old Country Store on Beech
Mountain after the hike. Meet in the Banner Elk park in the lot next to Bank of America (Rt
194) at 9:00 sharp for car pooling. No dogs. Bill Barksdale, rebelhiker1@gmail.com, 828-348-
9793

Saturday, September 5 - No scheduled hike - enjoy your Labor Day holiday weekend.

Monday, September 7: Old John’s River Road to Price Lake. Meet at Sim’s Pond
Overlook, BRP MP 295.9. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no dogs,
usually done by noon.

Wednesday, September 9, Boone Fork to Rough Ridge, Starting at Boone Fork Overlook
Parking area , mile 299.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, we will walk steadily, but gradually uphill
for 4.6 miles on the Tanawha trail with a lunch stop at the top of Rough Ridge. Return to Rough
Ridge parking will make about 5+ miles. We will drop cars at Rough Ridge Parking area and
carpool back to the starting point at Boone Fork Parking. No Dogs. Call hike leader Juin Adams
at 828-295-9607.

Saturday, September 12, Quarterly Meeting at Linville Land Harbor picnic pavilion. No
need to reserve. Bring a dish to share. Meeting will follow lunch. Host: Roger Bodo, 828-260-
2019

Monday, September 14: Carriage House to Old Catawba Rd. Meet in front of the Carriage
House by Cone Manor, BRP, MP 294.1. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy
trail, no dogs, usually done by noon. 828-260-2019.

Wednesday, September 16, Trout Lake to Rich Mountain. Hike up from the lake following
the trail round and round to reach the peak where Moses Cone took his guests to look at the
view. Easy. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Donne Mills, dmills@skybest. com or 828-297-6816.

Saturday, September 19, Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge, Roan Mtn. hike, 6 mi., approx. 4
hours, rated moderate to strenuous. Spectacular 360 deg. views along part of the AT that crosses
the Balds. Trail is rocky with steep slopes in each direction, reaching 6,000 ft. elevations. Meet
at Carver’s Gap parking area on the NC/TN line at the top of NC 261. No dogs. Call hike leader
Bob Heath at 828-773-0471.

Monday, September 21: Mountain-to-Sea Trail to 321. Meet at Thunder Hill Overlook, first
overlook on BRP north of 321, MP 290.4. 9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an
easy trail, no dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, September 23, Leader’s Choice. Contact Juin Adams, 828-295-9607.

Saturday, September 26, Elk Knob: 3.8 mi. round trip, with 900 ft. gain in elevation.
Spectacular views at the summit. The trails are mostly moderate, but steady incline; steep in
some places. 2 ½ - 3 hrs. Meet at the Elk Knob trailhead parking area at 9:30 No dogs. Call hike
leader Roger Bodo - 828-260-2019.

Monday, September 28: Trout Lake to Carriage House: Meet at the Trout Lake parking lot.
9:30 am, more or less 5 miles, relaxed pace, on an easy trail, no dogs, usually done by noon.

Wednesday, September 30, Boone Fork Loop at Price Park. Meet near bathrooms at Price
Park at 9:30. Approx. 5 miles, many stream crossings, fairly strenuous. No dogs. Call Parker
Musgrove 828-742-1196