Family Hiking Day 2014: Guided Hikes

Transcription

1 Family Hiking Day 2014: Guided Hikes All along the Appalachian Trail, volunteers are leading guided family-friendly hikes in celebration of Family Hiking Day and National Public Lands Day, September 27, 2014! Details about the guided hikes are below, in order from south to north. Please contact the Hike Leader to RSVP. Woody Gap to Big Cedar Mountain Suches, GA 2 mile Beautiful vista at Preaching Rock The two mile hike is one mile in - one mile back. The highlight and turn around point is Preaching Rock - a beautiful vista to the south. Meet at Woody Gap at 9:00 am. The hike will begin at 9 am, and the leaders are Mark Dove and Donna Papazian. jazzhead@bellsouth.net Multiple hikes leaving from Standing Indian Campground Franklin, NC Easy to Organized hikes will be from 1 to 4 miles long Hikes on various sections of the AT; possibilities to walk to a shelter, along a creek, in the forest. NOTE: Hike is on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. Bring the whole family to enjoy an afternoon of hikes and outdoor activities sponsored by the Nantahala Hiking Club. Refreshments will be provided by club volunteers at the end of the hikes. Meet at the Standing Indian Picnic Shelter (opposite the camp store) in Standing Indian Campground at 2:00, have fun with activities, and then form groups for hikes at all levels of ability. From Franklin, take US 64W for 9 miles, turn left on Old US 64 and follow signs. Pre-registration of hikers is required. Please call Mary Stone after September 19th at Tanyard Gap to Hot Springs, NC Hot Springs, NC 6.0 miles This short section of the iconic A.T. is easily accessible from the Asheville metro area and provides hikers with an opportunity to discuss Leave No Trace principles, clean up various campsites that have developed during the hiking season, provide some critical maintainenance to the trail corridor, as well as enjoy the hospitality and uniqueness of historic Hot Springs, NC, a designated A.T. Community. This hike with poster-worthy views of Lovers Leap Rock begins at Tanyard Gap and will descend down into the town of Hot Springs. We will work with the ATC to help clean up the trail and campsites as part of a service project. (Tools provided) Bring hiking boots, lunch or snacks, and water. The duration of the hike should last about 3.5 hours, including trail clean-up. Meet at Woodfin YMCA lobby, 40 North Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC Phone: Charlie

2 Max Patch Bald Hot Springs, NC Easy to 4 mile loop One of the most beautiful places on the AT including open meadow, shaded forest, and 360 degree views (weather permitting). This hike is considered easy by the Carolina Mountain Club, however, it is a 500 feet elevation gain all at once to get to the bald. This hike will be in partnership with the Woodfin YMCA! Be sure and bring your kites, lunch and water. YMCA members and friends, carpool from 8:45am is at the Woodfin YMCA parking lot; otherwise 10:15 am at Max Patch trailhead. A second carpool location may be arranged based on RSVPs. RSVP to Jan Onan (CMC) at or Diane Saccone dsaccone@ymcawnc.org Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge Roan Mountain, TN 4.0 miles round trip Graded path through spruce-fir forest and ridge crest pastures; rock outcrops A favorite club hike is the Roan Balds. From the parking area at Carvers Gap, we ll follow the gravel, white blazed A.T. northbound over Round Bald, through Engine Gap, then over Jane Bald. The blue blazed spur trail will take us up to Grassy Ridge for the view and lunch. Let s leave Colonial Heights, TN at 9am to meet at the trailhead around 10:30am. Bring water, lunch, hiking boots or good walking shoes, and layered clothing appropriate for the weather. The parking area at Carvers Gap is on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, 14 miles south of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, on Tennessee 143, or 14 miles north or Bakersville, NC on North Carolina 261. Vic Hasler ( , events@tehcc.org The Raccoon Branch Wilderness Adventure Sugar Grove, VA 4.9 round-trip Wilderness Loop Hike; about 700' elevation gain The hike will began at Dickey s Gap Parking lot and climb the Hickory Ridge Trail for 0.6 miles into the Raccoon Branch Wilderness. Then we will take the Virginia Highlands Trail for 2.0 miles to reach Bobby s Trail. We will continue on Bobby s Trail for 0.8 miles before turning left on the Appalachian Trail. We will take the Appalachian Trail for 1.5 miles back to Dickey Gap Parking lot and complete our loop around Bobby s Ridge. This family friendly hike offers a tour of the beautiful Raccoon Branch Wilderness area. Wear comfortable hiking attire and bring at least 1 liter of water. We encourage all participants to bring a healthy snack to fuel the adventure. This guided hike will began at 1pm and finish around 4pm. We will meet at the Dickey Gap Parking lot off Highway 16 in Sugar Grove, VA. To RSVP or to ask a question, ; bradyadcock@appalachiantrail.org

3 Laurel Creek Loop Trail. (Section 38-AT Guide Southwest Virginia-fifth edition) Bland, VA.. 5 mile loop Views of Hunting Camp Creek Valley, Garden Mountain, and Laurel Creek Water Falls. Portion of trail follows a feeder creek, and will have some early fall leaf color. Well established foot bed. Ascending the Trail Boss Trail 700 feet up several switch backs to the A.T., then back down along a feeder creek on the AT to the Laurel Creek trail head on state road 615. Approximately 3 hours. Most of this loop is in the "green" tunnel of deep woods, so no sunblock is necessary. There may be a few mosquitoes around at rest stops, so be prepared with repellent if it is a concern to you. Can be walked in athletic shoes, but boots are helpful, as well as hiking sticks. Bring at least 32 oz. of water, trail mix snack/energy bars, a hat and rain gear. We will start within minutes after 9 am on Sept 27,2014 in observance of National Family Hiking Day. We will not carry lunch, but eat at the Forest Service AT bridge over Laurel Creek (near parking area) on SR 615 (noon). We will follow Leave No Trace guide lines. Each group will be around ten people if more than ten attend. Dogs must be on leash. Please let Herb know if you have a medical condition that may affect hiking. Option to add another three mile/2-hour loop on the A.T. and High Water Trail (another loop on South side of VA-615) if everyone is agreeable and capable. This loop is another 500 foot upand-down with rocks in the foot bed and some wet/muddy stretches (moderate to strenuous). North of Wytheville, VA on I-77 take exit for Va 52/42 (Bland exit). Turn West or left, drive for six miles to state road 615, turn right or North. Travel 2 miles through a five road intersection (slight jog to right), where the road turns to gravel and stop at the gravel parking area on the right just before the second Laurel Creek bridge crossing (just after passing the AT foot bridge on the left). There is a Dairy Queen, Subway and a Quick Stop/Gas Place at the I-77 exit. Herb MacDonald or herbmacdonald999@gmail.com. Must RSVP. There is no cell phone service at the trail head. War Spur Loop Family Hike Roanoke Weekend for Wilderness Pembroke, VA 2.7 miles loop Lollipop loop hike featuring an overlook with panoramic views of the Mountain Lake Wilderness; elevation gain about 700' This is a gently climbing loop trail with a rocky overlook in the middle that is a perfect picnic spot. There are a few steep and rocky spots, but overall this is a good all-ages hike with rewarding views of the heart of Mountain Lake Wilderness. Dress comfortably for the weather and bring at least 1 liter of water per person. Lunch or a snack to enjoy at the overlook is highly recommended! Although this hike won t connect with the nearby Appalachian Trail, those with extra time and energy may wish to add a 0.8-mile out-and-back hike along the A.T. to the Wind Rock overlook to their plans for the day. Because there are potholes along gravel Rte 613, we will meet by the fire ring at Mountain Lake Lodge at 10 a.m. so anyone with a low-clearance vehicle can carpool in another vehicle. Carpooling from Roanoke is also an option--contact Kathryn Herndon to find out more. This hike is part of Roanoke s Weekend For Wilderness. Participants must register at playroanoke.com. From US-460 in Pembroke, turn onto VA-700 following signs for Mountain Lake Lodge. Continue onto VA-613 (Mountain Lake Road) and look for the large parking lot in front of the main stone lodge. We will gather at the fire pit which overlooks the lake at 10 a.m., and carpool 3.1 miles up VA-613 to the small parking lot for the War Spur trailhead on the right. Kathryn Herndon, kherndon@appalachiantrail.org or

4 AT Community Stroll Troutville, VA Easy 1.5 miles total Rolling terrain, woods & fields, suitable for the entire family This family-friendly "out & back" hike features rolling terrain and a nice mix of woods and fields -- there's one good hill in the middle! Check out the beautiful new AT Community kiosk at the trailhead! After the hike, families are invited to return to Troutville Park (hopefully by 6:00) for free hot dogs, lemonade, and socializing. Meet at Troutville Park (5340 Lee Highway) at 4:00. We ll carpool to the AT trailhead parking lot (limited parking) Tim Miller, trailrunner95@gmail.com Of Creeks, Beavers, and Lakes Family Loop Hike Lynchburg, VA Easy to 7 miles out and back, but can be a one-way hike for 3.5 miles or less. The hike begins at the lowest elevation on the entire Blue Ridge Parkway at the James River Visitor Center, which includes a canal lock exhibit from the days of the prerailroad Kanawa Canal, which was used to transport goods to Richmond. The trail winds past the Otter Lake Dam and a small lake along the Blue Ridge Parkway, The trail also crosses the creek several times on sunken stones and goes under the parkway. There is an impressive cliff face along the way. We will meet in the parking lot near the public library next to the Lowe's Home Improvement Center in Madison Heights. Everyone should wear sturdy, waterproof shoes/hiking boots, since there are several creek crossings and opportunities for feet to get wet, including creekside educational programs. We will eat a snack near the campground on the long hike. Everyone should be back no later than 1:30 to 2 p.m. Bring plenty of water to drink. We will carpool from the parking lot in Madison Heights, Va., taking U.S. 130 through Amherst County to the visitor center on the parkway. Jim Cox, (434) ; jbcox1@verizon.net Annual ODATC Family Hike along the Albright Loop and AT Waynesboro VA Easy to approximately 3.5 miles loop hike Enjoy a family friendly hike along a section of trail maintained by ODATC. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles leaving the Humpback Rocks parking area, circling around Dobie Mountain and returning to the parking area via the AT. We will take a short side trail over to Glass Hollow Overlook to enjoy views of Rockfish Valley. The hike has minimal elevation gain/loss but does have some rocky areas so sturdy hiking/walking shoes advised. Bring lunch or snack and water. Theresa for meeting place and time. Theresa Duffey (taduffey2054@comcast.net or )

5 White Rocks Trail & AT Boiling Springs, PA 10 mile point-to-point Antietam quartz boulders A little over 10 miles on the Appalachian Trail beginning on White Rocks Trail. This will be a shuttle hike from White Rocks Trail heading south to PA 34. There are some climbs as well as boulders to maneuver around (or on if you like). There's a nice pinnacled ridge of Antietam quartzite on this hike. Bring hiking boots, water and lunch. Meet on Woodberry Road, York PA ( at 8:00am. Carpool fee is $3.00. the Hike Leader if planning to meet at the trail head. Elyshia Menkin, or elyshiamenkin@gmail.com Bulls Bridge to Ten Mile Hill Kent, CT 5.8 miles See description This is an out and back hike on the Appalachian Trail from Bulls Bridge to Ten Mile Hill, with a side trip to an overlook on the Herrick Trail. AMC describes this hike as 5-8 mi. moderate distance (1.5-2 mph) pace and average terrain. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the paved parking lot on the south side of Bulls Bridge Road, west of the intersection with Rt. 7. Drive north of Gaylordsville on Rt. 7 and look for the Bulls Bridge Inn. Turn left at the traffic signal next to the inn and look for the lot on your left, before the covered bridge. Leader:Janet Ainsworth, janetkainsworth@gmail.com; ; Co-Lead, Bea Holt Waterfall Discovery Hike Millinocket, ME Easy to 2.6 miles round trip Little and Big Niagara Falls on the A.T.! ATC s Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) in Millinocket, Tom Sobol, will be leading a family-friendly hike on the A.T. to Big Niagara Falls in beautiful Baxter State Park. Hikers are advised to bring the following with them for the day: lunch, high-energy snacks (granola bars, trail mix), at least 1 liter of water per person, personalized first aid kit (Band-Aids, blister treatment, sunscreen), daypack, camera, and a garbage bag to pack out trash. Hikers should wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops/sandals) with socks. As Mainers know, the weather can be unpredictable, so packing raingear and an extra warm layer is strongly encouraged. The hike should take about four hours, which includes thirty minutes at Big Niagara for lunch and enjoying the falls. The hike is suitable for inexperienced hikers and young children. There is insignificant elevation gain (less than 500 feet) over the course of the entire hike. Access Baxter State Park by the south entrance at Togue Pond Gatehouse, about 20 miles from Millinocket via the Baxter Park Road. Meet at parking lot on the right just before Togue Pond Gate at 7:45 am. From there, participants will continue to travel by personal vehicle another ten miles to Daicey Pond Campground day-use lot to access the trail.

6 RSVP to Tom Sobol at If you have any questions about the hike and/or what to pack, feel free to reach out as well. Hike can only accommodate TEN people, so sign up fast!