Hanging Rock Trail January 1

Hanging Rock State Park Tuesday

 

Join us for an annual PHOC New Year’s Day outing to Hanging Rock State Park. There’ll be plenty of time to sleep in before this hike, so no excuses! See below for the after-hike dinner. Meet at Shoney’s at NC-68 & I40 at 11 AM, or 11:50 AM at the Visitor’s Center.

[5 miles, +/-500 ft., R-12]

 

 

After-Hike Dinner January 1

 

Andy Allen and Joel Deaton will host their 4th soup/salad/potato dinner in their home for New Year's Day hikers. The dinner will be immediately after the hike and directions will be handed out to the hiking group at Hanging Rock. No need to RSVP.

 

 

Wednesday Night Walk January 2

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

 

The Wednesday walkers will meet at Friendly Shopping Center in the parking lot near Tex & Shirley's at 6:30 PM. We'll be walking through the Bog Garden and Bicentennial Garden. Rain or shine. The group will go to dinner after the walk.

 

Morrow Mountain State Park January 5

Saturday

 

Today we will travel south and slightly west to Morrow Mountain State Park . As I write this for the newsletter, I am unsure which trails we will be taking, but can assure you this isn’t the typical Saturday hike. It will be moderate in length and not real difficult, so I invite anyone who likes good fellowship to join us. Those in the Greensboro area can meet in the parking lot near the NASCAR Café on the eastern side of Four Season’s Mall to carpool to our other meeting place, McDonald’s in Asheboro. You will leave Greensboro at 9:00 AM. As my plans could change before the hike date, I suggest you call or email if you are coming, so I can up-date you on the details.

[R - Fun]

 

 

Gibson Park Hike January 6

Wendover Ave, Greensboro Sunday

 

Let's go for a 5 mile walk on the greenway and through the woods, starting at Gibson Park (off West Wendover, in Greensboro, about 3.4 miles west after crossing over I-40). Meet at 1:30 PM at the Gibson Park picnic shelters/bathrooms, at the end of the road after turning in to the Park off of Wendover Avenue. This is a pleasant, invigorating and interesting (but not tiring) walk with several changes of terrain, but not much elevation gains. No need to call but feel free if you have questions.

[5 miles R-5]

 

Wednesday Night Walk January 9

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.

 

Table Rock January 12

Linville Gorge Saturday

 

Today’s hike is to the top of Table Rock, which is along the eastern side of Linville Gorge. After hiking up Table Rock and enjoying lunch, we will descend and then hike along the Shortoff Mountain Trail to the Chimneys area for a little scrambling for those interested. Scenery is guaranteed to be fantastic! Dinner will be at the now famous Mythos Greek restaurant in Morganton. Contact Ben for more info, meeting place and times.

[~6 miles +/-1500 feet, R-20]

 

Lake Higgins January 13

Greensboro Watershed Trails Sunday

 

I am hoping for snow on January 13, so we can hear the soft squish under our feet while making our way on the lovely Bald Eagle trail. We'll meet at 1:00 PM at the trail head parking lot on Hamburg Mill road (off Battleground, past Owl's Roost). If you have any questions, call me; if not, see you at the trail head.

[7 miles +/- 200 feet R-8]

 

 

Bert's Seafood Grill January 13

4608 West Market Street Sunday

 

Let's wind up our weekend with a nice dinner at one of Greensboro's best restaurants. Bert's has an excellent Sunday evening special selection of three entrees for under $10.00. We'll meet at the restaurant at 6:30 PM. Please email by Wednesday, January 9th, so I can make reservations. No late RSVPs please.

 

Wednesday Night Walk January 16

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.

 

 

Boone Fork Trail January 19

Blue Ridge Parkway Saturday

 

This is one of my favorite hikes; it’s great for beginners and one to do in winter. We follow along an ice encrusted stream, through the woods, a rhododendron grove and then break out into a field with wonderful views. If some want to extend the hike and go around Price Lake, that is a possibility. An early dinner in Blowing Rock or Boone will top the day. Meet at Shoney’s at NC-68 & I40 at 8 AM. Bring water, lunch and warm gear.

[5 miles +/- 500 feet R-7]

 

Lake Brandt Loop January 20

Greensboro Watershed Trails Sunday

 

Meet at Bur Mill Park in the parking lot nearest Lake Brandt at 1 PM for this 3-4 hour walk around the lake on Piedmont and Nat Greene Trails. Hike is 8.5 miles, with 2 on the greenway and 6.5 through the woods. Very pleasant only a few modest climbs. Bring water and snacks and hope for snow! No need to call to go on this hike.

[8.5 miles +/- 150 feet, R-10]

 

 

Annual Pot Luck Dinner January 20

Mallard Lakes Apts. Sunday 5:30 PM

 

Come join us for our annual potluck dinner meeting where we will elect and install our officers for 2008. Bring your favorite dish to share and your favorite chair to sit on. Drinks and tableware will be provided. This is always a fun evening and an important start for our new 2008 officers. Hope to see everyone there!

 

This year’s annual potluck dinner and election of officers will be held in the Mallard Lakes Apartments clubhouse. Thanks to Carol Simpson for arranging the use of the Clubhouse.

 

Driving out of Greensboro on Lawndale, go right on Cottage Place. Go RIGHT into the second driveway. The clubhouse, called the Gathering Place, is on the left.

 

Wednesday Night Walk January 23

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.

 

Mt. Mitchell Trail January 26

Mt. Mitchell State Park Saturday

 

Three of us did this last year on an incredible January day. The temp was 42 degrees at the top and the skies were the clearest I’ve ever seen up there. Don’t plan for that weather again, but give it a try! This is a difficult hike; hiking poles and slip-on foot traction (crampons or YakTrax) are highly recommended for the icy patches.

 

We’ll start at Black Mtn Campground, head up the MST to Balsam trail to the parking lot, down the road to Camp Alice Trail, down to the Commissary ridge trail, back to the MST and finally back to the campground. Please call or email for meeting place, we’ll get an early start to get off the mountain in the light. This hike is very weather dependent and an alternate hike will be done if necessary.

[12.5 miles +/- 3680 miles R-45+]

 

 

Pilot Mountain January 27

Pilot Mountain State Park Sunday

 

Our hike will start on Grassy Ridge Trail and continue on to Mountain Trail, Ledge Spring Trail and Jameokee Trail around the knob. After a brief stop at the top of the mountain, we will go down the Grindstone Trail. This hike is a good one for Sunday hikers and Wednesday night walkers who want a bit more challenge. Meet at Shoney’s at NC-68 & I40 at 11:00 AM or in the Ranger's Station Parking lot at 12:00. Bring water and a snack. Please email or call if you plan to hike.

[10 miles +/-1570 feet R-22]

 

 

Wednesday Night Walk January 30

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.

 

 

Moses Cone Manor February 2

Julian Price Park Saturday

 

We will start at Bass Lake and hike up to the Cone Manor House, then continue on to the graveyard. Some may stop here while others go on to the fire tower at the top. Then we retrace our steps back down. It is all easy hiking, just choose your distance. To the house and back is 4 miles. To the graveyard and back is 7 miles, and all the way to the tower and back is 11 miles. Call or email for time and location.

[11 miles R-20]

 

New Member Orientation/Hike February 3

Greensboro Watershed Trails Sunday

 

New Members – Come for an informal and informational session to learn a little about the Piedmont Hiking & Outing Club. We will meet at 1:00 PM at the Lake Higgins Marina on Hamburg Mill Rd in the small conference room to discuss anything you may want to know to make your experience with the club more enjoyable. We will also talk about what might be expected of you as a member. At about 2:00 we will take a short hike in the marina area and may be joined by other club members. Bring water, snacks, comfortable shoes, weather appropriate apparel and good humor. Call or email if you have questions.

 

 

Wednesday Night Walk February 6

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.

 

Birkhead Mountain Wilderness February 9

Uwharrie National Forest Saturday

 

We head to Asheboro and the Uwharrie National Forest for an eight-mile loop through lovely wooded areas with several views of the surrounding 'mountains'. The terrain is rolling with some, but not significant, elevation gain and the hike is rated moderate. This is a close to home, excellent winter hike. Please call for meeting place and time.

[8 miles R-12]

 

Moore’s Knob Loop Trail February 10

Hanging Rock State Park Sunday

 

Join us for a moderate hike close to home. If the day is clear, we will see beautiful views from the top of the tower of Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Be sure to bring plenty of water and lunch. Meet at Shoney’s at 10:00 AM Those in Winston can meet us at the park. Please call Jill to let her know you are coming.

[4.2 miles., +/- 800 ft R-12]

 

February Meeting February 11

Piedmont Environmental Center Monday

 

Meet for refreshments and fellowship at 7:00 PM at the Piedmont Environmental Center. The business portion and program will start at 7:30 PM. A map to the PEC is shown above.

 

Mickey Walker will present a program with slides on the trip he led to Acadia National Park in September 2007. Come and enjoy the excitement and beauty of Acadia National Park. Be there!

 

Wednesday Night Walk February 13

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.

 

Appalachian Trail February 16

AT Tennessee Saturday

 

Join me for a 10 mile, mostly moderate hike on the Appalachian Trail. This hike will be new to most of the hikers in the club. Call for meeting time and place. Please call before 9:00 PM.

[10 miles +500/-1100 feet R-18]

 

Lake Townsend February 17

Greensboro Watershed Trails Sunday 1PM

 

Let’s hike Lake Townsend out and back. Proceed east on Pisgah-Church/Lees-Chapel to the T at Rudd Station Road, turn left, cross over the tracks, go straight for less than half a mile, park in the gravel lot on the left. Total 8 easy miles, wooded, close to the water at times, very scenic.

[8 miles +/- 150 feet R-8]

 

Wednesday Night Walk February 20

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.

 

Dinner at Bianca’s February 21

Spring Garden St., Greensboro Thursday

 

Join us for dinner at Bianca’s, a family owned and operated Italian restaurant at 1901 Spring Garden St. (corner of Spring Garden and Chapman). Bianca’s is a small, intimate restaurant, so reservations are a must. Please RSVP by Sunday, February 17th!

 

UPDATED HIKE INFORMATION

Daniel Boone Scout Trail February 23

Grandfather Mountain Saturday

 

Let’s try Grandfather in the winter! We’ll leave from the Tanawha Trailhead on the Blue Ridge Parkway with the goal of getting to Calloway Peak. This hike is limited to 12 hikers – and experienced hikers only!  Foot traction (crampons, YakTrax, STABILicers or the like) and metal tipped poles are required. 

 

PHOC pays for a yearly hiking access to Grandfather Mountain.  Because of this, there will be a $5 fee for non-members to join us on this hike.

Contact for meeting times and more details.

[8 miles +/-2500 feet R-35]

 

Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork February 24

Greensboro Watershed Trails Sunday 1PM

 

Lets hike the Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork loop. Proceed north on Lake Brandt Road, past the Marina on your left, over the bridge, park in the gravel lot on your right. Total 7 easy miles, lots of wildlife.

[7 miles, R-7]

 

 

Ski Trip February 24 & 25

Snowshoe WVA Sun & Mon

 

Join us for another great priced deal at Snowshoe, whether you are a beginner or expert. We will drive up 4 ½ hours Sunday morning 2/24 and spend Sunday and Monday nights at the Inn At Snowshoe. Great Price - $105 plus tax per person, double occupancy for 2 nights and 2 days lift tickets. The schedule also misses the weekend crowds. You can ski Sun/Mon or Mon/Tue. Last year was super; 6 inches of fresh snow and empty slopes on Mon/Tue. You need to call Snowshoe 877-441-4386 and make your own reservations. There is no group reservation. The $105 package is limited so reserve early. Call or email me for details and to let me know that you are coming.

 

Wednesday Night Walk February 27

Friendly Shopping Center Wednesday

See January 2nd for details.