Join us for the Monday Night
Power Walks! Our objective is a good
cardiovascular workout. We will walk 7 miles on the city greenway maintaining
at least a 4.5 mph pace. If you are
working up to this pace, we will catch you on the way back since it is an out
and back. Please call or email for
time and location. Hope to see you
there!
Every Wednesday Night Walk
and Dinner
The Wednesday walkers will meet every Wednesday
evening in the parking lot of the
Piedmont Environmental Center at 6:30 pm for a brisk walk before dinner.
Rain or shine, the group will go to dinner after the walk.
September 4 Caudill Cabin
Saturday Doughton Park
This is a fun
end-of-summer/early-fall hike that offers lush vegetation, shade trees, and
cool streams. The path for the first
1.7 miles is wide and level with only a few stream crossings. As we begin our 3.3 mile ascent up to the
cabin, we cross the stream close to twenty times, but all crossings are
manageable. There will be
sit-beside-the-stream-stops along the way as this is a leisurely hike. We return the way we came, making all those
crossings once more. Best to bring a
walking stick/poles and to wear shoes/boots that most likely will get wet! This hike is one that Susan Getty led the
first Saturday in September for many years and is being revived in deference to
her and the many memories she gave to so many on the trail. Please contact Gale for meeting time and
place. [10 miles; +/- 1500’; R25]
September 4 Mt
Mitchell Loop
Saturday Mt Mitchell State
Park
If you are unable to go to
the beach over the holiday, let's go to the Black Mountains! We will start at the Ranger HQ and hike
across Commissary Ridge to Maple Camp Bald.
There we will have lunch at one of the most scenic mountain vista's in
the East. Then we will hike up Big Tom Gap to the Crest Trail continuing up Big
Tom, we will hike across the TWO highest peaks east of the Rockies; Mt Craig
and Mt Mitchell. On a clear day we can
see for 80 miles! After visiting the
observation deck and concession stand on Mt Mitchell, we take the "Old
Mitchell Trail" down to the cars.
A dinner stop will be a nice reward after the hike. Please bring minimum two liters of water,
snacks, lunch, rain gear, and camera.
About half of this trail is considered "rugged", with uneven
walking surface both uphill and downhill.
Please email for meeting place and times. (Group size on this hike will be limited to 12). [10 miles; R35]
Sunday Piedmont Environmental Center
Join me for an easy five
miles on the greenway (or perhaps on the trails through the woods if it is
extremely hot) at Piedmont Environmental Center in High Point. For those interested, we will go to Ham’s
afterward for a sandwich. Meet in the
PEC parking lot on Penny Road at 2:00 pm.
[~5 miles; R6]
Thursday 1525 N Main St,
High Point
Let’s meet for an evening
of great beach music featuring Chairmen of the Board near the library in uptown
High Point. We will meet at 5:30 pm
beside Chili’s in Oak Hollow Mall to carpool.
Shag if you like; enjoy beverages and food from local vendors; but most
of all enjoy the camaraderie of fellow club members in a fun social setting.
Tickets (nominal cost) may be purchased after we arrive and the proceeds help
support the Children’s Home Society.
Bring your folding lawn chair and dancing shoes.
September 10 La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Friday at 6:15 1312 Bridford Parkway, Greensboro
This is my favorite
Mexican restaurant in Greensboro. Hope you can join me! Please let me know by Thursday, September 9
if you will be coming.
September 10-12 Panthertown
Valley
Friday – Sunday Cashiers, NC
Let’s do something
different! Saturday we will do a 10
mile hike in Panthertown and Sunday morning raft down the Nantahala River.
Panthertown is called the Yosemite of the East with its wide array of cliff’s,
granite domes, gorges and waterfalls. Panthertown Valley is deep in the
Southern Nantahala Forest near Cashiers, NC.
A good 4 ½ hours from Greensboro, so it will have to be an
overnighter. Make your own arrangements
for lodging, but I will have several suggestions to pick from. Call or email
Jill for details (Group size will be limited). Also, check out this website,
http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/panther1.htm for pictures and descriptions of the
area.
Saturday Moses Cone Memorial Park
At this Blue Ridge Parkway
facility near Blowing Rock, hikers will have several options with this
in-and-out hike. We’ll start at Bass Lake and hike two miles up to the Cone
Manor House, where some may choose to stop. The next destination will be the
graveyard, another mile and a half up the trail. The total distance to the fire
tower, with superb views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is five and a half miles.
The carriage trails, by their very nature, are easy for walking. It makes for a
delightful day of hiking! For those
interested, an early dinner in Blowing Rock will top the day. Greensboro hikers
meet at Shoney’s at 8:00 am, Winston hikers meet at McDonald’s on Jonestown
Road at 8:30 am. Call or email Shari if you plan on going. [11 miles maximum, R20 maximum]
September 11 Roan
Mountain
Saturday Roan Mountain, TN
Today we have
options….life is all about options! We
will traverse the high balds of the Appalachian Trail through the area of Roan
Mountain. There are three options available for today’s adventure…for those of
us that like a strenuous climb you will be dropped off at the trailhead on US
19E for a southbound trek of 14.2 miles and an elevation gain of over 5000
feet. For those of you that would
prefer a leisurely stroll of 13.2 miles and an elevation gain of only 2500
feet, we will start at the Carver’s Gap trailhead for a northbound trek to
Little Hump Mountain (elev. 5459 feet) and then backtrack to our cars. Did I
mention backpacking? Little Hump
Mountain and the surrounding areas offer open camp sites that provide the
opportunity for panoramic views of sunsets, star gazing, and sunrises. So if
anyone would like to load up a few extra pounds and enjoy an evening out ...
this options is available as well. Just
let me know so we can coordinate. [13.2
miles; R38] OR [14.2 miles; R64]
September 12 Rocky Knob
Sunday Blue
Ridge Parkway
Let’s meet at Shoney's
I-40 & NC-68 at 10:00 am for a change in our usual Sunday hikes. We will
travel to the Blue Ridge Parkway via Tuggle's Gap which is about a 1 hour and
45 minute ride counting a rest stop at Hardee's in Stuart, Va. The trail will
be out and back on part of the old Appalachian Trail for a total of 8
miles. Pack your lunch which we will
stop and eat at the old AT shelter that overlooks the Piedmont area of NC. This is a very scenic hike that is
considered moderate. We should be back in Greensboro by around 5:00 or 6:00
pm. Please call or email me if you plan
on going. [8 miles; R15]
September 12 PEC Bike Ride
Sunday Piedmont Environmental Center
This 18 mile out and back
bicycle ride begins at the Piedmont Environmental Center (PEC) on Penny Road in
High Point and follows the paved Greenway and sidewalks north to end at Burnt
Poplar Road behind the fuel storage tanks at the Greensboro airport. The entire trail is paved, and almost any
bicycle, preferably with gears, is suitable.
We pass Gibson Park at 3.75 miles and continue through a tunnel under
Wendover Avenue, avoid the right turn to Tarrant Road, past the dam at Mendenhall
Park, over Piedmont Parkway, over Regency Drive, along Gallimore Dairy Road,
along Chimney Rock Road sidewalk, left at Boulder Road sidewalk and over the
I-40 bridge to end at Burnt Poplar Road.
This is a leisurely 3 hour round trip.
The uphill leg is going north which makes a fast return to PEC. We will depart PEC at 2:00 pm. Restrooms are available at Gibson Park.
Monday Piedmont Environmental Center
For our September meeting
we will be back at PEC on a Monday night.
Meet for snacks and fellowship beginning at 7:00 pm with the business
portion starting at 7:30 pm. Come and
be inspired by our guest speaker, Randy Johnson. Randy is the author of many trail guides about North Carolina,
Virginia and Tennessee and will provide a video presentation along with
inspiration on areas yet to explore in our local wonderland! Randy has recently expanded his list of
books to include a new revision to “Southern Snow: The Winter Guide to Dixie”.
Appropriate for the upcoming season!
(www.randyjohnsonbooks.com) We
are very fortunate to host such an important and knowledgeable speaker for our
club. Please join us on Monday to
welcome Randy Johnson.
September 18 Salem Lake
Saturday Winston-Salem
For those that want to
stay close to home and be through by lunch, join us for a moderate paced hike
around Salem Lake in Winston-Salem. The trail is about 7 miles and wide and
relative flat with nice views of the lake.
For the ones that wish to do more, a second loop extending the walk to
14 miles is a possibility. Meet at Shoney's at 8:30 am or at the Salem Lake
marina parking lot at 9:00 am. No need to call unless you have questions. [7 miles; R8]
Saturday Stone Mtn State Park
Join Hubert on this Stone
Mountain hike. We will hike a section
that is not hiked very often. We will
have three stream crossings and hike by three waterfalls. You may want to bring a change of
clothing. Please bring plenty of water,
food and rain gear. Meet at Shoney’s
and be ready to leave at 7:30 am.
Please let me know if you plan to go on this hike just in case I have to
cancel due to my wife being sick. [11.5
miles; +/- 2002’; R32]
Saturday Doughton Park
We tend to do the same
hikes in Doughton Park over and over – the Loop, Caudill Cabin, or up Primitive
and down either Flat Rock or Cedar Ridge. Over the next year, I’m going to lead
three new hikes there, each of which will be progressively more difficult. The
first of these is the “Heart of Doughton.” We’ll go up Flat Rock, down Grassy
Gap, up the Primitive, and down Cedar Ridge. This is a LONG, DIFFICULT hike
with a lot of elevation gain so only the certifiable should attempt it. Bring
lots of water, lunch, snacks, and rain gear. Call or email for meeting
times and places. Stay tuned for the
Doughton Figure 8 and Doughton’s Inferno.
[22 miles; +/- 4900’; R71]
Sunday Greensboro
Watershed Trails
Let’s go for a 7 mile hike
with lots of views of Lake Higgins today.
Please bring water and a snack.
Meet in the Lake Higgins trail parking lot (approximately 150 feet from
the marina entrance outside the marina fence) at 1:30 pm. The marina address is 4235 Hamburg Mill
Road; marina phone number is 643-4295.
Please let me know if you plan to go on this hike just in case I have to
cancel due to my wife being sick. [7
miles; +/- 200’; R9]
Sunday Salem Lake,
Winston-Salem
The road around the lake
is dirt/gravel, and the Salem Creek greenway is paved. You should have a mountain or hybrid bike
for this ride. We’ll meet at 1:00 pm at
the fishing hut inside the fence at Salem Lake and ride counterclockwise around
the lake. We’ll then ride the Salem
Creek greenway to the end and back, cross the creek below the dam and return to
the fishing hut. We will have an
optional second clockwise lap around the lake for those who want extra
miles. The route is about 16 miles with
moderate hills, plus 6 miles for the extra lap. You can expect a pace of 10 – 12 miles/hour. Please wear a helmet.
Tuesday New Garden Road, Greensboro
Please join me at 6:30 pm
for the best pizza in town. PieWorks
Pizza by Design is an exciting, distinctive, casual pizza concept. The dough is
handmade from scratch, fresh each day.
PieWorks contrasts itself with traditional competitors by an
overwhelming variety, more than 60 fresh, unique topping choices. Also offered
are oven toasted sandwiches, salads, pasta, adult beverages and are you ready
for this, the best dessert pizza you will ever taste, a real treat! Don’t miss
this place. Pieworks is located at 1941
New Garden Road between Battleground Avenue and Bryan Boulevard,
Greensboro. Please RSVP to either my
email or phone listed above by Friday, September 17 to let me know you are
coming.
September 24 Mellow
Mushroom / Broach Theatre
Friday Downtown Greensboro
Let’s mix things up a bit
and attend a play at The Broach Theater! We can get a group rate of $16 with 10
or more people attending. If you can attend please let me know by September
1. I will then reserve the actual number of seats we will need. You
will be responsible for paying at the door the night of the performance. The
performance date will be Friday, September 24 at 8:00 pm. Playing is “The Trials and Tribulations of
a Trailer Park Housewife”, an award winning production written by Del Shores
and is sure to entertain. The Broach is
located at 520 South Elm Street, downtown Greensboro. Dinner before at Mellow Mushroom and dessert afterward at
Cheesecakes by Alex is an option for those interested. Please call or email by Wednesday, Sept 22
to let me know if you will be joining us. .
Saturday Hanging Rock State Park
Today, we will head for
Hanging Rock State Park and hike the Indian Creek, Wolf Rock, and other trails.
This hike is moderate, with a few stream crossings. We will start at the Dan
River trailhead, hike up Indian Creek, out by Wolf Rock, and on to House
Rock. We will have lunch there with
great views back to W-S before retracing our route back to our cars via the
Magnolia Springs Trail and by the lake. We will meet at Shoney's at 8:00 am.
Winston folks can meet us at 9:00 am at the Dan River parking lot off Flinchum
Road. Please call or email Patty to let her know you are coming. [11 mi;
+/-1600’; R28]
Saturday Grayson Highlands
This hike has something
for everyone; waterfalls, big views, wild ponies and yes there will be an ice
cream stop on the trail. We park at the overnight backpackers lot and take the
blue blaze feeder trail to the AT; follow the AT until it intersects with the
Wilson Creek trail; have lunch beside one of two waterfalls on Wilson Creek;
stay on Wilson Creek trail to the campground (ice cream); follow Stamper's
Branch Trail to the Visitor's Center; follow Twin Pinnacles trail for two large
views; cross over to Massie Gap to see the wild ponies and hook back up with
the AT to the feeder trail back to the cars.
Email or call for meeting times and locations. [10ish miles; R30ish]
September 25 Doughton
Loop
Saturday Doughton Park
Join Hubert on this 17
mile loop hike in Doughton Park. Please
bring plenty of water on this hike and of course lunch and a snack. We will depart Shoney’s at 7:30 am. Please let me know if you plan to go on this
hike just in case I have to cancel due to my wife being sick. [17 miles; +/-
2850’; R47]
September 26 Owls
Roost
Sunday Greensboro
Watershed Trails
Let’s meet at 1:30 pm at
the Wildlife Center in Bur-Mil Park and hike the Owls Roost watershed trail to
the Greenway, and then back again using the Fire Lane trail for part of the
return trip. Proceed North on US220, past Horse Pen Creek Road on the left,
then right at the traffic light at Owls Roost Road, and then left into Bur-Mil
Park. Bear right at the club house, park in the circular driveway at the bottom
of the hill. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. [7 miles; R9]
Sunday Lake Higgins
Marina
Prospective, recent or new
members meet at 1:30 pm at the small conference room at Lake Higgins Marina on
Hamburg Mill Road in Greensboro. Jill and Ben will welcome members, discuss
PHOC and its opportunities,, conditioning, and the hike rating system, and
answer any questions anyone may have.
At about 2:15 pm we will do about a four-mile easy walk, joined by any
other interested members. Bring water
and a snack. We should be done around 4:00 pm. Hope to see you. Contact Jill or
Ben with any questions.
September 26 Kayak
Safety Training Class / Night Paddle
Sunday Belews Lake
This course is for
beginners and for experienced paddlers who want a refresher on the basics or
instruction on more advanced paddle strokes.
The staff of GET OUTDOORS will conduct the course which will cover kayak
knowledge, paddle strokes, safety and rescue methods. The course is limited to 30 participants in 3 groups to be based
on experience level – participation in last year’s class will not put you in
the more advanced group if you are an infrequent paddler. The course will be held at the Pine Bluff
access on Belews Lake. The course fee
is $10 if you provide your own boat and $20 if a kayak is provided for
you. There will be 16 kayaks available for
rent. The course begins at 3:00 pm and
will be followed by a potluck picnic on the lake. There will be a night paddle after dinner for those who want to
participate. The night paddle will
require an additional charge for rented boats, and perhaps a small charge for
glow sticks to be attached to the bow and stern of each boat. Contact Landy for more specifics and to get
your fee in to reserve your spot for the course. Last year's class was sold out!
October 1-3 Camping / Kayaking /
Biking
Friday – Sunday New River Trail State Park
Join us for our 4th great
outing to Foster Falls Campground in the New River Trail State Park, a 57 mile
linear park along the New River in VA. It is located where I-77 crosses the New
River, only 1.5 hours from Greensboro. We will group camp on Baker Island in
the river. It is perhaps the most beautiful group campsite in the East. It is
very private and located beside musical rapids. The campground is primitive
with pleasant outhouses but no water or showers. On Saturday, we will leave from the campsite and canoe/kayak
downstream approximately 14 miles (about 5 hours). The beautiful river is
appropriate for novice paddlers and up. On Sunday, we will bike the New River
Trail upstream toward Fries, VA and back.
I expect multiple groups: fast, slow and in-between to ride whatever
distance is comfortable. The campsite
space is limited to 24. Boats and bikes can be rented at the park. You can
elect to join us for only the day's boating or biking. Call or email for more
specifics.
Friday – Sunday Mt Mitchell State Park
It’s time for another
backpacking trip, this time for two nights. We’ll leave the Triad Friday
afternoon and hike up from the Black Mt Campground to Commissary Ridge.
Saturday I plan to hike over to the ranger station, up to Mt. Mitchell, along
the Black Mt Crest Trail to Big Tom Gap, down to Commissary Ridge and camp at
Maple Camp Bald. Sunday will be back along Commissary Ridge and down to the
Black Mt Campground. There may be an
option for a shorter Sat/Sun hike joining the two night group. Email for more details.
Saturday Blowing Rock
Let’s go to Blowing Rock
and hike the pretty Glen Burney Trail located in the center of town. The trail gradually descends beside a creek
with occasional small waterfalls. You
will see some lovely foliage along the way too. We’ll stop at the bottom for
lunch and then hike back up the trail.
If you have problems with your knees, bring walking sticks. We might want to include a trip to an ice
cream shop to reward ourselves for being such hardy hikers. Another plus: that
this weekend is Blowing Rock’s monthly
arts show, Art in the Park.
Meet at Shoney’s at 10:00 am.
Call if you have any questions. [3.2 miles; R12]
October 2 Umstead Trails
Saturday Umstead State Park
This loop hike takes us
from the US70 side of this 5,500 acre park to the I-40 side and back. The route offers creeks, wooded hillsides,
an old mill site, and stone wall foundations from earlier times. This is an urban park with bridges over all
stream crossings and moderate elevations.
It makes an easy, but long hike.
The rolling terrain will be well populated with joggers. We will depart at 8:00 am from the parking
lot beside the former NASCAR restaurant on the north side of Four Seasons Mall.
[11 miles; R20]
Saturday Pisgah National
Forest
This hike near Old Fort
will take us up Heartbreak Ridge, with beautiful views of the valley beyond
Montreat, and along a short portion of the old Toll Road toward the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Just before reaching the parkway, we will cut off the Toll Road trail
and ascend Blue Ridge Pinnacle for 360-degree views including Mount Mitchell
and other peaks of the Black Mountains, the Craggy Gardens area, and even Table
Rock above Linville Gorge. The climb to the base of Pinnacle is long but
gentle, while the ascent of Pinnacle is steep but short. Dinner is usually at
Yianni’s in Morganton. [14 miles; 4000’; R54]
October 3 Lake Higgins
Sunday Greensboro
Watershed Trails
Fall has arrived, a lovely
time to hike the watershed trails on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Let's meet at 1:00 pm at the Bald Eagle
trailhead, where we will start and finish our companionable journey. To get to the trailhead, travel North on
Battleground, past Bur-Mil and Owl's Roost; turn left on Hamburg Mill
Road. Parking for the trailhead is on
the gravel lot just after you pass the main Lake Higgins Marina parking lot
entrance. Please call to let me know
you're coming. [7 miles; +/- 300’; R10]
October 6 Shag Lessons
Wednesday Thirstys2 Beach Club
Did the summer Beach Music
Thursdays in Greensboro and High Point during June and September give you an
‘itch’ to learn to shag, or maybe just to polish off your steps a little? Then
come out to Thirstys2 and join fellow club members for shag lessons in a
relaxed private beach club atmosphere. Beginner classes are at 6:30 pm followed
by Intermediate classes at 7:30 pm. Lessons are taught by Pat and Joyce Archer
(292-6342; pjoyce1@triad.rr.com) and the cost is $ 45 for four weeks of
lessons. Only those persons taking lessons are there during classes so there is
no intimidation factor involved; just everyone having fun and learning
together! Thirstys2 is located at 119 North Chimney Rock Road in Greensboro.
Contact Sue if you have questions.
October 8 Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse
Friday 1617 Stanley
Road, Greensboro
Flashing knives, whirling
shakers, and great food! Join Nate and
me for dinner and an enjoyable evening at Kabuto Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
Bar. Meet at 7:00 pm at the restaurant
near Wendover and I-40. Call Maggie by
Tuesday, October 5 to reserve your place.
Saturday Doughton Park
This eight mile hike is
for everyone. It has great views and no
hard climbs. This hike parallels the
Blue Ridge Parkway and the pace of the hike will be moderate so we can enjoy
the views with the fall colors. Three
miles into the hike I plan to stop at the coffee house for lunch and cobbler
(you can also bring your lunch and eat under a tree). Please meet in Greensboro
at Shoney’s and be ready to leave at 8:00 am or in Winston-Salem at the
Jonestown exit at 8:30 am. Please let
me know if you plan to go on this hike just in case I have to cancel due to my
wife being sick. [8 miles; +/- 750’;
R16]
October 9 McAfee
Knob / Tinkers Cliff
Saturday AT, Roanoke VA
Today we are offering two
versions for a day hike. Join so-n-so
(leader yet to be identified) for a leisurely 7 mile round trip up to McAfee
Knob that overlooks the beautiful Catawba / Roanoke Valleys. The views are not to be missed. Or you can join Jill to do a longer and
steeper hike, climbing up Tinker Mountain to the cliffs…another gorgeous view. We will proceed along the ridge line to
start another climb up to join the short hike group at the top of McAfee
Knob. Then we will all end the day with
our favorite part……..DINNER! Please
e-mail or call for meeting time and place.
Short hike, [7 miles; R20] Long
hike, [12 miles; R36]
Sunday Greensboro
Watershed Trails
Let’s meet on North Church
Street in the parking lot just before you cross Lake Townsend the second time,
just past Air Harbor Road. Going north,
the parking lot will be on your left; there is also an additional lot on the
right just before you get to that one for overflow parking. Let's hike along
Lake Townsend on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We will meet at 1:00 pm and hike out
and back on the Peninsula, West House, and Osprey Trails. Bring a snack and
plenty of water. Please call or email to let me know you're coming. [8.4 miles; R10]
October 10 Foster Falls Bike
Ride
Sunday New River Trail
State Park
This outing at Virginia’s
New River Trail State Park - one of the Southeast’s best rails-to-trails
conversions - will be for two groups of riders based on riding pace and
endurance. The relatively flat and car-traffic-free rides will begin at Foster
Falls, a village that dates from the mid-1800s. Both rides will take
participants through the 135-foot New River train tunnel and over the 670-foot
Ivanhoe Trestle, a great place to stop for water and enjoy the panorama of the
river valley. The turnaround point and lunch spot for the slower, 22-mile
out-and-back ride will be near Buck Dam, built in 1913 for the Appalachian
Power Company. For riders who can maintain at least an approximately 10-mph
pace while on the bicycles for 32 miles, the turnaround point and lunch location
will be where the Chestnut Creek spur of the trail from Galax meets the main
trail from Fries. The timing of the two rides will allow participants in the
two different rides to be in the same vehicles for the drive to Foster Falls.
There is a nominal parking fee at Foster Falls. The trail requires durable
tires, and helmets are encouraged. Meet
at Shoney’s at 8:00 am and in the Subway parking lot behind Hardee’s at exit
118 off Highway 52 at 8:45 am. Please contact Landy if you plan on
participating.
October 13 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
October 15 Land Jam Concert
Friday Carolina
Theatre
Come out and show your
support for land conservation and hear some great music at the 2nd Annual “Land
Jam” concert featuring the Steep Canyon Rangers and Amelia’s Mechanics. The 8:00 pm concert will be held at the
Carolina Theatre downtown Greensboro and is sponsored by the Piedmont Land
Conservancy to benefit land conservation efforts in the 9-county Piedmont
region. Purchase tickets on your own after September 15($20) at
piedmontland.org or by calling 336-691-0088.
If there is enough interest, we’ll meet beforehand for dinner downtown.
Contact Mary Ellen by Tuesday, October 12 to reserve your spot for dinner.
Saturday Blue Ridge Parkway
Let’s hike in Virginia
today. This is a moderate hike that
hikers with limited hiking experience can do. Almost half of the trail is in
the open so you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Let’s hope for cool nights in the area
before the hike so we can enjoy the leaf colors. Please meet in Summerfield at 7:30 am in the Food Lion lot close
to Walgreen’s (US220 North at NC150); address of Food Lion is 4548 US 220
North. Please let me know if you plan
to go on this hike just in case I have to cancel due to my wife being sick. [8 miles; +/- 850’; R17]
October 16 Rock Castle Gorge
Saturday Blue Ridge Parkway
If you’d like to sweat a
little prior to the club’s evening festivity, join me for a Rock Castle loop
hike. We’ll do the “club special” starting at CCC Camp Road, hike up to the
Parkway, down through the rock castle and finish with the gentle walk
streamside back to the starting point. This hike starts out with a demanding
climb but settles down afterward. We’ll lunch at the old AT shelter with great
eastward views. Contrary to former hike descriptions, there is no ice cream or
orange sherbet parlor atop this hike. However, you are free to bring your own.
We’ll arrange the hike schedule to accommodate an early return so you can
attend the club’s 7:00 pm Pot Luck and Music event. [11 miles; +/- 2800’; R39]
Saturday 6101 Gwynedd Road, Summerfield
Instead of our usual
monthly meeting, come on out to Andy’s and Joel’s house for a fun filled evening
of food, music and fellowship. We
gather at 7:00 pm for a pot luck dinner outside, weather permitting, while
listening to music supplied by talented fellow club members. Bring your favorite dish, your best singing
voice, and your comfortable lawn chair.
The club will supply soft drinks and paper products. Aspiring musicians should RSVP to Lynette;
all levels of musicians are welcome!
Anyone needing directions please contact Lynette.
October 17 NC Zoological Park
Sunday Asheboro
Today we will once again
embark on our longest hike of the year, with a non-strenuous hike from North
America to Africa and back all in one day. You should bring good walking shoes,
weather appropriate clothing, and a good attitude. We will stop for lunch at
the plaza which separates NA from Africa. You can either buy your lunch there
or bring something from home. For your convenience we will have three meeting
places and times (which are close approximations). The first group will gather
and leave from the Four Seasons parking lot located directly across from the
Bonefish Grill at 9:00 am to travel to Asheboro. The group will stop and meet
other people at McDonald’s in Asheboro at 9:30 am to travel to the Zoo. Others
can meet us at the North American Entrance to the Zoo at 10:00 am. There may be
a charge to get into the Zoo. Rain date is the same day. There are trams if you
get tired. Rating [Fun]
Sunday Bur-Mil Park
While
it is fairly level,10.5 miles this hike is a good workout for anyone. It is
very scenic, with fall colors and lakeside trails most of the way. Meet at 1:30
pm at Bur-Mil Park, at the end of the road at the round parking lot at the
bottom of the hill near the lake and Wildlife Center. [R18]
October
18 Monday Night Power Walk
October
20 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
October 21 Garden Creek
Thursday Stone Mtn State Park
Today
we will do a strenuous hike with 24 stream crossings; we will hike up Garden
Creek, hike up a ridge then hike back in the direction of the cars then loop
back before returning to Garden Creek.
Please let me know if you plan to go on this hike just in case I have to
cancel due to my wife being sick. Meet
at Shoney’s at 7:30 am and for the folks in Winston, the Jonestown exit stop
will be at 8:00 am. [12 miles +/- 2650’; R39]
October 22 Deadline
Notice for North Carolina Dance Festival
October 22 Lucky 32 Restaurant
Friday 1421 Westover
Terrace
Let’s
celebrate the weekend by treating ourselves to a restaurant noted for its nice
atmosphere and good food. Prices are
moderate, and if the weather cooperates we might be able to sit outside. Call me by Wednesday, October 20 so I can
make reservations for all of us.
October 23 Nat Greene / Palmetto Loop
Saturday Greensboro Watershed Trails
Today
we will do another one of those hikes most often offered on a Sunday so you can
get in a hike close to home and still make those Saturday evening plans. Starting at the Lake Brandt marina, we will
go out the Nat Greene Trail to Old Battleground Road, follow the Palmetto Trail
to the Greenway, and the Greenway back to Nat Greene, which we will retrace
back to the marina. As usual with my
Saturday hikes in Greensboro, lunch at New York Deli is an option for those
interested. Please call or email to let
me know you will be joining us and for meeting time. [8.4 mi R12]
October 23 Garden Creek / M-S-T
Saturday Stone Mtn State
Park
Today
we will hike up Garden Creek to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are lots of stream crossings and we
should see a small waterfall. I think
this is a beautiful area to hike and I hope you enjoy this hike as much as
me. We will hike back to our cars using
the MST. Please let me know if you plan
to go on this hike just in case I have to cancel due to my wife being
sick. [12 miles; R40]
Saturday Linville Gorge
Today’s
hike into the Gorge is a very difficult
and somewhat dangerous hike. We
will descend into the Gorge by way of the Devil’s Hole Trail. We will then find a way to cross the river
and hike up the Linville Gorge Trail until we reach the base of Babel
Tower. We then cross the river again
and rock hop along the river for about a third of a mile until we reach Henson
Creek. The climb out of the Gorge by
way of Henson Creek is a very rugged scramble over many large boulders in the
creek bed. After a climb of about 1000 feet in about ¾ of a mile, we will then
continue up on hiking trails until we reach Jonas Ridge. On the way back to the
cars we cross Sitting Bear Mountain, which offers a stunning view of the north
end of the Gorge and a terrific view looking eastward. This hike is for experienced hikers only
that I know and come well qualified. This hike is rated over a 50 because
of the river crossings and the bouldering.
In the event of bad weather or high water, this hike will not be
crossing the river. Dinner afterward
will be at the Greek restaurant, Yianni’s in Morganton. Please call or email for more particular
details and meeting place and time. [8
miles; +/- 3000’; R50+]
October 24 Northeast Park
Sunday Guilford County
In
late October the weather should be nice so let’s take a moderate paced hike at
Northeast Park. Please meet in the
Hicone Shopping Center parking lot in front of Food Lion near the bank at 2:00
pm. From US 29 take Hicone Road east
and the shopping center will be on your
right after approximately one mile.
We will carpool as needed and then drive to Northeast Park. Please let me know if you plan to go on this
hike just in case I have to cancel this hike due to my wife being sick. [5 mi; +/- 250’; R8]
Sunday New River Trail
State Park
This
outing is for two groups of riders based on speed and total miles. The shorter ride will be 24 miles at a
relaxed speed and will go from Galax to the Fries Junction, where we will have
lunch before returning to Galax. The
longer ride will be 35 miles at a speed of approximately 10 mph and will
continue past the junction to the park at the end of the trail in Fries. Both rides include the waterfall on Chestnut
Creek, the Chestnut Creek Tunnel and the Fries Junction Trestle. The longer ride includes scenic cliffs
overlooking the river. Expected ride
times will allow all participants to travel in the same vehicles to Galax. The rides will require a mountain or hybrid
bike, and helmets are encouraged. There
is a small parking fee in Galax. Meet
at Shoney’s at 8:00 am and in the Subway parking lot behind Hardee’s at exit
118 off Highway 52 at 8:45 am. Please let Landy know if you plan on attending.
October 25 Monday
Night Power Walk
October 27 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
Saturday Stone Mtn State
Park
Today
we will hike to three waterfalls at Stone Mountain, go over Wolf Rock and over
the top of Stone Mountain as well; both locations provide great views of the
surrounding area. At this time of year
the leaves are beautiful at these lower elevations. There are three stream crossings so you may get your feet wet if
the water is above normal. We will take
our time to experience all the beauty, so plan to be on the trail around five
hours. Meet at Shoney’s and be ready to
leave at 8:00 am or meet us at the Jonestown exit in Winston-Salem at 8:30
am. Please let me know if you plan to
go on this hike just in case I have to cancel this hike due to my wife being
sick. [8.2 miles; +/- 1500’; R23]
October 30 Scott Ridge / M-T-S
Saturday Stone Mtn State
Park
This
primarily ridge-based hike requires no rock hopping across creeks but does
include some steep climbs. The route is
through the backpack campsites on the Widow’s Creek Trail, up Scott Ridge to
the abandoned aerial tramway site, and back down the Mountains-to-Sea
Trail. Views of the ridges of Stone
Mountain State Park, of Stone Mountain itself from above, and of the valley
beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway are excellent.
This route is particularly good for viewing up close the fall colors of
sourwood, red maple, red oak, and other trees of the North Carolina
mountains. Hikers can be home for
supper at a normal time. [11 miles; +/-
2800 feet; R39]
October 31 Chapel Hill Walk
Sunday Snow Camp/Chapel
Hill
Brunch
Buffet – Walk – and Trader Joe’s! Here
is a chance to travel the bucolic, historic and scenic Football Highway to
Chapel Hill, stopping for a quality and reasonably-priced country buffet en
route (come hungry), visit the newly enhanced NC Botanical Garden... and walk
its 30-minute trail... in Chapel Hill, visit Trader Joe's, and be home before
dinner. Meet at 11:00 am in the parking lot in front of Harper's Restaurant in
Friendly Center in. We will carpool from there to Ye Olde Country Kitchen in
Snow Camp, arriving at noon; after brunch, we go to the botanical gardens in
Chapel Hill, then to Trader Joe's for some Three-Buck Chuck and a plethora of
other unique shopping options, heading back to Greensboro around 4:00 pm. Contact Jon no later than Friday, October 29
if you plan to participate. Hope
to see YOU.
October 31 Pilot Mountain Loop
Sunday Pilot Mtn State
Park
Our hike will start on
Grassy Ridge Trail and continue on to Mountain Trail, Ledge Spring Trail and
Jomeokee Trail around the knob. After a brief stop at the top of the mountain,
we will then go down the Grindstone Trail. This hike is a good one for Sunday
hikers who want a bit more challenge. THIS IS NOT A HIKE FOR BEGINNERS. Meet at
Shoney's at 8:30 am or in the Ranger's Station Parking lot at 9:30 am. Bring
water and a snack. Please email or call if you plan to hike. [8.5 miles;
+/-1570’; R25]