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 (4+)
See all- Scenic Avl Series #1: Hard Times Trail - Alternate RouteBent Creek Hard Times Trail Head, Asheville, NC
Join me for a hike after work in Bent Creek. We will start at the Hard Times trailhead and hike about 5 miles. There will be downed trees, and part of the hike is a real scramble (at least it was when I scouted it).
Rating: Moderate
Length: 5.5 miles
Surface: Trail/Logging Road
Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Pace: 3 mph on the flats, slower on incline
Dogs: on leash
Bears: None so far this year
Features: Nice walk through the woods. We will not go to the Arboretum because it is closed.
Cautions: Muddy after rain, with some high grass. There are trees down at the start of the hike. Long pants and bug repellent recommended.Carpool: 5:30 from Papa's and Beer.
Alternate Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/hard-times-alternate-37968ad
Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack.
RSVP and On-Time Start:
- If you decide you cannot come, please change your RSVP
- If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice.
- There are generally 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive. If you are late, you'll be left behind.
- If you no-show 2 times without changing your RSVP and/or contacting the hike leader, you may be blocked from the group.
- Please note that there is never cell coverage at the start of the hike, so please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
Notes and comments are genuinely appreciated.
Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://4142298.xyz/termsHard Times Trailhead
375 Wesley Branch Rd · Asheville, NCThere is no cellular coverage at the trailhead! If you're late, there will be no way to contact us. Look for a white Subaru Crosstrek with a Peking University bumper sticker at the trailhead.
- Scenic AVL #3: KennilworthHarvest House, Asheville, NC
This route includes the Kenilworth neighborhood and the historically diverse South Asheville neighborhood. We will stop at a historic church and cemetery, as well as Kenilworth Park and Chiles House. We will go up Reservoir Rd to take in the view and get a workout.
Rating: Moderate+
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: 670 feet
Surface: Road
Type: Butterfly Loop
Pace: 2.75 mph on the flats, slower up Reservoir Rd
Gear: 2L water, snack, poles for the climb
Features: Neighborhood charm Kenilworth, a little history, and views from the top. Not likely to see bears.
Dogs: On leash.
Cautions: Maintain normal traffic awareness.
Route: Kenilworth to Reservoir Rd .Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack.
On-Time Departure
I typically have 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive. If you are late, you'll be left behind- If you no-show 2 times without changing your RSVP and/or contacting the hike leader, you may be blocked from the group.
- Please note that there is never cell coverage at the start of the hike, so please change your RSVP as soon as you know you can't make it.
- Notes and comments are genuinely appreciated.
Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.
Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://4142298.xyz/terms
