Big Laurel Creek - 7.2 mi, 300 ft. elev. gain

[Sign-ups open 8:00 pm Sunday, Nov. 17th]

This is a beautiful out-and-back hike northwest of Asheville toward Hot Springs. It's a unique stroll along the picturesque Big Laurel Creek. You'll see many beautiful views of the creek's rapids, pools, and gorges along the way.

We'll take the trail all the way to its terminus at the confluence of Big Laurel Creek and the French Broad River. There, we'll pause for around a 15-minute break before heading back.

The trail is nearly flat, but rather stony and rooted in places. Solid hiking shoes are advisable, and hiking poles if you might feel unsteady. There are around a half-dozen trivial stream crossings, and there may be some muddy spots here and there along the route.

We'll do a steady 2.4-ish mph pace. I'd put the difficulty level at 3/10.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on-leash. Bring some water and a quick snack if you'd like.

CARPOOLING TIME & PLACE

We'll carpool from the Weaverville Publix Supermarket and leave there at 9:00 AM sharp, so come a few minutes early. It's at 165 Weaver Blvd., Weaverville. Exit 19B from I-26. We'll gather at the west end of the lot, which is to the left as you face the store, and nearest to the freeway. (Look for me and my silver Hyundai sedan.) It'll be a 25-minute drive to the trailhead. We'll be back at Publix by roughly 1:00 PM.

Weaverville Publix on Google Maps
https://goo.gl/maps/Dw3KEb5oZP2dSVBR7

If you plan to meet us at the trailhead, please post a comment or message me, and arrive by 9:30. The parking lot is at "Big Laurel Trailhead" on Rt. 25/70 just before it turns into Rt. 208.

Trailhead parking lot on Google maps
https://goo.gl/maps/R9zYZpTPfEHAjoB58

COURTESY TO WAITLISTERS (Please abide!)

Only sign up if you *truly* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible. Avoid dropping out within 18 hours of the hike so wait-listers can have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.

If you're on the waiting list, keep checking throughout the evening before. If you know ahead of the hike that the notice will be too short, please change your status to "Not Going" to make room for someone else.

WEATHER

I'll monitor the National Weather Service and post a cancellation message by 7:30 AM if the forecast is >50% chance of precipitation in the hike area.

GUESTS

If you'd like to bring a guest, you'll need to have them join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a +1 after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on timing and demand, I MAY be able to add your guest.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 8:00 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.

LEGALESE

This Asheville Hiking Group (AHG) event involves hiking and, possibly, transportation to and from the meetup site. Participants are responsible for their own safety and affirm that they have the appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment, and supplies. Hiking may involve risks to oneself and property. Neither your hike organizer nor Asheville Hiking Group can assure your safety nor eliminate all risks. Participants assume full responsibility for any damages or losses.