the piedmont hiking and outing club newsletter since 1982hanson, barbara hanson and joe regan. the...

Photo courtesy of Sarah Werner

TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982

Enjoying the views from Cook’s Wall – Hanging Rock State ParkJuly 2017

September-October 2017

Visit us on the Web http://www.PiedmontHikingandOutingClub.org

Volume 35 Number 5

About our Hike Rating SystemOur rating system provides a useful, general gauge of a hike’s difficulty. It factors in distance and elevation gain and is intended to help you choose hikes that you will find most enjoyable.

R0-R10 These are more walks than hikes. They’re usually close to home, the trails are flat, and distances are generally short. An after-dinner walk around the block would be rated R1 or R2. Our Wednesday Night Walks are R5.

R10-R20 Most of these hikes will be in the lower mountains and foothills. Distances will be about 5-8 miles, with vertical ranging from 500-1000 feet...not easy if you’re new to hiking! Trails will be dirt and rock. As long as you’re in moderately good shape, you should be able to enjoy the outing.

R20-R30 Hikes in the low end of this range will be too hard and overly stressful for many new members. Plan on an all-day trip, with at least 4 hours of continuous hiking in rugged and steep terrain. At a minimum, be sure to pack two quarts of water, lunch, a snack, and rain gear.

R30-R40 These are strenuous hikes. They will usually be 10+ miles, with climbs of 2000+ feet. They’re appropriate only for those who have done a number of lower rated hikes.

R40+ These hikes are usually 12 or more miles with 3000 feet or more of elevation gain. They’re appropriate only for fit, experienced hikers. Check with hike leader about the trip if you are wanting to do this trip for the first time.

See “Outings Protocol” on page 14.

Page 4 September-October Trailmarker

PHOC Halloween Party Memoriesby Gale Magann

PHOC History Corner

“OK you partiers, let's see if you can come up with better costumes!”

Trailmarker September-October Page 5

Wednesday Night Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening in the parking lot beside Tex & Shirley’s at the Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a brisk walk before dinner. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will go to dinner after the walk. If bad weather cancels the walk, the group will still meet at 6:30 and go to dinner.

September 2 Tory’s Den to Moore’s knobSaturday Hanging Rock SP

Starting at the Tory’s Den Parking Lot, we will hike to Moore's Knob Trail and to Moore's Knob for a view of the surrounding mountains and a snack. We continue the Moores Knob Loop Trail around completely to Tory's Den Trail, returning to the parking lot. This hike takes advantage of some of the best quality trails in the Park. At the end of the hike, we can enjoy the view of the waterfalls at Tory’s Den along with beverages provided by the hike leader. 8.5 miles [R-28]

September 2 Bluff Ridge to Brinegar CabinSaturday Doughton Park

Join me for a moderate hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway from Basin Cove Overlook to Brinegar Cabin. This is a 6.5 to seven mile shuttle hike with with 360-degree views off Bluff Mountain, a wonderful open hilly grassy area, beautiful woods and a pass past the old Bluffs Restaurant where we used to

get blueberry pie... now sadly closed. Bring water, rain gear and lunch. Contact Gale for time and place to meet. [R-20]

September 3 Bill Craft TrailSunday @ 9:00 am Taylor Preserve

Plainfield Road

Please join me for this out and back hike of approximately 7 miles of quiet, scenic trail off Plainfield Rd. We will say a quick hello to the alpacas, pot-bellied pig, donkey and horse on properties at the end of the trail before turning around and heading back to the parking lot. Directions: Head north on Church St, crossing Pisgah Church Rd. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Rd. The trailhead parking lot is on the right, after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. The trailhead parking lot will be on your left, after a few miles. Feel free to contact me, if you have any questions. 7 miles [R-8]

September 6 Wednesday Walk & DinnerSee description and contact info above.

September 9 Woody RidgeSaturday Black Mountain

Woody Ridge runs up the west side of Black Mountain. Once up on the Crest Trail, just South of Celo Knob, we proceed South to Winter Star, stopping for lunch before or at Winter Star. Then on to Deep Gap, down Colbert Ridge, and back to the cars along the Marshall short cut. This is a rugged hike with a steep pull up to the crest. There will be a breakfast stop at McDonald’s on Route 70 after turning off I-40, and dinner at “FATS” afterwards. Plan on an early start and a late return. Please call for meeting times and places. 12 miles [R-50]

Outings

September-October Trailmarker

September 9 New River CleanupSaturday Near New River SP

US 221 Access, Ashe Co.

Join Catherine and me at our cabin on the South Fork of the New River for a fun day of river cleanup on the beautiful Wild and Scenic South Fork of the New River in Ashe County, North Carolina. The Cleanup is being sponsored by the New River Conservancy which saved this section of river from being destroyed by a dam over 40 years ago. We plan to be on the river by 10:30 am and off no later than 3 pm. Volunteers can bring their own canoe or kayak, or a canoe will be provided at no charge by New River Outfitters. This river is great for beginners and children, class 1 and 2. Bring your lunch. Call me for exact meeting location (2 hr. 15 minute drive from GSO) and/or more information.

September 9 MST/Osprey-Townsend TrailsSaturday @ 8:00 am Greensboro

Currently I’m planning a hike on the MST from Church St. east on the Osprey Trail to include part of the Townsend Trail, out and back for a total of 10 miles, about R-12. I may change this route if that contributes to covering the MST that day. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail organization is seeking participants to cover the entire 2017 miles of the trail on September 9, so they need hikers, bike riders and kayakers who will sign up to do specific sections that day. If you unable to join our hike, go to https://mountainstoseatrail.org/mstinaday/ to see how you can sign up for another section.

September 10 Piedmont Watershed TrailSunday at 1:30 pm

Let’s meet at 1:30 pm and hike the Piedmont

watershed trail out and back for a total of 6 easy miles. Proceed North on Lake Brandt Road past the Marina on the left, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. 6 miles [R-9]

September 10 New Member Orientation Sunday @ 1:30 pm and Walk

Lake Higgins Marina Greensboro

Thinking about joining but wondering what it is all about, new member and not sure how to get started, or recent member needing a refresher course? Meet with us at 1:30 p.m. in the small conference room at Lake Higgins Marina on Hamburg Mill Road in Greensboro. Participants will hear about the PHOC, its opportunities, appropriate gear for PHOC hikes, what to expect and how to stay safe on the trail. The orientation will take about 45 minutes. Afterward we hope you will join us for a short walk in the woods – of course all members are welcome! Those interested in the walk should bring plenty of water, a snack, and wear appropriate clothing to be outside. The orientation and walk should wrap up no later than 5:00 p.m. If you need additional information please contact Butch or Terri. We look forward to seeing you in the conference room and/or on the trail!

September 13 Wednesday Walk & DinnerSee description and contact info on page 5.

September 14 Char Bar 7Thursday at 7:00 pm Greensboro, NC

It's been a while since we've gone here. Please join me at Char Bar 7 on Lawndale Ave for some good food and conversation.

They offer a wide variety of choices, from fish tacos to burgers and salads. Please RSVP by Wednesday, the 13th, if possible.

September 16 Flat Rock Ridge and Saturday Grassy Gap

Doughton Park

We will climb the five mile Flat Rock Ridge Trail to Basin Creek Overlook for a view of the Park’s mountainous terrain and a snack, then hike to the Grassy Gap Trail and return through some of the Park's oldest woods and across several streams. 12.5 miles [R-33]

September 16 Primitive/Flat RockSaturday Doughton Park

Scenic but strenuous hike in Doughton Park. We will climb to the ridge on the Primitive trail. This will be an approximate 2,200 ft climb in 2.8 miles. We will then hike on the MST on the ridge to the Flat Rock trail and back to the cars. Please contact me for meeting details by Friday at 12 pm. 13 miles, total elevation gain is 3,300 [R-46].

September 17 Boone Fork TrailSunday Price Park—BR Parkway

Let’s hike the Boone Fork Trail at Price Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone. This is a beautiful 5.5 mile loop with clear streams, pastures, large rocky outcrops, meadows, and shaded rhododendron-filled woods. This is considered a moderate hike for experienced hikers. There are multiple stream crossings, large boulders in and near the water, a scenic stretch of meadow, waterfalls, plenty of tree roots, mud patches, and slippery rocks.

The total drive time is four hours with approximately three hours of hiking. Following the hike, there will be an option to enjoy the ice cream shop in Blowing Rock. Call or email for meetup time and options to carpool. 520 ft. elevation gain; [R-11]


September 21 PHOC Membership MeetingThursday @ 7:00 pm New Garden Friends

Meeting House

“Hiking and Traveling in France”“Hiking in France” will be presented by a group of our intrepid members including Ruth Moss, Nicole Masgaj, David Memory, Bob Alsup, and his wife Jean. They went on a trekking vacation there earlier this summer, staying at local lodging and doing day hikes through Provence, from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon. The meeting will be held at New Garden Friends Meeting House at the corner of new Garden Road and W. Friendly Ave. 801 New Garden Rd., Greensboro 27410. Refreshments and socializing begin at 7:00 PM, followed by a short business meeting and our evening program.

September 23 Rock Castle GorgeSaturday Woolwine, VA

Join me for a great hike on the Rock Castle Gorge Trail starting at the CCC camp road. There is a steep uphill climb initially then a pleasant hike across meadows along the Blue Ridge Parkway with great views. There will be an initial snack/regrouping spot at the shelter and a lunch stop about halfway along before the descent back into the gorge along a rocky trail connecting to the fire road. 11 miles.[R-35]


September 22-24 kayak, Camp, BikeFriday – Sunday New River Trail State Park

Foster Falls, VA

Join Joel and Andy for the yearly fall camping/ kayaking/biking on the New River Trail. We will camp on Bakers Island in the Millrace Campground at Foster Falls, VA. The island group campsite is one of the loveliest in VA. It is located 93 miles from Greensboro where I-77 crosses the New River. Join us for the weekend or any portion of the trip. Just drive the 1.5 hours from Greensboro to kayak, camp and bike on the river.

We will kayak 14 miles on Saturday and leisurely bike on Sunday. However, you can make your own Sunday fun by hiking, kayaking or horseback riding on the trail. You can rent boats/bikes/horses at the livery on site. The river is appropriate for novice and up paddlers. Reservations are limited to 24 for the group site but additional camping space may be obtained if available. Contact Joel for more information and to hold a spot for you.

September 23 Mt. Rogers AreaSaturday Virginia Highlands HT,

Cabin Ridge Trail, AT North

This hike has become one of my favorites as it takes us to the less traveled northwest corner of Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia. For those of you who prefer enjoyment of our beautiful mountains without killing yourself trying to reach breathtaking summits, this little gem of a park is for you. The elevation gains are moderate and nowhere will you have to hang on for dear life. We will start from the Massie Gap area at Grayson, hiking south on the AT, veer west on the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail, which will take us through long stretches of rhododendron groves, and continue on the

Cabin Ridge Trail before coming out to open meadows with huge and sweeping vistas of our favorite peaks. After pausing for lunch, we will start walking northbound on the AT, alternating between wooded areas and open spaces affording majestic views of the surrounding ranges. We will return to base by walking around Wilburn Ridge on the Crest and Rhododendron Trails, and the AT again. Note that, although this is a moderate hike in terms of distance and elevation gain, it offers some modest terrain challenges: more than 80% of the route is very rocky and often very muddy, with low areas of standing water and mini creek crossings. If you like to hike with poles, this is definitely a hike where you will need them. Please email or call if you plan to join us. See contact info above. 10 miles, +/- 1800 ft. [R-32]

September 24 Nat Greene TrailSunday @ 1:30 336 337-2924

Let’s meet at trailhead at the far end of the Lake Brandt Marina parking lot (inside lot) for a 5.2 mile round trip walk. The greenway is our turnaround point. If you are not on google groups, let me know you are coming. Call or email if you have questions. [R-7]


September 28 Restaurant Outing Thursday @ 7 pm Bangkok Café

1203 S. Holden Rd. #C

Let’s meet for dinner at 7 pm at this laid back, casual atmosphere Thai restaurant with a Trip Advisor rating of 4.5 out of 5. Please call or email me before noon on Thursday so I can let them know how many will be attending as the restaurant is pretty small.

Page 8 September-October Trailmarker


September 30 Bald eagle Trail Saturday @ 9 am Lake Higgins Watershed

Let’s meet at 9 am at the Lake Higgins watershed trailhead for an out and back total of 8 easy miles. Proceed North on 220 (Battleground Ave), past the turnoff at Owls Roost Road to Bur-Mil Park, past the spillway at the bottom of the hill, and then left onto Hamburg Mill Road. Proceed past the Marina entrance gate at the top of the hill, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left just past the fence [R-7].

Sept 30 – October 1 Great Smoky MountainsSaturday & Sunday National Park

Backpacking Trip

We will start Saturday morning at Polls Gap (great place to see elk) and take the Hemphill Bald Trail up and over Hemphill Bald. There are a lot of red and sugar maples here. The views from Hemphill Bald are some of the best in the Smokies. As we descend the bald and enter the woods below the Cataloochee Divide we will see some huge Eastern Hemlocks and some large Northern Red Oaks.We will come to the Caldwell Fork Trail and backcountry campsite #41 where we will camp for the night. We will set up camp and then take the Caldwell/Boogerman Trail out and back to the Cataloochee Valley ranger station. There is a large meadow here where there is always a lot of elk grazing.On Sunday morning we will break camp and go west on the Caldwell Fork Trail to the Rough Fork Trail and back to Polls Gap and our cars. This is a total hike (both days) of 15 miles – an R-40 each day. I will get our Back Country Permits and should be able to take 12 people. This trip is short enough for novices, with enough to do to interest

experienced packers. If you want to go but don't have equipment, I can probably arrange loaners. We will leave Big Lots at 6:00 am on Saturday, September 30.

September 30 Grassy Ridge &Saturday Roan High Bluff

Tennessee/NC border

This is the rhododendron-themed hike that I had planned to do in the middle of June but had to cancel due to bad weather. This is not the usual 14.5 mile hike between Carvers Gap and 19 E, but a less strenuous hike that follows the AT (northbound) over the balds and up to Grassy Ridge and then in the opposite direction (along a more shady and forested section of the AT) to Roan High Bluff. Both destinations are out and back from Carver’s Gap: Grassy Ridge – about 5 miles; and Roan High Bluff – about 6 miles. Highlights will be hiking up to and exploring Grassy Ridge and enjoying the spectacular 360 degree view. No rhododendrons in bloom at this time of year, obviously, but there might be some fall foliage and mountain ash color to enhance the hiking experience. Total hiking time will be around 6.5 hours to allow time for lunch and other breaks. This will be an all day event with an approximate departure time around 7 am from Greensboro, so please do not sign up for the hike if you have to be home early! Also, we will most likely stop for dinner on the way back. If interested, please email me for meeting times and location by Friday lunchtime. Total elevation gain will be around 1800 feet, 11+/- miles [R-29].

October 1 Owl’s Roost Trail HikeSunday @ 1:30 Wildlife Center

Bur Mil Park

Let’s meet at 1:30 pm at the Wildlife Center


in Bur-Mil Park for a a hike on the Owl’s Roost watershed trail. We will hike from the fishing pier to the greenway, and then back again, using the fire lane trail for part of the return trip. Proceed North on 220, past Horse Pen Creek (on the left), then right at the traffic light at Owl’s Roost, and then left into Bur-Mil Park. Bear right at the club house, and park in the circular driveway at the bottom of the hill, just below the Wildlife Center. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. 7 miles [R-12]

October 4 Wednesday Walk & DinnerSee description and contact info on page 5.

October 7 Bill Craft Trail, Plainfield RdSaturday @ 9:00 am

This hike seems to get done a lot on Sundays when I am unable to attend, so please join me on a Saturday for this out and back hike of approximately 7 miles of quiet, scenic trail off Plainfield Rd. Directions: Head north on Church St, crossing over Pisgah Church Rd. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead is on the right after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead will be on your left after a few miles.

October 7 Doughton Park LoopSaturday Doughton Park

This will be a long, strenuous hike covering trails on Bluff Mountain. Fantastic views from the top of the ridge. Expect a good workout from this hike. Please contact me for meeting details. 17 miles, 3500 [R-52]

October 8 Peninsula-West HouseSunday Watershed hike

Join me for an easy lake side hike on Peninsula and West hike trails. This is an out and back, approximately 4-4.5 miles. Meet at the Peninsula Parking lot on N. Church St. a little before 1:30 PM, for a 1:30 PM start. It is not necessary to contact me if you plan to go. Approximately [R-5]


October 13-15 Great Smoky Mountains NP Fontana Lake Area

As announced during the summer, I am offering a hiking /Leaf Viewing Trip to the Great Smoky National Park. I have arranged cottages for us at Fontana Village Resort for Friday and Saturday nights. We will travel up on Friday, hike Saturday and Sunday, and drive home Sunday afternoon.Saturday Hike: Start at Twenty Mile Ranger Station and do a 15 mile loop up to Gregory Bald and back [R-45] also anyone wanting to do a less strenuous hike may do an 8-mile inner loop [R-24]Sunday Hike: 9-mile shuttle hike starting at Fontana Dam and ascending the Appalachian Trail to Shuckstack Tower. This is a 3000-foot ascent in 4 miles.The views along this route of Fontana Lake and Twenty mile Ridge are beautiful. Because of the proximity of Fontana Lake there is a lot of wildlife. After Shuckstack we come to Sassafras Gap and begin our ascent on Twenty Mile Trail to the Ranger Station. I have cottages reserved at Fontana Village. If you wish to go please email me and I will tell you how to proceed. All reservations must be made by August 28.

October 14, Saturday Indian Creek Trail Hanging Rock

State ParkThis nearby shady creekside hike is beautiful in the fall. We will go from the bottom all the way to the top, at Hanging Rock, and back. Two bathroom breaks available. Post-hike refreshment at Green Heron Ale House is very likely. Email for details. 9.8 miles [R-28]

October 15 Laurel Bluff & Reedy ForkSunday at 1:30 Lake Brandt Road

Let’s meet at 1:30 PM and hike the Laurel Bluff and Reedy Fork watershed trails. Proceed North on Lake Brandt Road, past the Marina on the left, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park in the gravel parking lot on the right. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. 8 miles [R-12]

October 13-15 Oceanside Camp,Friday, Saturday, Sunday kayak, Fish

Hammocks Beach SP Swansboro, NC

Join Joel and Andy for a new trip to Bear Island at Hammocks Beach State Park on the coast near Swansboro, NC to kayak, fish and camp. PHOC has not done this trip in my memory. We will camp on the sand island which is a 2.5 mile paddle from shore and park headquarters; and then hike with all gear .75 miles to the group campsite. The island has bathroom and shower facilities. The campsite is limited to 24 campers. Kayaks can be rented locally. With good weather, this could be a glorious trip and is appropriate for fit beginners and up. Contact Joel to reserve your spot and for more details.


October 21 Linville Gorge Loop Hike Saturday Linville Gorge

We will start our hike by descending into the gorge using the Pinch-In Trail. We will join the Linville Gorge Trail and go north until we reach the Conley Cove Trail. We will go up the Conley Cove Trail to Rock Jock. We will hike through on the Rock Jock Trail eventually coming out on Kistler Hwy. We then walk the half a mile to Pinch-In and the cars.This is a hike for strong experienced hikers. It is also one of the most rewarding and beautiful hikes anywhere. The “Gorge” is one of the last truly wild places left that is close to us. If you truly love the outdoors and have not spent a lot of time in the Gorge, I promise you will love it. 11 miles [R-60]

October 21 Hanging Rock State ParkSaturday Moore's knob to House Rock

and Cook’s Wall

Join me for a nice work out at Hanging Rock—close enough to allow us to be home by late afternoon. We will begin at the Visitor Center, and make our way up Moore's Knob. From there, we will proceed to House Rock and Cooks Wall out and back by Wolf Rock, eventually making our way back to the visitor center Bring water, lunch, rain gear, and dress in layers. Call or email for meeting times and places. +/- 9 miles; 2000 ft. elevation gain; [R-29]

October 22 Piedmont TrailSunday @ 1:30 pm Greensboro

Let's meet at 1:30 pm and hike the Piedmont watershed trail out and back for a total of easy 6 miles. Proceed North on Lake Brandt



Road past the Marina, cross over the bridge at the dam, and pack on the gravel parking lot on the left. No need to call. 6 miles [R-9]


October 26 Restaurant OutingThursday @ 7 pm Pho Hien Vuong

4109-A Spring Garden St.

Let’s meet for dinner at 7 pm at the Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Hien Vuong, on Spring Garden St., Greensboro. This is an informal, casual atmosphere restaurant with outstanding food. Please call or email me before Noon Thursday so I can let them know how many will be attending.

October 28 Watershed Trails Saturday @ 9:00 am Nat Greene and

Palmetto trails, Greensboro

Join me for an 8-mile hike on the Nat Greene and Palmetto trails. These are pretty trails Nat Greene watershed trailhead (on the left as you enter the marina parking lot) at 9 am. Bring water and a snack. Call or email me if you have questions. 8 miles [R-12]

October 28 Allegheny MSTSaturday @ 8:30 am Basin Cove Overlook

to Devil's Garden

Two versions: 8 miles, +/- 1200 ft. [R-22] 11 miles, +/- 2000 ft. [R-33]

The Allegheny Mountain-to-Sea Trail offers hikers two options. The hike is planned so that everyone hikes at least 8 miles, beginning at the Basin Cove overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway in the southwest corner

of Doughton Park. After a snack along the trail, the entire group will stop at Brinegar Cabin for lunch. Those who want to end the hike here will be able to do so, boarding cars previously dropped off at this location. Those who want to hike another 3 miles, for a total of 11 miles, will continue on to Devil’s Garden overlook above Stone Mountain State Park. There will be several opportunities for “true bathroom” stops, before and after the snack. Majestic views and a decent workout are promised with both versions of this moderate (8-mile) to moderately-strenuous (11-mile) hike. For more information, feel free to contact any one of us. However, if you are interested in joining this hike, please email Beverly Grier who will keep track of intended hikers. The car drop-off requires that we know the exact number of hikers for each version of the hike, as well as their point of departure (Greensboro or Winston-Salem). See contact info above.

October 28 Outer Loop Saturday South Mountains State Park

Two versions: 11 miles, +/- 2400 ft. [R-35] 13 miles, +/- 3100 ft. [R-44]

It is time for our fall outing to South Mountains State Park, the favorite of our late hiking companion, Susan Getty. Susan’s signature hike used to take us up Chestnut Knob and down Possum, at the bottom of which she would whip out her home-made chocolate chip cookies. We have updated Susan’s hike, exploring new parts of the park, pushing further out towards its southern boundaries, while regularly failing to produce cookies. We are looking for volunteers to bring a batch! Although this park witnessed a heavy forest fire in 2016, most of the trails we hike have been spared

and the others restored. A great portion of the hike will be on a soft, wide trail, gentle to the feet and conducive to socializing. We will also go through rhododendron groves, cross a stream a few times over rocks and over bridges, and experience a couple of steeper but shorter climbs. All hikers will walk together for the first 7 miles, at which point there will be a parting of the ways. The diehards (otherwise known as “real hikers”) will continue on with David Memory for another 6 miles (and more climbing) to the outer edge of the park before returning to the parking lot. The others (otherwise known by some as the “common sense” crowd, and “gentle wimps” by others) will join me down a shorter, and mostly downhill, 4-mile route back to the parking lot. This hike is suitable for experienced mountain hikers. Please call or email if you plan to join us.

October 28 3rd Annual SpooktacularSaturday HALLOWeeN PARTY

It’s time to get out your Costumes and Have Some Fun!!

Location: 3504 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC7 pm to midnight

Parking is anywhere in driveway or on front lawn. Everyone bring food to share – adult beverage. Dressing up is not required but fun! We will have plates and refreshments and plenty of chairs. Dancing and outdoor fire (if weather permits). Prize for best costume.

October 29 Bill Craft Trail (Plainfield Rd)Sunday @ 1:30 pm Greensboro

Join me for this hike at Plainfield for a

7-miles in and out hike. Directions: From Church Street, head north on Church Street crossing over Pisgah Church Road. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Road. The trailhead is on the right after about a mile. From Lake Brandt Road: driving north from town, make a right turn onto Plainfield Road about a mile after you pass Lake Brandt Marina. The trailhead will be on the left around 2 miles down Plainfield Road. 7 miles [R-11]

November 2-6 SAVE THE DATE! Coastal kayak Trip

Historic Charleston

Experience the magnificent sights and biodiversity of historic Charleston during a 5 day/4 night kayak adventure. November's mild weather is a perfect time to paddle this coastal region’s breathtaking rivers, rich estuaries and uninhabited wildlife refuges. Trip includes three 1-day paddles offering an array of eco-sights via a local inlet creek, a barrier island located in the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, and a black water tour along age old rice plantations in the heart of Francis Marion National Forest. Accommodations comprise group beach house on the Isle of Palms – a location central to all planned paddles with a quick jaunt to downtown Charleston. I will be happy to work with folks who may be seeking do-it-yourself lodging or planning a longer excursion. Trip will offer opportunities to hike, explore local beaches, dine, and relish cultural/coastal nightlife in the fabulous historic region. Trip is limited to 12 and is currently at waitlist capacity. For more information, or, if you are interested in joining the group please contact me.


the piedmont hiking and outing club newsletter since 1982hanson, barbara hanson and joe regan. the...

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