All trips originate in either Franklin or Highlands, North Carolina. See
abbreviations for specific locations indicated on each description. On all our
hiking trips bring a lunch, drink and something to sit on. A hiking stick
is optional. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring raingear (no matter what the weather!).
Guests are always welcome, but we ask that pets be left at home.
Guests should register
by phone since hikes are limited to 20 people and are sometimes cancelled by bad weather.
Groups will wait no longer than 5 minutes beyond the set meeting time.
Those carpooling are asked to contribute 10 cents per mile to the driver.
*** r/t indicates
round trip.***
All phone numbers without area codes shown are area code 828.
MP: Macon Plaza, Franklin
WP: Westgate Plaza, Franklin
BOA: Bank of America, in Highlands, (formerly HNB or HBA)
CWB: Wachovia
Bank, Cashiers
CH: Craft House (Club Meeting Place) 173 Carl Slagle Rd., Franklin
E- Easy, a short hike of less than 4 miles without much ascending or
descending.
M- Moderate, a 4 to 7 mile hike with up to 1,000 ft. Climb
in elevation.
S- Strenuous, a hike of 5 miles or more with over 1,000
ft. gain in elevation or a hike with very steep rock sections.
NHC Hike Schedule
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Sat.
7/5
Ranger Jeff Owenby Trail This is a NEW TRAIL that was primarily
built by a local hiking club and is opened to the public July 4th.
So come and enjoy this short pristine path with an awesome creek, 40
foot waterfall, 50 foot serpentine cascade, settlers home site, and
unusual specimen trees, and rich history.
This
trail is especially designed to educate children about nature, so
Parents, please bring your children age 6 and older. Total
Hike Length: 2.3 miles; Ease Rating: EASY Meet
at /when: HBA at 9:30 am; R/T Drive Length: 12 miles Leader:
Call Jim Whitehurst at 526 8134 for reservations Sun.
7/6
Double hike: 1) Wayah Bald to Wayah Crest and 2) Wilson Lick Ranger
Station to Wayah Crest Those taking Hike 2 will spend a bit of time
at the Wayah Tower Total
Hike Length: Hike 1 = 4.2 miles & Hike 2 = 1.5 miles; Elevation
change: Mostly downhill for both groups; Ease Rating: Hike 1 = E to M
& Hike 2 = E Meet
at / when: WP at 2PM; R/T Drive Length: 35 miles Leader:
Call Kay Coriell at 369-6820 for reservations Sat.
7/12
No hike leader available Sat.
7/19
Standing Indian Horse Trail From Yellow Patch to the AT back to
Betty Gap Total
Hike Length: 6 miles; Ease Rating: M Meet
at / when: WP at 10:00 am; R/T Drive Length: 40 miles Leader:
Call Gail Lehman at 524-5298 for reservations Sun.
7/20
Mud Creek Falls hike near
Sky Valley Gentle climb to falls and return with a visit to an
interesting old bridge along the way Total
Hike Length: 2 miles; Ease Rating: Easy Meet
at / when: Smoky Mt. Visitor's Center, Otto, 2 pm; R/T Drive Length: 12
miles Leader:
Call Kay Coriell at 369-6820 for reservations Sat.
7/26
Ellicotts Rock See the point where three states boundaries
meet on the pristine Chattooga River, and if desired, take a dip on a
warm summer day in the river. Total
Hike Length: 6 miles; Elevation Change: 300 foot descent into, and
assent out of, the river corridor; Ease Rating: M/S Meet
at / when: CWB at 10:00 am; R/T Drive Length: 40 miles Leaders:
Call Mike and Susan Kettles at 743-1079 for reservations Sat.
8/2
Rock Mountain Total
Hike Length 3.5 miles; Elevation Gain: 900'; Ease Rating: M Meet
at /when: CWB at 9:30 am; R/T Drive Length 4 miles Leader:
Call Eva Hansen, call between 6 and 9 pm at 743-1611 for reservations Sun.
8/3
Skitty Creek Trail From Rt. 64 to Cliffside Lake, around lake
and return Total
Hike Length: 3 miles; Ease Rating: E Meet
at /when: BiLo, Franklin, 2 PM (Highlands hikers: call for meeting
place) Leader:
Call Kay Coriell at 369-6820 for reservations Sat.
8/9
Appalachian Trail From Highway 76 east of Clayton south to Addis
Cap. This
is a less hiked section of the trail and relatively remote. Total
Hike Length: 6 1/2 miles; Ease Rating: Strenuous (there is about 2,000
feet of climbing) Meet
at / when: West Gate Plaza at 8 am; R/T Drive Length: 90 miles (about 1
hour and a half one way).
There will also be a car shuttle including a forest service
gravel road. Leader: Call Doug Deane at 864-718-9265 for reservations
Sat.
8/16
No hike leader available Sun.
8/17 Big
Laurel Falls In Standing Indian area Total
Hike Length: 1.5 miles; Ease Rating: E Meet
at / when: WP 2 PM; R/T Drive Length: 40 miles Leader:
Call Kay Coriell at 369-6820 for reservations Sat.
8/23
Devil's Courthouse This
trail is a loop to a beautiful view point, then climbs Whiteside
Mountain. Lots of nature will be seen and discussed in this
ancient place. Total
Hike Length: 4 miles; Elevation Gain: about 700; Ease Rating: M Meet
at / when: Whiteside Mountain Parking lot at 9:30 am Leader: Call Jim Whitehurst at 526 8134 for reservations or to ask for directions
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Please, be kind to our hike leaders!!!
CALL them, if you're
planning to go on the hike that they're leading.
Also, call them if you have to
cancel, so they will know not to wait for you.
Leaders will wait only 5 minutes beyond the
set meeting time.
1. Summer hiking requires preparation for rain
or temperature changes.
Elevation changes of 2
or 3000 feet can make temperature differences of 5 to 15 degrees,
especially after a rain storm. Be prepared.
2. Carry a small pack with clothing changes,
water and quick snack.
Bring plastic or other sit-upon for a trail break.
3. Sun hat and sunscreen might be needed if the
hike is headed to open country,
viewpoints, or overlooks. Don't wear fragrances that might
attract stinging insects.
4. Good boots and socks are important on
mountain trails that are sometimes rocky or rooty.
A walking stick is helpful for balance, but is a personal
preference.
5. Carry plenty of water. Dehydration can effect balance, mental stamina, and the ability to perspire.
6. Check with the leader as to skill needed if
hike is listed as Strenuous. Leaders will advise hikers with
physical disabilities, and have the right to refuse
participation of anyone who does not seem prepared.
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