High Peaks Tackles Black Mountain Crest Trail on October 18th

Posted by Jeff on Oct 10, 2014 @ 6:04 pm in Hiking News | 0 comments | Last modified: October 10, 2014

The North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association will lead one of its most challenging – and rewarding – hikes of the year when the club takes on the Black Mountain Crest Trail on Oct. 18, 2014. The outing will be followed by a pot luck supper and party in the Cattail Community.

The 8-mile jaunt will begin at Mt. Mitchell, proceed down to Deep Gap and then descend steeply to the Cattail Community. Only seasoned hikers should consider joining because the 3,000-foot descent will be tough on the knees.

Hikers should assemble at the Cattail Community Center at 8:30 a.m. and will be ferried to Mt. Mitchell aboard a Yancey County Transportation Van for a donation of $5 per person. Pets are not allowed on the vans, so if you want to bring your leashed dog you must arrange your own transportation.

Bring warm clothes, foul weather gear, lunch, snacks, plenty of water and hiking poles if you have them, since they are great for cushioning the impact of steep downhill hikes.

All are welcome to join in a potluck dinner after the hike at the Cattail home of Worth and Susan Weller, which will begin between 4 and 5 p.m. If you want to join in the fun, please bring your beverage of choice and a side dish that will be collected before the hike begins.

As always, check the High Peaks website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to weather. For more information and to reserve your seat on the van, contact hike leader Dennis Smith at 828-284-4000 or [email protected].