In 2015, we launched our GetHiking! Classic Hikes program with GetHiking! North Carolina’s Classic Hikes. Over the course of the year we hiked a dozen of North Carolina’s most notable areas: Shining Rock, Mount Mitchell and the Black Mountains, Panthertown Valley, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and the Appalachian Trail, to name a few.

Now, if there were only a dozen Classic Hikes in North Carolina, we could declare mission accomplished and be done. In fact, there are so many more than a dozen Classics in the state (I’ve written a book that documents 100, “100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina,” Mountaineers Books). And there are so many more Classics throughout the Southeast.

Thus, our mission continues in 2016, with the expanded GetHiking! The Southeast’s Classic Hikes series.

First, we’re not abandoning North Carolina. In fact, we’re only adding two out-of-state hikes in 2016, both in Virginia (a stretch of the Appalachian Trail near Lynchburg and the Grayson Highlands/Mount Rogers area). And while we are repeating two hikes from 2015 (Panthertown Valley, by popular demand, and Doughton Park, because it’s a good late winter mountain hike), we’ve got a North Carolina lineup that will expose you to even more great hiking than you thought possible. We’ll get to a full calendar of hikes, with descriptions, in a sec. But first … .

Why join this fee-based hiking program? We had about 90 hikers participate in the 2015 program, all with their own personal motivation. Basically, though, they boiled down to two key motivators: the challenge, and the chance to explore more of the state’s wild areas.

The Challenge

Right about now you’re likely thinking what most people are thinking on the cusp of a new year: how can I be more active in the year ahead? Hiking is a great option. First, just about anyone can do it, and unlike many other “active” options, it’s something you can be active at late into life. (Of our 90 or so 2015 hikers, at least half are over 50.) Hiking requires some basic equipment: hiking boots/shoes, good socks, a day pack, for starters. But once you’ve got the basics, it’s cheap fun: transportation and food are your key expenses.

If you’re new to hiking, you might be intimidated by the “Classic” designation, equating “Classic” with epic and visions of a death march rather than an enjoyable day in the woods. First, our hikes are actually two hikes, a longer hike and a shorter hike. For instance, our first hike, on the Neusiok Trail in the coastal Croatan National Forest, gives you the option of hiking the entire 20.4-mile trail, or a 6-mile stretch. Start with the shorter options, maybe you’ll want to go longer after three or four hikes. Plus, the monthly hikes are good incentive to do shorter, local hikes in the interim.

If you’re looking for an activity you can embrace for the longterm and one that doesn’t seem like work (as is often the case with a traditional “workout,” hiking is a good option. Likewise, if you seek a sense of accomplishment and reward, you’ll find it in a hike (just ask the folks who did our 13.4-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail north of Carvers Gap in September).

And if you’re worried about being left in the woods, don’t be. Our hikes are led from the rear, guaranteeing that no one, not the slowest hiker, is dropped. This approach benefits our more experienced hikers as well; with direction supplied before the hike, they become more confident in their ability to navigate in the backcountry.

Explore New Trails

Even if you’re an avid hiker, how many of the state’s — and region’s — trails have you hiked? Or are even familiar with? Drop down and take a look at our lineup for 2016: if you’ve hiked half of these trails, you’re doing pretty good. Odds are there are one or two you haven’t heard of.

We aim to expose you to the wealth of hiking opportunities in the Southeast. Take the October hike. Perhaps you’ve heard of, even hiked in the Shining Rock area. But Sam Knob? Its neighbor to the west offers a more varied hike: the views, meadows and black balsam forests Shining Rock is known for, plus rock outcrops and waterfalls. As for the July Standing Indian hike, we’re guessing that one’s got you scratching your head. After the weekend of July 16-17, 2016, you’ll be boasting it’s one of the best circuit hikes around.

Again, check the schedule below for descriptions of 2016’s hikes.

New in 2016

If you’re a veteran of GetHiking! North Carolina’s Classic Hikes, we’ve added a few new twists to GetHiking! The Southeast’s Classic Hikes:

• Weekend trips. Over the past year, several of you commented that you loved the mountain trips, but you wished there was more hiking to justify the long drive. This year we’ve added six camping weekends in the mountains. Drive up Friday afternoon/evening, camp, hike Saturday, camp Saturday night, hike Sunday. Camping will be in group campgrounds near the trails we will hike; in some cases we can hike directly from camp. Our one group camp experience in 2015, at Mills River, was a big hit, highlighted by a potluck dinner Saturday evening.
• Aren’t a camper — but you’re interested? This year, we’ve added a Discover Camping option to our weekend trips. We provide the tent and sleeping mattress, give you a list of household items you can use to supplement your other camp needs, and are there to help take the mystery out of camping.
• Lodge/hostel weekend on the AT out of Hot Springs. Over the three-day Veteran’s Day weekend (November 11-13) we’ve reserved the Laughing Heart Lodge in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Hike the Appalachian Trail during the day, return to the lodge/hostel for a civil evening of rest in a warm environment (see schedule for details).

Membership: what you get

Basic membership to GetHiking! The Southeast’s Classic Hikes is $75, which applies to your first three hikes. (If you’re first three hikes are weekend trips, that’s a savings of $30). Your membership includes:

• Three hikes, as mentioned above. After that, each single-day hike is $25, weekend trips are $35.
• Monthly emagazine with detailed information on that month’s hike, including an overview touching on the trail’s highlights; map of the hike with points of interest; elevation profile; photos; info box with key information, including trail access, length, elevation gain and more. Also in each emag: information on camping and lodging near each hike, as well as hiking tips and resources pertinent to this particular hike.
• Swag bag for each hike. For each hike you’ll get a goody bag filled with hiking-appropriate swag.
• Joining gift. TBD. Last year, members received either hiking socks, a camp towel or a GetHiking! T-shirt, courtesy Great Outdoor Provision Co.
• Loaner gear. Curious about trekking poles but never tried them? Here’s your chance. We’ll also have loaner headlamps (if you’re worried about finishing after sunset).
• Ten percent discount on hiking gear at Great Outdoor Provision Co.

If you think you’ll make all the hikes, save $60 by joining the Classics Club for $300. That covers all the hikes, plus the Discover Camping program, and get a $35 gift card from Great Outdoor Provision Co.

How to join

Sign up today and we will send you pertinent information about the program, as well as details on our first hike, on January 24 on the Neusiok Trail. Pay via PayPal, below, or send a check to GetGoingNC, 4909 Waters Edge Dr., Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Hike schedule

Here’s the full schedule of our 2016 GetHiking! The Southwest’s Classic Hikes.

January: Neusiok Trail, Croatan National Forest
Havelock
Sunday, Jan. 24
Long Hike: 20.4 miles (entire length)
Short Hike: 6.4 miles (northern trailhead to NC 306)
$25
We start the year in a coastal forest, on a lowland trail that spends much of its eastern length in pine savannah and on boardwalk elevated above a shrubby bog, its western end in forest that has odd flashes of the Appalachians. The Neusiok is a trail best hiked in winter, when the flying pests common to the coast are less pesky. As you might guess, there’s little elevation on this hike, making it a good hike to start the year.

February: Uwharrie National Recreation Trail, Uwharrie National Forest
Asheboro
Saturday, Feb. 20
Long Hike: 17.8 (Sections 3-8)
Short Hike: 6.3 (Sections 3-4)
$25
The Uwharries, in the heart of the rolling Piedmont, may have long since eroded from their 20,000-foot peak, but they still present a nice challenge. A challenge not without its reward: especially Sections 3 and 4, where the trail reaches its high point (King Mountain, at 1,013 feet) and offers its best view, a 360 from the top of Long Mountain. Both hikes include this stretch; the longer hike lets you build endurance as you probe deeper into this largely hardwood forest.

March: Doughton Park, Blue Ridge Parkway
Roaring Gap
Saturday, March 19
Long Hike: 18 miles (Longbottom Loop)
Short Hike: 10 miles (Longbottom to Bluff Mountain)
$25
One of the few repeats from the 2015 Classic Hikes season, and for good reason. For starters, it’s an early-season opportunity to get into the mountains. Located on the Blue Ridge escarpment north of Wilkesboro, both hikes begin with a steady 4.5-mile climb before topping out in the rolling mountain meadows of Doughton Park. The short hike finishes at Bluff Mountain, the long brings it back around down a descending ridgeline to the Longbottom Trailhead. Great views from the top — and early spring wildflowers to boot.

April: Appalachian Trail, Virginia
Lynchburg, Va.
Saturday, April 2
One hike: 10 miles (Punchbowl on the Blue Ridge Parkway to James River)
$25
Think of day hiking the Appalachian Trail and you immediately think of driving half the day to western North Carolina. In fact, the AT is closest to the Triad and Triangle, at least, in Virginia. Where the AT crosses the James River west of Lynchburg is an especially scenic stretch of this iconic trail. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, the trail climbs to Punchbowl, then stays along a ridge for about 7 miles, offering an ongoing supply of views, both east to the Piedmont and west to the Shenandoah Valley and George Washington National Forest.

May: Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Craggy Mountains
Pisgah National Forest
Saturday/Sunday, May 7-8
Group camping: Briar Bottom Group Campground
Saturday: Buck Creek Gap to campground (hike lengths to be determined)
Sunday: NC 128 to Craggy Gardens (hike lengths to be determined)
$35
The first of six weekend hikes with group camping. Arrive Friday night, set up camp at the Briar Bottom Group Campground at the base of Mount Mitchell, then hike from Buck Creek Gap back to the campground on Saturday. A potluck Saturday night, followed by more hiking, at Craggy Gardens on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sunday. A good sampling of a stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail that doesn’t get hiked much because of its remote location.

June: Davidson River / North Mills River
Brevard
Saturday/Sunday, June 18/19
Group Camping: White Pines Group Campground
Saturday: Art Loeb (hike lengths tbd)
Sunday: Fish Hatchery / John Rock loop (7 miles)
$35
Our lone group camping experience in 2015 at Mills River was a hit. We return to the area, this time to the White Pines Group Campground in the adjoining Davidson River area of the Pisgah National Forest for a weekend of hiking. Saturday, we’ll hike a stretch of the Art Loeb Trail heading down from the Blue Ridge Parkway, then return to camp to kick back and enjoy a pot-luck dinner. Sunday, we’ll do the popular 7-mile John Rock Loop, enjoying lunch and views of Looking Glass Rock from the trail’s namesake attraction.

July: Standing Indian / Appalachian Trail
Franklin
Saturday/Sunday, July 16/17
Group camping: Kimsey Creek Group Campground
Saturday: Kimsey Creek/AT/Lower Trail Ridge (hike lengths tbd)
Sunday: Timber Ridge / AT / Bear Pen Gap loop (hike lengths tbd)
$35
On our third Saturday/Sunday hike we visit the Standing Indian area west of Franklin. The Standing Indian group campground is ideally situated for our purposes. Saturday morning, head out your tent door and onto the Kimsey Creek Trail for a climb up to the Appalachian Trail, returning via Lower Ridge Trail. Sunday, we do another AT loop, up Timber Ridge to the AT and back via Bear Pin Gap.

August: Great Smoky Mountains National Park /Deep Creek
Bryson City
Saturday/Sunday, Aug. 13/14
Group camping: Deep Creek Group Campground
Saturday: Noland Divide Trail/Pole Road Creek Trail/Deep Creek Trail (hike lengths tbd)
Sunday: Indian Creek/Deeplow Gap/Thomas Ridge trails (hike lengths tbd)
$35
August too hot for hiking? What if your hike ends with a tube trip down a mile-long stretch of mountain creek. That’s an option both days, on hikes that start and end from our group campsite at Deep Creek, just outside Bryson City.

September: Grayson Highlands / Mount Rogers

Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 23/24
Group Camping: Grayson Highlands State Park
Saturday: AT/Mount Rogers (hike lengths tbd)
Sunday: AT (hike lengths tbd)
$35
Our second trip of the year to Virginia is our first to the Grayson Highlands / Mount Rogers area of southwest Virginia. Grayson Highlands/Mount Rogers is one of the most popular trail networks in the Southeast, in no small part because the rocky and open terrain has more of a western U.S. feel. Also, the wild ponies.

October: Sam Knob / Panthertown Valley
Cashiers
Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 22/23
Group Camping: Kuykendall Group Campground
Saturday: Sam Knob (8 miles)
Sunday: Panthertown Valley (12 miles, with shorter options)
$35
Our last weekend group camping trip of the season sees us return to Panthertown Valley for waterfalls, views and great fall color, then head up to the Shining Rock Area for a diverse 8-mile loop at Sam Knob. Both areas are known for rock outcrops, open spaces and waterfalls.

November: Appalachian Trail: Max Patch to Rich Mountain
Hot Springs
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 11-13
Friday: AT (5 miles)
Saturday: AT/Rich Mountain Loop (12.7 miles)
Sunday: Max Patch (7 miles)
Lodging: Laughing Heart Lodge in Hot Springs
$35 (does not include lodging)
Three days of hiking (it’s over Veteran’s Day weekend) and two nights at the Laughing Heart Lodge in Hot Springs. The hiking includes various stretches on the Appalachian Trail, from Max Patch to Hot Springs. The lodging is at the laid-back Laughing Heart Lodge, where we’ve blocked out space for the weekend. Stay in the lodge, stay in the cabin, stay in the economical hostel. Off trail, we’ll explore one of the AT’s classic trail towns.

December: Mount Mitchell
Pisgah National Forest / Mount Mitchell State Park
Saturday, Dec. 31
$25
We wrap up the year with a celebratory climb up the highest peak in the East, 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell.

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Temperatures in the upper 60s, sunny skies, summer vacation season in full bloom. All the makings for a miserable day atop Mount Mitchell in the summertime-popular Mount Mitchell State Park. Miserable, that is, if you stuck around the snack bar, the gift shop, the newly yellow-brick-trailed path to the mountaintop observation deck and the parking lot, where an endless stream of silence-piercing motorcycles slowly, loudly lit.

Standing amid the point-and-shoot public elbowing for room on the new platform that now marks the highest spot east of South Dakota’s Black Hills, I looked north and saw the future. The future, as in however long it took to dash down to my car, lace up the Vasques, throw on the daypack and make a beeline north. For while many drive to the top of 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell, few ever lose touch with pavement. And there’s no way you could pave the wily 13-mile Black Mountain Crest Trail, which runs from Mount Mitchell north over the rocky, rolling, alpine spine of the Black Mountains.

From Mount Mitchell State Park, the trail starts at north end of the north parking area, passes briefly through a fir-shaded picnic area, then, immediately, becomes enveloped in solitude. Balsam firs scent the air, thick mats of ferns carpet both sides of the trail. A sharp drop-off is made accessible by a stone staircase, which deposits you in another stand of balsams carpeted with ferns and a rich assortment of other understory greenery.

The mile-long hike/climb to 6,684-foot Mount Craig is enough for most of the simply curious. There’s a great view to the south and west and some of that hard-to-come-by solitude. A few more may straggle on to 6,581-foot Big Tom. But once cresting the latter, named for famed mountain guide and bear hunter Thomas David “Big Tom” Wilson — perhaps best known for discovering, on July 7, 1857, the body of Dr. Elisha Mitchell, who died in his quest to prove the peak that would eventually bear his name to be the highest in the East — the nylon rope bolted to an especially steep and treacherous section — will weed out all but the most dedicated. Expect to have the trail to yourself from here on out.

You need to be in reasonably good shape to last past Big Tom. A good sense of balance and decent upper body strength are as import as being aerobically fit. You also need to hike prepared. The weather here can change in an instant: It may be sunny and 65 when you set out, but a quickly advancing storm can bring rain and a drop in temperatures in an instant. Pack rain gear and an extra layer. Bring extra water; strenuous hiking at altitude dries a body out. Check sunset, check the time the park gates close, establish a turnaround time accordingly. Do not be mislead by the fact you “usually” cover 2-3 miles on a mountain hike; these are not usual conditions and there is a lot to stop and see.

For planning purposes, here are some key distances from the trailhead at the north end of the parking lot. Including Mount Mitchell, this trip will net you seven 6,000-foot peaks — and there are only 40 in the state, according to the Carolina Mountain Club.

Mount Craig: 1.0 miles
Big Tom: 1.4
Balsam Cone: 2.1
Cattail Peak: 2.7
Potato Hill: 3.0
Deep Gap: 3.9
Winter Star 4.9

The Black Mountain Crest Trail — also called Deep Gap Trail within Mount Mitchell State Park — is a trip from popular tamed tourist destination to isolated outpost atop the East Coast. A trip that begins minutes after leaving civilization.

Crest Trail: Mount Mitchell to Winter Star Mountain

View Black Mountain Crest Trail in a larger map

The post Solitude atop the East Coast appeared first on GetGoing NC!.

I’ve been spending a lot of time along the Blue Ridge Parkway of late, exploring the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. I’d be spending even more time if the Parkway facilities, specifically the campgrounds, were open. Which they soon will be.

The National Park Service has announced 2012 opening dates for their seasonal facilities along the Parkway. I’m finding them useful for trip planning, figured you might, too. Here are some key locations for the pedestrian explorer, when they open and some thoughts for how these locations might play into your plans. For locations, go here for a Parkway map.

Campgrounds

Doughton Park, MP 240. May 11-Oct. 28. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through Doughton Park as well, piggybacking on the Bluff Mountain Trail.

For the most part, this trail explores high mountain meadows offering great views. A spur trail to Wildcat Rock offers a great view way down into Basin Cove and a tiny, one-room cabin where the Caudill clan once lived. Four trails provide access to Basin Cove: Cedar Ridge, Bluff Mountain Primitive Trail (the shortest and steepest), Grassy Gap (the most mellow) and Flat Top Ridge. Several days of great hiking.

Julian Price Park, MP 297. May 11-Oct. 28. The Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through the park. Take it south for hikes through mountain meadows past Holloway Mountain Road, go north for rugged hiking along (and in) Bee Creek and the larger Boone Fork. Also a nice loop trail around Price Lake and boat rentals weekends starting April 7 and 8, then daily May 1-Sept. 30, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Linville Falls, MP 316. Opens April 2, closes Oct. 28. Great base camp for exploring nearby Linville Gorge. Short trails out of the Linville Falls Visitor

Center (open April 27-Nov. 4) explore towering hemlock forests and the impressive Linville Falls, various trails off the Kistler Memorial Highway drop into the rugged gorge where you can hike the 13-mile Linville Gorge Trail and take the footbridge across the river to Table Mountain, The Chimney and Shortoff Mountain. This is a Wilderness Area; advanced wayfinding skills required.

Crabtree Meadows, MP 340. May 11-Oct. 28. The Crabtree Falls Trail is a nice hike, especially for a family (not too long at 2.5 miles and a great waterfall as a carrot). Plus, the campground is a 15-minute drive from Mountain Mitchell State Park and the Black Mountains. The crest of the Blacks, part of which is in the park, is the highest hiking on the East Coast with elevations generally above 6,000 feet, topping out at 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell. Hiking here is alpine and rocky, a much different experience than you’ll find elsewhere in the South.

Mt. Pisgah, MP 408. At nearly 5,000 feet, this is the highest campground along the Parkway. (Biggest benefit: Cool nights for sleeping are almost assured.) Again, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail comes through Pisgah and continues west along the Parkway, where you’ll find some of the best hiking in the state at Graveyard Fields and the Shining Rock and Middle Prong wildernesses. Also some of the most exposed hiking in the state.

Campsites are $16 a night, reservations can be made at RECREATION.gov or by calling 877.444.6777.

Note to cyclists: Note the spacing of Doughton Park, Julian Price, Linville Falls and Crabtree Meadows: respectively, they are 57, 19, and 24 miles apart. Their proximity could make for a good self-supported bike trip, especially for the newby. That first day, from Doughton Park to Julian Price Park, is long, but doesn’t have the climbing you’ll find farther south. Plus, if you’re of a mind you can supplement days two and three with side trips off the Parkway.

Other key facilities

These facilities can offer shelter, sustenance and diversion along the way.

Visitor centers

Linn Cove, MP 304. April 27-May 26, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.; May 27-Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Linville Falls, MP 316. April 27-May 26, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.; May 27-Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Gateway to Linville Gorge, with good selection of maps and guide books.

Craggy Gardens, MP 364.5. Weekends starting April 7 and 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; daily April 23-Nov. 4.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, open year-round. Featuring work from artisans and craftfolk from throughout the region. Plan to spend some time.

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, MP 384. Open year-round.

Waterrock Knob, MP 451. April 27-Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Concessions

Northwest Trading Post Gift and Craft Shop, MP 258.8. May 1-Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Crabtree Falls, MP 339, May 1–Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wifi!

Pisgah Inn, Restaurant, Gift Shop & Country Store, MP 408.6. Open through Nov. 4.

Note: The Bluffs Restaurant and Coffee Shop in Doughton Park is closed for 2012.

More info

For additional insight on exploring the areas and trails mentioned, check out “100 Classic Hikes in North Carolina” and “Backpacking North Carolina.”

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