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Post by rustyshackleford on Aug 25, 2018 6:40:30 GMT -8
Hey guys. I'm taking the family to Asheville for a few days of vacation for Labor Day weekend. Looking for an easy to moderate hike. My daughter is soon to be 6 years old and has a limit of about 5 strenuous miles. Looking for: 1) mountain top views or balds. 2) less crowded (i understand that may be hard given this will be labor day weekend) 3) no more than 5 strenuous miles or 6 easier miles (her limit isnt physical exhaustion, just time spent hiking) 4) no shuttling required, able to park at trailhead
Any recommendations?
Thanks!
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,984
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Post by driftwoody on Aug 25, 2018 7:30:27 GMT -8
mountain top views or balds. Easy hikes to great views are incompatible with less crowded, especially on holiday weekends. Having said that, I don't think you can find a better hike near Asheville with great views from open balds than Black Balsam Knob, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Driving along the BRP to get there is beautiful in itself, with additional opportunities for short hikes. This link has good directions. It's a fairly short uphill hike to Black Balsam Knob with great views. From there you can keep going as far as you like to Tennet Mountain and beyond, or you can complete the excellent 5 mile loop described in this link. If you have more time you can also visit Graveyard Fields and waterfalls, which is nearby along the BRP. Happy Trails and good weather!
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Post by rustyshackleford on Aug 25, 2018 13:28:39 GMT -8
Thanks driftwoody, excellent recommendation!
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,984
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Asheville
Aug 25, 2018 14:40:36 GMT -8
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Post by driftwoody on Aug 25, 2018 14:40:36 GMT -8
A return loop on the Ivestor Gap is very easy on an old road bed, with good views. A relatively easy 8 mile loop to Shining Rock is a great hike.
Let us know how it turns out, whatever you do.
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Post by kevinumberger on Aug 25, 2018 16:51:36 GMT -8
i'll third the recommendation of shining rock/tennent mountain.......
however, that area will be a zoo on labor day weekend......
its busy even without being a holiday weekend....
parking could be an issue...
but that one trail is an old road bed and an easy stroll before going up to the balds...
another place i was thinking----and its a little longer of a drive than shining rock is carvers gap...
park at the gap and go up to jane's bald and grassy ridge...
its a little bit of an uphill before leveling out, but it could make for a good challenge for your daughter....
sadly, that area also will also be busy over labor day weekend....
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Post by kevinumberger on Aug 25, 2018 16:52:25 GMT -8
Let us know how it turns out, whatever you do. and yes, please let us know how it went....... alot of us that post suggestions never get to hear about the final result and how it worked out...
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,984
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Post by driftwoody on Aug 25, 2018 19:28:02 GMT -8
carvers gap... park at the gap and go up to jane's bald and grassy ridge... I was up there about 6 weeks ago, doing an overnighter to Hump Mountain and back. Grassy Ridge from Carvers Gap is a worthwhile destination, but it will likely have a lot of visitors on a holiday weekend. I was far from alone camping near the summit of Grassy Ridge on a Monday night. Closer to Asheville, another option is Linville Gorge. One of my favorite views in the Southern Appalachians is from the top of Hawksbill Mountain. The trail is 3/4 mile uphill through woods. It's not about the hike; it's about the views. If you go, be sure to hike all the way to the top for 360 degree views. Also on the east side I recommend hiking south from the Table Rock parking lot, as far as you care to go. The summit of Table Rock is a popular destination, but I prefer the other two options I just mentioned. From the visitor center off the BRP are trails to famous Linville Falls, the trails on the west side being more popular with several views of the falls. The east side goes down to the base of the falls. Also on the west side is the easy walk to Wiseman's View with an excellent view across the gorge to Hawksbill & Table Rock, worth a visit if you're there. Nearby is privately owned & operated Grandfather Mountain. It has an admission fee, but is a popular destination for families and hikers. There are many options for a day trip from Asheville, but you're unlikely to find solitude. I still recommend Black Balsam in the Shining Rock Wilderness.
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Asheville
Aug 26, 2018 15:52:37 GMT -8
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Post by rustyshackleford on Aug 26, 2018 15:52:37 GMT -8
thanks guys, ill definately let you know what we end up doing
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Asheville
Sept 2, 2018 10:27:29 GMT -8
via mobile
Post by rustyshackleford on Sept 2, 2018 10:27:29 GMT -8
driftwoodythank you so much for the suggestion. we just got back to the hotel after hiking to black balsam knob and sam knob. absolutely beautiful views. and wildflowers. i need to backpack the art loeb sometime. now, worked up an appetite so we're going to another brewpub. asheville is a charming little city.
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driftwoody
Trail Wise!
Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,984
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Asheville
Sept 2, 2018 11:19:08 GMT -8
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Post by driftwoody on Sept 2, 2018 11:19:08 GMT -8
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
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Post by Westy on Sept 7, 2018 6:53:05 GMT -8
Will be in Asheville in mid-September for family visit. Will be staying in Fairview. Have done black balsam knob and sam knob. Thinking of day hike up Cold Mountain. Question de jour: What would be a great day hike in GSMNP?
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Post by kevinumberger on Sept 7, 2018 7:17:44 GMT -8
Question de jour: What would be a great day hike in GSMNP? baxter creek trail up to mount sterling.... cataloochee divide along the balds....... theres a few loop options in the deep creek area.... just depends upon what you are looking for----and mileage----and if you have a shuttle or what not... also----taking a boat shuttle to hazel creek makes for a nice day....
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