Last Updated: 08/14/2008


CHARGERS & RECHARGERS
HIKING CLUB

Mountain

Overview | Contacts | Photos | Links | News&Info | Monday Lite Hikes & Beginner Prep | Schedule

CLUB OVERVIEW

The Chargers & Rechargers Hiking Club is an informal loose-knit group of hiking enthusiasts in the western and northwestern mountains of North Carolina. Most of the membership lives in the area stretching from Burnsville and Spruce Pine up to Boone.

The Club schedules hikes year round in the surrounding areas in locales such as Linville Gorge, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Appalachian Trail, Roan Mountain (Tennessee), and the Virginia Creeper Trail (Virginia). Most hikes are held on Saturday and Wednesday and last four to five hours. Hikes range in difficulty from easy to strenuous.

These hikes are a great way to experience the beautiful natural features of the area and to meet new friends while enjoying the outdoors. We hope you will join us for an outing. Both Club members and nonmembers are welcome on hikes.

You may join the Club by sending a check for $7 PER HOUSEHOLD (the dues primarily pay for publication and mailing of the newsletter; only one copy is sent to each household) made out to "Chargers & Rechargers Hiking Club" to Dolly Rose, 1408 Colonial Ave, Greensboro NC 27408. Include your name and address and optionally your phone number and email address. Membership entitles you to receive our quarterly newsletter with Club news and the upcoming hiking schedule and to be listed in the Club membership roster.  You are also entitled to a 10% discount on some items at the Boone Mast General Store and the Boone Footsloggers.

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CLUB CONTACTS

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LINKS TO OTHER SITES

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SPECIAL NEWS & INFORMATION

To reach people mentioned here, see Club Contacts above. 

Renewals.  Don’t know if it’s time to renew??  Check the mailing label on your newsletter.  Above your name you will find the date your renewal is due.  If you are due NOW or are PAST DUE, this information will be highlighted.  To continue receiving the newsletter, you must send your dues to Dolly - the dues monies are what keep the newsletter coming. ….No $$, no newsletter.  And remember, dues are $7 PER HOUSEHOLD.

Emails.  We do occasionally need to contact the membership when a change occurs and the easiest way to do that quickly is through email.  If your email address is not listed on the membership roster and you would like to be notified of hike changes and updates by email, please send your email address to Jack James.

Photos on the Web.  Jack James has set up a photo section which is accessible from this Chargers and Rechargers website.  Just go to the top of this page and click on Photos.  Dave Johnson is currently managing the site but we're looking for someone to take it over.  If you are interested or want to find out more, contact Jack or Dave.

Club Patches.  Patches are available for $3 each from Nancy Benson (828-295-0096), Dolly Rose (828-264-5884), or Frank Young (828-963-5188).

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MONDAY LITE HIKES & BEGINNER PREP

Monday hikes all begin at 8:30am and are almost always completed by noon.  Restaurant lunch following is optional.

All the hikes are a very short driving distance from Boone and Blowing Rock.  The hikes vary mostly in terms of meeting place, which is always the trailhead of the particular hike.  Distance hiked varies from 3 to 7 miles.  Hikes are done at a relaxed pace.

Wear sensible walking or hiking shoes and bring at least 16 oz water or sports drink and a snack if desired.  We generally stop halfway for a break, a view, a snack, and some fellowship.

Dress for the day.  Wear or bring light weight rain gear as needed.  Fanny packs or small backpacks are helpful.  Bring your inhaler or epi-pen if you use one.  Higher elevations can be cooler and windier than you might expect.  A light weight rain or wind jacket is a very good multi-purpose garment.  Sun block, hat, toilet paper, and Motrin or your choice of pain reliever are all useful items.

Any person capable of walking a trail for a few miles is welcome to participate.  Do not call.  Just show up.  All trailheads are accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway.  All participants must sign a liability waiver.

If you have never hiked before, and/or do not spend several hours a day on your feet, it would be a good idea to test yourself before joining a hike.  The loop trail around Bass Lake (Blue Ridge Parkway Mile Post 293) is a good place for beginners to try on their own.  This trail is flat and uniformly surfaced.  You can park right beside the trail.  The distance around the trail is 0.85 miles.  If you can loop the Bass Lake Trail say three times at a brisk pace without undo discomfort, you should be OK on a beginner hike.  If not, start with one loop and over several weeks pickup the pace and increase your number of loops.  As another exercise, park on 221 above the lake and walk down and around and then back up.  This is 1.35 miles with a little climb.  Keep it up and slowly but surely you will become a hiker and will be ready to join us on beautiful hikes covering a number of miles, often with breath taking views, and with outstanding fellowship.

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UPCOMING HIKE SCHEDULE

The detailed schedule is below the Notes.

Our next member/planning meeting is listed at or near the end of the schedule.

NOTES

Special Notice to Prospective Hikers.  We have had cases where hikers have arrived at the original meeting locations and missed hikes because of changes in arrangements.  If you intend to go on a particular hike, call the hike leader no later than the night before the scheduled day.  Be sure to provide your name and phone number. In the event the weather conditions or other circumstances cause the cancellation of a hike or an adjustment in the starting place or time, you can be notified.

"Terrain" Ratings are defined below.  Unless indicated the hike is believed to have no water crossings without footbridges.  Dress appropriately for the weather and terrain (hiking boots are strongly recommended).  Bring enough water and a light lunch or snack for everyone in your party.  Estimated hiking time includes all breaks and stops.  As a general rule our hikes are not suitable for children (check with leader prior to the hike).  Dogs are not permitted on most hikes; please check listings below.  A "relaxed hike" has a slow pace and a flexible route and times. BRP = Blue Ridge Parkway.

Terrain Ratings are based on the most difficult part of the trail (unless that segment is very short in which case a special note is added to the listing). Easy: flat or very limited ascents/descents with clear, easy and often wide trails. Easy/Moderate: easy to moderate ascents/descents, trail is usually clear and not too rocky. Moderate: ascents/descents steeper than easy hikes but less severe than strenuous hikes, paths can be difficult in places. Moderate/Strenuous: some sections have strenuous ascents/descents, paths often have difficult footing sections and can include such things as ladders. Strenuous: ascents/descents can be very difficult, path can be overgrown, narrow, rocky or otherwise provide difficult footing.

A Note to Hike Leaders:  You are the backbone of the club.  Without hike leaders we can’t hike as a club.  It’s like a covered dish supper without anybody bringing any food. The process is pretty simple and some of the experienced hikers are available to help. First, select a hike you feel comfortable leading. Then let the hike coordinator know before the next meeting if possible or come to the meeting. During the days before the hike take phone calls from those coming (take their names and phone numbers so you can notify them in case of hike changes) and make arrangements for a meeting place and time.  Arrange for spotting cars if necessary.  Have everyone sign the release form at the beginning of the hike.  As you lead the hike make sure to account for all the hikers.  Use another hiker as a rear sweep to make sure that nobody is left behind if you think it’s necessary.  Have fun and return the signed release forms to the president.

 

OUR HIKES

 

----- Please, no calls to hike leaders after 9:00pm. -----

***** AUGUST *****

Saturday, August 2  -- Upper Wilson Creek Swimming Hole/Wilson Creek Falls,  includes 2 water crossings.  Wear cutoffs or a swim suit.  Rated: moderate –steep, approximately 3 miles.  No dogs allowed.   Leader: Dan Stillwell, 828-264-3931.

Monday, August 4:  Old John’s River Road to Boone Fork.  A good hike for the beginner.  Hike an old dirt road to the beaver dam and follow the trail down to the river.  Meet at Sim’s Pond Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Mile Post 295.7) at 8:30 AM.  Finish by noon.  Wear hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.  Bring water and a snack if desired. All participants must sign a waiver.

Wednesday, August 6 - Hike Up to the Short End of Shortoff Mtn.  About 5 miles moderate-strenuous round trip to what the author of 100 CLASSIC HIKES OF NORTH CAROLINA says may be the best views in the state.  Hike is mostly uphill going, and downhill returning.   More time/hiking may be spent on top if desired.  No dogs permitted.  Leader:  Frank Young, 828-963-5188.

Saturday, August 9  --  Mt Mitchell Area-Green KnobTrail.   Located in Mitchell Co off the BRP and has great views of the area including Mt. Mitchell. It is a little cardio at the beginning and then all downhill. Bring plenty of water and a lunch. We will spot cars but for those that want more they can do a return. One way is 5 miles and is moderate to steep. No Dogs allowed. Leader: Susan Smith,  828-675-1827.

Monday, August 11: Flat Top Observation Tower.  An moderate 4-5 mile hike uphill to the Tower and return.  Appropriate for the beginner.  Meet at Cone Manor House in front of the Carriage Barn at 8:30 AM and finish by noon.  Wear hiking boots and bring water and a snack if desired.  Participants must sign a waiver.

Wednesday, August 13—Sunset Hike at Moses Cone.  We will meet at the Cone Estate in the late afternoon and hike the area trails then watch the summer sunset.  Easy/moderate.  Bring sunset goodies and ground cloth to relax after our hike and watch the sunset.  Leader:  Sandy Sisson, 828-295-8055.

Saturday, August  16 -- Price Lake Adventure – Breakfast, Hike and Paddle Along the BR Parkway. We will gather together at the Julian Price Park Picnic Area (MP 296) for a Blue Ridge Mountain Breakfast-pancakes and orange juice provided. Everyone will be asked to bring a breakfast dish to share. Grills will be fired up for all those cooks present! After breakfast we will hike the trails and paddle boats that may be rented. Price Campground, Lake, Picnic Area-all around Milepost  (297. Some of you may want to camp on Friday or Saturday night-a great place to enjoy! And yes there may be a nature inspired scavenger/treasure hunt. No dogs allowed. Leader for breakfast, hike and paddle: Sandy Sisson, 828-295-8055.

Monday, August 18:  Tanawha Trail to Holloway Mountain Road.  A short hike through Price Park campground, forest and through fields and return.  Good for the beginner.  Dress for the weather, wear hiking boots and bring water.  Meet at Boatramp Parking at Price Lake at 8:30 AM and finish by noon.

Wednesday, August 20 – Chillin’ on the Creeper (Bike Ride).  Save the date for this relaxing all day event!  We will rent bikes at JC’s in Damascus and shuttle up to Whitetop Station.  This 17 mile section of the Virginia Creeper Trail is on the old Norfolk and Western RR that follows Laurel Creek.  We will slow our pace and take time to enjoy the natural areas along the trail.  Bring your lunch for a picnic on the rocks.  Optional desserts at the Creeper Trail Café and at the end of the ride—ICE CREAM!  Make your reservations early for Bike Rental and Shuttle.  Leader:  Susan Moore, 828-733-5748.

Saturday, August  23 – Glen Burnie Trail, Blowing Rock.  3 miles, follows along a stream with 3 waterfalls, moderate to steep. No dogs allowed. Leader: Roger Bodo, 828-963-8707.

Monday, August 25:  Old John’s River Road to Price Lake.  This is an easy hike over service roads and off trail through meadows with some small hills and easy water crossings.  Wear hiking boots and dress for weather and high grass.  Bring water and a light snack if desired.  Meet at Sim’s Pond Overlook, milepost 295.7 at 8:30 AM and finish by noon.

Wednesday, August 27: Tanawha Trail/Boone Fork to Price Lake Picnic Area.  Approx 8.3 miles rated moderate.  From the Boone Fork overlook located between mile markers 299 and 300, following the Tanawha trail close to Price Lake, connecting with the Boone Fork Trail exiting at the picnic grounds.  Expect to share the trail with cows, horses, and the occasional bull (and that's no bull!).   We will spot cars at each end.  Leader: Lynne Bass, 321-243-2691.

Saturday, August 31—Labor Day Weekend—No Hike

***** SEPTEMBER *****

 Monday, September 1:  Thunder Hill loop.  A moderate Labor Hike for the beginner or visitor.   Hike through fields and forests for a view of Cone Manor and visit the resident fauna.  Meet at Thunder Hill Overlook, first overlook on BRP north of 321 (yes, even though it says the road is closed ahead—you’ll get to the overlook before the closure) at 8:30 AM.  Wear hiking boots and bring water.  Participants must sign a waiver.

Wednesday, September 3—Famous Lost Cove Creek. 7 miles, 5 hours.  This is a loop trail starting with a moderate climb to the top of the ridge then a steep descent down to Hunt Fish Falls and a large swimming pool where we have lunch.  The return has several climbs & follows several tributaries of Lost Creek where there are falls, cascades and swimming holes.  6-8 water crossings. This beautiful hike is a favorite as it affords the most variety.  No dogs allowed.  Leader: Mary Boys, 828-733-4070.

Saturday, September 6 –Hampton Creek Ramble over a working farm – cows, horses, escorted by funny attentive dogs—Old Shell homestead and cemetery and Birchfield tail, part of the Over Mountain Victory trail; 4-5 miles miles, moderate. Lunch at Carol Ann’s to follow. No dogs allowed. Leader: Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-772-4280.

Monday, September 9--Boone Fork Trail  A moderate 5 mile loop with a few water crossings, appropriate for the newer hiker.  Meet at Price Park Picnic Grounds near the restrooms at 8:30 AM and finish by noon.  All participants must sign a waiver and should wear hiking boots and weather appropriate clothing.  Trail is rocky and slippery in places.  Bring water and a light snack.

Wednesday, September 10—Over Mountain Victory Trail from Hampton Creek to the AT down to Doll Flats.  We will hike over Little Hump and Big Hump to Doll Flats and Rt. 19E.  9-12 miles of moderately strenuous hiking.  No dogs please.  Leader:  Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-772-4280.

Saturday, September 13   -- Quarterly Meeting at  Land Harbor Picnic Area at 11 AM  Please bring a dish to share. No dogs allowed. Hosts: Roger Bodo, 828-963-8707; Dan and Jean Stillwell, 828-264-3931.

Wednesday, September 17—Mystery Hike! led by Carol Ann Mitchell and Gloria Marquez.   No dogs.  Call leaders for details:  Carol Ann, 423-772-4280 or Gloria, 828-262-0357.

Saturday, September 20 – Boone Fork Trail at Price Park  5 mile loop rated moderate. No dogs allowed.  Leader: Lynne Bass, 321-243-2691.

Wednesday,  September 24 - Stone Mountain State Park.  5-7 moderate-strenuous miles of great views from below and on top of a spectacular 600 ft high granite dome, as well as several waterfalls.  We will also see the old Hutchinson  Homestead Farm.  More trails and a campground for those who want to stay longer.  Leader:  Frank Young, 828-963-5188.

Saturday,  September 27  Cone Manor Fire Tower Carriage Trail.  Start at the Carriage House and climb through woods and fields to Flat Top Tower. A 5 mile round trip.  No dogs allowed. Leader: Bob Heath 803-548-5139, plumbob@comporium.net.

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