Last Updated: 07/24/2010


CHARGERS & RECHARGERS
HIKING CLUB

Mountain

Overview | Contacts | Photos | Links | News&Info | Monday Lite Hikes & Beginner Prep | Downloads | 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 the club Treasurer listed in the Club Contacts section below. 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 the club Treasurer listed in the Club Contacts section - 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 9:30am 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.

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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DOWNLOADS

Hike Leader Release Form (PDF) - Click here for Page 1 - Click here for Page 2

AT Journey Magazine Article on the Roan Mountain Baa-tany Project (PDF) - Click here

Free Adobe Reader: - Click here

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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. -----

 

  ***** June *****

Saturday, June 19,

Option 1: (easy) Meandering the Manor Trails *** CANCELLED DUE TO BAD TRAIL CONDITIONS ***. Twelve miles of hiking on the Cone trails to include Bass Lake, Trout Lake and the Fire Tower. Spectacular views of Boone, Blowing Rock and beyond. You can choose to do all or part of the twelve miles. No dogs. Hike Leader: Ken Pruitt, 704-616-9331.

Option 2: (strenuous) Roan Mountain Area Hike,  Hike from Raven Rock to Chestnut Ridge and to the old Miller Homestead. The Miller House was built in 1909 and is now preserved as a reminder of the way folks used to live in the mountains. 6 miles. No dogs. Hike leader: Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-772-4280.

Monday, June 21:  9:30 AM, Thunder Hill loop.  Meet at Thunder Hill Overlook, first overlook on BRP north of 321.

Wednesday, June 23, Rough Ridge to Price Lake Campgrounds. (Watauga Co.) about 8-9 miles, 5 hrs. Rated easy/moderate (includes 3 easy water crossings). Hike one-way - cars will be parked for shuttle to origin point.  This is a beautiful section of the Tanawha Trail with gentle slopes along wooded terrain, crossing several creeks and open pastures with wildflowers. Lunch will be on a grassy knoll with views of near-by peaks, including Grandfather Mtn.  No dogs. Hike leader: Elaine Buri, elaineburi@gmail.com OR Herding the Goats on the Balds followed by a Ramble in the Hampton Creek Nature Area and lunch at Carol Ann’s. No dogs. Hike leader: Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-772-4280.

Saturday, June 26, Tanawha Trail—Rough Ridge to Beacon Heights, (Watauga Co) 4.5 miles. Moderate to strenuous—rocky in some places. Hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern US.  See great views of the Parkway, Viaduct, Grandfather and other mountains, includes 200 ft. long boardwalk, walk under the Viaduct, stairs through huge boulders in the Stack Rock area.  Stop at the Viaduct Visitors Center. No dogs permitted. Hike Leader: Bob Heath, 828-773-0471.

Monday, June 28: 9:30 AM, Boone Fork Trail:  Meet at Price Picnic Grounds near the restrooms.

Wednesday, June 30,  Rough Ridge to Price Lake Campgrounds. (Watauga Co.) about 8-9 miles, 5 hrs. Rated easy/moderate (includes 3 easy water crossings). Hike one-way - cars will be parked for shuttle to origin point.  This is a beautiful section of the Tanawha Trail with gentle slopes along wooded terrain, crossing several creeks and open pastures with wildflowers. Lunch will be on a grassy knoll with views of near-by peaks, including Grandfather Mtn.  No dogs.  Meet at 9:00am at the Rough Ridge parking lot.  Leave a message at 386-690-1214.  Hike leaders: Elaine Buri 386-690-1214, Lynne Bass, 321-243-2691.

 ***** July *****

Saturday, July 3,  Glen Burney Trail, Blowing Rock,  The trail starts out in the Glen Burney Park in  downtown Blowing Rock and meanders down through a gorge past 3 water falls on the New Year Creek. It is 1.6 miles from the trail head to the last water fall and an elevation change of 800 feet. This might not sound like much on the way down, but it is on the return trip! Total hike is about 3.2 miles, 2.5 hours. No dogs allowed. Hike Leader: Bill Barksdale 828-898-6977.

Monday, July 5: Bass Lake to Cone Manor loop.  Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area off Hi way 221 next to the lake at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, July 7, South Mountain  Trails in Morganton. 7 1/2 miles, beautiful, varied terrain, usually moderate with stretches of easy trail and one strenuous section--over 350 steps to climb, beautiful water fall, take about 4 1/2 to 5 hours to do. No dogs. Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280 and Graham Wilson 828-430-7699 co-leaders.

 Saturday, July 10, Rich Mountain, Easy to moderate, about 8 miles.  We meet at Trout Lake Parking lot at 9:30 and are planning to have our picnic lunch on top of the mountain. We will hike at a regular pace and we will stop and wait for slower hikers at various intervals. This will not be an "aerobic" hike, if you wish to race up the mountain, please do not come on this hike.  Contact hike leader: Danielle Catoe 828-898-3072 or dmcatoe@aol.com

Monday, July 12: Price Lake plus some Tanawha Trail.  Meet at Canoe Rental Parking at Price Lake, milepost 297.0 at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, July 14,  Lost Cove Cliffs, Approx 5 miles with 4 to 5 rock-hopping water crossings.  Some steep uphill climbs.  We will meet on the Parkway and shuttle to the trailhead.  Bring water & lunch.  No dogs. Hike Leader: Harvey Crouch, 828-733-4070

Saturday, July 17,   Tanawha Trail—Rough Ridge to Beacon Heights, (Watauga Co) 4.5 miles. Moderate to strenuous—rocky in some places. Hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern US.  See great views of the Parkway, Viaduct, Grandfather and other mountains, includes 200 ft. long boardwalk, walk under the Viaduct, stairs through huge boulders in the Stack Rock area.  Stop at the Viaduct Visitors Center. No dogs permitted. Hike Leader: Bob Heath, 828-773-0471

Monday, July 19:  Rich Mountain.  Meet in parking area for Trout Lake off Shull's Mill Road at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, July 21, Raven Rock to Old Miller Homestead via Chestnut Ridge  (Roan Mountain State Park) Moderate to extremely strenuous, beautiful, approximately 8 miles. Will stop and visit the old cemetery and the farmstead, sit on the back porch. No dogs. Hike Leader: Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-772-4280.

Saturday, July 24,  Lost Cove Trail to Huntfish Falls, 7 miles ­ 5 hrs.  This is a loop trail starting with moderate climbing to top of ridge then a steep descent down to Huntfish Falls & a large swimming hole where we will have lunch. The return has climbs & follows several tributaries of Lost Creek, where there are several falls, cascades & swimming holes.  On a hot day, it’s nice to wear swim clothes. There are 6-8 water crossings which may be high. No dogs. Hike leader: Mile Farthing, 828-297-6867

Monday, July 26:  Flat Top Observation Tower.  Meet at Cone Manor House in front of the Carriage Barn at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, July 28, Tanawha Trail—Rough Ridge to Beacon Heights, (Watauga Co) 4.5 miles. Moderate to strenuous—rocky in some places. Hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern US.  See great views of the Parkway, Viaduct, Grandfather and other mountains, includes 200 ft. long boardwalk, walk under the Viaduct, stairs through huge boulders in the Stack Rock area.  Stop at the Viaduct Visitors Center. No dogs permitted. No dogs. Hike Leader: Bob Heath, 828-773-0471.

Saturday, July 31,  The Humps. Historic Over Mountain Victory Trail (Revolutionary War) starting in Hampton Creek Nature Area in Roan Mountain hooking into the AT at Yellow Mountain Gap to Little and Big Hump Mountains, steep rocky descent to Doll Flats and 19E. Little cover on the Balds so wear wide brim hat, sunscreen, lots of fluids, salty snacks. About 10-12 miles, mostly strenuous, requires strength and endurance for all the ups. No dogs. Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280.

 

  ***** August *****

Monday, August 2:  Green Knob.  Meet at Sims Pond Overlook, milepost 295.7 at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, August 4, Profile Trail to Calloway Peak, (Avery Co) Approx 6 miles, estimated 5 hrs.  The scenic lower part of the trail is easy, then, there is a steady 2.5 mile uphill climb with rocky terrain near Shanty Springs to Calloway Peak where there are 360 degree vistas at 5,964’ elevation. Total climb of over 2,000 ft.  Rocky and Strenuous. Hikers will need to sign a permit at the trailhead. No cost. Bring water and snacks. Hiking sticks are suggested. No dogs allowed. Hike Leader: Bill Barksdale 828-898-6977.

Saturday, August 7, Bear Wallow Trail to Raven Rocks to Roan Mountain Visitor Center, 2.8 miles of steady ascent and descent with some switchbacks running along the Doe River in places then connect to Raven Rocks trail, old Forest Road to Visitor Center. Rated: easy to moderate with two strenuous climbs about 6 miles. No dogs. Hike leader: Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280

Monday, August 9:  Old John's River Road to Boone Fork.  Meet at Sim's Pond Overlook at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, August 11, Pontoon Boat Outing on Watauga Lake All day event. Join the group for a pontoon float, swimming and sightseeing on Watauga Lake. Beautiful scenery. We will each contribute food. Reservations and upfront payment required.  We will take one or two boats depending on the number signing up (10 persons per boat).  Contact trip organizer to reserve: Larry Mallett, 828-260-1675

Saturday, August 14, Sugar Mountain High Ride and Hike, We will enjoy the sights from the top of Sugar Mountain. We will take the ski lift up and hike down on a variety of trails. We will get a group rate if 20 or more people sign up! Only $6.00 to ride up the ski lift....so much fun and beautiful. Begin signing up now.  Bring sun screen, snacks/lunch/water/wear a hat/cap.  Hike Leader: Sandy Sisson, 828-295-8055.

Monday, August 16: Flat Top Observation Tower.  Meet at Cone Manor House in front of the Carriage Barn at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, August 18, 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 & Western Railroad 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 21, Roan Mt. from Carvers Gap to Grassy Ridge, 6 miles, 4 hours. Rated moderate/strenuous.  Meet at the Carvers Gap parking area which is on the NC/TN line at the top of NC 261 (143 on the TN side). Spectacular 360 degrees views along part of the AT that crosses the bald .Great valley views from Grassy Ridge. Trail is rocky with 3 steep slopes to climb in each direction.  Hike is above 5,000 ft elevation. No dogs allowed.  Hike Leader:  Bob Heath, 828-773-0471

Monday, August 23:  Tanawha Trail to Holloway Mountain Road.  Meet at Canoe Rental Parking at Price Lake at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, August 25,  Mount Mitchell Hike  No dogs. Hike leader: Nick Sterling, 239-223-4119 .

Saturday, August 28,  Kayak/Canoe on the New River, Paddle from Riverside Canoe Rental (Ashe County) to Route 93—near the VA state line. No big rapids, no waterfalls!  We will stop along the way for a picnic lunch. Reservations required. Rental kayaks and canoes available, (pay at the outfitter when we get there) as well as shuttle service if you have your own watercraft. Reserve early! Leader: Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779

Monday, August 30:  Old John's River Road to Price Lake.  Meet at Sim's Pond Overlook at 9:30 AM.

  ***** September *****

Wednesday, September 1,  Tanawha Trail; Beacon Heights to Rough Ridge 4.5 miles.  Rated moderate (rough and rocky in some places, however).  Hike through some of the most spectacular scenery in the eastern US.  See great views of the Parkway, Viaduct, Grandfather and other mountains, including 200 ft long boardwalk, walk under the Viaduct, and wooden stairs through huge boulders in the Stack Rock area. Stop at the Viaduct Visitors Center. No dogs. Hike Leader: Lynne Bass, 321-243-2691 or lnbs1@earthlink.net

Saturday, September 4, Tanawa, Nuwati, Cragway, Boone Scout, Loop,  The hike starts on the Tanawa at the BRP parking lot MP 299.9. The Nuwati (Cherokee for medicine) part of the trail follows the print of an old logging road 1.2 miles. It's an easy but rocky section. The Cragway is a steep, strenuous hike with lovely vistas. Boulders and crags jut out here and there opening up elevated (and elevating) views of the Boone Fork Bowl. This trail links Nuwati and Boone Scout Trail and makes a fine loop-hike, passing through rhododendron and blueberry thickets. Total hike is about 4.5 miles and is strenuous. Time: 4.0 hours. Hiking sticks are suggested. No dogs allowed. Hike Leader: Bill Barksdale 828-898-6977.

Monday, September 6:  The Maze and Apple barn at Cone Manor.  Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, September 8, Mountains to Sea Trail/Boone Fork Trail, 4.9 mile loop with approx 31 easy water crossings. Moderate to strenuous This trail has almost every mountain feature to enjoy, including: beaver dams, waterfalls, rapids, meadows, forests, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Bring a snack and we will sit on a rock in the stream and enjoy the rapids. This trail joins with both the Tanawha and Mountains to Sea Trails. No dogs allowed. Hike Leader: Bill Barksdale 828-898-6977.

Saturday, September 11, Quarterly Meeting for Members and Guests. Meet at 11 AM at the Linville Land Harbor Outdoor Picnic Pavilion. Bring a dish to share. Plates, utensils, beverages provided. No need to reserve, just bring food and come. Hosts: Pat Higginbotham and Harvey Crouch, 828-733-4070.

Monday, September 13: Overlook Cleanup. Meet at Cone Manor House in front of the Carriage Barn at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, September 15, Goat herding at Carver’s Gap, Help move the goats atop Roan Mountain. The goats were brought to the mountain to munch on invasive plants in order to keep the balds in their natural state. Twice a year the goats need to be moved to a new location. Club members have helped to make this project successful. Hike Leader: Elaine Buri, 386-690-1214, or elaineburi@gmail.com
or
Boone Fork Overlook to Price Lake,  Follow the Tanawha trail as it parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Boone Fork parking area at Milepost 300 north to Price Lake. Beautiful trail – moderate. Trail goes through areas of open space and dense forest. No dogs allowed. Hike Leader: Elaine Buri, 386-690-1214, or elaineburi@gmail.com

Saturday, September 18, Elk Knob State Park – Approximately 3 miles with a 1000 foot gain in elevation with a beautiful view at the top at 5520 Ft.  Newly-constructed trail with a steady climb for the first 2/3, then it becomes strenuous and rocky the remaining way to top.  No Dogs. Hike Leader: Bob Heath, 828-773-0471.

Monday, September 20: Boone Fork Trail.  Meet at Price Picnic Grounds milepost 296.5 near the restrooms at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, September 22,  Goat Herding or Boone Fork Overlook to Price Lake  (see note above) No dogs allowed. Hike Leader Elaine Buri, 386-690-1214, or elaineburi@gmail.com

Saturday, September 25, Boone Fork Trail:  4.9 mile loop with approx 31 easy water crossings. Moderate to strenuous This trail has almost every mountain feature to enjoy, including: beaver dams, waterfalls, rapids, meadows, forests, mountain laurel and rhododendron. Bring a snack and we will sit on a rock in the stream and enjoy the rapids. This trail joins with both the Tanawa and Mountains to Sea Trails. No dogs allowed. Hike Leader: Bill Barksdale 828-898-6977.

Monday, September 27: Rich Mountain:  Meet in parking area of Trout Lake at 9:30 AM.

Wednesday, September 29, Nuwati to Calloway Peak to Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Hike description:  Approx. 6.5 miles, 5 hours.  Mostly wooded hike, nice views from several spots.  Moderate to strenuous.  Trail climbs to 5,964 ft. at Calloway Peak.  A couple of steep ladders.  You must be an experienced hiker to make this hike.  No dogs.  Hike leader: Lois Evans, 828-265-1960

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