Last Updated: 07/03/2009


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 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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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. -----

-- Asterisk Scale: * Less strenuous, ** Medium, *** More strenuous --

***** July *****

Wednesday, July 1, Bluff Mountain Conservancy - HIKE FULL - NO MORE OPENINGS—(Ashe Co) Guided tour with eco-guide, Doug Monroe.  Bluff Mountain is one of the most ecologically significant natural areas in the Southeast.  From Carolina Hemlock forest to a rare rock plant community.  Over 25 rare, endangered or threatened flower species.  The land is owned by the Nature Conservancy and tour is limited to 10 participants for ecological reasons.  You must make a reservation with Lynne for this trip. The limit of 10 is not negotiable. Cost is $10 (cash, or checks made payable to the Nature Conservancy and brought with you). No dogs. Hike Leader: Lynne Bass 321-243-2691 or email lnbs1@earthlink.net

* Saturday, July 4, Rich Mountain Carriage Trail  (about 4.2 easy to moderate miles)  Meet at Trout Lake parking area at 9:30.  Excellent views of estate and countryside. Passes Trout Lake, meadows, forests with a good view of Grandfather Mt. Finish around noontime - picnic lunch optional.  No dogs. Hike Leader: Roger Bodo 828-963-8707

Monday, July 6: Bass Lake to Cone Manor loop.  Meet: Bass Lake lower parking area off Hwy 221 next to the lake.

**Wednesday, July 8, Linville Falls  5 miles, 5 hrs.  Moderate (trail to the bottom of the falls includes wooden stairs and parts are rough and rocky). Experience one of the most spectacular falls and rugged gorges in the east from several views above as well as from the bottom of the falls.  No dogs. Leader Dan Stillwell  828-264-3931

*Saturday July  11 , Boone Fork Trail  4.9 miles, 4 1/2 hrs. Rated Moderate. Includes two trail ladders.  Meet at the Price Park picnic area (BRP milepost 296.5)  Trail goes through campgrounds, meadows, and crosses a small creek numerous times.    No dogs. Hike leader Arlene Weinsier 828-733-6306  C 205-567-5517.

Monday, July 13: Price Lake plus some Tanawha Trail.  Meet at Boat ramp parking at Price Lake, milepost 297.0.

***Wednesday, July 15  Roan Mountain Area, Raven Rocks to Old Forest Rd to Chestnut Ridge ending with a panoramic view and a visit to the  Old Miller Homestead.   Approximately 7 miles and moderate to very strenuous. No Dogs. Hike leader: Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280.

**Saturday July 18, Rough Ridge to Price Lake on the Tanawa Trail This is a beautiful section of the trail with gentle slopes along wooded terrain, crossing several creeks and open pastures with wildflowers. No dogs. Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280.

Monday, July 20:  Rich Mountain:  Meet in parking area of Trout Lake off Shull's Mill Road.

Wednesday, July 22, Leaders’ Choice, Hike Leaders: Sheila Taylor and Jeanine Mathis. Call Jeanine 828-433-0500, for information and to sign up,

***Saturday July 25, Beacon Heights the Back Way- Strenuous and steep in spots.  This little-used section of the Mountains to Sea Trail is from Old House Gap to Beacon Heights, approximately 6.5 miles round trip.  We'll gain about 1400 feet in elevation, mostly through wooded areas but a couple of spectacular viewing spots.  Bring water and lunch or a snack.  We'll meet at Beacon Heights parking lot and carpool down to Old House Gap to begin. No dogs. Hike leader: Cindy Kebelbeck, 828 295-6385.

Monday, July 27:  Flat Top Observation Tower.  Meet at Cone Manor House in front of the Carriage Barn.

*Wednesday, July 29, Saltville, VA, Glade Springs Rail-to-Trail (North of Damascus/Northeast of Abingdon) - Easy hike, distance flexible on this 13 mile long new trail.  Minimum 6 miles total in and out or total one way as desired.  Starts at historic Saltville, VA, "Salt Capitol Of The Confederacy" where there is an interesting park and museum.  We will visit each before or after the hike.  Contact leader Frank Young, 828-963-5188.

 

 ***** August *****

Saturday, August 1, Kayaking/canoeing the New River in Ashe County Leaders: Marieta Warnstedt and Pam Hoffman. Limited to 18 people (so that the outfitter can shuttle us). Bring your own kayak/canoe – or rent from Riverside outfitters. They are expecting us and holding watercraft for us – you do not need to call them, but you must call Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779 or 828-963-3369 to reserve your place.  This is an all day event. Bring plenty of water, a lunch and snacks. We will picnic at the Allegheny New River site—accessed only by water.

Monday, August 3:  Green Knob:  Meet at Sims Pond Overlook, milepost 295.7

** Wednesday, August 5, Crabtree Falls 1-1/4 hours down BR Parkway south from Boone. The trail descends 700 feet and climb back out. Walk on Park Service trails to a pretty waterfall. Approximately 3 miles, moderate with a few strenuous parts. No dogs. Hike Leader Pat Hutto 828-733-6666

**Saturday, August 8, 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.

Monday, August 10:  Old John's River Road to Boone Fork.  Meet at Sim's Pond Overlook.

** Wednesday, August 12 Rough Ridge to Price Park Campground (Watauga Co.)  about 7 miles, 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 allowed. Hike leader: Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280.

**Saturday August 15 Raven Rock via old logging trails, part of Chestnut Ridge to Visitor Center Roan Mountain State Park. Moderate, one short section extremely strenuous. No dogs. Hike leader: Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280.

Monday, August 17: Flat Top Observation Tower.  Meet at Cone Manor House in front of the Carriage Barn.

Wednesday, August 19 – 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!  Call Susan Moore early to make your reservations for Bike Rental and Shuttle.  Leader:  Susan Moore, (828)733-5748.

***Saturday August 22, Grandfather Mountain – the Back Country  Hike up the Daniel Boone Scout Trail to Calloway Peak and Attic Window atop Grandfather Mountain. Then back down the Profile Trail. About 7 or 8 miles. Lunch at the mid-point. Moderate and some strenuous. No dogs. Hike leader: Gloria Marquez, 828-262-0357.

Monday, August 24:  Tanawha Trail to Holloway Mountain Road.  Meet at Boat ramp Parking at Price Lake.

Wednesday, August 26, South Mountain State Park (Burke County South Of Morganton) Easy-Strenuous hiking - distance 4.6 miles more or less as desired - in a beautiful park whose features include 80 ft High Shoals Falls, LOTS of steps on a staircase that goes up to the top of the falls, and an interesting nature trail including signs about plants, animals, and geology.  Included in the book "100 CLASSIC HIKES IN NORTH CAROLINA."  Contact leader Frank Young, 828-963-5188. 

Saturday, August 29, Bald Knob Ridge near Black Mountain Campground. We will also hike up to the Pinnacle after that. The hikes have great views and are moderate but steep at the end. We will spot cars for people not wanting to do the Pinnacle. Both hikes are a total of five miles. No dogs. Hike leader: Susan Smith, 828-675-1827.

Monday, August 31:  Old John's River Road to Price Lake.  Meet at Sim's Pond Overlook.

 

 ***** September *****

***Wednesday, September 2,  Tanawa Trail  - the complete 13.5 miles w/ some climbing. Meet at Price Lake boat ramp to carpool to Beacon Heights. This is a long hike so bring plenty of water & food. Estimated hiking/carpooling/eating time will total 8 hrs more or less. No dogs. Hike leader: Dave Johnson 828-260-6146

**Saturday, September 5, Mountain to Sea Trail from Old Johns River Road to Rich Mountain Trail.  Approximately 4 miles, moderately strenuous (steady ascent most of the way).  Beautiful wooded hike. No dogs. Hike leader: Lois Evans 828-265-1960.

Monday, September 7:  The Maze and Apple barn at Cone Manor.  Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area.

**Wednesday, September 9, Tanawa Trail from Linn Cove Viaduct to Rough Ridge Hike under the world famous Linn Cove Viaduct, enjoy waterfalls, walk over lovely wooden foot bridges and enjoy spectacular views of the Piedmont, Grandfather, Grandmother, Hawksbill and Table Rock Mountains. Fantastic views from atop Rough Ridge. No dogs. Hike leader: Lois Evans 828-265-1960

Saturday, September 12, Quarterly Meeting 11:00 AM  Hosts: Chris Rasmussen and Marieta Warnstedt. Bring a dish to share. Paper plates, utensils and beverages will be provided. No need to call – just come – to the new house atop Rich Mountain in Boone. Driving directions will be sent via email to club members prior to the meeting. Call Marieta for more info/questions if needed: 828-406-4967.

Monday, September 14: Thunder Hill loop.  Meet at Thunder Hill Overlook, first overlook on BRP north of 321.

***Wednesday, September 16, Chimney Rock Park (SE of Asheville above Lake Lure).  Minimum 3.2 miles of moderate-strenuous hiking in a spectacular scenic area which includes cliff hugging trails (safe), 400 ft high Hickory Nut Falls, a tunnel to the elevator that goes up 285 feet through solid rock to the Sky Lounge, and locations included in some of the most exciting scenes in the movie "LAST OF THE MOHICANS."

Note: Chimney Rock Park is now part of the state park system, but there is still an admission fee because of the cost of maintenance. $14.00 for a one day pass (can be upgraded to an annual pass for only $11.00 more). Get your ticket at the gate or ahead of time on the park’s website.  Park is one of the "must see" places in North Carolina for nature lovers - a wonderful experience anytime of the year making the annual pass well worth the money even if you just go one more time at a different season.  Contact leader Frank Young, 828-963-5188.

***Saturday, September 19, Pond Mountain Trail on the  AT from Watauga Lake on 321 where the AT crosses at Shook Branch Rd. (just before Hampton, Tenn.) to Dennis Cove parking lot on Dennis Cove Rd.  9-10  miles We will be spotting cars. The hike is moderate to strenuous. Bring water and lunch.  No dogs.  Leader: Gloria Marquez, 828-262-0357.

Monday, September 21: Boone Fork Trail:  Meet at Price Picnic Grounds milepost 296.5 near the restrooms.

***Wednesday, September 23, Hike the Humps on the AT *** CHANGE *** Originally scheduled for September 30  Hike from Mary’s house on Yellow Mt. to Big Hump and back. About 8 miles—5 hours. Hike leaders: Mary Boys, 828-387-0554

Saturday, September 26, New Hike (Geological) Elk Garden/AT to Summit Top over Whitetop Mountain, VA Hike a short way on the horse trail toward Mt. Rogers (0.5 mile) from Elk Garden (Va.600 between Mt. Rogers and White Top) and then take the AT south over White Top to Summit Cut with a total hike of about 8 miles. This would probably be most satisfactory and would give everyone a good sampling of the geology. No Dogs. Hike leaders: Eloise Kaeck 828-675-1822, Collins Chew.

Monday, September 28: Rich Mountain:  Meet in parking area of Trout Lake.

Wednesday, September 30, Goatherding & Roan Mountain Ramble *** CHANGE *** Ramble originally scheduled for September 23, Goatherding service project added  The hike will begin with herding the goats off Jane Bald on Roan Mountain as part of the Baa-tany Project (60-90 minutes) and then continue with the Roan Mountain Ramble at the Hampton Creek Nature Area.  Parts of the trail include the Shell Farm, Birchfield & Over Mountain Victory Trails. Late lunch at Carol Ann’s house. No dogs. Hike leader Carol Ann Mitchell 423-772-4280

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