Cooling Off at Window Falls, Indian Creek Trail, Hanging Rock State Park • May 2019Photo courtesy of Jon Maxwell

TRAILMARKER The Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club Newsletter Since 1982

Visit us on the Web – https://PiedmontHikingandOutingClub.org

Volume 37 - Number 4July-August 2019

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Wednesday Night Walkers will meet every Wednesday evening in the parking lot between Qdoba Mexican Grill and Chuck E Cheese at Friendly Shopping Center at 6:30 pm for a moderate walk before dinner. The group will have rotating leaders. The leaders are Carol Parks, John Hanson, Barbara Hanson and Joe Regan. The group will go to dinner after the walk. If bad weather cancels the walk, the group will still meet at 6:30 and go to dinner.

Dates for Wednesday Night Walks & Dinner

July 3 August 7July 10 August 14July 17 August 21July 24 August 28July 31

July 4-7 Appalachian Trail BackpackingThursday-Sunday Standing Indian to

Unicoi Gap

This is a car shuttle backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail starting at Standing Indian Campground in Southwestern North Carolina and finishing at Unicoi Gap in Georgia. I have not hiked this section of the AT but understand the views are scenic — especially in the Standing Indian Mountain area. 39 miles. Strenuous [R-55].

July 6 Five Peaks Saturday Hanging Rock State Park

From the Visitor Center we will hike up to Hanging Rock, and then continue on to Wolf Rock, House Rock, Cooks Wall and then to Moore's Knob. We will hike down the steps from Moore’s Knob and then around the lake. Expect good views and a good workout. Please contact me by noon on Friday for the meeting details. 11 miles [R-33]

July 6 Moses Cone Manor Carriage TrailsSaturday @ 9 am Blowing Rock, NC

Many club members enjoy this hike with its wide, gently graded carriage trails. Half of the hike circles the Cone Manor and Bass Lake, and the other half is an up and back trail to the fire tower (panoramic views). Each section is approximately five miles. If you don’t want to do all ten miles, you can visit the Manor house and shop at the Craft Center. For those who want to do the entire hike, there will still be an opportunity for a brief tour of the Manor and visit to the Craft Center after the hike. New Hikers are welcome to do part or all of this hike! There will also be an optional ice cream stop at Kilwin’s (in Blowing Rock) on the way home. Send me an email by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 5 if you plan to come. Specify distance. 5 miles, approx. 500 feet [R-10] or 10 miles, 1,000 feet. [R-20].

July 7 Osprey TrailSunday @ 8:30 am Yanceyville Rd

This lovely Mountains-to-the-Sea portion of

Outings

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the trail is short (5.2) miles with lots of views of Lake Townsend. It meanders between Yanceyville Rd and N. Church St. Meet at a good sized parking lot on the left side of Yanceyville Rd just before crossing Lake Townsend. For those who want to add some more hiking miles, Osprey connects with the Lake Townsend Trail for an additional 8.5 miles. Osprey Trail is easy, peaceful, and maybe we will even see some actual ospreys.

July 13 Hanging Rock State ParkSaturday Cook’s Wall and Moore’s Wall

Less than 50 miles from Greensboro and Winston Salem, this park offers wonderful hiking. Let’s meet at the park visitor’s center at 9:30 am. We will go up to Cook’s Wall, down to Magnolia Springs, up to Moore’s Wall fire tower, and back to the cars, for a loop hike of 9-10 miles. Please email if you plan to participate or have questions. [R-30]

July 13 Grayson Highlands State ParkSaturday AT North, Scales, Pine Mt Trail,

& Wilburn Ridge/AT loop

Join me on a favorite hike at higher elevations, hopefully cooler, at Grayson Highlands in Virginia. The hike will begin at Massie Gap, follow the northbound Appalachian Trail beyond Scales to the Pine Mountain trail, and pass through Rhododendron Gap before again intersecting with the Appalachian Trail. Near that point, hikers will be able to choose between scrambling on the rocky Wilburn Ridge trail or skirting the ridge via the Appalachian Trail on the way back to Massie Gap. There is an optional stop for supper following this hike

in Sparta. Bring water, lunch, and rain gear. Individuals interested in this outing should contact me, preferably by noon on Friday before the hike. 13 miles, 1800 feet. [R-35]

July 13 Piedmont Trail Saturday @ 9 am Greensboro Watershed

Let’s do an out and back on the Piedmont Trail @ 9:00 AM. The Piedmont Trail parking lot will be on your left going north on Lake Brandt Road approximately 0.3 of a mile from the Lake Brandt Marina entrance. No need to call but please do call or email if you have questions. 5.3 miles.

July 14 New Member Orientation Sunday at 1:30 and Walk

Lake Higgins Marina Greensboro

Thinking about joining but wondering what it is all about, new member and not sure how to get started or recent member needing a refresher course? Meet with us at 1:30 p.m. in the small education room at Lake Higgins Marina on Hamburg Mill Road in Greensboro. Participants will hear about the PHOC , its opportunities, appropriate gear for PHOC hikes, what to expect and how to stay safe on the trail. The orientation will take about 45 minutes. Afterward we hope you will join us for a short walk in the woods – of course all members are welcome! Those interested in the walk should bring plenty of water, a snack, and wear appropriate clothing to be outside. The orientation and walk should wrap up no later than 5:00 p.m. If you need

additional information please contact Butch or Terri. We look forward to seeing you in the conference room and/or on the trail!

July 15 PHOC Monthly Meeting Monday @ 7 pm Power Point Presentation

“El Camino de Santiago”Presentation by

Lynne Mitchell and Nichole TaylorNew Garden Friends Meeting

801 New Garden Rd., Greensboro

Active travel is important to many club members. Lynne and Nichole each walked the “Camino Frances” route in Spring 2019. In this photo-filled presentation they will describe the Camino routes and share their preparations, challenges, experiences and lessons learned. Meeting will commence at 7 pm. Slide Show and Program will follow at 7:30 pm.

July 18 Tre Nonne Italian RestaurantThursday @ 6:15 pm 177 Jonestown Road,

Winston-Salem

Join me for delicious Italian food and conversation at Tre Nonne. This restaurant was recommended as an outing location by PHOC members so let’s give it a try! Please RSVP no later than Tuesday, July 16 if you plan to attend.

July 19-21 Hot Springs River Run

Hot Springs River Run! Get away from “it” all! Plan to spend the weekend in Hot Springs, NC. It used to be the best kept secret

northwest of Asheville but Hot Springs was voted #1 best small mountain town and it has been “discovered”! This is a 14 mile paddle, on the French Broad River, Saturday, July 20th, with class I and II+ rapids. This paddle is NOT for beginners. Some experience is necessary. You will be responsible for your own lodging accommodations. There are a variety of cabins, B&B’s, Tent/RV camping, houses, etc.

Lodging information can be found at the following websites www.hotspringsnc.org and www.nchotsprings.com. Please let us know if you are interested or if you have any questions.

July 20 Mountain-To-Sea TrailSaturday, Jumping Off Rock

to Jeffress Park

This longish hike, over 13 miles of gently rolling terrain along the Blue Ridge Parkway, provides long stretches of wood walking, ideal on a hot July day. The trailhead is less than two hours from the Triad and easily accessed from both NC 16 and 421, and the terrain is user friendly. This hike will suit those who like a good workout based on endurance without prolonged steep climbing but some longish up and down bumps. The terrain alternates between open meadows, sheltered rhododendron groves, and soft-to-the-feet stretches of evergreen copses.

We will start the hike at Jumping Off Rock and walk south toward Jeffress Park, cumulatively gaining 2,700 feet of elevation. I find the last stretch along a lovely stream, as we approach Jeffress Park, particularly appealing. Contact me for meeting times and places. [R-40]

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July 20 Bald Eagle TrailSaturday @ 9 am Lake Higgins

Watershed Trail

Let’s meet at 9:00 am at the Lake Higgins watershed trailhead for an out and back total of 8 easy miles. Proceed North on 220 (Battleground Ave), past the turnoff at Owls Roost Road to Bur-Mil Park, past the spillway at the bottom of the hill, and then left onto Hamburg Mill Road. Proceed past the Marina entrance gate at the top of the hill, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left just past the fence [R7].

July 21 Osprey Townsend TrailsSunday @ 8:00 am (Watershed hike)

Join me for an early morning hike along the Greensboro Watershed. Let’s meet a little before 8:00 a.m. at the Osprey Parking lot on Yanceyville Street. Coming from downtown Greensboro (going north) the parking lot is around ¼ mile on the left past Reedy Fork Baptist Church. We will hike a short distance on Osprey, then pick up Townsend trail, hike to the end of Townsend, and back to the cars. This walk is around 7.5 miles out and back. Please let me know if you plan to join me.

July 27 Alleghany MSTSaturday Brinegar Cabin Out & Back

Join me for a moderate out-and-back hike on the Alleghany MST. This hike includes some spectacular views and, with a little luck, we'll also encounter some cooler summertime temperatures. We will begin our hike at

Brinegar's Cabin and hike to the old AT shelter on Bluff Mountain for lunch. After lunch, we'll head back to Brinegar's Cabin all the while getting to enjoy the views a second time around. Please email me by Friday noon for further information and meeting details. Approximately 8 miles and 1,800 feet. [R-26]

July 27 Mt Mitchell State ParkSaturday Mt. Mitchell Lite

This hike starts at the ranger station at Commissary Ridge and goes out the Buncombe Horse Trail to Maple Camp Bald. This is one of the truly magical places in the Black Mountains. From there, it’s back to the Big Tom Gap Trail for a steep climb up to the Black Mountain Crest Trail and over to Mt. Mitchell. We’ll come back down the Old Mitchell Trail to the cars. This is not as hard as most of the other Black Mountain Crest hikes but it still has some scrambling and steep ascents and descents. It’s a good introduction to that area. Email or call for meeting time. 10 miles, 1900 ft elevation, [R-33 — extra points for terrain].

July 27-28 Backpacking on the Saturday/Sunday Appalachian Trail

Mt. Rogers Visitor Center to VA 42

Two day one night car shuttle backpacking trip on the AT starting at the Mt. Rogers Visitor Center at VA 16. Day 1, hike 13.3 mi with 2400 ft elevation gain and spend the night at a tent site (with water nearby) at Davis Hollow. Day 2, Hike 10.9 mi with 2600

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ft. elevation gain to VA 42 to parking area, back to pick up the other car(s) and then drive back. This should be an interesting hike with an opportunity to check out the Settlers Museum right along the trail and several scenic overlooks. Strenuous. [R-40+]

August 2-5 Camping/Kayaking/ Friday-Monday Western NC

Kayak the Tuckasegee on Saturday and Nantahala on Sunday

Camping at Moonshine Creek, Sylva, NC

During the first weekend in August, we will travel to western NC to paddle the Tuckasegee and Nantahala Rivers. We are staying at Moonshine Creek Campground in Balsam, NC near Sylva. They have multiple types of accommodations but you will need to make your own reservations before they are gone. The phone number is 828-586-6666. I did reserve an extra site #63 so if you want that tent with shelter site, contact me direct. On Saturday 3rd, we are paddling the Tuckasegee River; not a paddle for beginners and appropriate boats are required. Saturday evening, we have a group potluck. On Sunday 4th, we will run the Nantahala where some will use their whitewater kayaks, rent rubber duckies or raft the river with a guide. All will have a grand time.

On Monday 5th, Lynette Tullos will lead a hike in Shining Rock Wilderness as we head home. Join us in any activity or just come to camp. The number of paddlers on the Tuckasegee however will be limited to 25. Let me know if you plan to join us and if you have any questions.

August 3 Roanoke VASaturday Daleville to Andy Lane Trailhead

mostly on AT

This is an interesting section of the Appalachian Trail with good views. Led at a moderate pace we will have plenty of time to enjoy the day, elevation gain is similar in both directions. Carpooling will be arranged ahead of time so one group starts from the Park and Ride in Daleville, the other from the Andy Lane trailhead on Catawba Rd, we will meet halfway for lunch and to exchange car keys. If interested please email me prior to noon Friday before the hike. 13 miles, 2,500 feet [R-40].

August 3 Lost Cove Creek Hike and Swim Saturday, Pisgah National Forest southeast

of Grandfather Mountain

We’ll travel to a remote section of Pisgah National Forest (near Roseborough, NC) noted for its many creeks, splendid waterfalls, and enticing swimming holes. We’ll hike an 8-mile loop with a steep climb up and over Bee Mountain, followed by many creek crossings (some knee-deep). Poles and footwear suitable for creek crossings are strongly recommended. There will be at least one dip in a refreshing plunge pool. Those who’ll want to swim (and why wouldn’t you?) should bring a bathing suit and towel. Departure will be from the parking lot behind the Jonestown Rd. McDonalds, with carpooling from Carolina’s Diner likely. This is an all-day excursion possibly followed by dinner in Blowing Rock. Email for departure time and other needed information. [R-30]

August 3 Piedmont Trail Saturday @ 9 am Greensboro Watershed

Let’s do an out and back on the Piedmont Trail @ 9:00 AM. The Piedmont Trail parking lot will be on your left going north on Lake Brandt Road approximately 0.3 of a mile from the Lake Brandt Marina entrance. No need to call but please do call or email if you have questions. 5.3 miles.

August 4 Country Park Figure 8 withSunday @ 2 PM Battleground Park

Greensboro

Join me, starting at Country Park, off Pisgah Church Rd. Meet me at the end of the parking lot, close to the entrance of Country Park. We can do a figure 8 loop through Country and Battleground Park. A good portion of that is shady.

August 8 Embur Fire Fusion RestaurantThursday @ 6:30 pm 107 Smyres Place

Greensboro, NC 27403

Join me at 6:30 at Embur Fire Fusion, a relatively new restaurant in Greensboro. I’ve been twice and really loved the Arroz de chafe, a Peruvian fried rice dish (mix of fried rice with chicken and vegetables). Per the website: “Embur Fire Fusion offers authentic Peruvian cuisine in the heart of Greensboro. Our Italian-style pizza selection features seven traditional recipes, all fired in our wood-burning brick oven.” Please email me by 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 7th, if you plan to come. Group size is limited to 14.

August 10 Doughton Park Saturday Doughton Park Loop

This will be a long, strenuous hike covering trails on Bluff Mountain. Excellent views from the top of the ridge. Expect a good workout from this hike. Please contact me for meeting details by Friday noon. 17 miles, 3500. [R-52]

August 11 Annual PHOC Pig Pickin’Sunday, 2-4 pm Bur-Mil Park Shelter #2

Location: Bur-Mil Park, 5834 Bur-Mil Club Road,

Greensboro, 27410

Please join Club members and guests for our Annual Summer Pig Pickin’, our only (almost) fully-catered event of the year! Provided by Prissy Polly’s, the menu will feature both eastern and western-style BBQ, corn on the cob, hushpuppies, coleslaw and iced tea. What to bring: If you’re a dessert lover, please bring your favorite one to share – or a side dish if that’s your preference, along with a serving utensil. Cost: There is no charge for members or guests. Directions: Traveling North on 220, turn right at Owls Roost, then left into Bur-Mil Park. Turn left again into the parking lot by the swimming pool. Walk past the restrooms, turn left to Shelter #2.

August 15 Mooney’s Mediterranean CaféThursday @ 6:15pm 101 West 4th Street

Winston-Salem

Located in downtown Winston-Salem,

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Mooney’s offers a variety of choices for those following vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and traditional diets. There should be ample on-street parking in downtown Winston-Salem for this dinner outing. Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, August 14 if you plan to attend.

August 16 Jerusalem MarketFriday @ 6:30 pm 310 S Elm St

Greensboro, NC 27401

Come join me for an evening dinner at the authentic Middle Eastern restaurant in Greensboro. They make delicious homemade healthy food for you to enjoy. heir food is outstanding because they use the best ingredients. Rated at 4.8 on Google! This atmosphere is casual with friendly staff at this family owned restaurant.

August 17 Roan Mountain Saturday AT between Carvers Gap

and Highway 19E

This is a beautiful high elevation two version hike on the Appalachian Trail along the border of NC and TN. One group will start from Hwy 19E and hike 15 miles south to Carvers Gap climbing 5,300 feet, the other group hikes north from Carvers Gap covering the same 15 miles and climbing 2,600 feet. The groups meet for lunch and exchange car keys. This hike is for fit and experienced hikers only, email me for details prior to noon Friday before the hike. Uphill/South [R-68] Downhill/North [R-41]

August 17 Rocky KnobSaturday Blue Ridge Parkway

This loop trail begins from the Rocky Knob Campground along the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA. This is a moderate 7.5-8 mile hike with 950 feet of elevation gain and loss. The trail parallels the Parkway with views of Rock Castle Gorge, the Piedmont, and the countryside north of Floyd, VA and is narrow and steep in places. The trail eventually crosses the Parkway to access the Black Ridge Trail which has good views to the north from atop Black Ridge. Driving time from Oak Ridge and Winston is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Let me know by 5 on Aug. 16th if you are coming and where you plan to meet us. 7.5 miles. [R-26]

August 18 Piedmont Watershed Trail Sunday @ 1:30 pm Lake Brandt

Greensboro

Let’s hike the Piedmont Watershed Trail out and back for a total of 6 easy miles. Proceed North on Lake Brandt Road past the marina on the left, cross over the bridge at the dam, and park in the gravel parking lot on the left. 6 miles. [R-9]

August 22 Tazaa Bistro Indian Thursday 1219 Bridford Parkway,

This restaurant is located in the strip of shops perpendicular to Target and directly across from Michael’s (in the Target shopping center). This is a small place so the group will be limited to 10. The menu has both

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northern and southern Indian cuisine and the amount of spice can be adjusted to your palate. Please let me know by Wed, August 21st at noon if you are coming so I can give an accurate count.

August 24 Rock Castle GorgeSaturday Virginia

This challenging hike, a club favorite, is only about 75 miles from us. It has a tough uphill early on, and then great views along the ridge and down through boulders and creekside. We will meet at Hardee's in Stuart, Va. for a bite and from there drive the last 17 miles to the trailhead. Email if interested. 10.8 miles [R-42]

August 24 Stone Mountain State ParkSaturday Loop Trail, Wolf & Cedar Rock

Scenic hike in this state park. We will hike the Stone Mountain Loop Trail, and hike to Cedar and Wolf Rock. This will be an 8-mile hike with 1,600 feet elevation gain. Please contact me for further information and meeting details by Friday noon. [R-25]

August 24 Bill Craft TrailSaturday @ 9 am Taylor Preserve

Plainfield Rd

Please join me for this out and back hike of approximately 7 miles of quiet, scenic trail off Plainfield Rd. Directions: Head north on Church St, crossing over Pisgah Church Rd. Cross Lake Townsend twice, turn left onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead is on the right after about a mile. Or head north on Lake Brandt

Rd, turn right onto Plainfield Rd. Trailhead will be on your left after a few miles.

August 25 Nat Greene TrailSunday, Greensboro Watershed

Let's meet at the Lake Brandt Marina at 10:00 AM to hike the Nat Greene Trail. We will depart from the Lake Brandt Marina; hike Nat Greene Trail, crossing Greenway, to Old Battleground Rd. Call or email if there are questions. 6.5 miles [R-10]

August 31 Hanging Rock Hike & SwimSaturday Tory’s Den Cave & Trail

This hike is ideal for those wanting a decent workout with the option of cooling off midway with a swim at Hanging Rock Lake! We will meet for carpooling at the Oak Ridge Shopping Center at 8:15 am and head to the Tory’s Den Trailhead located at the Charlie Young Rd parking lot (off Mickey Rd, west of the main park entrance) at approximately 9:00-9:15 am. Hiking details include an optional viewing of the cave and waterfall, followed by a 4+ mile trek to the lake, bathhouse and picnic area. After lunch and a swim (optional) in the lake we will return to the trailhead on the same trail. Please note that there is a swimming fee of $6. Please contact me via email or text if you’d like to join the hike or have any questions. Approx. 9 miles (roundtrip). [R-18]

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About our Hike Rating SystemOur rating system provides a useful, general gauge of a hike’s difficulty. It factors in distance and eleva-tion gain and is intended to help you choose hikes that you will find most enjoyable.

R0-R10 These are more walks than hikes. They’re usually close to home, the trails are flat, and distances are generally short. An after-dinner walk around the block would be rated R1 or R2. Our Wednesday Night Walks are R5.

R10-R20 Most of these hikes will be in the lower mountains and foothills. Distances will be about 5-8 miles, with vertical ranging from 500-1000 feet... not easy if you’re new to hiking! Trails will be dirt and rock. As long as you’re in moderately good shape, you should be able to enjoy the outing.

R20-R30 Hikes in the low end of this range will be too hard and overly stressful for many new mem-bers. Plan on an all-day trip, with at least 4 hours of continuous hiking in rugged and steep terrain. At a minimum, be sure to pack two quarts of water, lunch, a snack, and rain gear.

R30-R40 These are strenuous hikes. They will usually be 10+ miles, with climbs of 2000+ feet. They’re appropriate only for those who have done a number of lower rated hikes.

R40+ These hikes are usually 12 or more miles with 3000 feet or more of elevation gain. They’re appropriate only for fit, experienced hikers. Check with hike leader about the trip if you are wanting to do this trip for the first time.

See “Outings Protocol” on page 14.

Kayaking Balcony Falls, James River, Virginia – June 2, 2019 Photo courtesy of Joel Deaton