Scheduled Mountain Blazer Adventures

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Available Mountain Blazer Trips

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pre-hike classes available upon request

July 10th to July 12th

2 nights

Mount Mitchell or Black Balsam

short hikes & fun campsites

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Our return to Mt. Mitchell - one of our most enjoyable trips last year.

Depart Chapin at 10:00am.

This is easy hiking, staying two nights. On day one, we will arrive at Mt. Mitchell around 1pm, and hang out at the top for a little while. First night we will stay at Camp Maple Bald. The campsite for the 2nd night, Commissary Hill, has a very large fire pit, so pack marshmallows and chocolate for s'mores.

There is not much mileage on day 2, so once we set up camp at Commissary Hill, there will be day hike opportunities, which are optional, to include an opportunity to hike back to the snack bar and vehicles (1.6 miles), if needed.

Mileage

Day 1 - 2.5 miles to camp Maple Bald, mostly downhill

Day 2 - 3.0 miles to camp Commissary Hill, flat terrain

Day 3 - 1.6 miles to vehicles, gentle uphill

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July 23rd to July 26th

3 Nights

39 Mile AT Section Hike in the Smoky Mountains

Hiking Permit Required

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This is likely a 3 night trip. Not for the inexperienced hiker. This requires a hiking permit with the Smoky Mountain National Park Service. The permit can't be attained any earlier than 14 days prior to departure. Jerry will take care of the permits on July 9th, for whoever is signed up to go.

The hike is from Clingman's Dome to Davenport Gap, Tennessee. Day 1 is 3.2 miles in the evening for camping night 1. Day 2 is the longest day, at about 15 miles. Day 3 is about 13 miles, leaving about 8 miles on day 4, which is a Sunday.

This is a great trip to challenge yourself. If you are thinking about it, then sign up! It will be an amazing hike with lots of stories!

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August 8 & 9

1 Night

Introduction to the

Appalachian Trail

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This is a one-night trip, leaving Chapin around 9am on a Saturday morning, returning Sunday afternoon.

This is a 4-mile hike, with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. It is not an overly difficult hike, but an introduction to the rigors of hiking the AT in North Carolina.

We will hike from a parking area called Winding Stair Gap, to a shelter on the AT, called Siler Bald Shelter. There is a water source at the shelter. Once camp is setup, there should be a short hike to a nice view.

On Sunday, after returning to our cars, we will stop in the hiking town of Franklin, NC, for a nice meail.

Mileage

Day 1 - 4 miles, uphill, to the campsite

Day 2 - 4 miles, downhill, to our cars.

NOTE. For new hikers, this is a great trip for some hands on assistance. If required, you can meet with Jerry the week prior, on Saturday August 1st, or Sunday August 2nd, to go over your gear/equipment. This could turn into a class, discussing cooking methods, bear bags, etc. If interested in a pre-hike class, please note this request when signing up.

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August 14th to August 16th

2 Nights

Balsam Mountain

Smoky Mtn National Park

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This is a drive-up campsite. There are restroom facilities. Opportunity to see Elk and maybe Black Bear.

Depart Chapin at 10:00am

There are optional activities at this campsite. https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273848?q=Balsam%20Mountain%20Campground

We will arrive early evening for night one, then spend an entire day doing whatever you desire. Day hiking, sight seeing, etc.

NOTE. As of 6 July, this area remains closed due to COVID.

Our backup campsite is called Standing Indian Campground.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234228

Standing Indian could be a better destination. There are closer opportunities for some nice day hiking, and the portion of the Nantahala River which runs through the campsite appears to be conducive to swimming.

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September

October

Going Somewhere

Mountains & Hiking

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Who cares where. It will involve hiking. One or more trips on the AT. Maybe another trip to Black Balsam Knob.

It will be fun, and Jerry will be going.

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A Preview of Possible 2020 Excursions

These Are Tentative - Dates & Places Could Change

Jones Gap State Park

May 18th 2020

This is a simple trip, and one of the few places we'll go within South Carolina, but not after May or before September. Too hot for this low altitude. Usually the campsite is only 1/2 mile from the parking lot. There is a nice hike available to Rainbow Falls.

Overnight at Black Balsam (Sam Knob)

June 2020 (Probably June 8th & 9th)

This is an opportunity for an amazing sunset, some star gazing, and to wake up to a sunrise. We will camp where this picture was taken. The hike up to Sam Knob Bald is tough (just ask Javier), but it is a relatively short hike, and well worth the effort. We will take our time with multiple breaks. And we'll carry plenty of water. No water at the top of a mountain bald.

Smoky Mountains - Balsam Mtn Campground

August 2020 - TBD

Balsam Mountain campground in the Great Smoky Mountains National park affords the ability to view and photograph Elk, and maybe Black Bears. This will be a base camp trip. Hiking is optional - day hikes. Probably a 2-night stay. Reservations will be made 6 months in advance so we can get a site which allows 2 cars and 6 people.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273848

30.1 Mile Art Loeb Trail

June or July 2020

Hyke & Byke Zion 1P

This is one of the toughest hikes in North Carolina. We will begin at the Davison River campsite, and end at Daniel Boone campsite. This requires 3 full days of hiking. This one is more tentative than the others.

Waterfall Loop at Black Balsam Knob

July 2020 (TBD)

Begins via the Art Loeb Spur trail from the Black Balsam Knob parking area. We will hike through Graveyard Fields on our way to our first waterfall. This is a two-night trip with potential swimming opportunities. Potentially a tough hike, but worth it.

Two Nights at Mt. Mitchell

July or August 2020

This is a beautiful area with great campsites, and an easy introduction to our club. This will be a Noon arrival for day one and hike about 2.5 miles to camp Maple Bald. Day two is a leisurely sleep-in morning, followed by 3 miles to Commissary Hill campsite, including a lunch stop. We will arrive at Commissary Hill early, so there will be opportunities for further day hiking on day two if desired. Day three is an easy 1.6 miles back to our vehicles.

24.4 AT Section

July 2020 (TBD)

This is from Deep Gap, NC to Winding Stair Gap, NC. Probably 2 1/2 days, 2 nights for this trip.

Hyke & Byke Zion 2P

27.3 Mile AT Section

May or Oct 2020 (TBD)

Though only 27.3 miles, day one will be a tough hike, so this is a solid 2.5 days on the trail. Appalachian Trail from Wesser, NC (NOC), to Fontana Dam, NC. Camping altitude is not very high for the 2nd night, so this should be a spring or a fall hike.

39 Mile AT Section

Late July, early Aug 2020

This is the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains from Clingman's Dome, NC to Davenport Gap, TN. This is a 3 night, 3.5 day hiking trip. Day 1 will begin before Noon and cover 11.2 miles. Attaining permits are required for this trip.

Ready for a Backpacking Trip?

Hyke & Byke Eolus 30 Deg

Whether you have never been hiking, or are a member of the team, once you've decided on a scheduled trip listed on this page, simply select "Join us on a Hiking/Camping trip" below, or "I'm ready to choose an Adventure" at the top of this page. You will be taken to a form to complete. Soon after submitting your answers you will receive a personalized email from a group leader or hiking buddy. This email will be tailored to your level of hiking experience, and your contact will communicate with you all the way until meeting at the trailhead. At this point your backpacking experience has begun!

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