Last Updated: 01/17/2012

 

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.  Bill Barksdale makes photos of many of our hikes available on the web.  If you have photos to post from a club hike, email them to Bill.  To view the current photo selection go to the top of this page and click on Photos or go to http://picasaweb.google.com/ChargersRechargers/.

Club Window Stickers.  These stickers (which are easily removed) identify you as a Charger or Recharger.  They are available from Dave Johnson for $3 apiece.

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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. -----

 

 

JANUARY

 


Wednesday, January 18, Hike Change Boone Greenway lower and upper trails.  Meet at the parking lot on Hunting Drive (off State Farm Road) across from the pool  complex at 10:00 am.  No dogs.  Contact Hike Leader Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779, hoffmanpw@yahoo.com


Saturday, January 21, Fred Behrend trail (Bear Wallow) Roan Mountain State park, 3 miles or double back and six miles. Moderate to strenuous. Bring snack, hiking sticks, no dogs. Contact Carol Ann Mitchell, Hike leader, 423-772-4280 or camitchell21@gmail.com

Monday, January 23, Old John's River Road to Boone Fork.  Meet at Sim's Pond Overlook BRP milepost 295.7 at 9:30. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

Wednesday, January 25, Hiking at Roan Mountain for members staying in cabins. Hike will depend on weather, snow cover, etc. Meet outside cabins at 10:00 am. Hike leader, Jeanne Berkley.

Saturday, January 28, Holloway Road to Cold Prong or possibly on to Boone Fork bridge if trail conditions permit with return the same way. 4.5-7 miles moderate walking. No dogs. Call hike leader Juin Adams, 828-295-9607.


Monday, January 30, Flat Top Observation Tower.  Meet at Cone Manor House in front of the Carriage Barn at 9:30. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

 

FEBRUARY


Wednesday, February 1, Bass Lake to Cone Manor Loop  (Watauga Co.) 5 miles, 3 hrs. Rated easy. This pretty hike goes along Bass Lake, climbs through woods up to the Cone manor house and then winds back down to Bass Lake, making a beautiful loop. Meet at Bass Lake parking area off Rte. 221 in Blowing Rock. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann MItchell 423-772-4280


Saturday, February 4, South Toe River Loop and Colbert's Ridge. The first part of the hike is fairly flat along the river--3 miles long with one water crossing. Then, we will meet back at Dan & Susan's cabin for a bowl of soup. Hikers need to bring a sandwich to eat along with the soup. Colbert's Ridge is a great cardio hike. It is steep--3.8 miles round trip. No dogs. Call hike leader Susan Smith at 828-675-1827.

Monday, February 6, Tanawha Trail to Holloway Mountain Road. Meet at Boat Ramp Parking at Price Lake at 9:30. Bring hand pruners or light shears to do some trail maintenance. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

Wednesday, February 8, Leaders Choice hike, No dogs permitted. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann MItchell 423-772-4280


Saturday, February 11, Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge,   Roan Mtn. hike, 6 mi., approx. 4 hours, rated moderate to strenuous.  Spectacular 360 deg. views along part of the AT that crosses the Balds.  Trail is rocky with steep slopes in each direction, reaching 6,000 ft. elevations. No dogs. Meet at Carver’s Gap parking area on the NC/TN line at the top of NC 261 at 10:00 am. Call Gloria Marquez: 828-262-0357.

Monday, February 13,  Old John's River Road to Price Lake.  Meet at Sim's Pond Overlook, BRP milepost 295.7. at 9:30. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

Wednesday, February 15, Noonday Skate, Meet at Appalachian Ski Area skating rink at 12 noon. We will celebrate the 50th year of Appalachian Ski Mountain with ice skating and late lunch......have fun skating, watching, and maybe skiing too?? Contact Sandy Sisson, "skate" leader. 295-8055. (not to worry - I have not skated in years....but will give it a try) Cost: $14.00 for the session/includes skates.   Dress for the weather.....A Fun Winter Blue Ridge Mountain Afternoon!

Saturday, February 18, Storyteller Rock and Flat Rock from Boone Fork Parking area on the BRP. The hike will follow the Nuwati Trail to Storyteller Rock with the return trip via the Cragway, Daniel Boone Scout and Tanawha Trails. Storyteller and Flat Rock afford beautiful vistas of the Boone Bowl and beyond. Approx. 7 mi., some parts strenuous and rocky. No dogs. Call hike leader Bob Heath, 828-773-0471.

Monday, February 20, The Maze and Apple barn at Cone Manor.  Meet at Bass Lake lower parking area off 221 at 9:30. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

Wednesday, February 22, Rich Mountain Carriage Trail, (Watauga Co) 8.4 mi., 4 ½ hrs.  Rated moderate.  Excellent views of estate and surrounding countryside, passes Trout Lake, meadows, hardwood forests and provides good views of mountains including Grandfather.  No dogs permitted. Call hike leader, Finley Dula, 828-963-4777.

Saturday, February 25, Roan Mountain. See the views as you hike to the Raven Rock Overlook and to the Doe River and back. Approx. 4.5 miles, mostly moderate with some strenuous parts. Contact hike leader, Carol Ann Mitchell, 423-772-4280 or camitchell21@gmail.com

Monday, February 27, Rich Mountain,  Meet in parking area for Trout Lake off Shull's Mill Road at 9:30. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

Wednesday, February 29, Leaders Choice Hike, Contact hike leader, Leslie Platek, 706-202-3506. No dogs.

MARCH


Saturday, March 3, Hawksbill Mountain:  Meet at Christa's (Christa's Country Corner, Hwy 181, Mile-marker 312 off of the Blue Ridge Parkway) Pineola, NC at 9:00 am and carpool to Hawksbill (due to limited parking). Moderate to strenuous approximately 4 miles. Bring hiking sticks, no dogs. Fantastic views of the Gorge. Stop for ice cream at Christa's on way back. Contact hike leader, Gloria Marquez: 828-262-0357.

Monday, March 5,  Boone Fork Trail,  Meet at Price Picnic Grounds, BRP milepost 296.5 near the restrooms. at 9:30. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

Wednesday, March 7, Mountains-to-Sea Trail.  Parallel the BRP on the State-wide Mountains-to-Sea trail, part of which was built by our Club members. Easy to moderate hike, about 7 miles. Nice views into the Stoney Fork valley. No dogs permitted. Contact hike leader, Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779.


Saturday, March 10, Quarterly Meeting and Pot-luck lunch at Linville Land Harbor. 11:00 am. The meeting will be inside the Golf Clubhouse. No need to reserve, but plan to bring a dish to share. Utensils, plates, beverages will be provided. Host, Pam Hoffman, 828-262-9779.

Monday, March 12, Price Lake plus.  Meet at Boat Ramp Parking at Price Lake at 9:30. Bring hand pruners or light shears to do some trail maintenance while we hike. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.

Wednesday, March 14, Leader’s Choice hike, Contact hike leader, Juin Adams 828-295-9607. No dogs.

Saturday, March 17, Calloway Peak via Daniel Boone Scout Trail. Hike from Boone Fork Parking area on the BRP. 5 - 6 hrs., approximately 7 mi. round trip. Steady uphill trail with some parts near the top strenuous and rocky with ladders. Elevation gain 2,060 ft. Enjoy beautiful long range views to 3 states from the top of Calloway. No dogs. Hike leader Bob Heath: 828-773-0471.

Monday, March 19, New MST section.  Meet at Thunderhill Overlook on the BRP milepost 290.4, just north of 321, at 9:30. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.Wednesday, March 21, Rich Mountain Carriage Trail, (Watauga Co) 8.4 mi., 4 ½ hrs.  Rated moderate.  Excellent views of estate and surrounding countryside, passes Trout Lake, meadows, hardwood forests and provides good views of mountains including Grandfather.  No dogs permitted. Contact hike leader, Finley Dula, 828-963-4777.

Saturday, March 24, Beacon Heights to Rough Ridge:  4.5 mi. rated moderate (with some rough, rocky areas).  Hike through one of the most spectacular sections of the Tanawha Trail.  Stopover at the Viaduct Visitor Center, then on to Rough Ridge then Boone Fork Parking area. Participants will spot cars at the Boone Fork or Rough Ridge Parking areas.  Meet at Beacon Heights Parking area on the BRP, mile marker 305 at 9:00 am.  No dogs. Call Gloria Marquez: 828-262-0357.


Monday, March 26, Price Lake and beyond, Meet at Boat Ramp Parking at Price Lake at 9:30. Bring hand pruners or light shears so that we can help maintain the trail as we hike. No dogs permitted. Lite-hike, will be completed by noon.


Wednesday, March 28, Trout Lake and beyond, Meet at Trout Lake and hike up part of Rich Mountain to Kurt’s home for lunch, then hike back to Trout Lake. No dogs. Contact hike leader, Kurt Prescott, 828-719-1668.


Saturday, March 31, Glen Burney: The trail starts at Annie Cannon Gardens parking lot on Laurel Lane in Blowing Rock. The trail meanders down through a gorge past 3 waterfalls on the New Years Creek. It is 3.2 miles total. Easy going down but the 600 foot elevation change is a good workout coming back up. No dogs. Hiking sticks and a snack if you desire. Contact hike leader: Skip Rackmill, 828-355-9303 or skip.rackmill@gmail.com

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