Swannanoa Rim Explorer Hikes

The Swannanoa Valley Museum in Black Mountain, North Carolina is offering a monthly hiking series during 2010 called the Swannanoa Rim Explorer Hikes.

The Swannanoa Rim Explorer hiking series offers twelve hikes that will take place on the third Saturday of each month in 2010. Each hike will cover a portion of the approximately 31 miles of the Swannanoa Rim, which runs from Jesse’s High Top, across Lakey Gap, over Ridgecrest and Montreat, up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and down to Cedar Cliff above Camp Rockmont. These hikes will be led by experienced hikers who are also extremely knowledgeable about the history, topography, and ownership of the land.

Hikers will be issued a “Passport to the Swannanoa Rim” on their first hike, which will be validated upon completion of each segment. Special awards will go to those completing the full course during the first year.

The series is recommended for experienced hikers, as the hikes in this series will be strenuous and at times will require bushwhacking. Participation in each hike will be limited to 30 hikers plus the Museum team. The cost for each hike is $20 for Museum members, and $40 for non-members. Those wishing to secure reservations on all 12 hikes may do so by paying in advance, and they will receive a 10% discount.

An orientation meeting for hikers interested in participating in the series will be held on Thursday, January 7 at 7 pm in the Conference Room at the Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 E. State St., Black Mountain. The first hike will be Jan. 16. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call the Museum, 828-669-9566, or send an email to info@swannanoavalleymuseum.org for more information or to reserve a place on the hikes.

Here's the schedule for 2010:

Jan. 7: Preview meeting as the kickoff for the Swannanoa Rim Hikes, 7 pm, Black Mountain Savings Bank.

Jan. 16: First leg of the Swannanoa Rim hikes: Jesse's High Top to NC Hwy 9.

Feb. 20: Second Swannanoa Rim hike: Sunset Mountain to NC Hwy 9.

Mar. 20: Third Swanannoa Rim hike: Sunset Mountain to I-40.

Apr. 17: Fourth Swannanoa Rim hike: I-40 through Ridgecrest to Sourwood Gap.

May 15: Fifth Swannanoa Rim hike: Sourwood Gap to Greybeard. Led by Joe S.

June 19: Sixth Swannanoa Rim hike: Black Mountain Gap to Balsam Gap. Led by Wendell.

July 17: Seventh Swannanoa Rim hike: Black Mountain Gap to Greybeard. Led by Joe S.

Aug. 21: Eight Swannanoa Rim hike: Glassmine Falls Overlook to Craggy Pinnacle.

Sept. 18: Ninth Swannanoa Rim hike: Balsam Gap to Glassmine Falls Overlook.

Oct. 16: Tenth Swannanoa Rim hike: Craggy Gardens to Craggy Knob & return.

Nov. 20: Eleventh Swannanoa Rim hike: White Oak Flats to Brushy Ridge & return.

Dec. 18: Final Swannanoa Rim hike: White Oak Flats to Cedar Cliff to Camp Rockmont.

For more information on the museum and the series, please click here.




Jeff
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