Hike to Upper Catawba Falls with the Swannanoa Valley Museum

This Saturday the Swannanoa Rim Explorer series continues with a hike to Upper Catawba Falls.

The Swannanoa Rim Explorer hiking series is an exclusive program of the Swannanoa Valley Museum, and offers several hikes throught 2011. 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.

This is a strenuous hike with a stream crossing - be prepared to wade. (Bring waterproof boots or grocery bags and rubber bands to cover your shoes!) Wear wool socks and bring an extra pair to change into afterward. Hiking poles are also helpful.

From the Trip Leader: The hike is mostly level with a few up & downs and a steep downhill to the bottom of the upper falls. The trail is not a good open one and will include a few scrambles through brush, up & under logs, etc. The main thing one must understand is that there are numerous stream crossings. There are practically no safe rock hops & you should be prepared for wet feet. As you may know wool socks will keep your feet warm enough even when wet, so wear wool and look forward to wading the creek--which at most will be 5-6 inches deep. Bring a dry pair of socks for the hike's end. The out & back trip is probably 6 +/ - miles.

For those interested, meet at 9 AM at the Black Mountain Savings Bank. Hikers will then carpool to Fortune Fields in High Rock Acres for the hike. Bring a bag lunch to eat on site. Cost is $10 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Reservations are required. Call 828-669-9566 or email info@swannanoavalleymuseum.org for more information or to register.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com