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The mountains and
valleys around Asheville and Hendersonville are a hiker’s paradise. Hundreds of
thousands of visitors come to this region every year just to hike and to
experience the countless trails that range from short day hikes to the world
famous Appalachian Trail.
Because of the vast territory involved for possible hiking, some
considerations should be made concerning planning and safety. For the most part, the Western
North Carolina mountains are wilderness or semi-wilderness areas. That means
there are a lot more trees and woods than people. Getting lost is a possibility
if proper planning and cautions a re not taken. In order to prevent any problems,
you should always take the following precautions before venturing out into the
woods on any hike that takes you away from civilization.
1. Always check in at a ranger station or park headquarters for the latest trail
information before you leave. Trail conditions often change due to weather
conditions and knowing about any changes in advance can prevent much aggravation
later. In addition, rangers know the trails and can best advise you regarding
which trails to take, length of hikes and so on.
2. Always leave word with someone about where you’re going, when you plan to
leave and when you plan to return. In the worst case, this will insure that you
will be searched for should you not return at the designated time.
3. Always take a trail map on your hike, unless it is a short self-guided nature
trail or similar trail. Know how to read the map. Check with a local forest
ranger if you have any questions about the map and the trail you intend
to hike.
4. If at all possible, never hike alone. An injury alone in the woods can be
life-threatening without someone else to assist or go for help.
5. Lock valuables in the trunk of your car or take them with you.
6. Be prepared! Do your homework before you even start out. Talk to professional
outfitters to insure that you have the right hiking shoes, equipment, food,
first aid supplies and maps. Take plenty of food and water, and cold weather
gear in the fall or spring. A cell phone is a great idea for emergencies
although don't count on coverage in some areas.
7. Never leave the trail. Even experienced hikers can get lost by taking
off-the-trail shortcuts.
8. Do not drink the water in streams or springs. Bacterial diseases can be
contracted by drinking untreated “wild waters.”
Blue Ridge Parkway Trails:
The
Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs thru Asheville, has
hiking trails along its length that are easily accessible. Keep in mind that Asheville is located around milepost
380 and getting to milepost 260, for example, 100 miles on the park-way, will
take a good three hours driving time. One of the author's favorites is the
Graveyard Fields Trail, an easy 2-mile, which located at milepost
418.
The local office of the U.S. Forest Service is another valuable
resource and can also answer questions you might have regarding
hiking trails in the nearby
Pisgah National Forest. Contact them at the
U.S. Forest Service, P.O. Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802;
828-257-4200.
The choice of possible hikes is so vast that no attempt will be made to even
begin to cover what trails are available. I strongly suggest that you first
visit one of the outfitters mentioned above and start there. They will be
able to help you make some good choices based on your preferences and skill
level. These stores also have maps and books for sale about hiking in the
mountains.
Hiking & Walking Clubs:
Asheville Amblers Walking Club: Recreation walking club based in
Asheville. 85 Tunnel Road, Suite 12A-262, Asheville NC 28805.
828-687-2777.
Carolina Mountain Club: Over 175 organized group hikes every
year. The Carolina Mountain Club has been in existence for over 80
years. PO Box 68, Ashville NC 28802.
High Country Hikers:
Hiking club based near Hendersonville NC. Twice weekly group hikes.
828-891-6294.
Outdoor Stores &
Outfitters in the Asheville-Hendersonville Area:
Backcountry Outdoors: 49 Pisgah Highway, Suite 6, Pisgah Forest
NC 28768, 828-884-4262.
Black Dome: 140 Tunnel Road, Asheville NC 28805, 828-251-2001.
Diamond Brand Outdoors: 2623 Hendersonville Road, Arden NC
28704, 828-684-6262.
Frugal Backbacker Outdoor Outlet: 2621 Hendersonville Road,
Arden NC 28704, 828-209-1530.
Mast General Store: 15 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville NC 28801.
828-232-1883.
Play It Again Sports (Second-hand): 611 Tunnel Road, Asheville
NC 28805, 828-299-1221.
REI: 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville NC 28803, 828-687-0918.
Second Gear (Second-hand) 444 Haywood Road, Asheville NC 28806,
828-258-0757.
Ski Country Sports: 1000 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville NC 28804,
828-254-0901.
Outdoor Stores &
Outfitters in the rest of Western North Carolina:
Bryson City:
Nantahala Outdoor Center: 13077 Highway 19W, Bryson City NC,
888-905-7238.
Cashiers:
Highland Hiker: 47 Highway 107 South, Cashiers NC 28717.
828-743-1732.
Cullowhee:
Adventure Depot:
200 Yellow Mountain Road, Cullowhee NC 28723, 800-903-4401.
Fontana Dam:
Fontana Village Adventure Center:
Highway 28 North, Fontana Dam NC 28733, 800-849-2258.
Hot Springs:
Bluff Mountain Outfitters: 152 Bridge Street, Hot Springs NC
28743, 828-622-7162.
Murphy:
Appalachian Outfitters: 104A Tennessee Street, Murphy NC 28906, 828-837-4165.
Pisgah Forest:
Looking Glass Outfitters: 90 New Hendersonville Highway, Pisgah
Forest NC 28768, 866-351-2176.
Robbinsville:
Cherohala Outfitters: 260 Snowbird Road, Robbinsville NC 28711.
828-479-4464.
Valle Crucis:
Mast General Store: Other locations in Boone, Waynesville,
Hendersonville and Asheville. Highway 194, Valle Crucis NC 28691.
828-963-6511.
West Jefferson: Mountain Outfitters:
102 South Jefferson Avenue, West Jefferson NC 29694. 336-246-9133.
Expedition & Guide
Services:
Slickrock Expeditions: Slickrock Expeditions runs recreational
trips of backpacking, canoeing, and camping in wilderness areas
throughout the United States. Po Box 1214, Cullowhee NC 28723,
828-293-3999.
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