It is time to bring back the Monday night power walks! Our objective is a good cardiovascular workout. We will walk 7 miles on the city greenway maintaining at least a 4.5 mph pace. If you are working up to this pace, we will catch you on the way back since it is an out and back. We meet in the Parking Lot ACROSS THE STREET from Belk’s at Friendly Shopping Center (NE corner of Friendly and Green Valley) at 6:00 pm. Please call if you plan to attend as we sometimes vary our route. Hope to see you there!
The Wednesday walkers will meet every Wednesday evening in the parking lot of the Piedmont Environmental Center at 6:30 pm for a brisk walk before dinner. Rain or shine, the group will go to dinner after the walk.
Today we will take a leisurely 8-mile hike in Stone Mountain State Park. Please bring a lunch and water. No need to call to go on this hike. We will have three creek crossings, a hiking pole and a change of socks could be useful. This is a good hike for members with limited hiking experience. Meet at Shoney’s (I-40 and NC-68) at 8:00 am and at the Jonestown Exit McDonald's at 8:30 am. [8 miles, +/- 1500 ft, R23].
May 1 Appalachian Trail
Saturday Elk Park, NC
This 10-mile hike is on the Appalachian Trail, north of 19E at Elk Park, NC. It will involve a shuttle. This trail is mostly moderate, with a side trip to a waterfall. Meet at Shoney’s at 7:00 am, and for folks in the Winston-Salem area at the McDonald’s Jonestown Exit off Rte 421 at 7:30 am. Dinner on the way home. I will need someone to corral the troops at Shoney’s. So if you plan to participate in this hike and volunteer to be the one rounding up the troops at Shoney's please give me a call. [10 miles, +500/-1100 ft, R18].
May 2 Haw River State Park
Sunday Greensboro Area
Let’s explore Haw River State Park today, this is not a difficult hike and is only 5 miles. We will hike old trails some of which are not well marked plus we will walk a short distance in the woods where there are no trails. We will have some hills to hike up but none are tall, we will also spend time hiking in the wetlands. Since this is a new park, I hope to be able to have a ranger give us information about the park development. The address is 339 Conference Ctr. Dr. Browns Summit, N. C. 27214. The telephone number for Haw River Park is 336-342-6163. Please meet in the conference center at 2 pm.
May 5 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
Friday at 6:00 PM 3322 W Friendly
Let's have dinner at Mimi's. Check out the menu at www.mimiscafe.com .There will be plenty of time to stop by REI afterwards. I need to call with an exact count, so call or email me by Wed, May 5 if you plan to come.
May 8 Fairy Stone State Park
Saturday Virginia
Today let’s drive into Virginia for a 6.7 mile hike at Fairy Stone State Park. This hike is for the hikers that do not like to hike fast or do long distance hiking. We will take our time on this hike and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors spring scenery. I do not know the elevation gain and loss of this hike and the hike is not rated. Please meet in the Food Lion Parking lot close to Walgreens at 8 am in Summerfield [HWY 220 and HWY150 “address of Food Lion is 4548 US 220 North”]. Call or
e-mail if you have questions.
Friday-Sunday Kayaking/Canoeing/Camping
Join us for an overnight trip on the beautiful New River near West Jefferson. The trip is appropriate for novice and above. You will need to provide your own boat or arrange rental. On Friday evening we will camp at the New River State Park 221 Access Campground on the river. Saturday, we will boat 6 hours and camp in the Allegheny Access primitive campground that can only be reached by water. Sunday morning we will paddle 2 hours to the take out at Mouth of Wilson and return home by late afternoon. Challenge for some of our regular campers - You will need to carry all Saturday night camping supplies in your boat. Ha! Contact me for more details, questions and to register.
Saturday Linville Gorge
This Saturday’s hike into the Gorge will be down the Babel Tower Trail, including a trip to the top of Babel Tower. We will continue along the Linville River Trail taking time for a leisurely lunch by the river, before climbing out on the Conley Cove Trail. The total distance is about seven miles and is very strenuous. On the way home we will have dinner in Morganton at our favorite Greek Restaurant Yianni's. Call Ben for meeting place and time. [7mi, +2000 -1200, R36]
Sunday Grandfather Mt State Park
This is the non-chutes & ladders and cables version of Grandfather Mt. We’ll head up the Profile Trail, turn towards the swinging bridge, but stop at Attic Window Peak. This is the top of the chute at 5949’ and has great views. We’ll explore Attic Window and Indian House Cave during this stretch. After lunch and our fill of the views, we’ll head back and go up to Calloway Peak at 5964’. There are a couple of ladders just before the peak and non-ladder people can skip the peak. We’ll enjoy the 360 views from Calloway and head down the mountain, exploring the side trail to Watauga View on the way. The backcountry at Grandfather Mt is now a state park and we don’t need trail permits for this hike so the number of hikers is not limited. There is a lot of climbing on this, but we will take our time and enjoy the incredible views along the way. While this avoids the chute & (most) ladders, there are several exposed rocky scrambles. Call or email for details. [8.6 miles, +/- 3000 ft, R40]
Sunday Greensboro Watershed
This hike is a seven mile loop along Reedy Fork Creek and Lake Townsend. Meet at the Reedy Fork trailhead off Lake Brandt Rd at 1pm. Go past the entrance to Lake Brandt Marina and cross over the dam. Parking is on the right. (7.5 miles, R9)
Monday Piedmont Environmental Center
Meet for refreshments and fellowship at 7:00 pm at the Piedmont Environmental Center on Penny Road in Jamestown. The business portion and program will begin at 7:30. Michael Metzbower will present a talk with photos of the October 2009 sea kayaking trip. Ten people camped on the North River and kayaked the river, Harkers Island, the Shackleford Banks, and Great Island—the site of Cape Lookout Lighthouse. See ponies running wild on the island, photos taken from kayaks, and wide expanses of open water. More photos of areas that will be part of upcoming PHOC sea kayaking trips will be shown to give interested people an idea of the beauty to be seen.
May 12 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
May 14-16 Kayak Camping
Friday-Sunday Outer Banks
Everything you need will be carried in your boat. We will drive to Cedar Island and camp there the first night. The first day's paddle will from Cedar Island to Portsmouth Island and camp on the island that night. The second day's paddle will be to Ocracoke Island. We will take the last ferry back to Cedar Island that evening, and drive home. If participants want to add another day's paddle, that is an option. This trip is for experienced paddlers as we will be on the water 10 to 12 miles each day.
May 15 Tanawha Trail
Saturday Blue Ridge Parkway
Hike the entire 13.2 miles of the Tanawha Trail, starting at Beacon Heights parking area BRP milepost 305.5 to Price Park Campground. The trail parallels the BRP its entire distance, ascending to some nice vistas and descending as it makes it way through the unique ecological area around Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct. Hike through Rhododendron tunnels, boulder fields and over the 200 foot Rough Ridge boardwalk. We’ll arrange a car shuttle. Restrooms at the start, finish and at Linn Cove Viaduct visitors’ center 1.5 miles into the hike. Remember to bring the essentials: raingear, lunch, snacks, water, camera for the wildflowers, tips for the hike leader etc. Shoney’s in Greensboro at 7:00, McDonalds in Winston-Salem at 7:30. Call or e-mail me so I know who to expect. Important reminder and apology to furry hikers: Sorry pooches, but dogs are not permitted on one of the environmentally sensitive areas of the trail. Park personnel have been keen to enforce this on previous hikes. [13.2 miles, + 2600 feet + rough terrain R-40]
Saturday Blue Ridge Parkway
This 7.3 mile hike is for everyone. It has great views and no hard climbs. This hike parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway and the pace of the hike will be moderate. Please meet in GSO at Shoney’s [I-40 & 68] and be ready to leave at 8 am or in WS at the Jonestown exit at 8:30. [7.3 miles, +- 725 ft, R15]
May 16 Owls Roost Loop
Sunday Bur-Mil Park
Lets meet at 1:30 pm at the Wildlife Center in Bur-Mil Park and hike the Owls Roost watershed trail to the Greenway, and then back again, using the Fire Lane trail for part of the return trip. Proceed North on 220 past Horse Pen Creek on the left, then right at the traffic light at Owls Roost, and then left into Bur-Mil Park. Bear right at the club house, park in the circular drive way at the bottom of the hill. No need to call, but please do if you have questions. [7 mi, R9].
May 16 Galax to Fries Bike Ride
Sunday New River Trail State Park
This will be a 35-mile, out-and-back ride from Galax to the small settlement of Fries on one of the southeast’s best rails-to-trails conversions. Our journey will take us across 12 railroad trestles, including the 1089-foot Fries Junction Trestle. We will also pedal through the 193-foot Chestnut Creek Tunnel, the longest tunnel on the trail. Options for the noon meal will include a small café in Fries or a packed lunch beside the river. There is a nominal parking fee at Galax. The trail requires durable tires. While on our bicycles, riders will maintain an approximately 10-mile-per-hour pace.
May 19 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
May 22 Brinegar Cabin/Bluff Mtn Trail
Saturday Doughton Park Loop
Days are growing longer, and spring is in its full glory. What a wonderful time it is to walk on trails lined with rhododendrons and mountain laurels, and in the open meadows of this beautiful park. On this hike, you will have the choice of going up with Jay, up Cedar Ridge to the Brinegar Cabin, where you can enjoy lunch on the cabin’s back porch, before returning to base, or of continuing with Nicole along Bluff Mountain, and down Flat Rock to complete a loop of a tad under 17 miles. Jay has promised to offer a leisurely pace and a hike for everybody ready to up the ante. For those continuing on with Nicole, note that the full loop is anywhere from 16 to 18 miles and the climb around 3000 feet or more; so it is for experienced hikers. Please don't forget to bring plenty of water and rain gear (although Jay and Nicole are planning for sunny weather, the higher powers do not always meet with their wishes). Greensboro area folks will meet at Shoney's at 7:30 am. Winston Salem folks will be picked up at the Jonestown Exit McDonald off I40 at 8:00 am. Please call Jay or Nicole and let them know you're coming depending on the hike you want to do. [Short hike: 9 miles, +/-2200 ft, R31; Long hike: 17 miles, +/-3200 ft, R49]
May 22 Grassy Hill
Saturday Rocky Mount, VA
Today we will drive to Rocky Mount Va. and hike for 6.5 miles. This is a trail that people with limited hiking experience will enjoy and it’s only 1 ½ hour drive from Shoney’s. Please meet at Shoney’s and be ready to leave at 8 am. Call or e-mail if you have questions. [R-13, +/- 625 ft, 6.5 miles]
May 23 Brandt trails
Sunday Greensboro Watershed
Let's meet at the Bur-Mil Park parking just below the Wildlife Center at 1pm for a easy 5 mile hike around the headwaters of Lake Brandt. [5 miles, R8]
May 23 New Member Orientation and Hike
Sunday Lake Higgins Marina
In this informal activity, new members will learn a bit about the Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club and the nature of outings it sponsors. We will meet at 1:30 pm in the small conference room at the Lake Higgins Marina on Hamburg Mill Road in Greensboro. In addition to hearing brief opening comments, here’s your chance to get answers to questions on whatever topics will help make your PHOC experience as enjoyable as possible—for example, gear hints, physical preparedness for demanding hikes, locations of hikes and other outings, the hike rating system. At about 2:15 we will take a short hike in the Lake Higgins area, during which we might be joined by other club members. Bring water, comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate apparel, and questions that have come to mind regarding the club. Call or email if you need additional information prior to the activity.
May 26 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
May 28 Southern Roots Restaurant
Friday 119 East Main Street, Jamestown
Join me at a favorite local restaurant in Jamestown, Southern Roots at the old "Sadie Mae" location. Lisa Hauley is a favorite local caterer recently turned restaurant owner. There is a great outdoor patio, a nice bar, and casual dining. The meals have a "local flair" with southern dishes, continental cuisine, and good wines. The restaurant is not able to confirm advance reservations at this point so we will likely have to split into separate tables. Please let me know by e-mail or phone if you plan to join us.
May 29 Indian Creek Trail
Saturday Hanging Rock State Park
Let’s go on a hike close to home today on one of the less crowded trails at Hanging Rock. Beginning at the Dan River trailhead, we will walk alongside beautiful Indian Creek with a few easy stream crossings. The stream is usually low, but it has been known to swell after a big rain, so bring your poles if you use them. The trail carries us through mature rhododendron groves which should be in full bloom in mid to late May. On the way up we will take time to explore both Window Falls and Hidden Falls, and again on the way back down if you wish. After enjoying the falls, we will continue on to the lake where we will have lunch before beginning our return. This is an easy-moderate hike, good for the beginner or seasoned veterans, and will be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Please call or email to let me know you are coming, or if you have questions. Meet at Shoney’s at 8:00 am or 9:00 am in the parking area by the river at the end of Flinchum Road. [8.5 miles, +/- 1000 feet, R19]
May 29 Scott Ridge/Mountains-to-Sea Trails
Saturday Stone Mountain State Park
This primarily ridge-based hike requires no rock hop-hopping across creeks but does include some steep climbs. The route is through the backpack campsites on the Widow’s Creek Trail, up Scott Ridge to the abandoned aerial tramway site, and back down the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Views of the ridges of Stone Mountain State Park, of Stone Mountain itself from above, and of the valley beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway are excellent. Hikers can be home for supper at a normal time. [11 miles, 2800 ft, R39]
May 30 Gibson Park
Sunday High Point
Meet in the far parking lot at Gibson Park off of Wendover at 1:00 pm.We'll hike on both trails and the Greenway. No need to call unless you have questions. [5 miles, R7].
June 2 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
June 5 NATIONAL TRAILS DAY
Saturday Bur-Mil Park
In conjunction with the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department; PHOC club members will lead a long hike and a short hike on National Trails Day. The plans are not complete at this time; there will be a broadcast message sent to all members as Trails Day approaches. The PHOC will also have a picture display and members will be available to answer questions.
June 5 Mt Mitchell to Celo Knob
Saturday Black Mountain Crest Trail
This is an out-and-back hike on the Black Mountain Crest Trail from Mt Mitchell to Celo Knob. This trail has the reputation of being the most rugged in the southeast with ups and downs all day across multiple 6000-foot peaks. In addition to Mt Mitchell, we will cross Mt Craig, Big Tom, Balsam Cone, Cattail Peak, Potato Hill, Winterstar, Gibbs, and Celo Knob. The trail from Winterstar to Celo Knob may not be well maintained and the hiker should expect an overgrown and a hard-to-follow trail in some sections. This is an extremely difficult hike with a lot of elevation gain, rocky terrain, some potential bushwhacking, and is for strong experienced hikers only. Weather is extremely variable at this altitude, so bring rain gear and plenty of water. Please email or call for meeting time and place. Expect to leave early, hike a minimum of nine hours, and return late. [14 miles +/- 4400 ft. R58]
June 6 Watershed Trails
Sunday North Church Street
Today we will hike 3 of the Greensboro watershed trails. Please meet in the parking lot just before you cross Lake Townsend on North Church Street the second time at 2 pm. We will hike the Osprey Trail, the new bike trail and the Peninsula Trail and that will give us around 8 miles of hiking. Feel free to phone or e-mail me if you have questions.
June 6 Foster Falls to Draper Bike Ride
Sunday New River Trail State Park
This will be a 36-mile, out-and-back ride on one of the southeast’s best rails-to-trails conversions. The relatively flat and car-traffic-free ride begins at the historical village of Foster Falls, just over an hour north of Winston-Salem by way of US 52 and I-77. In addition to the cliffs on the south side of the river, known as the Palisades of the New River, a highlight of the ride is the 951-foot Hiwassee Trestle. After viewing several miles of Claytor Lake, the group will reach the turnaround point and lunch spot at the small town of Draper. There is a nominal parking fee at Foster Falls. The trail requires durable tires. While on our bicycles, riders will maintain an approximately 10-mile-per-hour pace.
June 6 Pilot Mountain Hike and Cookout
Sunday Pilot Mountain State Park, Hwy 52
Let’s switch things up a bit. Our hike will start at the top of Pilot Mountain. We will meet at the overlook on the end of the top parking lot. We will start by going down Grindstone. After a brief stop at the bottom, we will hike up Grassy Ridge Trail and continue on to Mountain Trail, Ledge Spring Trail and Jameokee Trail around the knob. We will end in the upper parking lot near the picnic tables. This hike is a good one for Sunday hikers who want a bit more challenge. THIS IS NOT A HIKE FOR BEGINNERS since Ledge Spring and Mountain trails are considered strenuous by some. Beginning hikers could choose to hike back up Grindstone for an easier version. We will bring hot dogs, buns, charcoal, and paper supplies. Hikers can chip in for costs and bring a side dish as well as your own drinks. Meet at Shoney's on 68 at 10:00 or at the overlook at the end of the top parking lot at 11:00. Please RSVP by Monday, May 31 so that we can purchase supplies. [8.5 miles, +/-1570 ft, R25]
June 9 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
June 10-13 Cabin Camping, Kayaking, Surf fishing
Thursday-Sunday Portsmouth Island, NC
We will drive to the coast the evening of June 10 and take the last ferry to the island (3 pm) and spend three nights in cabins on the island. We will spend three nights in cabins on the island that have electricity, a stove and hot showers, and fish, kayak, surf fish, or simply enjoy the ocean. One cabin has 6 beds and more cabins can be reserved if there is enough interest. The cost will be around $75 per person, which includes the ferry and lodging for six people.
This strenuous 10.4 mile loop hike includes four different wilderness environments; meadows, rocky peaks, wooded mountain sides and the Wilson Creek area that’s full of rhododendrons plus we will hike through Rhododendron Gap. The rhododendrons should be in full bloom if the season is normal. Eight miles of this hike will be on the AT. Meet at Shoney’s I-40 & NC-68 and be ready to leave at 7:00 am; Winston hikers meet at Jonestown exit 7:30. [10.4 miles, +- 1800 ft, R30]
June 13 June Meeting
Sunday Bur Mil Park
May I have your attention please. For those of you who cannot come to Monday night meetings, I have a deal for you. Meet for PIZZA and fellowship at 2 pm at Shelter #7 in Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro on SUNDAY. The business portion of the program will begin at 2:30. The fun will begin upon arrival. The Club will provide pizza, soda, cups, silverware and napkins. RSVP's are not required, but will be appreciated (Helps us know how many pizzas to order). Feel free to bring horseshoes, volleyball, lawn chairs, best friends, etc.
June 15 N.Y. Deli Dinner Outing
Tuesday Battleground Avenue
Let's meet at the New York Deli at 6:45 pm on Battleground Avenue, which offers excellent menu selection, preparation and prices ($5-10 for dinner). This unpretentious jewel is in the Big Lots/Gold's Gym shopping center across Battleground Ave from Brassfield Shopping Center. Great desserts, wine and beer. Please contact Jon by 5 pm June 15, so he can provide a final head count. Hope to see you there.
June 16 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
June 19 Gulley Creek Saturday Blue Ridge Music Center
Today we will do two short hikes and visit the Blue Ridge Music Center museum. Maybe there will be some local folks that are playing and singing while we are there. The Blue Ridge Park Ranger has assured me that we should see many wild flowers and the mountain laurel should be in bloom at this time. The drive time from Shoney’s is around 1.5 hours each way. The hike pace will be moderate and we will take time to enjoy the beauty. This is a good hike for people with limited hiking experience in the mountains. Feel free to call or e-mail if you have questions. We will leave Shoney’s at 8:00 am and drive to a meeting place on HWY 52 in Winston Salem (would like a suggestion for a place to meet) by 8:30. [6.3 mi, +/-1070 ft, R17]
June 19 Bluff Ridge/Flat Rock Ridge Trails
Saturday Doughton Park
This hike includes the demands of the steep Bluff Ridge primitive trail but also the viewing rewards of a portion of the Bluff Mountain trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway and of the Flat Rock Ridge trail. A dinner stop at one of Elkin’s renowned eating establishments can be a reward for the day’s physical exertion. [13 miles, +/-2800 ft, R41]
June 19 Canoe the New River
Saturday New River State Park
Time for the annual canoe trip on the south fork of the New River (North Carolina). We will leave Shoney's ( I 40 & NC 68) at 7:30 am. As in the past our 10 mile paddle starts at Zaloo’s Canoes. Midways we will stop for lunch at New River State Park. There you will find restrooms and drink machines. Zaloo’s will bus us back to our cars where we can change clothes before heading to Mountain Air Steak and Seafood for dinner. Please e-mail me if you are going to paddle and or eat with us. For those who wish to rent a canoe call Zaloo’s at 1-800-535-4027 ($46.00 per boat w/ paddles and life jackets or $43 for a one man kayak) If you have your own boat, we will work out a shuttle or pay Zaloo’s for the service. We will not be stopping along the way to Zaloo’s to insure we are there at 10:00 and on the water at 10:30. Bring water, drinks, food, and sunscreen and or rain gear to carry on the river. Remember to have dry clothes to leave in the car.
June 20 Owl's Roost
Sunday Greensboro Watershed Trail
Meet at Bur-Mil Park at 1:30 pm, at the end of the road at the bottom of the hill near the lake and Wildlife Center, for a 5-mile stroll out scenic Owl's Roost Trail lakeside through the woods and back on the greenway. Contact Jon if you have questions. Hope to see you. [5 miles, R7].
June 20 Basin Creek/Caudill Cabin
Sunday Doughton Park
This is a fun middle-of-the-summer hike that offers lush vegetation, shade trees and cool streams. The path for the first 1.7 miles of this 10 mile hike is wide and level with only a few stream crossings. As we begin our 3.3. mile ascent up to the cabin, we cross the stream close to 20 times, but all crossings are manageable. There will be sit-beside-the-stream stops along the way as this is a leisurely hike. We return the way we came in. Best to bring a walking stick/pole and to wear shoes/boots that will most likely get wet! [10 miles, +/- 1500ft, R25]
June 23 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner
Friday 5120 W. Market St.
Let’s go to one of our favorite Thai restaurants and enjoy their good food and our lively conversation. If enough of us decide to go, I’ll book the upstairs room where we can have our own private party. The festivities will begin at 6:00 pm. Please call the outing leader by June 23 to so she can make our reservations.
June 26 Indian Creek/Hanging Rock Trails
Saturday Hanging Rock State Park
We will start at the Dan River and hike beside Indian Creek up to the visitor center at Hanging Rock State Park. This is a scenic trek with many easy stream crossings and two lovely waterfalls. Bring adequate water and a lunch. This is an easy-moderate hike, good for the beginner or experienced hikers. Please call or email for meeting time and place if planning to hike. [8.5 miles, +/- 1000 feet, R19]
June 26 Roan Mountain
Saturday Hwy 19E, Roan Mountain, TN
Enjoy the rhododendrons and flame azaleas in their full glory on this strenuous hike on Roan Mountain. Starting at Carver Gap, we will follow the AT, trekking through high meadows with fabulous views. After passing three balds, we will descend through a beautiful valley to the trailhead at RT 19E. The weather is always unpredictable and there is lots of exposure, so bring warm clothes, rain gear and the kitchen sink! Call for details and meeting time. Group size will be limited. [13.5 miles, +2150 ft -4650 ft, R40]
Lets meet at 1:30 pm for an easy, scenic hike along the wooded southern edge of Lake Townsend. From Battleground Ave or Lawndale, proceed east on Pisgah Church, continue east on Lees Chapel, bear left at Brightwood School, turn left at the T at Rudd Station Road, cross over the RR tracks and keep straight on South Shore Road for 1/3 of a mile. Park in the gravel parking lot of your left. No need to call. [8 mi, R8]
June 27 Foster Falls to Fries Bike Ride
Sunday New River Trail State Park
This will be a 43-mile, out-and-back ride from Foster Falls, a village that dates from the mid-1800s, to the small settlement of Fries. Our trip will take us through the 135-foot New River train tunnel and over the 670-foot Ivanhoe Trestle, which is a great place to stop for water and enjoy the panorama of the river valley. Options for the noon meal will include a small café in Fries or a packed lunch beside the river. There is a nominal parking fee at Foster Falls. The trail requires durable tires. While on our bicycles, riders will maintain an approximately 10-mile-per-hour pace.
June 30 Wednesday Night Walk and Dinner