Ramble Community Association

Craggy Peak and Rattlesnake Lodge Hike

Well, the Hiking Club did it again...this time scaled Craggy Pinnacle AND got to do a historical hike to Rattlesnake Lodge.  With new members aboard, we began at the Living Well Center parking area and this time drove north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile marker 469.  Upon exiting the cars, we quickly realized the temperature difference at close to 6000' above sea level!  Donning the fleece, jackets, and whatever else we could find, we made our way into the shrub-choked woods.  The trail slowly meandered upward passing moss-covered boulders and horizontal trees (seen above).  After only about a mile, the trail ended at an observation area that displayed a 270 degree view from Black Mountain to Mars Hill with low lying fog in the valley.  It was truly inspiring - and cold!

 

Upon getting back to the car, the club was not satiated and wanted to hike more.  So, we proceeded to the Rattlesnake Lodge trailhead on Oxbow Road just off the Parkway.  The short entrance trail led us directly onto the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in which we pointed east and soon began the most continuous switchbacks I've ever hiked!    The trail then took to the side of the ridge where we traversed for a mile and a half to reach the old Rattlesnake Lodge site.  This retreat was built in 1903-1904 by Dr. Chase P. Ambler.  His wife and kids would spend the summers at the lodge where there was the main house, caretaker's house, barn, swimming pool, and tennis courts!  Of course, these were rather rustic, but being up there, we couldn't imagine the manual labor that went into constructing such a retreat on the steep slope.  We spend about 30 minutes looking at the site and reading the history and disappointed we didn't run into any rattlesnakes, we turned back for the hike to the cars.

It was another great outing for the Ramble Hiking Club and we all encourage you to join us for next month's outing on Saturday, November 7th!

Land of the Waterfalls

On Saturday, August 29th, the Ramble Hiking Club took off on another excursion to explore the gifts nature has bestowed on western North Carolina.  This time heading southwest from the Ramble, we made our way through 2-lane roads to Dupont State Forest (south of Brevard, near the South Carolina line).  This large state-owned forest consists of over 10,200 acres of some of the best hiking and mountain biking in the region.  It is also home to some of the largest waterfalls in western North Carolina - and these were our destination for the day.

Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls are not only some of the most beautiful falls around, but are also unbelievably easy to access; Hooker Falls even has wheelchair access, which is a rare and wonderful thing to have in the woods.  Pulling into the large gravel parking lot, I was happy to only see three other cars as it was one of the last Saturdays left in the summer.  We decided to go to the furthest falls first, then work our way back.  To High Falls it is!

Now, event though I mentioned the hike was relatively short, these are large waterfalls and there is some elevation gain needed - especially since Triple Falls is down river of High Falls.  We quickly found ourselves walking next to a very calm river that did not even look like it was moving.  But, as we heard in the distance ahead of us, that was going to change - and quickly!  Obviously, the original trail designers did not believe in switchbacks, so we had to shift into low gear, put our heads down, and begin climbing upward.  As the a loud sound of huge water began to pour through the trees, we all of a sudden hit a clearing.  Turning left, the magnificent three-tiered drop of Triple Falls fell before us...

Deciding to move on up to High Falls and explore Triple Falls on the way back, we continued the trail upward, taking a let at the High Falls Trail intersection.  Interestingly enough, the river was calm as glass again and one would never suspect the tumultuous drops downstream - or upstream for that matter.  Soon enough, we heard the now familiar sound of the large volume of water rushing over ancient granite through the woods.  And just like that, the trees opened and there was the largest falls in the forest, 150' High Falls.  Glorious!

This time, we opted to take the trail to the base of the falls.  It wound steeply down through pockets of mountain laurel, tangles of roots, and wet granite slabs. Hopping over a side current, we found ourselves at the base of the High Falls apron.  It appeared massive from this perspective, even though we could not see the upper 100' of the falls!  The air displacement from the water provided a constant cooling of mist and wind.  Here is where we spent the better half of 30 minutes lounging and enjoying the scenery. 

A few snapshots and then it was time to head back - eager to explore the base of Triple Falls.  On the way back down, we noticed an interesting feature we had previously missed - a large granite block of rock with a massive Hemlock tree growing straight and tall right on top of the block.  It looked like something you would see in one of the Lord of the Rings movies!

Getting back to Triple Falls, we were glad to see the access trail to the base was a long series of recently constructed stairs and landings.  The 'trail' delivered us to a large area below the second falls, but above the third falls.  Very level and with plenty of room to roam, we enjoyed the expansive views and interaction with the river and falls.

We headed back to the parking lot, passed to the other side and took the half-mile trail to Hooker Falls.  Although much smaller falls, the gracefulness easily matched the grandiose of the other two.  Nearing lunchtime, we headed back to the cars glad we had started early as the parking area was nearly full with cars pouring in.

This was a special hike that showcased the beauty of the area and more than proved why they call it the Land of the Waterfalls!  

We, The Ramble Hiking Club, would like to extend an invitation to join every first Saturday of the month to explore the mountains of Western North Carolina.  We've had the full age range from 5-years old up through our wiser generations and all levels of hiking involvement.  Please contact Corey Black for next month's hike! 

The Balds of Pisgah

Now...if you haven't been on top of Black Balsam Mountain (6201'), you are missing one of the best views in Pisgah National Forest.  And if you haven't been on top of Tennent Mountain (6056', The Munro's with daughter Zoe pictured above w/Black Balsam in the background), you are missing out on one of the best hiking loops in the Southeast.  Last Saturday, July 25th, the Ramble Hiking Club took a 5-mile hike through this special highland area during a gorgeous day, soaking up the views, sun, and cool breeze that only western North Carolina can offer.

Taking the Blue Ridge Parkway south from the Ramble, we drove through ten tunnels bored through the mountains, passed Mt. Pisgah, and came withing a stone's throw view of Looking Glass Rock.  Taking the roughly paved road into the Black Balsam area, we parked, threw on the packs and headed into the evergreen glades.  The only tree coverage for the entire hike lasted about 15 minutes as we broke out into an expansive view where we could easily see our trail several miles ahead along with deep valleys both sides of the mountain.

Scrambling up several hundred feet along an exposed solid rock trail, we were fully in the southern bald environment.  It is what I would think the highlands of Scotland would be like, but to my correction, Alex Munro (who is from Scotland), said the balds there are much more grassy where these have lots of low shrubs and scattered trees lower in elevation.  We quickly attained the summit of Black Balsam, walked the rounded crest, took in the 360 degree views and then descended into a gap between Black Balsam and Tennent Mountain.  Choosing to extend our loop past Tennent Mountain, we made the climb to the next peak.

Tennent Mountain is one of my favorite mountains in Pisgah National Forest as it feels remote, has a moderate 'knife's edge' ridge, and the rock outcroppings with very interesting floral terrain make it feel adventurous.  At the end of the mountain, just before it switches back, you are at the top edge of Graveyard Fields, looking down on the backside of Graveyard Ridge and at both headwaters of Dark Prong and the Pigeon River.  Looking out the other way, Shining Rock stood out among the evergreens.  Below is a summit shot looking down on Dark Prong.

Making our way down the backside of Tennent Mountain through tunnels of mountain laurel, we dropped into Ivestor Gap.  Now on the fire road that traverses the balds to the north, we took this level 'superhighway trail' back to the parking area.  I would highly encourage everyone to give the Hiking Club a try as it is a rare opportunity to see some of the most treasured sites in Western North Carolina.  Our next hike will be on Saturday, August 29th, meeting at the Living Well Center at 8:30am.

For more photos and information about the Black Balsam area, click here.

Pink Beds Hike!

On June 13th, the Ramble Hiking Club explored the Pink Beds loop in the Pisgah National Forest.  You probably wonder why it is called Pink Beds...because this time of year the mountain laurel blooms at higher elevations and this particular area is abundantly packed with miles of mountain laurel.  Due to it's relatively flat terrain, the area collects water (which mountain laurel needs lots of to survive) from the slopes of Mt. Pisgah and adjacent peaks, forms a boggy area, and ultimately is the headwaters of several rivers including Turkey Pen Creek and Mills River...but I get ahead of myself - back to the hike!

We all met at the customary launching spot - The Living Well Center - at 8:30am.  After a short drive to the Brevard area (and a painful short stop in front of the infamous Dolly's Ice Cream stand - it was too early for them to be open!), we turned into the Pisgah National Forest, passing the old stone columns depicting the official entrance and began the winding drive through the lush canopy of the south slope of the Pisgah range.  A third of the way up, we caught a brief glimpse of the top half of the north face of Looking Glass Rock.  With its' impressive 400' overhanging granite face, it is unlike any other rock face in western North Carolina.  As we were pondering what it would be like to be climbing on that face, we pulled over for a short jaunt down to the base of Looking Glass Falls.  Due to the heavy amount of rainfall the forest has been experiencing, the falls were in prime conditions and running strong.  The mist from the cascading water filled the small gorge and cooled us off.  It was also a great opportunity for a group shot!

Having our fill, we proceeded up the mountain until we reached the Pink Beds area, complete with a parking lot, huge fields and lots of picnic tables.  Quickly donning our packs, children and dogs, we dove into the hike eager to see what the Pink Beds had to offer.  Five minutes into the hike, we came to the main loop of the area and proceeded left, entering the main area of this high-altitude bog (3200') with clear streams, open fields, fern-laden forested floors, and of course, a huge amount of blooming mountain laurel!  This aspect was particularly beautiful as the trail wound through enclosed tunnels of pink blooms pulling us into the deeper sections of the forest...

As the near-level trail wound eastward through the flowered canopy, we intersected the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, a trail that winds from Clingman's Dome in the Smoky National Park all the way to Jockey's Ridge at the Outer Banks.  We decided to use a short section of this trail to cut the 4.3 mile Pink Beds Loop down to 2.8 miles, and we were glad we did!  This section walks through a stunning pristine and remote bog ecosystem complete with a boardwalk and even this massive fallen tree root system:

Quickly thereafter, we intersected the other side of the Pink Beds Loop trail and headed west, this time following a wide, meandering, crystal clear creek with small falls and before we knew it, we had made it back to the beginning of the original loop.  Crossing the final creek and the short walk up to the parking area, led us to our departure and the conclusion of another fine hike with the Ramble Hiking Club!  Thanks to the participants and we look forward to next month's hiking adventure on Saturday, July 25th!

For more info on this hike, visit Pink Beds Loop.

Cheers!

Corey

Inaugural Ramble Hiking Club Event

On Saturday, May 2nd, the Ramble Hiking Club took its’ inaugural hike on one of the most classic loops in Pisgah National Forest, John’s Rock.  Scheduled to meet at 8:30am at the Living Well Center, Alex and Rachel Munro and Corey Black waited until about 8:45am for any other adventurers.  Once we decided this was it, we then loaded up and headed out to brave the elements on our own.  A short drive to Brevard and into Pisgah National Forest landed us in the parking area of the Fish Hatchery with a neck craning view of our destination, John’s Rock.  After a few snapshots from a willing mountain biker in the parking lot, we threw on the day packs and headed into the woods eager for the 4.4-mile Cat Gap Trail loop that awaited us…

Upon beginning the hike, we were met with a wide, slow moving creek and an open forest environment that trended upward.  Meandering through the valleys and slopes to the east of John’s Rock, we left the creek and gained elevation while noticing the green mosses, ferns, and birds who joined us along the way.  As this hike was a loop, Corey knew that this way was a more moderate upward hike than the abrupt, steep hills of the other side of the mountain, however it had been a while since he had done this hike, so his encouragement to our band of hikers that we were almost there earned him the title of the ‘Cornish half-mile guy’.  After several false peaks, our intrepid hikers exited out of the covered canopy of the forest onto the stage ledge of John Rock opening to miles upon miles of views.

The sights upon John’s Rock are one to behold…only a direct half mile from the south face of Looking Glass Rock and a full panorama of the south slope of the Pisgah National Forest from Devil’s Courthouse to near Mt. Pisgah with the high bald peaks of Black Balsam and Tenant Mountain just visible above the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The spring makes the view even more spectacular as the leaves are making their way up the slopes, only green about two-thirds the way up the slopes.  We ate our snacks, took a few pictures, enjoyed the openness, and felt the wind picking up and clouds moving in…time to head back down.

Continuing our loop by heading west, we made the short climb through the woods to the true summit of John’s Rock mountain then began our descent, this time with steep slopes under our feet.  Coming to a trail intersection, we took the Cat Gap Bypass (which traversed another steep mountain instead of ascending) back to Cat Gap Loop and began a series of steep descents with longer sections of near level trail.  As the sun periodically broke through the clouds, the fresh, spring leaves had a bright green glow…only the kind of color found in late April and early May.  We were also able to catch glimpses of the several cliffs of nearby Cedar Rock mountain.  As we neared the end of our hike, our route joined a bold creek with a series of waterfalls (that in the summer months provides many great swimming holes!), and before we knew it, we walked right out to where we began just as the skies started to drizzle…it was a great first walk for the Ramble Hiking Club.  

We will continue the hiking adventures the first Saturday of every month meeting at the Living Well Center at 8:30am.  Please email Corey at cblack@biltmorefarms.com or call at 828.277.6676 for more information.