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The Asheville Hiking Group

Asheville, NC, US

14,769 members · Public group

Organized by Tracey R. and 40 others

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What we’re about

Interested in taking a short, long, or somewhere in the middle length hike in western North Carolina? Everything from a quick (3-4 hour) hike to a full day of hiking. Check us out and experience the pristine and amazing wilderness of western North Carolina!!!

Everyone is welcome to the group, beginner or expert, 2 legs or 4 (depending on the hike organizer and the location), young and old. Please note that, while the group is open to everyone, not all hikes are appropriate for everyone. Hike organizers reserve the right to limit the hike size and screen potential participants to ensure their own safety and that of others in the group. Hike organizers will also try to post as much information as possible about the hike, however since there are so many trails in the area, we have not always hiked them before and are sometimes relying on published or posted information.

The fee for this meetup group is paid for by the Organizer. Contact the organizer, Tracey, if you would like to donate to the meetup fees. Please remember that our hike leaders are volunteers. We are doing this because we enjoy hiking, and want everyone else to enjoy it too.

Suggestions are GREATLY appreciated! So, come on in, interact, enjoy yourself, and we'll see you on the trail!

Upcoming events (2)

Fri, Jul 4, 2025, 9:00 AM EDTLedford Branch Loop: 5 mi., 500 ft. Elev. Gain
Ledford Branch Trailhead, Asheville, NC
[RSVP opens Sunday June 29th, 8:00 pm]

This is a typical lovely hike in the Bent Creek area. The route I've cobbled together adds up to about 5 miles and a relatively mild 500' elevation gain. With the hills and moderate pace -- around 2.4 mph -- I'd rate it 2.5 on a 0-10 difficulty scale. It's not a "fitness hike," but you'll need to be able to walk up and down some hilly terrain.

We'll traverse a mishmash of trail segments and connectors, from wide gravel roads to single-file trails, mostly good footing. Around halfway through we'll find a spot for a short snack break.

Wear sensible hiking footwear. Bring some water. If you're on the fence about hiking poles, you probably don't need them for this one.

Dog Policy: Dogs are extremely welcome but must be leashed.

Guest Policy: If you'd like to bring a guest, they should join the Asheville Hiking Group and sign up for the hike on their own. Alternatively, contact me in advance and ask if it's okay to bring a "+1" after you've made it onto the "Going" list. Depending on timing and demand, I MAY be able to add your guest.

MEET-UP TIME AND PLACE
Please arrive at the Ledford Branch parking lot a few minutes early for sign-in and introductions. It may be busy, so leave some extra time in case you need to park along the access road. We'll hit the trail a.s.a.p. after 9:00 AM.

DIRECTIONS
From Exit 33 on I-26,
Head south on Brevard Rd. (Rt. 191) for 2 miles
Right at the lights on Bent Creek Ranch Rd.
After .3 miles bear left onto Wesley Branch Rd.
Go about 2 miles, past Rice Pinnacle and Hard Times Trailheads
Bear right at the fork & the sign for Ledford Branch Trailhead.
Go around 500' to the parking lot on the right.

Google Maps link

I encourage everyone to use the Comments section to arrange ride-sharing with others so that we don't overwhelm the parking lot.

COURTESY TO WAIT-LISTERS (Please abide!)
Only sign up if you *TRULY* plan to come. If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers will have sufficient notice. And please please PLEASE don't be a no-show.
If you're on the waiting list, keep checking the evening before. Despite what I wrote above, we always get last-minute dropouts.

WEATHER
I'll monitor National Weather Service forecasts for the hike area and email cancellation messages by 7:30 AM if the forecast is for more than a 50% chance of precipitation.

QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, message me through MeetUp until 8:00 AM the day of. Cell reception may be sketchy on the trail, but you can try to text or call me up to the start of the hike: (803) 767-3094.

--------------------
LEGALESE
This Asheville Hiking Group event involves hiking and, possibly, transportation to and from the meetup site. Participants are responsible for their own safety and, by joining a hike, affirm that they have the appropriate skills, physical conditioning, equipment, and supplies. Hiking may involve risks to oneself and property. Neither your hike organizer nor Asheville Hiking Group can eliminate all risks or be responsible for your well-being. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.
13 attendees+8
Thu, Jul 10, 2025, 5:30 PM EDTScenic AVL #8: Beaver Lake to Reynolds Mountain
Midland Drive Beaver Lake Triangle, Asheville, NC
Rating: Strenuous (climb up Reynold's is steep)
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1000
Surface: Road
Pace: 3.2 mph, best effort on push up Reynolds
Features: Lake views, mountain views
Bears: Not likely
Dogs: On leash
Gear: Bring a snack and carry water.

Route:
Reynold's Mountain

This route was suggested by Andy B. If you have a route you would like to suggest, please let me know!

Scenic Asheville Series: There are 9 hikes in the series; hike them all and receive an attractive badge for your backpack**.** Check your progress HERE.

RSVP and On-Time Start:

If you decide you cannot come, please change your RSVP

If you must cancel, please change your status to "Not Going" as soon as possible so wait-listers can have sufficient notice.

There are generally 1 or 2 no-shows on my hikes, so we don't wait for people to arrive. If you are late, you'll be left behind. In some hikes, there are "if late" instructions to intercept us.

Notes and comments are genuinely appreciated.

No Guests: Please ask guests to sign up for the hike themselves.

Disclaimer and Release of Liability:
This activity involves hiking on city streets that may have traffic. Participants are responsible for their safety on streets and trails. The organizer of this trip is a volunteer and not a professional guide. The function of the organizer is only to organize this trip. If you sign up or participate in this event you acknowledge that you freely and voluntarily agree to assume all risks of injuries, illnesses, and damages arising from, as a result of, and associated with this event. In addition, you acknowledge that you agree to the Meetup terms: https://www.meetup.com/terms
24 attendees+19

Past events (3677)

Wed, Jul 2, 2025, 5:45 PM EDTScenic Avl Series #1: Hard Times Trail
This event has passed
16 attendees+11

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