This Week’s Hikes.

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TUESDAY MARCH 26, 2024

NO HIKE – 90% CHANCE OF RAIN

DESCRIPTION:

Directions: Click here for directions and details.

 

THURSDAY MARCH 28, 2024

Description:

There are good winter/early spring views along the upper trails … especially of Pickens
County to the south. Once the trees leaf out, the views mostly disappear. Complete
the loop and return via Cedar Rock. Total mileage is about 4.5 including exploration of the rocky bald near the top. The trails are well marked except for the spur to the bald. Before, or after, do the 0.2 mile Trillium Trail at the north end

Directions: Click here for directions and details.

2024 FALL OUTING: FRYEMONT

Our fall hiking outing will be held September 24-27 at the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City, NC. It is an oldie, but goodie. BOOK YOUR ROOM BEFORE 3/18/2024 FOR LOWER RATE.

The Fryemont Inn is a bit dated, but they serve delicious breakfasts and dinners which are included in the room fee. They have been recognized by travel magazines for their trout and prime rib.   They have a wonderful lobby and balcony for games and gathering.  All are welcome and encouraged to attend this popular event…including non-hiking spouses.

From the Fryemont Inn we will hike the Smoky Mountain National Park. You can cancel up to a week before we arrive for a full refund.

The Fryemont Inn:

245 Fryemont Street, Bryson City, NC 28713

800-845-4879

[email protected]

The Fryemont Inn is closed for the season until April 19, but you can still make reservations online at: fryemontinn.com (Identify yourself as a member of the Blue Ridge Ramblers group in the comments section.)  They are offering us 2023 prices if you book before 3/18/24.

All rooms include breakfast and dinner. Although pets are allowed in the Balcony Suites, they are NOT allowed on the trails in the Smoky Mountain National Park.  Check-in after 3 pm; check-out is 11 am.  Note, they have not updated the rooms, and there is no TV in the rooms (except the Balcony Suites and maybe the cottage).  The Wifi still only works in the lobby, but 5G is available in Bryson.  

We meet at 9:30am each morning and arrange car-pools for at least two hiking options (long and short). Refer to the “Special Hikes” section of our web site for a description of some hikes.

We will enjoy Happy Hour each day on the large front porch or at one of the local breweries. Non-hiking spouses can enjoy the local bookstores, arts and craft galleries, a historical museum, a scenic train, rafting, a local brewery, and the casino in Cherokee. For more about Bryson City: https://www.greatsmokies.com/downtown.html

Hikers can order a box lunch by contacting the restaurant in advance. There are other restaurant options for lunch in Bryson City.  

Questions? Contact Susan at (917) 597-2281 or [email protected].

BRR Library

Planning to do some hiking on your own?  You can borrow a book from our hiking library.  The library offers many different books about hiking in NC, SC, and GA.  From our home page click on “Resources”.  The bottom half of the page lists the different books available.  A big thanks to those who donated to the library:  Nancy Carkhuff, Michael Gauderer, Bill Ebeling, and others.  To request a book contact the librarian at: [email protected].