TUESDAY SEPT 17 2024
CANCELED DUE TO RAIN LICK LOG SOUTH from RUSSELL BRIDGE
Description:
This hike starts at Russell Bridge, parking ‘this side’ of the bridge, it tracks upstream along the Chattooga River Trail (CT) to Pig Pen and Lick Log. The entire hike is 8.5 miles; moderate outbound, easier on the return. Net elevation gain is less than 1000ft. The trail had been pretty messy but it has been cleaned up, makes the 8.5 miles enjoyable. We’ll have lunch at PP or LL.
Meet, pool, and depart from KKEPA at 830AM and/or Walhalla at 9:00AM.
Directions: Click here for directions and details.
THURSDAY SEPT 19, 2024
LONG CREEK and RAVEN ROCK (DELIVERANCE ROCK) OVERLOOK
Description:
Hike leader emeritus Carol Eye will lead this hike to Long Creek Falls which spills almost directly into the Chattooga River and serves as a landmark for Section IV paddlers. The trail is less than two miles each way, and mostly easy going until the final 200 yards. The short, steep descent has ample trees for grabbing, and the falls are well worth the scramble. We lunch on the river at the falls. On the way out (or back), there is an option via a spur to the top of Raven Cliff and its exceptional view up river toward Deliverance Rock. That adds about 1.5 miles to the total hike and requires a mostly moderate climb, and one steep descent outbound, plus a scramble to the overlook. Total elevation gain for both trails is about 900ft.
Depart KKEPA at 8:30AM and/or Warther’s in Walhalla at 9:00 AM.
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. .
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 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].
