March 4, 2017 - Meet at the Visitor Center at Crowders Mountain at 8:15 a.m. Hike ends at 6 p.m. 

We will be working on our conditioning for the upcoming backpacking season starting with a 16-mile hike across the Ridgeline Trail from Crowders Mountain Visitors Center to Boulders Access and back.  Anyone who would like a shorter, one-way hike can arrange carpooling to end at Boulders Access at 108 Vandyke Rd, Kings Mountain, NC 28086. 

 Adults in athletic and reasonable condition should have no trouble with this hike.  We will take a very aggressive pace of 2-3 mph and need to maintain this pace to finish it during daylight hours. Although we’ll be encouraging each other, there will simply not be enough time in the day to stop for many breaks.  Day-hiking gear such as comfortable hiking shoes with good tread, a day pack with a lunch snack, 2.0L of water, and other essentials as needed (possible rain gear, hiking poles, sunscreen, etc.).

 All participants need to sign a standard liability waiver that I’ll bring to the trailhead.  Contact Steve Taylor to register or for any questions at mokshafaced@gmail.com.

Photo coutesy of Crowders Mountain State Park.