2006 Outings for All

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Sunday, January 1, 2006

Hanging Rock State Park. (Moderate to Strenuous)

An 8 mile combination hike of the Cook's and Moore's Walls Trails in Hanging Rock State Park. We will tiptoe around the tops of these 2.500 foot high rocky cliffs for a good look at the surrounding Piedmont countryside and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Limit 12. Leader, Allan Rosenfeld, 704-568-1095,klarinet@infionline.net

Saturday January 14, 2006

John's Rock - Pisgah Forest. (Moderately Strenuous)

We will follow Butter Gap, Art Loeb, and Cat Gap trails for an approx. 8.5 mile loop around John's Rock. The trail passes through forests of mixed hardwoods, hemlock, and rhododendron and skirts the base of Cedar Rock Mtn. If time permits, we will do an optional loop to the top of John's Rock. Limit 10.Leader: Alice Howren, 704-864-9256 (6:00PM to 9:00pm) or mhowren@carolina.rr.com

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Kings Mountain National Military Park. (Moderate)

Enjoy a winter hike of about 5 miles in the woods and along a stream. Only a short drive from Charlotte. Limit: 11. Leader: Emilie Booker, 704-394-4716 (before 8:30PM)

Sunday, January 21, 2006

Congaree National Park. (Easy)

See national and state record trees along this approx. 5 mile walk. A must see place for anyone who likes tall trees. Two hour drive from Charlotte. Limit: 11. Leader: Emilie Booker, 704-394-4716 (before 8:30PM)

Sunday, February 5, 2006

Tanawha Trail. (Moderate)

A 9.0 mile jaunt along the Tanawha Trail from Beacon Heights to the Boone Fork Parking Area. Starting at the Linn Cove Viaduct (an architectural wonder), we will climb up Rough Ridge. From there enjoy a great viewing perch of the 6,000 foot drop from Grandfather Mountain down to the Wilson Creek drainage. Limit 10. Leader, Allan Rosenfeld, 704-568-1095,klarinet@infionline.net

Saturday February 11, 2006

Shut-in Trail - Pisgah Forest. (Moderately Strenuous)

A 9 mile route to the top of Grassy Snob (3,318 ft.) following a former horse trail built in the 1890's that weaves in and out of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah Forest boundaries. Limit 10.Leader: Alice Howren, 704-864-9256 (6:00PM to 9:00pm) or mhowren@carolina.rr.com

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Cowpens National Military Park. (Easy)

Celebrate Presidents Day with a 5 mile walking tour of this Revolutionary War battlefield and nature trail. See a short, excellent film (fee). Only one hour drive from Charlotte. Limit: 11. Leader: Emilie Booker, 704-394-4716 (6 - 8:30PM)

Saturday, March 4, 2006

Morrow Mountain State Park. (Moderate)

We will hike about 6 miles through the woods and mostly in a less traveled section of the park. About 1 1/4 hour drive from Charlotte. Limit: 11. Leader: Emilie Booker, 704-394-4716 (6 - 8:30PM)

Sunday, March 5, 2006

Table Rock State Park (SC). (Strenuous)

A 6.8 mile hike (2,000 ft elevation gain) to the top of Table Rock Mountain in South Carolina. This 3,124 ft. high granite dome is popular for a reason: it offers a great look at nearby Caesars Head and Slicking Falls. Limit 10. Leader, Allan Rosenfeld, 704-568-1095,klarinet@infionline.net

Saturday March 11, 2006

Old Butt Knob - Shining Rock Wilderness Area. (Strenuous)

A 7.7 mile loop ascending via Old Butt Knob trail along Chestnut Ridge, through Spanish Oak Gap and Dog Loser Knob and arriving at Shining Rock for a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. We will descend via the Shining Creek Trail through forests of hemlock and mixed hardwoods. Elevation change of 2,556 ft. Limit 10. Leader: Alice Howren, 704-864-9256 (6:00PM to 9:00pm) or mhowren@carolina.rr.com

Sunday, March 12, 2006

Crowder's Mountain State Park. (Moderate)

Join us for an afternoon in the woods and around the lake. About 5 miles total. Limit: 11. Leader: Emilie Booker, 704-394-4716 (6 - 8:30PM)

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In order to participate on one of the Sierra Club's outings, you will need to sign a liability waiver. If you would like to read a copy of the waiver prior to the outing, please click here or call 415-977-5630.

In the interests of facilitating the logistics of some outings, it is customary that participants make carpooling arrangements. The Sierra Club does not have insurance for carpooling arrangements and assumes no liability for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among the participants. Participants assume the risks associated with this travel.

LOGISTICAL NOTE:
If you have not been on these outings before, and have no idea where they are in the world, NOT TO WORRY! You don't have to find them yourself. For most of the trips listed below, the day begins with participants rendezvousing at a convenient spot in or near Charlotte (often a fast-food restaurant with easy access to the appropriate expressway). Participants meet and greet one another, purchase that last breakfast item, and may decide to drive-share to reduce fuel consumption and increase conversation on the drive to the trailhead. (Sierra Club outings officially begin at the trailhead/museum/river.)

Official outings mean that our leaders are first aid and CPR certified and most importantly, Sierra Club members. The leaders go through Sierra Club training and an apprenticeship process before leading trips on their own. For more information about becoming a Trip Leader, contact Outings Committee Chair Robert Jones via e-mail or at 704-334-9278.

PROCEDURAL NOTE:
Call the outing leader when you read in Trailmarkers about a trip that interests you, or use the sign-up sheet at the next monthly meeting. Sierra Club members have priority, but everyone is welcome. Difficulty Level: Hikes are rated on many factors including distance, elevation changes, trail conditions, terrain (rocky, etc.), weather, and pack weight .

Easy Up to 5 miles, mostly level, no long steep climbs, OK for beginners unless otherwise stated.

Moderate 5 - 10 miles, up to 2,000 feet climb, some steep, for fairly regular hikers in good condition.

Strenuous Over 10 miles, over 2,000 feet, some steep, for regular hikers in very good condition, not for beginners.

Sign up for a trip at a General Meeting, or contact the Trip Leader listed. Reconfirm trip details a day before the outing if the Leader hasn't contacted you by then. Club members have priority, but nonmembers are welcome, too - and you can get a discount on your membership if you join while on an outing.

Suggested Equipment List

Additional questions about Outings? Have a suggested Outings destination? Want to become an Outings Trip Leader? Contact Outings Committee Chair Robert Jones via e-mail or at 704-334-9278.

** 25 Falls qualified: The 25 falls program was developed here in Charlotte by Karl Munn to promote the beauty of our area. Participants are required to go on official Sierra Club hikes to National Recreation areas such as National Parks, Forests, etc. On these hikes, the participants can view up to 5 waterfalls in a day with a hike of a certain length for each one. Certain roadside falls can also qualify. In addition to the falls, the participant must complete 25 hours of service work such as scouting which at least 9 hours include trail maintenance. At some point in the participation, the participant should attend a Wilderness Committee meeting held here locally. Participation in the program is voluntary, there is no time limit for the program, and all members including non-participants are welcome on the trips that are designated as 25 falls qualified. At the end of the program, a patch is awarded to signify completion of the program. If you have any questions regarding the program, contact Robert Jones, miresidechat@mindspring.com.

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