Space is still available on the Friends of the Smokies’ guided hike exploring the Boogerman Loop on Thursday, April 19. Learn how the Boogerman Loop got its unique name, walk along old stone walls that once protected gardens and home sites, and visit towering hemlock and tulip trees. Mountain streams and spring wildflowers await participants of this Classic Hike of the Smokies.
Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein (“Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Heritage”) will lead this 8.6 mile hike, interpreting the cultural history of the area. The hike is moderate in difficulty, and has a total elevation gain of 1,800 ft.
Participants may gather to depart from Asheville at 8:30 a.m. or Waynesville at 9:00 a.m. Meeting locations specified upon registration. Hikers should come prepared with food, water and appropriate hiking gear for the all day excursion. A donation of $35 to go to the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever program is requested, and includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. A donation of $10 is requested from current Friends of the Smokies members. Members who bring a friend hike for free.
Classic Hikes of the Smokies occur on the third Thursday of every month. Other hikes in the 2012 series include the Hemphill Bald Trail in May, and the Appalachian Trail and Andrew’s Bald in June.
To register for any of the hikes, contact Friends of the Smokies at hannah@friendsofthesmokies.org or 828-452-0720. For more information, including a complete list of the North Carolina Classic Hikes series, visit www.friendsofthesmokies.org. Information about helping to maintain and improve these special trails can be found at www.smokiestrailsforever.org.
– Friends of the Smokies
