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Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for their annual Guided Hikes
and Walks program! On these trips, you'll sample some of the
most interesting, scenic, and historic sites in and around the
Swannanoa River Valley, led by area historians and naturalists, who in addition to guiding safe and interesting hikes also
offer interpretation and education about the history and environment of the
sites. Some of these hikes, such as Catawba Falls, Mitchell Falls, and the Old Toll Road Caravan, are
off-limits to the individual hiker at any other time of the year.
Permission is given to do them only because they benefit the museum. Other hikes have highlighted very historic places, such as Sam
Davidson's grave, the Tabernacle Cemetery, and the Old Toll Road. And some hikes are just for the beauty of the scenery, such as those in areas near Mt. Mitchell that overlook the
valley. All proceeds go to support the museum. A nominal fee is charged, which is slightly
higher for non-members, and this is one of the Museum's
fund-raising events. Those who have attended in the last three
years have loved these hikes, as the hike leaders are all
historians and naturalists who really know the area. They'll be
sharing history and stories all along the way! Hikers will be required to sign a Liability Release form before each
hike begins. Except where noted, hikers should bring their own food,
drink and gear. A rain poncho is always appropriate, as is sturdy footwear,
including wool socks in winter. Memberships are available at each
event. Please call the museum in advance for
reservations: 828-669-9566, or visit:
http://www.swannanoavalleymuseum.org to reserve via email. The museum is located in the old Black Mountain Fire House at 223 W.
State St., between the Dripolator coffee house and the Arts Center.
Below is a
schedule of hikes for this season. The costs for each hike are
shown.
2005 Hikes Schedule Jan. 8: Swannanoa Creek,
led by Robert Goodson.
Swannanoa Creek, earlier identified and mapped as Davidsonıs Mill
Creek, was the site of a Civil War skirmish known as the Battle of
Swannanoa Gap. The hiking route will pass a Civil War era grave
and will also follow the roadbed of the first stagecoach route
across the gap and into the valley. Hike Completed!. Jan. 29: Upper Catawba Falls, led by
Arthur Joe Hemphill and John Buckner.
This historic area was traversed by early settlers who had to
dismantle their wagons to cross the falls. Hikers will cross
private property (with permission) to reach the magnificent upper
falls. Hike Completed! Feb. 12: NEW Hike! Fall
Branch Falls, led by Wendell Begley.
Bring your camera to capture the beauty of this scenic fall on a
tributary of the North Fork of the Swannanoa River. It is believed
to be the highest free-falling waterfall in the Swannanoa Valley.
Hike Completed! March 5: NEW Hike!
Mitchell Falls, led by Wendell Begley.
A Very Special Event! In 1857, Dr. Elisha Mitchell
set forth on what was to be a fatal journey to prove
definitively that his mountain was the highest in Eastern
North America. He never reached his destination, the home of his
mountain guide, Big Tom Wilson, on the Cane River. Days later,
after a search involving hundreds of men, his body was found in a
pool at the bottom of a falls. Relive this dramatic moment in
history with direct descendents of search party members Jesse
Stepp, Fred Burnette, and Big Tom Wilson who will be on hand to
tell their ancestorsı stories. This gentle, uphill walk will
follow an historic trail. Hike Completed! April 16: Wildflower Hike, led by Harriet
Styles.
Delight in the early spring wildflowers youıll discover on this
hike in the mountains off Highway 9, and learn about the many
species from this knowledgeable naturalist. Meet at 10 a.m. at
Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 E. State St., Black Mountain.
Partial day hike, bring lunch and dress for the uncertainties of spring weather. Raingear advised. Limit
20 hikers. Cost: $5 for members, $15 for non-members. May 7:
NEW Hike! Headwaters of the Catawba River, led by John
Buckner &
Roger Hibbard.
Explore the headwaters of the Catawba River via what is believed
to have been the first route into the valley, through Fortune
Fields. Meet at 10 a.m. at Black Mountain Savings Bank,
200 E. State St., Black Mountain. Partial day hike, bring lunch
and dress for the uncertainties of spring weather. Raingear
advised. Limit 20 hikers. Cost: $5 for members, $15 for
non-members. June 11: Old Toll Road and Rocky Knob, led
by John Buckner.
This hike will explore the upper section of the Mt. Mitchell
Railroad and Old Toll Road, with an excursion to the Old Camp Rock
used by early hunters. Meet at 9 a.m. at Black Mountain Savings
Bank, 200 E. State St., Black Mountain. All day hike, bring lunch
and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Raingear recommended. Limit 20
hikers. Cost: $5 for members, $15 for non-members.
July 4: Fireworks Hike, led by Wendell Begley and John
Buckner.
Enjoy a tradional All-American picnic at the summit of Sunset
Mountain, then watch the Black Mountain fireworks display from the
mountainıs vantage point. (Date will depend on schedule of
fireworks show.) Meet at 6 p.m. at Black Mountain Savings Bank,
200 E. State St., Black Mountain. Picnic included. Bring raingear,
lawn chair and flashlight. Limit 20 hikers. Cost: $10 for
members, $20 for non-members. Aug. 6: Old Toll Road
Caravan, led by Arthur Joe Hemphill and John Buckner.
The third annual four-wheel drive vehicle tour up the historic Old Toll Road will culminate in a picnic at the site of Camp Alice. If you haven't
been on this before, donıt miss it this year. Meet at 7 a.m. at Black
Mountain Savings Bank, 200 E. State St., Black Mountain. All day event. Food
and snacks are provided. Raingear recommended. Limit 16 vehicles carrying a
driver and at least 3 passengers each. Cost: $75 for members, $100 for
non-members. Drivers free.
Sept. 17: Craggy Dome, led by Robert Goodson and Wendell Begley.
Go into part of the Craggy Gardens scenic area that is seldom visited. Blueberries grow wild on this bald and will be ripe at the time of the
hike. Meet at 10 a.m. at Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 E. State St.,
Black Mountain. Partial day hike, bring lunch and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Raingear recommended. Limit 20 hikers. Cost: $5 for members, $15 for
non-members. Oct. 8: Potato Knob, Rainbow Gap and Clingmanıs
Peak, led by Wendell Begley.
This hike will travel along the remote and high elevation of the southern end of the Black Mountain range, one of the most scenic portions of
the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Mitchell, the Toe
River Valley, Cane River Valley and North Fork Valley. The historic trail to
Mt. Mitchell runs through this area. Meet at 9 a.m. at Black Mountain
Savings Bank, 200 E. State St., Black Mountain. All day hike, bring lunch
and dress for the rigors of cold weather hiking. Limit 20 hikers. Cost: $5
for members, $15 for non-members.
Nov. 19: NEW Hike! Portions of old railroad grade and southern end of Old
Toll Road, led by John Buckner and Roger Hibbard.
Enjoy great views of the Swannanoa Valley on this hike along two historic roadbeds. Meet at 10 a.m. at Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 E.
State St., Black Mountain. Partial day hike, bring lunch and dress for the
rigors of cold weather hiking. Limit 20 hikers. Cost: $5 for members, $15
for non-members. For more information, visit http://www.swannanoavalleymuseum.org/.
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