This is a repeat of a trip that was planned for last September but was disrupted by Hurricane Fran. We'll drive up to the Parkway on Friday afternoon and evening. Camping is at Bear Den Family Campground, a commercial campground 0.6 miles off the parkway at around milepost 324.8. (The campground has hot showers, unlike the Park Service campgrounds on the Parkway. There are nearby motels.) Boone is about 30 miles to the north of the campground.
Saturday, Sept. 13 -- 9 AM -- ride north to Linville Cove viaduct. Along the way is Linville Falls Park, where we might hike to the falls. Along the viaduct are vistas of Grandfather Mountain. Returning to the campground will bring the total distance to around 40 miles. In the hilly terrain, we'll average 13-14 miles per hour.
Sunday, Sept. 14 -- 9 AM -- ride south to Crabtree Meadows and beyond. There are vistas of the Black Mountains and Mount Mitchell. At Crabtree Meadows is a coffee shop and a hike to Crabtree Falls. Total mileage will be around 40 miles. Lunch and/or breakfast can be bought at the coffee shop.
RSVP to Mike Rychener, 361-4926, for purposes of car-pooling and possible weather postponement. E-mail: mdr@well.com