Linville Gorge, NC Loop - May 14-16, 2010

**MacEntyre** · 03-31-2010, 09:16

Originally Posted by WrongTurn

How hard are the elevation climbs?

When Slowhike, Ken and I hiked out of the Gorge last spring, I walked on ahead, while Slowhike and Ken meandered along... when I got to the Cowboy Hotel, I sat and caught my breath. By the time I was breathing slow, here came Tim and Ken, talking, walking, not even breaking a sweat!

Hedcase will tell you that when CapitalBill and I hiked up Spence with him, he thought it was a pretty hard climb. He'll also laugh about the two little old ladies who waltzed up the trail and passed us while we collected water!

Your pace is the key. Tinker's plan won't wear anyone out.

Isn't it amazing how many people, from so far away, will say 'count me in!' almost immediately for a Gorge hike?

- MacEntyre

**Hangin' Burrito** · 03-31-2010, 09:31

Originally Posted by MacEntyre

Isn't it amazing how many people, from so far away, will say 'count me in!' almost immediately for a Gorge hike?

- MacEntyre

It's the draw of the Gorge! (.....and Shug's excellent videos!)

**Ken** · 03-31-2010, 10:16

Originally Posted by WrongTurn

For those that have been. How hard are the elevation climbs?

Yeah, there's no way to do a loop in Linville without having a few extreme climbs. Most are less than 1.5 miles long, but you may gain 1700 feet or more.

I can't commit to anything in springtime, but I may be able to pull off Saturday night, or do a dayhike in to meet you guys. I'll know more when it gets closer.

Ken

**JerryW** · 03-31-2010, 10:40

Originally Posted by Running Feather

The list - so far, with possibles included:

_Tinker_
CapitalBill
Hangin' Burrito
Hawk-eye
MacEntyre
NCPatrick
Running Feather
skippy
slowhike
wisenber
WrongTurn

Let it grow..

I've created a monster!

I thought I might get one or two takers, but I had no idea!

Should be a good time!

Jerry

**hang um high** · 03-31-2010, 15:45

Please put me down as a possible.

This area has been on my must do list since I moved down here.

**peanuts** · 03-31-2010, 15:53

is this trail real rocky or what? i may be interested but i do have to bring along and 85 pound dog!!! that i would not be happy to carry out if he gets hurt.....

**MacEntyre** · 03-31-2010, 15:56

Originally Posted by peanuts

is this trail real rocky...?

Yes, it is very rocky in many places!

**Running Feather** · 03-31-2010, 15:58

_Tinker_
CapitalBill
hang um high
Hangin' Burrito
Hawk-eye
MacEntyre
NCPatrick
Running Feather
skippy
slowhike
wisenber
WrongTurn

I've told the story of the mule pack that passed HB and I on the Trillium gap trail a 1/2 mile from the summit - the pack leader doing one armed presses w/ a 20lb rock. When asked he said, "Right arm up, left arm down." We were demoralized. THEY ARE OUT THERE! (aliens? super humans? hybrids?)

**Hawk-eye** · 03-31-2010, 15:59

Originally Posted by peanuts

is this trail real rocky or what? i may be interested but i do have to bring along and 85 pound dog!!! that i would not be happy to carry out if he gets hurt.....

Most of the trails are rocky ... and steep. Most dogs seem to be able to manage it if they're not too old. There is a leash law in effect for the gorge ... and on a weekend ... that's not a bad idea. The other end ... some trails are near some pretty steep cliffs anywhere from a few hundred feet and upwards ... so it's also better to keep them from possible harm if they get distracted by a squirrel! Dogs don't fly!