WNC - The 2nd Annual John Rock Hang - 8/5-8/7

**Running Feather** · 07-15-2011, 00:23

August 5th-7th 2011

OK folks. Here it is. HB and I would like to invite you to the second annual John Rock Hang. Children and pets are welcome. Come for an over-nighter, a day hike, or stay for the weekend! HB and I will be at the campsite by late morning on the 5th.

Located in Pisgah National Forest about five miles West of Brevard in Western NC. Our campsite is approximately .8 miles from the parking lot with an elevation gain of ~200'. It's not car camping, but it's not wilderness camping either. There is potable water running close to camp.

Getting to the campsite: It is a large Pine grove with plenty of room, a nice fire pit, and ample access to potable water. The site is located at N35 16.486 W82 47.978 for you GPS enthusiasts. On the map it is 0.8 miles from the parking lot (West end) at John Rock on the Cat Gap Loop trail.

From the parking lot, go around the gate and then turn right onto Cat Gap Loop Trail about where the service road starts to look overgrown. There is a marker but it's 20/30 feet up the trail connector.

The position of our campsite allows for a diversity of hiking choices. Here are a few. Hanging around camp and lollygagging is encouraged as well.

John Rock Loop

Butter Gap Loop

Picklesimer Fields

There are lots of waterfalls to be viewed from the trails which parallel them. Plenty of swimming holes and spectacular views from both atop John Rock and the surrounding area.

Directions: From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east to the exit for the Asheville Airport (exit 40). Turn right onto NC 280; follow this 4-lane highway for 16 miles toward Brevard. At the intersection with US highways 276 and 64, turn right onto US 276 west (follow signs for Pisgah National Forest). Follow US 276 for 5.2 miles; turn left onto FR 475. Go 1.4 miles to the Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery. Turn left, cross the bridge and park in the parking lot.

Here is a link to last year's thread. (lots more info here as well as banter)

Looking forward to seeing everyone for a great time.

**muttly** · 07-15-2011, 04:47

I was reallllly hoping you guys would do something like this again. The whole family would love to come, but we are going to be visiting the exotic, wild and exciting town of....... Indianapolis, IN!

Can you guess where I would rather be?

Thanks for the invite, though.

**NCPatrick** · 07-15-2011, 07:08

Hmm... we'll be dropping a daughter off at Eagles Nest Camp near there, so we will have to see if we can arrange to stop by on Saturday.

**Hangin' Burrito** · 07-15-2011, 07:17

Very nice post and invite RF!

It'll be nice to be back up in the cool piney woods of Pisgah after spending the last 3 days at lake Keowee and 95*+ heat and 150% humidity!

Yeah, we were baking like a toasted cheeser down there!

Last years John Rock hang was great, looking forward to seeing everyone again.

**Detail Man** · 07-15-2011, 07:49

Count us in for sure!

Now to finish some bugnets for the kids.

**L.D. Cakes** · 07-15-2011, 07:52

I've been wanting to see your neck of the woods. Count me IN! I'm going to a local hang next weekend and will spread the word to the gang too

**BigA** · 07-15-2011, 08:06

DANG! That weekend I have a friend coming in town. If he wants to go I will be there, if he balks at the idea I will just have to wait until next year. If something changes I will let you know. Thanks for the invite! Bummed for now...

**MacEntyre** · 07-15-2011, 08:37

I'm in, possibly...

Thing1 cannot make it that weekend.

I'll see if AntiKate can visit for the day on Saturday.

**chickenwing** · 07-15-2011, 08:37

DUDE! I would love to make this trip but I am on strict no camping restriction for quite a while because we just had a baby - yesterday! Keep me in mind for the next one though. I hope to be on a modified restriction by November (must take both older children when I go).