June Jamboree Hike List

Each hike will have its own departure location and time. Please take notice of this information when choosing your hike. You will receive directions to the departure location and carpool information upon registration. This year we offer a wonderful array of choices for hikes on Roan Mountain - one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world and home to three endangered high elevation ecosystems: grassy balds (the longest stretch in the world), spruce-fir forests and vertical rocky cliffs. Each harbors regionally, nationally & globally threatened & endangered plants and animals. Be sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes, camera, walking stick, water, sunscreen, binoculars and appropriate clothing. The weather may be sunny, rainy, windy or cool. Hikes are rated on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most difficult.

#1. Grassy Ridge the Hard Way - YELLOW MOUNTAIN GAP TO GRASSY RIDGE
Leader: Joe DeLoach, SAHC board member and Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club member
Start time: 8:00 a.m. Saturday
Difficulty: 10
Departure Location: Corpening Center
The section of the Appalachian Trail between Yellow Mountain Gap and Grassy Ridge was formerly a steep and gullied path that made for a brutal hike. Thanks to the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club, it has become much more pleasant. It's still a climb though, starting from the end of Roaring Creek Road and then up to Grassy Ridge, an elevation change of about 1800' over a span of 4.5 miles. The relocation allows hikes to go over Elk Hollow Knob, a 5,100' grassy bald that features Gray's lilies and great views of the iconic Grassy Ridge. It also borders the National Trails Tract, acquired by SAHC. The culmination of course, is Grassy Ridge. People interested in seeing its beauty from a different, less traveled perspective are encouraged to take this hike.

#2. HAMPTON CREEK COVE TO LITTLE HUMP MOUNTAIN
Leader: Tom Gatti, SAHC's first Seasonal Ecologist
Start time: 8:15 a.m Saturday
Difficulty: 9.6
Departure Location: Roan Mountain Post Office
This 9-mile hike will begin at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area and will give hikers a great perspective on the connectivity of protected lands in the Roan Highlands. From the parking lot we will hike the old farm road to the Birchfield trail and continue along the left prong of the creek, pretty much the length of the property, where we will enter Forest Service Property and continue up an old road bed that was used by farmers to get their cattle up to Little Hump Mountain for summer grazing. We will join the Appalachian Trail just below Little Hump and then hike north a short way to the summit, which features 360-degree views of the area. We will take the historic Overmountain Victory Trail back to Hampton Creek Cove.

#3. CARVERS GAP TO GRASSY RIDGE
Leader: David Smith, former SAHC board member
Start time: 9:00 a.m. Saturday
Difficulty: 7.5
Departure Location: Carvers Gap Parking Lot
This classic hike is an adventure through the highest elevation Roan balds, which are considered among the most spectacular scenery along the entire Appalachian Trail. Grassy Ridge, elevation 6,189 feet, is the highest point near the AT with a natural unobstructed 360° view and offers so much more with rhododendron, flame azalea, patches of spruce fir forest, and rare plants such as Gray's lily and Roan Mountain bluets. Those wishing an easier hike can enjoy the flowers and expansive views from Round Bald or Jane Bald instead of going all the way to Grassy Ridge.

#4. SIMON THOMPSON BIRDING HIKE AT HAMPTON CREEK COVE
Leader: Simon Thompson, Ventures Birding
Start time: 9:00 a.m. Saturday
Difficulty: 5
Departure Location: Hampton Creek Cove Parking Area
Originally from Suffolk, England, Simon has lived in North Carolina for over 10 years. He has lived in Lebanon, Kenya, Yemen, and Ghana, where his interest in birds and natural history began. In addition to traveling extensively in the United States, Simon spent six months in China studying the crane and bird of prey migration as a member of the British “China Crane Watch” expedition. As director and originator of Ventures Nature Travel program in Tryon, North Carolina, Simon has led many birding trips all over the world. www.birdventures.com
The Hike: This four-mile roundtrip hike in Hampton Creek Cove will give birders the opportunity to experience some of the most exquisite birds in the area. Expect to hear the early morning songs of the Willow flycatcher, the Alder flycatcher, and the Golden-winged warbler. Later in the afternoon, hikers will enjoy the beautiful and graceful Meadow fritillary, Great Spangled fritillary, Aphrodite fritillary and if lucky, spot the elusive Appalachian endemic, Diana fritillary.

#5 HIKE & YOGA ON THE NATIONAL TRAILS TRACT
Leader: Kimberly Drye, Lighten Up Yoga, and Michelle Pugliese, Land Protection Director
Start time: 10:00 a.m Saturday
Difficulty: 4; Yoga class will be appropriate for all skill levels
Departure Location: Beck Property Entrance
Lay your yoga mat in the open meadow that is tucked within the stunning landscape of the Roan Highlands. Prepare to move into your exalted warrior or tree pose while feeling the sun warm your skin and the high elevation breezes simultaneously cool you. Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese will lead you on an easy to moderate hike through our protected National Trails Tract in the Roaring Creek Valley, along pristine streams and critical bird habitat, to the Pisgah National Forest for a gentle yoga practice. The meadow lies below the Appalachian Trail at Yellow Mountain and overlooks one of SAHC's most cherished priority conservation focus areas. After the yoga practice we will walk the short gravel road that is the route of the Overmountain Victory Trail back to our cars. We also have the option of visiting nearby Elk Hollow Creek waterfall after the Yoga session. Namaste!


#6 CLOUDLAND TRAIL, RHODODENDRON GARDENS & ROAN HIGH BLUFF
Leader: TBA
Start time: 10:00 a.m. Saturday
Difficulty: 2
Departure Location: Carvers Gap Parking Lot
Enjoy the world's most expansive Catawba rhododendron gardens high atop Roan. Starting at the Cloudland Hotel Site, hike along the Cloudland Trail and stroll through the gardens, which will be at their peak bloom. The hike will continue along the Cloudland Trail to the high cliff of Roan High Bluff, elevation 6,267', that features outstanding views of the area. We will then return the way we came along the Cloudland Trail and back to the Carvers Gap Parking area.

Click here to register for lodging or food and to sign up for hikes. Registration is required!

Or, if you have questions contact cheryl@appalachian.org.