A few years ago a dear friend of mine introduced me to one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in the Southeast - The Horsepasture River. If you enjoy waterfalls this is one heck of an adventure!

We'll start from the new Gorges State Park area and head down to the river gorge. This designated Wild and Scenic River cascades out of North Carolina's rugged forests. It is an exceptional example of an escarpment river with five major waterfalls within two miles and numerous cascades, rapids, boulders, and rock outcroppings.

We'll then follow the river both downstream and upstream from the intersection to see some of the most rugged falls in the Southeast.

After our hike we'll return to our rendezvous spot at Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company. We'll enjoy dinner, drinks, and there is tentatively some great music starting at 7pm. If that's the case we'll stick around to listen for an hour or so.

Required Items: Hiking Shoes and Cold Weather Hiking Attire, Water - 2 liters, Lunch and Snacks
Recommended Items: Camera, Trekking Poles, a Smile!

Distance: 5-7 miles total
Type: Out and Back
Terrain: Rugged
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Rating: STRENUOUS due to rugged terrain and some steep (but short) climbs.
Expected Pace: Moderate 2mph - This is not a fast hike and we will enjoy the scenery.
Expected Duration: 6 hrs

Drive time: 1 1/4 hours

Carpool Location: REI at 31 Schenck Parkway, Asheville, NC 28803.

Carpool Time: 8:00am with departure at 8:15am sharp. Please arrive on time and ready to go. Gas up and make restroom breaks BEFORE arriving at the carpool location.

Carpool Costs: Your driver will determine the actual costs and divide among riders. Please be courteous and pay your driver. Distance is 94 miles round trip. Approximate cost is $4 per person. Assumes 20mpg and 4 persons per vehicle.

Notes:

This is a cold weather hike. Please be prepared with layered clothing, gloves, and head cover. There is also the possibility of snow and ice on some terrain. Proper footwear and trekking poles are highly recommended.

This will be an ALL DAY event. Our return home will be late night. You will have fun though!

Asheville, Atlanta, and Greenville are being invited. The waiting list is being turned on for this event. Please be courteous to others and only RSVP if you have checked your calendar and will be attending. Please don't try to bypass the waiting list by going to the other cities' event pages. As a reminder OACS has a three strikes 'no show' policy.