This is a cross posting from the Asheville Hiking group

The Forest Service Roads in the Arboretum and Bent Creek should be in good condition for the most part and the sun should be shining. Lets get out and get the legs moving! There is an $8 per car entry fee at the Arboretum unless you or someone with you has a $40 annual pass...so it's a great time to get that and support the Arboretum! Parking may be tight so I will plan on being at the Ingles across from the Biltmore Square Mall at 1:00pm to carpool. We will leave there to head to the Arboretum at 1:15pm.

We will meet at 1:20pm at the Gatehouse Parking Lot. This is the first parking area on the left after you come through the gates. We will depart the gathering area at 1:30 so please be on time. Please RSVP so we know to look for you. There is no cell service at the parking area!

We will take Old Mill Trail .3m out to Bent Creek Road and take it all the way through the Arboretum and into Bent Creek Forest 2m. We will then head up Hardtimes Road past the intersection with South Ridge Road and on up to where we meet the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mountain to Sea Trail 1.5m. We continue on Hardtimes back down to our starting point 1.6m for a total of about 5.4 miles+-.

This will be a brisk pace walk and should take about 2 hours. There are options for taking shorter ways back but being familiar with the trail system is recommended. This is a dog friendly hike and is about 5 to 6 miles in length. Forest Service Road conditions will be messy in places due to thawing...so make sure you wear appropriate footwear. Come join us if you can!