This 9.4-mile hike is moderately difficult and goes beyond the famous tunnel on Lakeshore Drive. The hike has an elevation gain of 1,450 feet with several small stream crossings and a short spur to visit the Woody cemetery.

Participants may meet in Asheville, Waynesville, or Bryson City. Hikers should come prepared with lunch, water and appropriate hiking clothes, and should plan to spend all day on the trail. This guided hike is $10 for current Friends of the Smokies members and $35 for non-members, who will receive a complimentary membership. Members who bring a friend hike for free.  Registration required. All registration donations are tax-deductible and go toward the Smokies Trails Forever program. Classic Hikes are held on the third Tuesday of each month. This hike is sponsored by Wells Fargo. Bernstein is the author of Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Heritage.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.452.0720, www.friendsofthesmokies.org.