This moderately challenging  3.7 mile loop trail begins and ends at the Coontree Picnic area on Hwy 276 near Brevard. The hike has an overall elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. The start of the trail is flat, and the actual loop begins 300 yards from the trailhead.

We will travel clockwise and ascend the left side of the loop, crossing Coontree Creek several times before reaching Coontree Gap and an intersection with the Bennett Gap Trail. The two trails overlap for almost 1 mile. We will descend the other side of the loop back to the trailhead which also follows a small branch. Along the hike we will enjoy the scenery and look for flowers, shrubs, and trees that are beginning to bud and sprout leaves!

If anyone is feeling sick, and/or has a fever, they should not attend this outing. Families are welcome! Any children should be accompanied and supervised by parents or other adult family members. Be sure to bring lunch/snacks, water, and extra layers. Rain gear is always a good idea regardless of the forecast!

There will be two options for meeting places:

1. At 9 am in West Asheville at 151 Smokey Park Highway in the parking lot behind Chick-Fil-A. We will sort out carpooling and make the drive to the trailhead in Pisgah National Forest.

2. Or you can meet us at the trailhead at Coontree Picnic area parking lot on HWY 276 in Pisgah National Forest at 10:00 am. We will begin the hike there and we should be back to the parking lot by 2:00 – 2:30.

Please email the hike leader, Ed Maggart, at edmaggart@gmail.com or text at 828-713-0541 to sign up or ask any questions. When you sign up, be sure to let me know which meeting spot you'll be at. We will limit the group size to 15. I hope to see you there!