Kilted Hike/Night Triangle area - Oct '07

[Avonlea22]

I love the idea of the kilted hike/night that kiltedmusiclover proposed for the western Carolina's, and I didn't want to steal his thread, so I'm starting a new one here for those in the Triangle area (or wherever) to discuss.

I know there are several of us in the Triangle area now, and I was thinking we could plan a nice hike in Umstead Park. Umstead has a couple of nice trails that combined would be about 13 miles. Finish off with an unofficial kilt night at Tir Na Nog, and you have a pretty perfect day.

Another option would be to head up toward the Pilot Mountain area so that the W-S crew could be involved. I'm fairly new to NC, and I've yet to do a lot of homework on hiking areas in the Triangle (other than Umstead), so I'd love to get some more opinions/suggestions.

This idea of this thread is to just get some input and see how many people would be interested.

[furrycelt]

hey i am all for it. Umstead is a good local choice. there are lots walking trails in the triangle but most are filled with jogging college kids, mini-van-moms, strollers, and kids on heelys, etc.

for real hiking in the area beyond Umstead, I would suggest: Raven Rock State Park south of the Triangle, and Hanging Rock State Park in the Triad area, and as Brian said also in the Triad is Pilot Mountain State Park, and on the north side of the Triangle is the Eno River State Park.

oh i just rememberd a local gem here in the Triangle: Hemlock Bluffs. this is a little city operated park, but it is unusually rugged and thus doesn't get swamped with alot of traffic.

[Avonlea22]

Just took some time to check out Raven Rock and Eno River parks on the 'net. Eno River has LOADS of trails, and if planned well, could result in an all day hike.

Raven Rock only has a few trails, the longest being 5 miles which is the most difficult at "Moderate".

If I had to choose between these two, I'd choose Eno River, only if for the variety of trails.

I think for our first outing, we should stick to this area (Umstead, Eno or Raven Rock). If this outing is a success, we could expand it to areas a bit further away.

What do you all think? Will it be just Ian and myself?

[furrycelt]

Just took some time to check out Raven Rock and Eno River parks on the 'net. Eno River has LOADS of trails, and if planned well, could result in an all day hike.

Raven Rock only has a few trails, the longest being 5 miles which is the most difficult at "Moderate".

If I had to choose between these two, I'd choose Eno River, only if for the variety of trails.

I think for our first outing, we should stick to this area (Umstead, Eno or Raven Rock). If this outing is a success, we could expand it to areas a bit further away.

What do you all think? Will it be just Ian and myself?

i've camped at both Eno and Raven Rock. I would think that Eno would be best for a day hike for people of all abilities. Also Eno has better cell-phone coverage than Raven Rock (which is a factor that might concern some). i also think the scenery around Eno is prettier, reminds me more of home (the mountains of North Carolina).

so yeah, anyone else? i don't mind if it is just Brian and i, but surely others can join, yes?

[MacMoose]

It is a little early for me to be able to commit, but I am certainly interested!

[fluter]

It is a little early for me to be able to commit, but I am certainly interested!

I, too, assuming I can get there on a given day.

[Kilted Christian]

Yep, I'd like to be a part of it, too. I'll keep watching as things develop. Depending on when it works out, I might not make it. I travel to Mexico to build houses with my church every October, so we'll see.

[Avonlea22]

Well, we have plenty of time to plan this. It's good to see some more people interested. I think mid-October would be great. Maybe we can tentatively plan for October 20th?