Hike: Seven Sisters Hike
Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013
Time: 8:00am
Difficulty: Strenuous, 10 miles
Meeting Location: Black Mountain Bi-Lo, 205 N Carolina 9

Towering over both Black Mountain and Montreat is the much-beloved Walkertown Ridge mountain range, which has been known locally as the Seven Sisters since the early 20th century.

The seven peaks that make up the sisters are also known by a variety of different names, but locals have historically called them (from west to east)—Tomahawk, Little Piney, Brushy Knob, Stomping Knob, Fork Mountain, Little Slaty, and Big Slaty.

On Saturday, March 23, the Swannanoa Valley Museum will host a unique day-long hike in which participants will summit all seven of the peaks in the Seven Sisters range. Planned and lead completely by the women, but open to everyone, this approximately 10-mile, strenuous hike will be the most difficult, but ultimately rewarding single hike on the museum’s 2013 schedule.

The hike will begin with an initial 3.5 mile ascent to the Seven Sisters ridgeline about 5,300 feet above sea level. Once on the ridge, hikers will climb and descend all the steep and rocky Seven Sisters as well as several other small peaks along the way, losing about 1,400 feet before the final descent into Camp MerriMac. There, all hikers will receive a finisher’s medal as well as other celebratory goodies.

Along the way, experienced hike leaders will share the long history of the mountains, and give hikers opportunities to rest, stretch, refuel, and enjoy the beautiful, 360 degree vistas of the North Fork Valley on the northern side of the range, which includes the Burnette Reservoir (Asheville Watershed) and Craggie Mountain Range, and the Swannanoa Valley on the southern side of the range.

This hike is strenuous and is best for seasoned hikers. Cost of the hike is $25 for members or $40 for nonmembers of the museum and includes the hike, transportation, map and written history of the range, and a finisher’s medallion. Participants should be prepared for a full day of hiking, and bring with them lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.

To register please call the Swannanoa Valley Museum at (828) 669-9566 or email info@swannanoavalleymuseum.org. Registration and payment information can also be found on our website.

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