WNC>11th Annual John Rock Hang: July 16-19 2020

Here it is. We'd would like to invite you to the eleventh annual John Rock Hang. We are very excited that this hammock hang is over a decade old. Children and pets are welcome. Come for an over-nighter, a day hike, or stay for the weekend. I plan to be at the campsite by Thursday afternoon if anyone wants to come a day early. EARLY.

Located in Pisgah National Forest about five miles West of Brevard in Western NC. Our campsite is approximately 1.2 miles from the parking lot with an elevation gain of ~200'. It's not car camping, but it's not wilderness camping either.

As with tradition we will do our usual chili dog dinner Saturday night (Donations appreciated). We will work out the details as the thread/guest list populates. All other meals are on your own.

Getting to the campsite: It is a large Pine grove with plenty of room, a nice fire pit, and ample access to potable water. The site is located at N35 16.486 W82 47.978 for you GPS enthusiasts. On the map it is 1.2 miles from the parking lot (West end) at John Rock on the Cat Gap Loop trail.

From the parking lot: Facing John Rock go to the right side (the side closest to the hatchery and rest rooms). Walk around the gate and then turn right onto Cat Gap Loop Trail about where the service road starts to look overgrown and goes up hill. There is a marker but it's 20/30 feet up the trail connector. You will cross a couple of foot bridges and then cross a gravel forest service road. Head straight up the hill, continuing on Cat Gap Loop. The only tricky part is at the intersection of Cat Gap and Butter Gap. Turn left to cross a foot bridge and immediately bear right to stay on Cat Gap. In about a tenth of a mile you will cross another foot bridge and enter the campsite (The Enchanted Forest to us 'locals').

The position of our campsite allows for a diversity of hiking choices. Hanging around camp and lollygagging is encouraged.

There are lots of waterfalls to be viewed from the trails which parallel them. Plenty of swimming holes and spectacular views from both atop John Rock and the surrounding area. The view is NOT so great if you happen to be down at the Cedar Rock Creek Waterfall while we are taking an evening wilderness shower...

Directions: From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east to the exit for the Asheville Airport (exit 40). Turn right onto NC 280; follow this 4-lane highway for 16 miles toward Brevard. At the intersection with US highways 276 and 64, turn right onto US 276 west (follow signs for Pisgah National Forest). Follow US 276 for 5.2 miles; turn left onto FR 475. Go 1.4 miles to the Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery. Turn left, cross the bridge and park in the parking lot.

We park on the far end of the parking lot (facing John Rock) so our vehicles are in the shade most of the day.

The address for the John Rock parking lot is 1401 Fish Hatchery Rd, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.

Looking forward to seeing everyone for a great time.

Contact Foxpoop or Tacoma96 if you have any questions.

ATTENTION: The BDRC (Brevard distance running club) summer camp has been cancelled this year. BUMMER.

RIP Running Feather-another JRH for you