We'll hike the rolling hills of the Ace Gap trail to the intersection with Beard Cane, looking for the remaining pink Lady Slippers and hopefully early blooming Mountain Laurel along the way. Then we'll turn down Beard Cane to Campsite 3, a nice place to enjoy lunch. Return the same way. Hike: 12.4 miles with elevation gain of 2,300 ft., rated Moderately Difficult. For those stopping at the Ace Gap/Beard Cane intersection: Hike 11.2 miles with elevation gain of 1,900 ft., rated Moderate.

Meet at Alcoa Food City at 8:00am {drive: 40 miles RT @ 5¢/mile=$2.00} or at the Ace Gap trailhead at 8:30am. The leader will meet the group at the Ace Gap trailhead, not the carpool site.

Pre-registration is required. Masks are now required for all those participating in carpools, shuttles or key swaps, regardless of vaccination status. You may also choose to drive your own vehicle to the trailhead.

Pre-register with Ron Brandenburg

Leader: Pat Watts

Leader contact information is included under Additional Information in the email you receive after registration.