The Carolina Mountain Club has started a new hiking initiative, called Leisure Hikes, with the next event scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Asheville.
The group will meet in the back parking lot of the Folk Art Center and carpool 7 miles to Bull Gap Trailhead for a 3-mile, 600-foot ascent hike on the MST to see the remains of a swimming pool, stables and other features at Rattlesnake Lodge, stopping for lunch at the lodge site before returning to the trailhead.
Leisure hikes are designed for beginners, youth or anyone looking for a shorter, more leisurely club hike. Bring hiking poles if you have them. To reserve a spot, email lfsands@gmail.com.