Group Hike - January

Cone Manor to Flat Top Fire Tower (Cone Carriage Trail)

Friday, January 12, 2024

WHAT:

Start the New Year right by joining us on a 5.8 mile (roundtrip) hike from Cone Manor up to the Fire Tower, and back. The entire hike is on the Cone Manor carriage trails, so elevation changes are moderate. This hike is rated Easy/Moderate.

WHEN:

Friday, January 12, 2024. We will leave the Seven Devils Community Center parking promptly at 9:00 am. We should be back at Seven Devils before 3:00 pm.

WHERE:

Flat Top Manor (aka Cone Manor) carriage trails (part of the 26 carriage miles built by Bertha Cone). The first half of the hike will provide a good aerobic workout for us (helping us to begin our New Years Resolutions with confidence). No worries though…we will take as many rest breaks as the group needs. Along the way we may see Seven Devils in the distance (great viewing opportunities this time of year), as well as a stop at the grave sites of Moses and Bertha Cone (and Bertha’s sister). The view atop the fire tower should be spectacular this time of year, with a 360 panoramic view of the area……Grandfather Mountain, Beech and Sugar Mointain ski slopes, etc. If the day is clear enough, we may be able to see the Charlotte skyline (some 90 miles away). The reward at the top is worth the effort.

WHAT TO BRING:

Water; snacks; hiking poles; your good humor; headcover; sunscreen; more water; camera; the usual stuff.

NOTE:

Prior to leaving the Community Center, all will be asked to sign (one time for all Parks and Rec activities for the entire 2024 year) a multipurpose form which serves as a: (1) Liability Waiver; (2) Photo Permission; and (3) Emergency Contact information.