Flat Creek--2.6 n, Spruce Mtn--1.2 n, 1.2 pd, Beach Gap II--2.8 n, Hyatt Ridge--2.6 n, 2.7 pd (13.1 mi total)

I followed Judy Collins into the Food Lion parking lot at 6:50; Ellie Doughty and I moved our gear into Judy’s son’s 8-passenger SUV (Pam Reddoch & John Kennerly were already aboard. Judy drove to SVC and picked up BZ Lane; the six of us then set out for a fairly long trip.

After a few miles on the Blue Ridge Prkwy SE of Cherokee, we took Heintooga Ridge Rd into the park. BZ, John, & I started on Flat Creek from the S, Judy, Pam, & Ellie drove to trail's other end and then started on it from the N. After picking them up we proceeded on Heintooga Rd and then it ended and we were on the one-way N. Balsam Mtn Rd. All together we did Spruce Mtn (1.2 in & 1.2 out). We proceeded on Balsam Mtn Rd. but had to turn around because a fairly large tree had fallen across the road.

This detour required returning to Cherokee and then setting out on Big Cove Rd; it eventually becomes Straight Fork Rd. Judy, Pam, & Ellie started on Hyatt Ridge and John, BZ & I went NE to do Beech Gap II (latter junctions with Hyatt Ridge) and has ~1,800 ft gain in 2.8 mi. A key swap was done as we came down from Campsite 44; we finished Hyatt Ridge (it’s mostly down) and in ~5 min. Judy et al. picked us up.

We then proceeded to Cherokee, Sugarlands, and at ~8:00 p.m. arrived in Maryville.