A familiar sight from Lake Tomahawk, the seven peaks of the Seven Sisters form a northwestern wall between the City of Asheville Watershed and the Swannanoa Valley.
While the Seven Sisters span an expanse of only three and a half miles, hiking up to and across the range is a strenuous, 9-mile distance.
On Saturday, February 13th, the Swannanoa Valley Museum will lead a daylong hike across all seven peaks. Along the way, the museum’s experienced hike leaders will share historical anecdotes about the peak’s nomenclature, social history, geography, and ecology. For instance, Stomping Knob’s name derives from the mountain’s purported connection with moonshining. The hike will also afford 360-degree panoramas, including the North Fork Valley on the northern side of the range, and the Craggy Mountain Range on the south side.
Although many recognize the Seven Sisters, few have hiked the range due to the difficulty of terrain and distance. But the hike is personally gratifying and bucket list-worthy for locals. As hike leader Marilyn Kaylor reports,
“The ridge is rugged, wild, scenic, and challenging. On my first Seven Sisters hike, we scared a bear off its mid-trail resting place. It will take all day and at the end you will be ready for a hot shower. You will also know that you have hiked the ridge that you see every day on your drive through Black Mountain.”
The hike is recommended for experienced hikers. The price is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Meet at Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street at 8:00 am on February 13th. Please email [email protected] or call (828) 699-9566 to register and for additional information.