I just had to let everyone know that we’ve slashed the price on our already discounted Omega axes and hammers. That means the new prices are 67-70 percent off the original prices!
This is the perfect opportunity for anyone in the market for a climbing axe or hammer, or anyone who might want to grab a spare while the gettin’s good.
Black Dome general manager Jay Curwen gave the Hendersonville News some pointers on winter hiking.
Black Dome will be the official gear provider for the Checkpoint Zero Adventure Race, the south’s premiere expedition-style adventure race and the season opener for 2007 in the region. We will provide a satellite store at the race location, stocked with every item on the mandatory gear list.
Our own adventure racing team will also participate in the race. General manager Jay Curwen, his wife Monica and Asheville’s coolest real estate agent, Black Dome friend Chris Brown, will represent.
This month’s debut of the Asheville Outdoor Guide features a new climbing column, a write-up on local yoga studios, some hiking and waterfall articles, and more.
We’re constantly adding new stuff, so keep checking back.
If you’d like to file your own trip report, article or column, send a copy to Mark Vanderhoff at mark@blackdome.com.
The sun sets
behind Cold Mountain, a prominent peak that can be seen from Mt. Pisgah.
Mt. Pisgah might be one of the most discernible peaks that can be seen from Asheville. For that reason, the mountain has influenced everything from Pisgah National Forest to Pisgah Brewing Company. The name comes from the mountain on which Moses stood after leading his people to Israel. Ol’ Moses looked out upon his beautiful new home, chatted with God for a bit, then died there on the spot.
No surprise, then, that locals and visitors alike would want to make the trip to survey Asheville from high atop a lofty peak.
Before heading there, hikers should be forewarned about the giant transmission and relay tower on top. The presence of this giant, whirring metal beast can be a little disheartening.
Fortunately, the tower has been located so it doesn’t intrude on the best views. Cold Mountain stands to the west, with a procession of ridges fading behind toward the Smoky Mountains. The Blue Ridge Mountains march away to the south. To the west, the Black Mountains stand guard over Asheville.
The astounding vistas almost compensate for the intrusion. Thanks to the relative shortness of the access trail, this spot creates a great opportunity for a quick hike with a big payoff.
The hike can be steep in sections. A chilly wind often blows up here, too, so bring some extra clothes. While it may be tempting, Mt. Pisgah is not an ideal spot for storm watching – all that metal up there can attract lightning.
On the trail: This is a straightforward, out-and-back trail with no spurs or intersections.
Driving directions: From Asheville, head south on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Just past mile 407 and the Buck Springs Tunnel, take a left in to the trailhead parking lot. The Mt. Pisgah trail is located at the far end of the parking lot and crosses the parkway over the tunnel.
Maps: Trails Illustrated #780, Pisgah Ranger District (Visit our online store).
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