Most Difficult Ascension in 2008

[Urban Achiever]

It's time for a little poll!  I've been pondering which hike featured the most difficult hill.   I've listed seven of the most dubious, select up to three.  Provide feedback in the message body with your vote if you wish.  This could make for an interesting topic if enough people participate.  Do YOU have an opinion? 

[Urban Achiever]

The ascension from the Chimneys, just past the amphitheater and the wall, South of Table Rock.  I really don't know what that area is called, but it needs a name, "Hell" comes to mind. : )  For my money, that hill tested me the most this year. 

Of course, there was Bluff Ridge trail in Doughton Park that beats even that hill.  Unfortunately, that was not a club sanctioned hike.  Anybody in for that one in 2009?  Fair warning, this trail is so difficult, it will get you winded going down.  Going up is tediously slow.  There's really nothing like it in these parts.  I challenge you to find a more difficult hill.  Let me know, I'll go hike it! : )

Also, speaking of..., the club is heading up to Linville Gorge in January, and I think we are in for a strenuous little treat in Little Table Rock!  It will definitely will make the 2009 list!

[sbailey]

My choices and reasons for those choices are as follows (and in no particular order):
- Boulder side of Profile because of the size of some of the boulders.  Stepping up on some of the larger boulders was quite a stretch for some of us.  Then when we descinded in the rain it was difficult to maintain balance while making those long steps down off of the same large boulders.
- The area on the Chimneys hike that Urban Achiever mentioned.  While the temperature was quite cool and pleasant when we arrived, as the fog burned off, the temperature increased.  The elevation and temperature made for a challenging hike when headed back to the parking lot.
- Sugarloaf and Morrow Mountain had some rather steep sections..........and thank goodness the temperature was so pleasant.  Even when the trail went from the straight up/down path to turning to go around the side of the mountain, at times it was a challenge to keep an upright position during the trek down.
All three were great challenges and enjoyable!

[ppowers]

 I have to agree with Kevin and Sarah on the climb back up to the Chimneys after traversing the gap to Shortoff Mountain near Linville Gorge was the most strenuous so far.  There may be a couple of Iredell hikers still working their way back to the Table Rock parking lot!

 My second choice was not one of the candidates listed:  the final push up to Caudill Cabin in Doughton Park was a steep grade and made worse by wet foot-gear acquired in the rock hopping and wading up Basin Creek. 

[Urban Achiever]

Yes, I probably should have included an "OTHER" option.  I really didn't think the ascent on Basin Creek was all that difficult.  But, then again, I also didn't think Sugerloaf was as difficult as it is showing in this "scientific" poll. : )  Doughton Park is located in one of the most rugged areas of North Carolina, it really shouldn't surprise me to hear some found the trail difficult. 

As I have stated before, that trail used to continue to Wildcat Rocks and Fodder Stack.  I wonder if too many people went "down" that trail to see Caudill Cabin, only to find they couldn't make it back up on their own.  Certainly interesting to ponder anyway.

That trail is still accessible via bushwacking and my hats are off to anybody that can do it.  By the time you get to Caudill Cabin, you're already drained physically and rarely does this continuation seem inviting.