Hornet Treetop is the last prominence on Defeat Ridge as it declines northward to the middle fork of the Little River. It is best done in cool weather to avoid hornets and to provide views through the forest. The route begins at the end of the Tremont road, crosses Thunderhead Prong on the I-beam bridge, and then, after a short distance along a well-trodden railroad grade, ascends Long Branch to Hornet Treetop. Here we could make a short day of it by descending a ridge that runs due east back down to the valley floor. But we will probably be more ambitious and follow the crest of Defeat Ridge on up to an old CCC trail known to some as the Defeat Ridge Manway. Depending on how we feel about our progress at that point we may continue upward a short while to find the Chimney Rocks. Regardless, we will complete this off-trail loop by following the old trace down to Thunderhead Prong, crossing at the stone bridge abutment, which may involve wet feet depending on recent rains. The manway leads through a short length of dense rhododendron to the upper terminus of the Thunderhead Prong railroad grade, which we will follow back down the valley toward the cars. Rated difficult/off-trail; total distance ~7.5 mi, total climb ~2200 ft. Preregistration for this off-trail hike is required – please contact trip leaders to get details, including meeting time and place.

Leader: Mike Harrington (mike_harr@bellsouth.net)