Upcoming Hike on Thursday, August 13:
Lake Powhatan in Bent Creek
On August 13, Holy Hikers will explore the Bent Creek Recreation Area. This is an easy 2-mile out-and-back hike with little elevation gain. There is an option to extend the hike with an additional 1-mile loop trail around Lake Powhatan. The trails are suitable for families with young children or anyone who prefers to avoid more challenging trails.
We will walk the Hard Times Trail for approximately 0.6 mile to the Lake Powhatan dam, then continue on around the lake to the beach, which is another ½ mile or so. At that point some participants may wish to hike the 1-mile loop around the lake. Other participants may choose to relax on the beach and swim. As always, we will find a quiet spot for noonday prayer and lunch.
The earliest known inhabitants of the Bent Creek basin are from the Archaic period 8,000 years ago. The Cherokee are thought to have occupied two large campsites near the creek starting about 500 BC. Around 1795, when European settlers began moving into the area, the creek was named for a horseshoe-shaped bend near the French Broad River.
The Hard Times Trailhead is is located at 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville, NC 28806. This is 24 miles from from St. John in the Wilderness with an approximate drive time of 40 minutes. In order to avoid the heat and take advantage of early morning parking availability, the hike will begin at 8:00am. Carpooling is highly recommended as parking fills very quickly this time of year. Carpoolers should plan to meet at St. John at 7:15am. If you wish to drive directly to Bent Creek, plan to be at the Hard Times Trailhead parking area no later than 8:00am. Restroom facilities are located at this trailhead. As always, remember to bring your snacks, lunch and plenty of water. You may also wish to bring swim gear if you choose to swim at the beach instead of hiking the optional 1 mile loop. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
Directions from St. John in the Wilderness
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Turn Left onto Greenville Hwy/NC-225
Travel 0.6 mi, about 1 min.
At the roundabout take the second exit onto Greenville Hwy/NC-225
Follow Greenville Hwy/NC-225 for 2.9 mi, about 9 min.
Turn left onto Haywood Rd/NC-191 and continue for 7 mi, about 11 min
Bear right at Boylston Hwy/NC-191/NC-280 and continue for 1.1 mi, about 4 min.
Turn left onto Old Haywood Rd/NC-191 and travel about 0.2 mi, less than 1 min.
Follow Old Haywood Rd/NC-191 for 7.5 mi, about 15 min.
Pass the entrance to the NC Arboretum and turn left at the next traffic light onto Bent Creek Ranch Rd.
At .3 mile, curve left onto Wesley Branch Road.
Travel for 1.9mi, about 5 min.
Arrive at the Hard Times Trailhead; it is well-marked. There is some parking along the road just before the parking lot, in the event the lot is full.
Save the Dates: 2026 Holy Hikes
January 14
February 26
March 26
April 23
May 21
June 25
July 23
August 13
September 13
October 25-28
(Retreat)
November (TBD)
December (TBD)