Join the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) on Friday, Oct. 18, for a 6.2-mile hike in Pisgah National Forest, the third hike of PAC’s Fall Hiking Series.

PAC Director of Stewardship and Land Protection, Pam Torlina, will lead the moderately strenuous, out and back hike to Looking Glass Rock, 3950’ at its peak.

The trail climbs 1,700 feet in just over 3 miles. Though the route goes uphill, the trail has many switchbacks, making for a moderately strenuous climb on a well-maintained trail.

The trail starts off following a stream with small cascades before beginning a series of switchbacks up the mountain. Sections of the trail take you through tunnels of rhododendron and mountain laurel.

After about 2 miles, the trail reaches a flat rock area, which is used as a helicopter pad by the local rescue squad for injured rock climbers. From the helipad, the trail continues to the summit, which has no view.

Hiking just beyond the summit, hikers will arrive at Upper Looking Glass Cliffs, sheer granite cliffs that reward hikers with outstanding views of the surrounding mountains; making the uphill hike well worth the effort. This hike is not recommended for beginners.

If you are interested in attending the PAC hike at to Looking Glass Rock, contact the PAC office to sign up by phone at 828-859-5060 or e-mail, landprotection@pacolet.org.

Hikers will be meeting at the Bi-Lo in Columbus at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 45-minute drive to the trailhead.

Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require.

Hikers should be prepared to return to the area by around 3 p.m. In case of inclement weather, contact the PAC office by 8:15 a.m. on the day of the hike to see if the hike will take place.

If you cannot make this hike but would like to attend the next PAC hike, visit PAC’s website, www.pacolet.org, or go to PAC’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pacoletarea.conservancy, for information.

The next hike is scheduled for Nov. 1, when the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) will host PAC on a joint hike at the CMLC protected property, Bearwallow, a 2-mile, moderate/strenuous out and back hike with a nearly 360° vista at the summit, perfect for enjoying autumn in the mountains.

– article submitted by Pam Torlina