Join Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC) this Saturday, Nov. 10 for a guided history hike through the Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander’s Ford along the original path marched by the Overmountain Men in 1780.

During the hike, hear stories and history from local Alexander’s Ford project manager and historian Ambrose Mills during a leisurely out-and-back hike to the Green River. Total hiking distance is 2.5 miles. The hike is rated easy to moderate and has a total elevation change of about 200 feet.

Alexanders Ford, a naturally and culturally significant property in Polk County, was forever protected by a CMLC conservation easement in 2011. It was purchased by Polk County and opened to the public as the Bradley Nature Preserve at Alexander’s Ford, a park for visitors to enjoy biological treasures and timeless history.

The property hosts nearly 2 miles of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the route followed by a Patriot militia during the Revolutionary War en route to the Battle at Kings Mountain. The militia defeated the British a few days after marching through the property and camping on site at the banks of the Green River. Thomas Jefferson later referred to the battle as the “turning point of the American Revolution.”

CMLC protects land to benefit the quality of life of residents and visitors in Henderson, Transylvania, Polk and surrounding counties.  Since 1994, the land trust has protected more than 23,000 acres of natural lands in area mountains. To reserve a spot on the hike, visit CMLC’s website at www.carolinamountain.org.

– article submitted by Peter Barr