Join the Pacolet Area Conservancy on Friday, Oct. 30, for a three mile, easy hike over to the summit of Purchase Knob in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the fourth hike of PAC’s Fall Hiking Series.  PAC’s Director of Stewardship and Land Protection, Pam Torlina, will lead the trek.

Located in the eastern portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the Cataloochee Divide, Purchase Knob rises to an elevation of 4,850 feet. The Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center is located near its summit and supports research and education in our national parks. The Purchase Knob Center studies air quality and the effects of pollutants on the rich diversity of plant life in the Smokies.

Purchase Knob offers extraordinary long-distance views of the surrounding southern Appalachian Mountains. Hikers will also enjoy a look at the Ferguson Cabin, former home to John Love Ferguson and his family from 1874-1902. The home was restored from the original timbers in 2000.

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

Hikers are asked to meet at the Bi-Lo in Columbus at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately one hour and 30-minute drive to the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center. Hikers should be prepared to return to the area in the late afternoon.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. 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.

In case of inclement weather, please contact the PAC office by 8:15 on the day of the hike, check the PAC website, www.pacolet.org, and/or the PAC Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pacoletarea.conservancy, to see if the hike will take place.

If you cannot make this hike but would like to attend future hikes, please visit PACs website, or Facebook page for information on upcoming hikes. The final hike is scheduled for Nov.  13 and heads to Pisgah National Forest for a hike along the Pilot Cove and Slate Rock Creek Trails. This hike will offer views of two waterfalls and several cascades on Slate Rock Creek.

-Submitted by Pam Torlina