Join Conserving Carolina, formerly the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) and Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (CMLC), on Friday, Oct. 6, for an approximately 4.7-mile, moderate, loop hike at Buffalo Creek Park, in the Hickory Nut Gorge area. 

The trail at Buffalo Creek Park is on land owned by the Town of Lake Lure and protected by the Clean Water Management Trust Fund and Conserving Carolina.  It was completed in 2014 and is the first phase of a trail system that will offer over 13 miles of multi-use trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge area.  The trail ascends the eastern slopes of Weed Patch Mountain with a gain of nearly 500 feet in elevation, then passes through a large boulder field offering views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Lure. The trail then descends the mountain back to the trailhead.

If you are interested in attending the hike on Oct. 6, you’re asked to meet in the parking area west of Home Trust Bank, 651 W Mills St, Columbus at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 35-minute drive to Buffalo Creek Park parking area.  Hikers should be prepared to return to the area in the mid-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 Conserving Carolina’s Southeast (Polk County) office by 8:15 on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place.

If you are interested in attending other Conserving Carolina fall hikes and would like more information, please call the Southeast (Polk County) office at 828-859-5060 or e-mail Pam Torlina at, pam@conservingcarolina.org.  You can also find information on Conserving Carolina’s website, www.conservingcarolina.org, and on Conserving Carolina’s Facebook page.

Conserving Carolina is dedicated to protecting and stewarding land and water resources vital to our natural heritage and quality of life and to fostering appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

– submitted by Pam Torlina