Join Conserving Carolina on Friday, March 2, for a 3.8 mile, strenuous, out and back hike along the Little Bearwallow Trail to Wildcat Rock.

Conserving Carolina’s Southeast Stewardship Manager Pam Torlina will lead the hike.

Hikers will head to Hickory Nut Gorge for a hike along the Little Bearwallow Trail to Wildcat Rock. This newly opened trail was constructed by Conserving Carolina and a team of partners in 2016.

The trail will lead hikers to the 100-foot Little Bearwallow Falls, and then up 130 stairs to the top of Wildcat Rock. The reward for this strenuous climb is a dramatic view of the entire Upper Hickory Nut Gorge. 

If you are interested in attending the first hike on March 2, you’re asked to meet in the parking area west of Home Trust Bank, 651 W. Mills St. in Columbus at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 45-minute drive to the parking area in Gerton.

If you’re coming from an area closer to the trail head, please contact Pam Torlina to make other meeting arrangements. 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.

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 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place. 

If you’re not already participating in Conserving Carolina’s “Hiking Challenge” (an additional hiking opportunity, not the “Hiking Series”), sign up online. With this hike to Wildcat Rock, you will have completed one of the hikes in the Challenge.

If you are interested in attending other Conserving Carolina spring hikes and would like more information, call the Southeast (Polk County) office at 828-859-5060 or e-mail pam@conservingcarolina.org, visit www.conservingcarolina.org or on Conserving Carolina’s Facebook page.

– Submitted by Pam Torlina