Join Conserving Carolina on Friday for a 6.5 mile moderate loop hike in the Mills River Area of Pisgah National Forest, along the Trace Ridge Trail and Spencer Gap Trail. 

Conserving Carolina’s southeast stewardship manager, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike.

The trail starts by following Trace Ridge, looping around Coffee Pot Mountain, and descending Spencer Gap.  Spencer Gap Trail parallels Spencer Branch to Fletcher Creek, then the trail follows North Fork Mills River back to the trailhead.  This hike will offer views of the surrounding mountains through the leafless trees, as well as a look at early spring wildflowers.

If you are interested in attending the hike, 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 one-hour drive to the parking area. If you are coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina to make other meeting arrangements.

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 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 are interested in attending other Conserving Carolina spring 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.

– Submitted by Pam Torlina