Join Conserving Carolina on Friday, April 27, for a 4.8-mile, easy, out and back hike along the Mountains to Sea Trail.

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

Hikers will head to a portion of the Mountains to Sea Trail, which runs across the state of North Carolina, to look for spring wildflowers. The trail weaves through a hardwood forest with a few creek crossings and to the Tanbark Ridge Overlook off the Blue Ridge Parkway

From the overlook, hikers will see extensive mountain views over the Great Balsams. From Tanbark Ridge, hikers will take the trail to Bull Gap then turn around and head back to the starting point.

If you are interested in attending the hike on April 27, 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 one hour drive to the parking area. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, 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, 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. 

For more information, call the Southeast (Polk County) office at 828-697-5777, ext. 300, email Pam Torlina at pam@conservingcarolina.org, visit www.conservingcarolina.org, or Facebook page.

– Submitted by Pam Torlina