Conserving Carolina invites the community to enjoy the work that conservation organizations have done over the years to preserve our area’s natural resources and to take in the beauty of the spring season! 

 

Starting February 22, the first trek will head to Nine Times Preserve for a 4 mile, moderate, lollipop hike along the Rocky Bald and Cedar Rock trails. This hike offers scenic views, stream crossings, a small waterfall, and perhaps some early blooming spring wildflowers. 

 

On March 8, the next hike will take place at World’s Edge at Chimney Rock State Park. This 4.4 mile, moderate, out and back will offer hikers spectacular views into Polk County from its northern boundary. Hikers will also have the opportunity to hear and see early migratory birds and the chance to see early spring wildflowers. 

On March 22, hikers head to Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest. The 5.6 mile, moderate, loop hike will lead the group to Schoolhouse and Greenland Creek Falls and to the top of Little Green Mountain for beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. 

 

On April 5, we will head to the Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest for a 6.8 mile, easy to moderate, loop (lollipop) hike along Pilot Cove and Slate Rock Creek Trails. The trail will lead the group over several stream crossing and offer views of two waterfalls and several cascades on Slate Rock Creek.  It should be a great time for wildflowers and birds. 

 

On April 19, hikers will venture to Conserving Carolina’s Trombatore Trail for a 4.8 mile, moderate to difficult, out and back hike. The trail offers views of wildflowers, passes a huge old buckeye tree, and leads to stunning views of Hickory Nut Gorge from a beautiful grassy bald. 

 

Finally, on May 3, hikers will have the rare opportunity to visit Green River Preserve summer camp for a guided interpretive hike led by the owner, Sandy Schenck. This will be an easy, 2 mile lollipop.  Sandy will lead the group along old Solomon Jones Road and discuss the history of the property.  He will guide hikers to an Indian burial site, an old mine, over a few streams (one with a cable crossing!), and to a mountain bog. There will be great opportunities for viewing spring wildflowers and listening to Neotropical migratory songbirds too! 

If you are interested in attending Conserving Carolina’s spring hikes and would like more information, please contact Pam Torlina at 828-697-5777, ext. 300 or e-mail pam@conservingcarolina.org. You can also find information on Conserving Carolina’s website, www.conservingcarolina.org.