Conserving Carolina’s Fall Hiking Series begins September 30

Published 11:08 am Thursday, September 1, 2022

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Conserving Carolina invites the community to enjoy the work that conservation organizations have done over the years to protect our area’s natural resources. These special places not only provide important habitat for our native flora and fauna, but they also provide the public with the benefit of recreational opportunities such as walking, hiking, mountain biking, birding, botanizing, solitude, and so much more. This series will offer an opportunity to enjoy the autumn season by attending five guided hikes, four taking place every other Friday and the final hike on the last Saturday before Thanksgiving. 

 

Starting September 30, the first trek will head to Mount Mitchell State Park for a 6-mile, moderate, loop hike offering great views of the surrounding mountains from the highest point east of the Mississippi River!

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The next hike, on October 14, will take place at Pisgah National Forest (Pisgah Ranger District), a 6.5-mile, moderate, loop hike to the summits of Grassy Cove Top, Tennent Mountain, and Black Balsam Knob for scenic views at the onset of autumn.

 

On October 28, hikers head to Fork Ridge Overlook, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, for an approximately 6.2-mile, moderate, out-and-back hike to Waterrock Knob and Browning Knob. The hike features some small water crossings and scenic views. 

 

On November 11, the group will head to Hickory Nut Gorge for a 5.6-mile, moderate, out-and-back hike along Conserving Carolina’s newest trail, Strawberry Gap! This hike will take participants past Ferguson Peak and up to Blue Ridge Pastures, offering spectacular views of Hickory Nut Gorge.

 

Finally, join us on November 19, for an approximately 6-mile, moderate, loop hike at Walnut Creek Preserve, a 2,100-acre private equestrian conservation community located near Lake Lure. Participants will enjoy a hike through the maturing forest to Walnut Creek Falls and to grassy knolls that offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The Preserve is private land, and the public is only allowed on the property by invitation, so take advantage of this unique opportunity to enjoy the serenity of this beautiful property.

 

If you are interested in attending Conserving Carolina’s fall hiking series and would like more information, visit Conserving Carolina’s website “calendar” of events, conservingcarolina.org/calendar/. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

 

Conserving Carolina, your local land trust, works to protect, restore, and inspire appreciation of nature. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.

 

Submitted by Rose Lane Jenkins