Conserving Carolina invites the community to appreciate the work that conservation organizations have done over the years to preserve the natural resources of our area. These special places not only provide important habitat for our native flora and fauna, but they also provide the public with recreational opportunities such as walking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, botany, solitude and even more. This series will offer the opportunity to take advantage of the spring season through five guided hikes taking place every other Friday.
From February 18, the first trek will head towards the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and Heritage Preserves in northern South Carolina for a moderate 4.5 mile loop offering long range views of the surrounding Piedmont.
The next hike, March 4, will be in the Pisgah Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest and will offer a moderate 6.6 mile loop hike that will include views of Twin Falls.
March 18, hikers head for Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area in South Carolina for a moderate 7 mile round trip hike along the Foothills Trail. The trail will parallel Laurel Fork Creek to the point where it drops 80 feet, creating Laurel Fork Falls, before entering Lake Jocassee.
On April 1, the group will travel to Dupont State Recreational Forest for a moderate 5.3 mile loop hike along the Reasonover Creek Trail and to Lake Julia.
Finally, on On April 15, the group will hike Conserving Carolina’s newest trail, a moderate 4-mile round trip to the top of Youngs Mountain in the Hickory Nut Gorge. This hike will offer you spectacular views of Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald and Weed Patch Mountain.
Places are limited and re-registration is required. To register and for more information, visit the Conserving Carolina website and the “calendar” tab, conservingcarolina.org/calendar.
Conserving Carolina, your local land trust, works to protect, restore and inspire appreciation for nature. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.
Submitted by Pam Torlina
