North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association & Friends of Mount Mitchell State Park

Fit, experienced hikers are invited to join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Sat. October 10 for a fun but challenging hike up the Big Butt Trail from Cane River Gap. This up-and-back hike will cover seven miles with more than 2,000 feet of elevation change - a tough climb up but also tough on the knees coming down.

High Peaks invites you to join us on a hike to one of the area’s most scenic spots, Hawksbill Mountain overlooking Linville Gorge. The 360-degree views of the gorge and nearby Table Rock are breath-taking!

The hike begins on the Jonas Ridge Trail and is rated as moderate, although it is rocky in places and features a 700-foot elevation gain. Total hike distance will be about 4.5 miles.

Come join High Peaks September 12th, on a moderately strenuous, approximately 5 mile hike, to Rock Creek Falls. It’s a rocky and rooty, 1100’ climb to a gorgeous waterfall surrounded by large rock walls. There are a couple of small falls along the trail as it follows Rock Creek. 

Hiking sticks and sturdy boots are encouraged as there are four creek crossings. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a snack. 
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. 

All are invited on Wed., Sept. 9 for an evening of fellowship, good food and great beer at Homeplace Beer Company in Burnsville, with a portion of the proceeds going to support Yancey’s NC High Peaks Trail Association.

The N.C. High Peaks Trail Association will lead hikers into the historic abandoned community of Lost Cove on Friday, August 28. Settled during or shortly after the Civil War, Lost Cove is nestled above the Nolichucky River, and can only be reached on foot.

This very strenuous hike is about 7 miles long and will take 5+ hours to complete. We will descend about 1,200 feet in elevation to visit the Lost Cove ruins, buildings and cemetery, followed by a 1,200-foot climb back to our starting point.  Only experienced hikers in good condition should attempt this hike.

Come join us for hike on a great trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 4 to 4.5 mile hike is a section of the Tanawha Trail.  We will start at Rough Ridge and hike past the Linville Cove Viaduct. The trail continues to Stacked Rocks and we will end at Beacon Heights. We should have beautiful views of the mountains, maybe some mushrooms and late blooming flowers.  Hike is moderate. Portions of the trail are rocky and could be slippery.
Please bring hiking poles (if used) plenty of water, snacks and maybe a sandwich.

Exceptionally-fit and very experienced hikers are invited to join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Saturday, July 25 for a very challenging hike on the Black Mountain Crest Trail. The 11.2 mile jaunt will offer spectacular views from Yancey County's signature mountain chain.

Families are invited to join High Peaks for a kids’ hike on Saturday, July 11 at the Black Mountain Campground.

We’ll hike the Devil’s Den Nature Trail and to Setrock Creek Falls, about 1.5 miles. We’ll explore the trails and what we might find on and around them!