Come Join Us Explore the Majestic Black Mountains and Scenic Toe River Valley of Western North Carolina

As home to the tallest mountain on this half of the continent, Yancey County offers some of the most spectacular hiking in the Eastern U.S. Topping the list is the Black Mountain Crest Trail, a rugged track that offers spectacular views and a chance to hike through a moss-matted forest of Spruce and Fir. Rare in the Southern U.S., you'd have to drive 1,000 miles north to Canada to find this eco-system, a remnant of the last ice age.

High Peaks Leads Mt. Mitchell Loop Hike July 20

Aerial view of Mount Mitchell summit

Take a break from the summer heat by joining High Peaks for a pleasant loop hike on the trails of Mt. Mitchell State Park on Saturday, July 20. Temperatures on the highest peak in the Eastern U.S. are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than in the surrounding valleys.

Meet in the parking lot of the restaurant at 8:30 a.m. Bring water, snacks, hiking poles if you use them and rain gear if the weather forecast warrants.

High Peaks Birders Host Stroll at Mt. Mitchell on May 31

Canada Warbler

Join the High Peaks Birders for a stroll on the Commissary Ridge Trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park on Friday, May 31. 

We will follow the gradually-sloping gravel road in search of high elevation birds such as the  red-breasted nuthatch, brown creeper, hermit thrush, veery, golden-crowned kinglet, winter wren, chestnut-sided warbler, Canada warbler, black-throated green warbler, and others.  We may even spot a rare merlin or red crossbill.

High Peaks Leads AT Hike May 18

View from AT

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a fun hike on the Appalachian Trail on Saturday, May 18. This out-and-back adventure will start at Sam’s Gap and climb to Street Gap, for a total distance of about 5 miles. The hike has several steep climbs and an overall elevation gain of 500 feet, so it is rated as moderately difficult.

High Peaks Leads Roaring Fork Falls Hike April 20

Roaring Fork Falls

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a moderate-to-strenuous hike to picturesque Roaring Fork Falls on Saturday, April 20. 

The 4-mile outing includes a fairly steep climb during the first mile, so is probably not appropriate for the out-of-shape or beginners. 

Meet at the Roaring Fork Falls parking area just off South Toe River Road at 9 a.m. The group will carpool to the nearby trailhead which is on Private Property with very limited parking.

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