High Peaks Leads Lost Cove Hike May 5

The N.C. High Peaks Trail Association will lead hikers into the historic abandoned community of
Lost Cove on Friday, May 5. 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 of about 7.5 miles 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.

High Peaks leads Birding Stroll  April 23

Join Southeastern Trust for Parks & Land Board Director Aimee Tomcho for an easy Earth Day Sunday stroll to identify spring’s earliest songbirds. We will visit the Golden-winged Warbler habitat restoration area to learn about the work the Trust is doing to help save this imperiled species. We are sure to see a diversity of wildflowers too. Binoculars nor expertise required to attend! The walk will have a slow pace on a wooded trail with relatively flat terrain and will last approximately 2 hours.

High Peaks Leads Moderate Hike on Mountains-to-Sea Trail April 15        

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a moderate hike of about 2 miles on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail on Saturday, April 15. The jaunt will go from the Singecat Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway over the top of the Twin Tunnels, ending at Buck Creek Gap and Highway 80.

This hike features nice views and perhaps some early-blooming Spring flowers. There are no severe climbs and the elevation change is just a few hundred feet, so the outing is rated as moderate.

High Peaks Leads Hike on Mountains-to-Sea Trail March 25

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a moderate, fun hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail on Saturday, March 25. Hikers may see a few early wildflowers as this section traverses a rich cove mountainside near the Blue Ridge Parkway between Buck Creek Gap and Neals Creek Road.

The 4-mile hike is rated as moderate, with a steady climb of a few hundred feet to get started, then a long stretch on a contour leading down to Neals Creek.

High Peaks Leads Challenging Hike March 11

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association for a challenging hike on the Black Mountains on Saturday, March 11th.

The 8-mile hike is rated as strenuous and will only be open to fit, experienced hikers. The trek will include some bushwhacking over tough terrain and an elevation change of 1,500 feet.

The group should get treated to excellent views to the east and north as they make their way from the Black Mountain Crest Trail along a north-facing ridgeline.

Bring lunch, snacks, plenty of water, rain gear and hiking poles in you use them.

High Peaks Birders Kick Off Season of Activities

It’s Spring and the High Peaks Birders are ramping for a full schedule of monthly birding strolls that should offer fun for both experienced birders and novices.

“We’re excited to have the High Peaks Birders heading out into the field again,” said High Peaks President Dennis Smith. “Whether you’ve been birding for years or simply want to learn more, the group has something to offer.”

High Peaks Leads Easy Hike Feb. 11

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Saturday, Feb. 11 for an easy hike on Neal’s Creek Road and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail near the Black Mountain Campground.

The outing will be 1.5 miles with only a gentle climb up Neal’s Creek Road to the intersection with the MST. Hikers can either return to the trailhead via a shortcut (1.5 miles) or follow the MST back to the campground, an option that will extend the hike to 2.5 miles.