NC High Peaks Trail Assn and Friends of Mt Mitchell State Park

This is our third year in a row conducting the CBC in Yancey County.  We encourage everyone, young and old, expert and beginner, to join us in this citizen/science project.  This year we are expanding the count to include more of the county and can use all the help we can get.

There are two ways to participate:           

     1. Join a team and count all day by car and on foot.

     2. Count at your backyard feeder.

To sign up and for more information, email birds@nchighpeaks.org.

Join us for the first Board Meeting of 2017 on Thursday, January 12, 9 am, at Appalachian Java in Burnsville. Members and guests are always welcome.

Join the N.C. High Peaks Trail Association for a fun hike at spectacular Grandfather Mountain on Saturday, Nov. 5. This loop hike will follow the Tanawa Trail to the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, then up to Flat Rock View spot where the group should be treated to nice views during lunch. The trek will continue down Cragway to the Nuwati Trail and finally loop back to the Tanawa Trail and the starting point.

The hike is rated as moderate in difficulty with a total distance of 4.5 miles.

Plan to join NC High Peaks as we taste the first wine of the season at Burnsville Wine and... on Saturday, November 19 from 4 to 6 pm. This annual tradition is a fun way to learn more about the club, study maps and upcoming hiking schedules, browse club merchandise for sale, while enjoying snacks and sips of the first Beaujolais of the season.

The next board meeting will be Thursday, November 17 at 9 am at Appalachian Java. Members are always welcome to attend.

The N.C. High Peaks Trail Association invites members and the public to its annual meeting at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 15 at the Yancey County Library in Burnsville.

The group will elect four High Peaks Board members and review the past year’s activities, while previewing an exciting schedule of hikes, trail maintenance days and other activities for the coming year. One of the rangers from the US Forest Service, Appalachian Ranger District will provide a short talk about future cooperation between the Forest Service and High Peaks.  Light refreshments will be served.

NC High Peaks birders will host the monthly birding stroll this Saturday, October 29. We will meet at Cane River Park at 9 am in the main parking lot near the kiosk and walk along the fields and into the woods by the river.  Many fall migrants have been spotted in the park in recent days.  We expect this trend to continue through October. Bring binoculars, and dress for the weather.  Birding will happen rain or shine if at all possible.  All skill levels from beginner to expert, including adults and children, are welcome.  For more information email us at

The N.C. High Peaks Trail Association will lead one of its most challenging – and rewarding – hikes of the year when the club takes on the Black Mountain Crest Trail on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the peak of the high elevation leaf color season. The outing will be followed by a pot luck supper and party in the Cattail Community.

Old Timey Day in Burnsville is this Saturday, September 24 from 10 am to 4 pm. The NC High Peaks booth will be located at the East end of the square. Our booth will be loaded with T-shirts, maps, beer mugs, pint glasses, wine glasses, and sun catchers/Christmas tree ornaments. This will also be a great opportunity for you to renew your membership if you haven't yet done so.

Stop by and visit with us. We'll have information on our upcoming hikes, trail maintenance opportunities, and local hiking trails.

See you there!

With Autumn soon approaching Yancey County’s higher elevations, the NC High Peaks Trail Association will lead a hike over 6,320-foot Blackstock Knob on Saturday, Sept. 17.This difficult trek of 5 miles will include a climb and descent of more than 1,000 feet, some of it over rough rock steps that can be slippery if wet.