Join High Peaks in celebrating North Carolina’s “Great Trails State Day” on Saturday, Oct. 21 by hiking an Appalachian Trail section that offers tremendous views of fall foliage from a rocky promontory near the NC/TN state line.

The outing will be Yancey County’s offering in a statewide effort to sponsor hikes in all 100 North Carolina counties, an initiative spearheaded by a coalition of groups and agencies advocating for state investment in all types of trails - hiking, mountain biking, paddling, equestrian and paved.

The hike is rated as strenuous, following the AT from Spivey Gap to High Rocks, a round-trip distance of 4 miles, with an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet.

Hikers should assemble at the Rose’s Shopping Center parking lot at 8:30 a.m. on the corner overlooking US 19W. The group will take a county van to the trailhead for a donation of $5 per person, reservations required. 

Leashed dogs are welcome on the hike but not allowed on the vans, so you must arrange your own transportation if you want to bring your pet.

Bring lunch, snacks, plenty of water, hiking poles if you use them, a warm jacket and rain gear if the weather demands it. 

For more information or to reserve your seat on the van, contact Hike Leader Jimmie Bowen at  252-450-5224 or jbowen6116@gmail.com.

As always, check the High Peaks Facebook page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to weather.