Fit, experienced hikers are invited to join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Friday, Feb. 21 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.

Depending on the weather, hikers may be treated to spectacular views of the Black Mountain chain from Little Butt, our destination, and also west toward the Smokies from the Big Butt summit.

Please meet at the Roses Shopping Center Parking lot on the corner overlooking US Highway 19E at 9:00 a.m. We’ll carpool from there, or hikers may meet the group at 9:45 a.m. at Cane River Gap on NC 197. The hike should take 4-5 hours to complete.

Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch and enough layers to be ready for whatever weather the group may face. Bring hiking poles if you use them.

This trail suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, but is one of the few in our area to be re-opened by the US Forest Service. That decision came only after several days of hard work by the High Peaks/Carolina Mountain Club Monday Trail Crew, which cleared about 150 downed trees and repaired numerous root-ball holes.

Contact hike leader Jimmie Bowen at jimmie@nchighpeaks.org to sign up and let him know where you will meet the group.

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