The NC High Peaks Trail Association will lead a moderately strenuous hike on the Appalachian Trail from Spivey Gap to the High Rocks vista on Friday, May 23. This out-and-back trek will cover four miles total with 1400 feet of elevation gain, taking 2-3 hours to complete. The view from High Rocks can be spectacular.

Hikers will be treated to a beautiful trail, but also areas of severe storm damage from Helene. Volunteers from High Peaks and the Carolina Mountain Club cleared much of the storm damage, which included large swaths of mature trees blown down helter-skelter.

Please meet in the Rose’s Shopping Center parking lot at 9:00 a.m. Friday and we’ll carpool for the 30-minute drive to the trailhead at Spivey Gap. Alternatively you can meet the group at the trailhead at 9:30 a.m.

Bring snacks and/or lunch and plenty of water. Sturdy hiking footwear is recommended and hiking poles may be helpful. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to come along.

Contact hike leader Jimmie Bowen at jimmie@nchighpeaks.org or 252-450-5224 to let him know you are coming and where you plan to meet the group. Please check the High Peaks Facebook page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to weather.