Join NC High Peaks for a hike on the beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail from Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain on Saturday, May 9. This moderately challenging out-and-back hike will cover a total of 6.2 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain and will take about four hours to complete.

Hikers will meet in the Roses parking lot on Reservoir Road in Burnsville at 8:00 a.m. and carpool the one-hour trip to the trailhead at Beauty Spot. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended and hiking poles if you use them. Parts of the trail are exposed so hats and sunscreen may be helpful.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, but be prepared to clean up after your pet and bring extra water.

As always, please check the High Peaks Facebook page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to the weather. Contact Hike Leader Jimmie Bowen at jimmie@nchighpeaks.org if you have questions or to let him know you plan to attend.