North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association & Friends of Mount Mitchell State Park

It’s Spring and the High Peaks Birders are ramping for a full schedule of monthly birding strolls that should offer fun for both experienced birders and novices.

“We’re excited to have the High Peaks Birders heading out into the field again,” said High Peaks President Dennis Smith. “Whether you’ve been birding for years or simply want to learn more, the group has something to offer.”

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Saturday, Feb. 11 for an easy hike on Neal’s Creek Road and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail near the Black Mountain Campground.

The outing will be 1.5 miles with only a gentle climb up Neal’s Creek Road to the intersection with the MST. Hikers can either return to the trailhead via a shortcut (1.5 miles) or follow the MST back to the campground, an option that will extend the hike to 2.5 miles.

Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Thursday, Jan. 19 for a pleasant hike at Lake James near Marion. The outing will feature visits to three historic cemeteries in the park. This outing was originally scheduled for December but was postponed because of bad weather.

The approximately 4-mile hike is rated as easy to moderate as it will mostly follow level, graded trails that offer local history and beautiful lake views. Some off-trail hiking will be necessary to see one of the graveyards.

Start the New Year off right by joining the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Monday, Jan. 2 for one of two hikes at the Black Mountain Campground. Both outings will visit picturesque Setrock Falls.

A moderate, 2.5-mile jaunt on the Lower River Loop is best for beginners and those in need of getting in shape. The more ambitious hike will cover 3.7 miles on the Upper River Loop and includes a couple of steep uphill climbs. Both groups will stop at the waterfall, and both hikes will last 2 to 3 hours. 

Experienced, fit hikers are invited to join High Peaks for an extremely strenuous adventure on the Black Mountain Crest Trail on Friday, Dec. 2.

This all-day hike of 9 miles will go up the Woody Ridge Trail, south along the Crest Trail over Winter Star Peak to Deep Gap and then back down the Colbert Ridge Trail. Only seasoned, tough hikers should try this, and they should be prepared for weather conditions that may include sub-zero windchills and icy trail conditions.

Join NC High Peaks for a moderate hike on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to a lovely spot with wonderful views of the Asheville watershed and surrounding mountains on Saturday, Nov. 12.

The outing is about two miles out-and-back, with about 350 feet of elevation change. But the trail has several sections of tricky, uneven rock steps that can be hazardous if wet and slippery, so hikers with balance problems should not participate. 

At our NC High Peaks Annual Meeting on October 15 we will be electing four new members to the Board of Directors.  We are very excited to nominate two former board members and two brand new members!  Please review their biographies and be prepared to vote for the candidate(s) of your choice.