The Challenge hikes include scenic locations such as the 360-degree view from the summit of Bearwallow Mountain and the old growth forests of CMLC’s 600-acre Florence Nature Preserve. Also featured in the Challenge are several waterfalls, including Bridal Veil Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest — a filing location in the recent movie The Hunger Games. Participants also have the opportunity to hike to Worlds Edge — a nearly 1,600-acre tract protected by CMLC in 2006. The tract was instrumental component in the ultimate creation of Chimney Rock State Park.

Version 2.0 is CMLC’s second release of the program following a successful first year that achieved 80 challenge completers and more than 900 hikes taken on conserved lands. This year’s version 2.0 of the Challenge features a new lineup of eight hikes on more lands protected by CMLC.

To find out more or to enroll in the White Squirrel CMLC Hiking Challenge Version 2.0, visit www.carolinamountain.org/hikingchallenge2

– article submitted by Peter Barr