The final PAC hike will take place on Nov. 15, as hikers head to Catawba Falls in Pisgah National Forest (Appalachian District) for a 3.8-mile moderate out and back hike to view the falls.

New this year, PAC invites the public to participate in a “Hiking Challenge.” Complete all five PAC hikes this fall and receive a custom bumper sticker acknowledging your accomplishment.

Those interested in attending the PAC fall hikes who would like more information, can call the PAC office at 828-859-5060 or e-mail landprotection@pacolet.org. You can also find information on PAC’s website, www.pacolet.org, and on PAC’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pacoletarea.conservancy.

PAC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) qualified conservation organization (land trust) that works with landowners to ensure the long-term protection of their land through voluntary conservation easements. Conservation easements enable landowners to maintain ownership and management of their property, preserving precious natural resources (open lands, forests, wildlife habitat, scenic vistas, farmland, stream banks, etc.), and potentially obtain significant federal, state, and local tax benefits. PAC’s mission is to protect and conserve our area’s natural resources with a vision of a community living and growing in harmony with our natural heritage and a goal to provide a legacy that will endure and be valued by generations to come.

– article submitted by Pam Torlina