The Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) on Friday, Sept. 20, will lead a 5.4-mile, easy/moderate loop hike at the Pink Beds in Pisgah National Forest, the first hike of PAC’s Fall Hiking series.  PAC’s Director of Stewardship and Land Protection, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike, which begins at the Pink Beds Picnic Area. The trail is located in a unique, relatively flat, high-elevation valley and loops around a mountain bog that contains several rare and endangered species of plants. Hikers will also enjoy the rich cove forest, clear streams, wildlife meadows and scenic fern-filled woods.

The area is named for the profusion of pink wildflowers, including Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron, which appear in the spring and summer. The forest is one of the first to be managed through modern forestry techniques, earning it the nickname “The Cradle of Forestry in America.” The Cradle of Forestry is a 6,500-acre National Historic Site within the Pisgah National Forest, set aside by Congress to commemorate the beginning of forestry conservation in the United States.

If you are interested in attending the PAC hike at the Pink Beds in Pisgah National Forest, contact the PAC office by phone at 828-859-5060 or e-mail landprotection@pacolet.org.

Hikers will meet at the Columbus BiLo at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately one-hour drive to the trailhead. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring a bag lunch and/or snack, and plenty of water. Be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require. Hikers should be prepared to return to the area by around 3 p.m. In case of inclement weather, contact the PAC office by 8:15 a.m. on the day of the hike to see if the hike will take place.

If you cannot make this hike, but would like to attend future hikes, visit PAC’s website, www.pacolet.org or go to PACs Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pacoletarea.conservancy, for information on upcoming hikes. The next hike is scheduled for Oct. 4 to Bald Rock Overlook at Table Rock State Park.