Join the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) for five Friday hikes offered this fall, free of charge. Starting Friday, Sept. 18, PAC’s first hike will head to Pisgah National Forest, the Bradley Creek, Squirrel Gap, Poundingmill, and South Mills River trails for a 5.8-mile, moderate trek along the South Mills River, through hardwood and coniferous forests, and traversing numerous streams.

On Oct. 2, just in time for the start of fall color, hikers will head to the Linville Gorge Wilderness for a 4.4-mile, moderate (with short sections strenuous) hike to Shortoff Mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views up the Linville Gorge and of Lake James.

On Oct. 16, for more views autumn foliage, the group will head to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Mountains to Sea trail for a six-mile, moderate hike over Green Knob.  The hike will offer beautiful views of Shining Rock Wilderness, Cold Mountain, and Looking Glass Rock.

On Oct. 30, with the hope of more views of autumn leaf color, trekkers head to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center for an approximately three-mile hike to Purchase Knob.  This hike offers beautiful, long-distance views of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Finally, on Nov. 13, hikers will head to Pisgah National Forest to the Slate Rock Creek trails for a 6.8-mile, easy/moderate, hike in the Mills River area.  This hike crosses several streams and offers views of two waterfalls and several cascades on Slate Rock Creek.

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

If you are interested in attending the PAC fall hikes and would like more information, please 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.

– Submitted by Pam Torlina