Due to the rainy weather on Feb. 22, the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) had to cancel the hike scheduled for that day. The hike to Ashmore Heritage Preserve has been rescheduled for Friday, March 8. Participants will head to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources managed Preserve, for a 4-mile, moderate hike. Pam Torlina, PAC’s Land Protection Specialist, will lead the hike, an out and back with a loop. The trek starts on the newly opened Mountain Bridge Passage Trail (MBPT), meandering through a mature forest. After entering the Preserve, the MBPT will lead hikers along a cascading stream and to a beautiful waterfall. Hikers will back track and pick up a loop trail that leads around Lake Wattacoo, a man-made lake at the base of Campbell Mountain/the Blue Wall escarpment. Then hikers will follow a stream back to the MBPT and back to their vehicles. The preserve features a natural bog, which creates favorable habitat for rare plants and other species unique to the region.

If you are interested in attending the PAC hike at Ashmore Heritage Preserve, please contact the PAC office to sign up by phone at 828-859-5060 or e-mail, landprotection@pacolet.org.

Hikers will be meeting at the Gowensville Spinx at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 45-minute drive to the trailhead. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require. Hikers should be prepared to return to the area by 3 p.m., at the latest. In case of inclement weather, please contact the PAC office by 8:15 a.m. on the day of the hike to see if the hike will take place.