Join the Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) on Friday, Oct. 23, for a 4.4-mile, out and back, moderate/strenuous hike to Shortoff Mountain, the third hike of PAC’s Fall Hiking Series, rescheduled from Oct. 2. All of the 1,300 feet of elevation gain on this hike occurs in the first mile. It is a steady upward climb right from the trailhead. PAC’s Director of Stewardship & Land Protection Pam Torlina, will lead the trek.

Shortoff Mountain, elevation 2,883 feet, is a large plateau with sheer cliffs along the rim.  It is located in the Linville Gorge Wilderness in Pisgah National Forest’s Grandfather Ranger District. This hike offers spectacular panoramic views of the Linville Gorge, Tablerock, the Linville River and Lake James.

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

Hikers are asked to meet at the Bi-Lo in Columbus at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately one hour and 15 minute drive to the Shortoff Mountain Trailhead. Hikers should be prepared to return to the area in the late afternoon.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. 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.

In case of inclement weather, please contact the PAC office by 8:15 on the day of the hike, check the PAC website, pacolet.org and/or the PAC Facebook page, www.facebook.com/pacoletarea.conservancy, to see if the hike will take place.

If you cannot make this hike but would like to attend future hikes, please visit PACs website, or PAC’s Facebook page for information on upcoming hikes.

– Submitted by Pam Torlina