On Friday, November 8th, Conserving Carolina and Polk County Recreation will partner to offer a 10-mile one way, strenuous hike along the Weed Patch Mountain trail in Hickory Nut Gorge. Polk County Recreation Director, Jerry Stensland, will lead the hike.

 

This is a unique opportunity to hike the entire distance of the award-winning Weed Patch Mountain trail. Participants are asked to meet at the Ingles on Hwy 9, south of Lake Lure, at 8:15 a.m. From there, the group will gather into two vans, provided by Polk County Recreation, for a 1-hour shuttle to the starting point at Eagle Rock in Chimney Rock State Park. The hike will follow the trail as it traverses along rock outcrops, over pristine mountain streams, and through an old growth forest. In addition, this hike will offer spectacular long range views before ending at Buffalo Creek Park where the vans will be waiting to drive the group back to their cars at Ingles.

Due to limited seating in the shuttle vehicles, there is a cap on the number of people that can be accommodated, so sign-up is mandatory. Currently, there are no seats available, but those that are interested in the hike are encouraged to call and get on the waiting list; occasionally, those that signed up cannot attend and there may be an opportunity to fill their spot. People are welcome to arrange their own shuttle and join the hike too. Contact Pam Torlina, Conserving Carolina’s southeast stewardship manager at pam@conservingcarolina.org to sign up. 

Participants will leave Ingles promptly at 8:30 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and snack and plenty of water for yourself.  Please also remember to bring any personal medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine, nitroglycerine, insulin, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs. 

In case of inclement weather, those that have signed up will receive an email by 7:30 a.m. on the date of the hike, and you can check Conserving Carolina’s Facebook page and website calendar of events for updates.

For more info visit, www.conservingcarolina.org.

Submitted by Pam Torlina