THE BLUE RIDGE GROUP HAS THREE NEW OUTINGS LEADERS! Recently Dale Kirkley, Bailey Rathbone and Shelton Wilder completed the Sierra Club's Outings Leader Training. Shelton and Bailey have both completed their provisional hikes and are now official Outings Leaders. Dale will lead his first hike sometime in April. Registration for all outings and events will be available on the calendar on our Home Page.
Big Lost Cove Cliffs Hike - October 24
Big Lost Cove Cliffs Trail leads out to rock outcrops that overlook Lost Cove Creek in the Pisgah National Forest. This 3.5-mile hike is an out-and-back hike with about 700' of elevation gain. At the end of the trail are rock outcrops where we will relax and enjoy the views of the Lost Cove Creek Wilderness Study Area. This is one of the areas that will be affected if the Trump Administration's rescission of the Roadless Rule goes through. The first section of the trail is where most of the elevation gain occurs, followed by a relatively level mid-section, and and downhill stretch that ends at the outcrops. There are some significant eroded areas and hiking poles are recommended. It takes bout 1-1/2 hours to reach the rocks where we will relax for up to an hour. Bring a snack, water, and maybe a book to enjoy while taking in the beautiful view. We will meet at the View Lost Cove Cliffs Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 310.0 at 9:00. We will drive from there to the trailhead. If we have the time and the desire we can also add a hike to the nearby Little Lost Cove Cliffs.
PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE HIKE USING THIS LINK. If we need to cancel the hike due to weather or other event, we will use your registration information to contact you.
Recommended Items: Please dress in layers and bring rain gear if needed. Hiking poles are recommended due to condition of the trail in some sections. Bring snacks if desired and at least one liter of water. If anyone is feeling sick, and/or has a fever, they should not attend this outing.
Signup Restrictions: Dogs are allowed but they must be on a leash no longer than 6' and be well-behaved. Solid waste is to be bagged and carried out. Please bring your pet waste collection items. Minors (under 18 years old) must be accompanied and supervised by parents or other adult family members.
Price Lake Trail Workday - October 25
Blue Ridge Group has adopted the Price Lake Trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway and will be having workdays twice a year. Our first will be Sunday October 25 from 10:00 until about 1:00. We will walk the 2.3-mile long trail, cutting back rhododendron and other vegetation that are encroaching into the path. We will also clear debris that has fallen across the trail. We will be joined by our friends from High Country Wild (NC Wildlife Federation), Transition Blue Ridge, and High Country Audubon Society. Please wear closed-toed shoes and bring gloves. We will have some pruners, loppers, and hand saws but if you want to bring your own that would be helpful. Water and a snack are suggested. Register for this event HERE.
A Wonderful Day of Kayaking on the New River
We had a great morning of paddling on the New River yesterday. Thanks to Kelly and her amazing staff at RiverGirl Fishing Company for taking us out on the river and teaching us about the river and associated plants and animals. We'll have news about our next outing shortly.
A Successful Hike at Elk Knob State Park
We had a great hike at Elk Knob State Park July 26. Thanks to all who joined us. It was great getting to meet some new people. We'll have in formation about our kayaking trip August 9 in the next few days. Hope to see you then.
