Winter Tree ID Hike at the Jackson County Greenway in Cullowhee, NC
2025-02-08 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Jackson County Greenway, 342 Old Cullowhee Rd, Sylva, North Carolina, 28779
Learn how to identify trees in the winter with Western Region Program Coordinator, Tony Ward. The Jackson County Greenway offers a paved, relatively flat walk and features a wide diversity of native trees perfect for identification! During this walk in the woods along the Tuckasegee River, we will discuss the different ways that you can identify trees in your area. This hike is open to all skill levels of tree identifiers. Registration is required.
Although we love our furry friends, please no pets on this outing.
In the event of inclement weather, this outing will be held on Saturday, February 15th at 1pm.

Winter Bird Watch on Lake Chatuge near Hayesville, NC
2025-02-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Chatuge Dam, 1407 Chatuge Dam Rd, Hayesville, NC 28904, 1407 Chatuge Dam Rd,, Hayesville, NC, 28904
Join other MountainTrue folks in our 17th annual caravan around the Lake Chatuge shoreline to view a wide variety of birds. Typically, 18-25 different species are observed on the outing, ranging from small songbirds to larger birds of prey and wintering waterfowl typically associated with more northern climes (e.g. loons!). Retired Young Harris College professor and MountainTrue member, Brenda Hull will lead the bird watch again this year. A spotting scope is provided for up-close views, but participants should still bring binoculars and a favorite bird identification guide, if they have them. Please leave pets at home for this outing.
Registration is required.
In the event of inclement weather, this outing will be held on Saturday, February 22nd.

Help Memorialize the old-growth forest at Brushy Mountain near Cashiers, NC 3/22-CANCELED
2025-03-22 10:00 - 16:00 | The Village Green Playground, 71 US-64, Cashiers, NC, 28717
The top of Brushy Mountain had a very old forest that MountainTrue unsuccessfully tried to protect from a logging project by Nantahala National Forest. The site was logged in the fall of 2024. We are seeking volunteers to help document the age of the trees by counting rings on cut stumps. This information will be compiled in a report that we will use to memorialize the forest and raise awareness of the value of old growth.
Children are welcome if they can hike 4 strenuous miles and are accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing. This is a strenuous hike. As much as we love our furry friends, pets are not allowed.
Meet-up location:
We will meet in Cashiers at the Village Green at 10 a.m. https://maps.app.goo.gl/hydHoEXYBMczpwt38 Then we will carpool to Brushy Mountain. We will be back to Cashiers by 4.
This event has regretfully been canceled.
Please bring: Water, Sturdy Hiking Shoes, Hiking Stick/Pole, Warm layers, Snacks/Lunch

MountainTrue Spring Wildflower & Headwaters Hike in Bostic, NC 4/4-CANCELED
2025-04-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Golden Valley Community Club, 127 Jonestown Rd, Bostic, NC, 28018
We regret that this event has been canceled. Join your Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell, and MountainTrue’s Resilient Forest Director, Josh Kelly, for a half-day hike up one of the Old CC Roads in the South Mountains. These roads were originally built in the 1930s as Civilian Conservation Corps projects during the Great Depression. They now lie in the 21,000 acre South Mountain Game Lands.
We’ll speak about the importance of maintaining these pristine headwaters of the First Broad River, which is Cleveland County’s drinking water supply. Josh will discuss our Forest programs and help us identify flora and fauna.
Meetup is at 10 am sharp at the Golden Valley Communtiy Center: 35.517449, -81.755543
We will then carpool into the remote Game Lands for our hike.
This is a fairly strenuous hike of about 5 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain.
While we love our furry friends and kids, please no dogs or children on this hike.
Please bring:

Appropriate outerwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Water
Lunch and snacks
Walking stick (if you have one)

May Day Floats on the Broad River: Casar to Delight 5/3 (Polkville, NC)-CANCELED
2025-05-03 10:00 - 16:00 | NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch, 4933 Casar Road, Polkville, NC, 28136
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
Join your Broad Riverkeeper in the South Mountain Foothills for a fun paddle on the cool shady waters of the First Broad River. Just downstream from the South Mountain Game Lands and one of our few Outstanding Resource Waters, this is some of the cleanest and life-filled water in the Broad River basin.
Meet up at the brand new NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch (NC 10 PFA, 4933 Casar Road) at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 5 miles. We will be on the water for about 3.5 hours, including a stop for lunch.
Please bring your boat, paddle, and lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is May 4th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.

Nature Yoga & Forest Bathing in Highlands, NC 5/9
2025-05-09 13:00 - 16:00 | Dixon Woods Park, Dixon Woods Park, Highlands, NC, 28741
In partnership with Highlands-Cashier Land Trust, join MountainTrue for a rejuvenating experience of nature yoga and forest bathing. Everyone is welcome, regardless of skill level. Immerse yourself in gentle yoga movements surrounded by nature and unwind in the serene forest. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, relax, and be in community with others.
Please leave pets at home.
Please Bring:
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Yoga mat (we cannot provide additional mats)
– Water (and snacks for yourself)
– Any medication you might need

Registration is required, limited spots available.

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Delight to Lawndale, NC 5/10-CANCELED
2025-05-10 10:00 - 16:00
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
Join your Broad Riverkeeper for another Saturday on the First Broad River. This section of the river is wider and sandier than upstream as the river transitions from the Foothills into the Piedmont.
Meet up at another brand new NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch (Delight Road PFA, Polkville, NC) at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload the boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 7 miles. We will be on the water for about 4.5 hours, including a stop for lunch. The takeout will be at our new Lawndale Park, part of the Stagecoach Greenway https://stagecoachgreenway.com/
Meetup: NCWRC Public Fishing Access on Delight Road
coordinates: 35.442687, -81.615058
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is May 11th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.
Kids aged 12 and up are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing.

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Double Shoals to Zion, NC 5/17-CANCELED
2025-05-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Double Shoals Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd., Shelby, NC, 28150, United States
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
The third consecutive Saturday in May on the First Broad River with your Broad Riverkeeper. This section of river has long been a favorite for locals. The owner of Double Shoals Cotton Mill has permitted us for the last 12 years to access the river at the beautiful and historic site. This part of the river has many beautiful rock outcroppings and fun little rapids.
Meet up right behind the mill at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload the boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 6 miles. We will be on the water for about 4 hours, including a stop for lunch.
meetup: behind Double Shoals Cotton Mill, 199 Old Mill Rd, Shelby, NC 28150
coordinates: 35.381143, -81.545053
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
Kids aged 12 and up are welcome as long as they are accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing.

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Zion to Shelby, NC 5/24-CANCELED
2025-05-24 10:00 - 16:00
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
Making our way out of the Foothills countryside and into the city. The put in spot is privately owned by the Pentecostal Church. They have been very generous in allowing access for Broad Riverkeeper special outings and events, including 9 years of the annual Sarah Sweep! Shelby folks who see this river from a boat often comment that they had no idea of the river’s beauty here, a real wilderness just outside the city.
Meet in the Church’s lower parking lot at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 6.5 miles and includes a difficult portage around Shelby’s water intake dam. We will be on the water for about 5 hours, including a stop for lunch.
Meetup: Pentecostal Apostolic Church, 125 W Zion Church Rd, Shelby, NC 28150
Coordinates: 35.345901, -81.545462
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
Please no children on this section of the river.

May Days on the First Broad River Paddle Trail, Riverhill to Big Bay, SC 5/31-CANCELED
2025-05-31 10:00 - 17:30
Broad Riverkeeper is sad to announce that all May Saturdays Guided Outings will have to be postponed indefinitely. We just learned that contractors, hired by Cleveland County to remove Hurricane debris from the First Broad River, will be working in the entire 50 miles of the waterway over the next few months. We scouted and cleared the first three sections that we had planned for outings. But we don’t have a schedule from the contractors to know when and where they will be working. New potentially dangerous obstacles may be created as the work continues. We recommend that paddlers stay off the First Broad River until we know more as the work progresses. Stay safe! Contact David, your Broad Riverkeeper, david@mountaintrue.org if you have questions.
5th Saturday in May, join your Broad Riverkeeper for a special peek at the final section of the First Broad River as it makes its way to the confluence with the “Big” Broad. The put in is on private property. We are accessing with special permission.
Meet beside the bridge on Riverhill Drive at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling. This section is approximately 9.5 miles (3.5 miles on the First Broad and 6 on the Broad). The river slows down as we near Big Bay, so be prepared to paddle for the final 2 miles. We will be on the water for about 6 hours, including a stop for lunch.
Meetup: northwest side of Riverhill Drive bridge 1724 Riverhill Drive, Shelby, NC
Coordinates: 35.218253, -81.608052
Please bring your boat, paddle, lifejacket (PFD), water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes.
* we have some kayaks available to rent, max. 4 rentals
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
Please no children on this section of the river.
The RAIN DATE for this is June 1st. Please save both dates in your calendar.

Summertime Long Float with MountainTrue & Rutherford Outdoor Coalition in Rutherfordton, NC 7/12
2025-07-12 09:00 - 17:00
Join your Broad Riverkeeper and Rutherford Outdoor Coalition for a long, fun paddle on two sections of the Broad that have just opened up for recreation. North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently completed the Hwy 221 access, our take-out point. We’ll start at the Coxe Road access and paddle 14 miles! The first section of the river is upstream of the confluence with the Green River, so is relatively narrow and shaded with some trees to maneuver around. Once the Green enters the Broad, the river is much wider and has more flow and no obstacles, with a few fun class I-II rapids.
Meetup is at 9:00 AM sharp at the Coxe Road access, 35.292635, -81.991388
We will stop for lunch and a swim along the way. With an average speed of 2-3 mph, total time on the river will be 7 to 8 hours. Not recommended for inexperienced paddlers. (Please, no kids on this trip.)
Please bring: your boat, paddle, and lifejacket, water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), and a dry change of clothes. If you want to enjoy the scenery, you are encouraged to bring binoculars as well.
If you reserve a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
The RAIN DATE is July 19th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar.

MountainTrue Hemlock Hike at John Rock near Brevard, NC 7/19-CANCELED
2025-07-19 09:00 - 12:30 | John Rock Loop Trailhead, Fish Hatchery Ln, Brevard, NC, 28712
We regret that this hike has been canceled. We hope you will check out our other upcoming events! Join MountainTrue and Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) on a guided hike at John Rock to see hemlock trees! Learn from Josh Kelly and HRI’s Olivia Hall about hemlock conservation and the importance of these ecosystems.
John Rock Trail Loop is a moderately difficult 5-mile hike with 1,000 feet of elevation gain. We’ll be back to the trailhead by lunchtime, but please bring plenty of water and any snacks you would like along the way.
*Children are welcome if they can hike up to 5 moderately strenuous miles. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.

As much as we love our furry friends, no pets are permitted on this hike.
Please remember to:
-Wear sturdy hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear).
-Bring water, lunch, snacks and any medications you may need
The trailhead for John Rock Loop Trail is to the left of the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. Park and meet our group at the trailhead at 9 am.
The RAIN DATE for this event will be July 26th. Please save both dates in your calendar.

Snorkel the French Broad River Headwaters in Rosman, NC 8/2
2025-08-02 10:00 - 14:00 | Champion’s Park River Access, Champion Park's River Access - 39 Old Turnpike Rd, Rosman, NC, 28772
Join MountainTrue staff and partners for a guided snorkeling experience on the French Broad River’s headwaters at Champion Park in Rosman, NC. Come reconnect with the river post-Hurricane-Helene. We will be guided by Kevin Merrill – Owner & Biologist with Oxbow River Snorkeling.
Kevin has intimate knowledge of the fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates on this particular site and within Western North Carolina in general. You’ll learn about what you’re seeing, the conservation and preservation efforts occurring to help protect these species and their habitats, and the state of the river after the Hurricane.
Masks, snorkels, wetsuits, and booties can be rented through our partnership with Mountains to Seas. If you rent equipment, please make sure to complete ALL of the sizing fields for each ticketed guest to ensure we get the correct size for wetsuits and booties. The water in August can still be pretty chilly so please plan accordingly. Gear rentals are helping our friends in the recreation field keep their doors open.
Due to the sensitivity of the site and the capacity of our guides, we will be limiting this adventure to two separate two-hour time slots with no more than ten people each.
The first tour starts at 10:00 AM and the second tour at 12:00 PM.
Please Note that snorkeling tours like this one are at the mercy of Mother Nature. High water velocity and poor visibility following a heavy rain event may create conditions unfavorable for this activity to continue as planned. If this occurs for our scheduled date, we will unfortunately need to cancel and refund any expenses.
Register:**If the ticket type or timeslot that you need are not available please contact amy@mountaintrue.org for assistance or to be put on the waitlist. Registration will close on August 1st.

Register for the 10 am tour

Register for the 12 pm tour!

Art in Action: a guided course in drawing nature under threat with artist John Springer & MountainTrue in Pisgah Forest, NC
2025-08-23 10:00 - 14:00 | Pink Bed Picnic Shelter
Join MountainTrue and artist John Springer for a guided outing and drawing course in Pisgah Forest, NC. Reconnect with nature in a place currently under threat from the Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Management Plan. Selected artwork from the outing will be featured in a silent auction, raising funds for the Resilient Forest Program. Mark your calendar for the opening event- Endangered Impressions: a collection of drawings highlighting nature threatened by the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Management Plan.
Meet-up location: Pink Bed Picnic Shelter in Pisgah Forest, NC (coordinates: Latitude 35° 21′ 13.0000″ N Longitude 82° 46′ 40.0001″ W)

From Asheville: take 19/23 to 151 South to the Parkway, and then turn right and travel to 276.

From Brevard: Take US 276 north for about 11 miles.

Look for a large sign on the road indicating the picnic area entrance .

Time: 10 am to 2 pm
This event will be rain or shine. As much as we love our furry friends, please no pets.
Please bring: Weather-appropriate layers, rain gear, water, snacks/lunch and your sense of wonder.
All art supplies will be provided to participants. Donations to help support MountainTrue and artist John Springer are welcome, but not required to participate.
Description about the drawing course:
What is it that draws people to sit along riverbanks? What is it about walking a forest path that awakens curiosity and contemplation? This exercise is geared towards noticing relationships in the visible world by searching for elements and instances in nature that strike you as the participant to pause and ponder. With some initial instruction, we will engage in a series of sketches from a motif. By drawing rapidly, we can put trust in our eyes and declutter our minds, igniting our fluid imaginations to reveal truthful renderings that are unique to us and the moment. By studying the light and dark relationships, we will begin to hone in on the essential elements and reveal the harmoniousness that brings you to your chosen place and aspect, consciously or unconsciously. This is an experience meant to lead towards discovering yourself in nature and the nature within you.
You will receive guided instruction from the artist before setting out on the Pink Beds Loop Hike to draw.
About the hike: This relatively flat loop hike (5.1 miles round trip) – which features a shortcut option – is all about water. You’ll see rare mountain bogs, including glimpses of some rare and endangered species of plants if you’re lucky. You’ll pass through a forest in transition, as beavers have dammed the South Fork Mills River to form their ponds, which are drowning out the trees. You’ll also find crystal clear brooks, wildlife meadows, scenic fern-filled woods, and an optional waterfall. More info here.
About the artist (John Springer)
John Springer (b. 1990, Columbus, GA) is an American artist who lives in Aix-en-Provence, France. By observing particular patterns within nature John seeks to render visually through painting and drawing the universal truths of the human-environment relationship. John’s work emerges at the confluence of nature and culture and it is in this commingling where he sees potential harmonies that can give meaning to our existence. By knowing ourselves and our place in nature John believes each of us can live more fully, more cohesively and more sustainably in the changing modern world.

Why this area?
The Soapstone Ridge, which is just to the south of the Pink Beds, is an extremely diverse forest with numerous rare species and two very popular trails. It is one of the areas prioritized for logging by the Trump Administration and the Pisgah Forest Plan. The Trump administration has directed National Forests to increase logging by 125% annually through 2034. Additionally, there have been two serious attempts to sell up to 3 million acres of National Forest Land this year, and while those proposals do not yet include North Carolina, it is likely that land sale proposals will continue.

Want more information about the art show and silent auction? Click here.
Photo credit: John Springer

POSTPONED: "Sew" in Love with Mama Green in Saluda, NC 10/16
2025-10-16 18:00 - 21:00 | Green Riverkeeper Office, 7347 Ozone Dr, Suite 4, Saluda, NC, 28773
This event has been POSTPONED. Check back in early 2026 for updates. Join MountainTrue and SewAVL for a fun evening of creative expression as you create a custom fabric patch (one-of-kind appliqué) to adorn a shirt or jacket from your closet! Breathe some new life into your wardrobe by embellishing your top while upcycling fabrics that have been curated and pulled from the piles that could have wound up in the landfill. You will get to select up to 3-4 elements of your choosing from the fabric options at the event. Once you have designed your patch, instructor Karmen will sew it onto your garment so you can take it with you when you leave. Light refreshments will be available!
Tickets: $35 (registration fee covers instructor costs; if you want to support our Green Riverkeeper program, we invite you to consider using the additional donation box to make a donation.)
Ages 16+ are welcome (anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the event). This event is beginner friendly and no sewing experience needed!
Please bring: a shirt or jacket to have your patchwork creation sewn on at the event!
About SewAVL: Karmen Milham grew up in the beautiful bay area of Mobile, AL, where her incredibly imaginative mom filled her childhood with all sorts of sewn wonders. Her journey through life brought her to the charming town of Asheville in 2021. A couple of years later, she opened a cozy little store packed with one-of-a-kind remade and up-cycled textile treasures. Karmen’s live/work/studio space in downtown Asheville is a true reflection of who she is and this beautiful community – a vibrant mix of playfulness, dedication to craft, and heartfelt love for creativity, recycling, and self expression. Karmen is excited to share, inspire, and create with you!
Examples for inspiration:

Roadless Area Hike Series - Balsam Cone near Asheville, NC 11/22
2025-11-22 09:00 - 17:00 | Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Asheville, NC, 28805
To highlight the importance of the Forest Service Roadless Rule, MountainTrue will be leading monthly hikes to roadless areas. In November, we will hike the incredibly unique and scenic Black Mountain Crest trail through the Balsam Cone Roadless Area.
*Children age 10 and up are welcome if they can hike strenuous miles. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.

As much as we love our furry friends, no pets are permitted on this hike.
Please remember to:
-Wear sturdy hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear).
-Bring at least 2.0 liters of water, lunch, snacks and any medications or personal items you may need
This is a strenuous hike with high elevation so please bring warm layers.
The hike will depart from Mount Mitchell State Park and follow the Black Mountain Crest Trail. We will carpool from the Folk Art Center on the Parkway at 9 a.m. https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ryqv6qoffMaun1tf7

Roadless Area Hike Series - Boteler Peak near Hayesville, NC 12/6
2025-12-06 10:00 - 17:00
MountainTrue is holding a series of hikes to Forest Service Roadless Areas to highlight the importance and success of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which protects 58.5 million acres nationwide. In December, we will visit one of North Carolina’s lesser known 5000′ peaks, Boteler Peak in the Nantahala National Forest of Clay County. This is a moderately strenuous hike, about 4.5 miles with 1,400′ of elevation change. Participants will experience a diversity of forest types and ages and a good view from the rocky summit of Boteler Peak.
*Children age 10 and up are welcome if they can hike strenuous miles. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.

As much as we love our furry friends, no pets are permitted on this hike.
Please remember to:
-Wear sturdy hiking shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather (including rain gear).
-Bring at least 2.0 liters of water, lunch, snacks and any medications or personal items you may need
The hike begins at the Chunky Gal Trailhead, northbound, on US HWY 64 https://maps.app.goo.gl/ytNfRwnZH8CSsSjY9.
**Carpool from Asheville at Cracker Barrel at Exit 44 on I-40 at 8:15 a.m. https://maps.app.goo.gl/UtHDAv2FkNe2MYWJA
