Guided hikes will be offered to a variety of destinations in the southern mountains, including Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, and more. Get more information at the official web site.
In 2002, the town of Canton’s Board of Alderman approved a conservation easement for the Rough Creek watershed draining parts of the Newfound Mountains, which the town owns. Now, they have endorsed a trail to be built for hiking and mountain biking through the watershed. (more…)
A man fell off the lower tier of Triple Falls at around 3:30 PM Thursday, sustaining head injuries. He was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital. (Update 8/8/07: The man identified as Joseph H. Leonard, 54, of Easton, Md., died on Saturday, August 4 from his injuries). (more…)
The Foothills Conservancy recently purchased a 23 acre tract of land for $400,000.00 on loan, which connects a publicly accessible road with the section of Pisgah National Forest containing Catawba Falls. Now, the conservancy has 2 years to repay the loan, which it hopes to do by selling the land as quickly as possible to the Forest Service. Until that time, public access will be limited to guided hikes but this represents a magnificent opportunity for residents and visitors of Western North Carolina. You can find out more and make a donation on the Foothills Conservancy’s web site.
Just in time for the 4th of July, the Moore Cove Falls trail has reopened.
As reported on BlueRidgeNow.com, Connestee Falls, a gem located right next to US Hwy. 276 and a real estate office south of Brevard, is to be sold to the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy to become a public park. The owner has commendably allowed public access to the falls all along, but this transition will ensure public access into the future.
The Moore Cove Falls trail and Best Hike is closed while repairs are made to the bridge over Looking Glass Creek. The Forest Service hopes to reopen the trail by July 1.
As reported in this Asheville Citizen Times article, more greenways are envisioned for Western North Carolina - including connections to Hendersonville, Brevard, Dupont State Forest, and Tennessee from Asheville. But don’t hold your breath. Only 6 of 29 miles of greenways planned for the city of Asheville are on the ground, and they’re short and disconnected. Let’s finish what we already have planned first before dreaming that big!
North Carolina has agreed to pay $24 million for the coveted piece of land. More importantly, the park owners were willing to accept it - after asking $55 million to begin when the park was put up for sale. You can find articles about the sale on the Chimney Rock Park page.
The iconic tower atop 6,684′ Mount Mitchell has been torn down. It will be replaced with a 10-foot high circular platform, and the formerly stairstepped summit path will be paved, thus making it completely accessible. Get more information in this article in the Asheville Citizen-Times