Where: John Rock, Pisgah Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest

Meet: Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education parking lot

Distance and difficulty: 4.6 miles, moderate; trail type – loop

Elevation gain: 1,066′

Join us for a hike to the summit of John Rock! The highlight of this hike is John Rock, a large granite dome which offers views of the fish hatchery, Looking Glass Rock, and Pilot Mountain; it is a perfect vista for taking in the colors of autumn!

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery in Pisgah National Forest, now closed, was originally the site of a logging community and then a Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Great Depression. It served as a long time wildlife education facility and an important fish hatchery for the area. However, in 2021, the Center suffered extensive damaged from flooding by Tropical Depression Fred, and the Center will not reopen.

*Space is limited and pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants. RSVP in the block/link below and for more information, contact [email protected].

RSVP

This hike sponsored by Conserving Carolina and the NC Cooperative Extension of Transylvania County and is free, guided, and open to the public. The hike will meet at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education parking lot at 12:00 p.m. and will leave promptly at 12:15 p.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size and pace of hikers.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Hannah by email at: [email protected] by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ and/or Facebook page to see if the hike will take place. Please also remember to bring any 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.

Before each hike, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.