Where: Ashmore Heritage Preserve to High Rock overlook

Meet: Ironwood Square, Conserving Carolina’s office, 847 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC, at 8:30 a.m.

Distance and difficulty: 5.1 miles, moderate/difficult; trail type – lollipop

Elevation gain: 1,023′

Approximately 45 minute drive

Participants will head to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources managed Preserve. The trek starts at the trailhead off of Persimmon Ridge Road, meandering through a mature forest. After 0.4 miles, the trail will start to ascent the Blue Ridge Escarpment, reaching High Rock overlook after 1.8 miles. High Rock overlook offers beautiful views of the Piedmont. Hikers will back track and pick up a loop trail that leads them around Lake Wattacoo, a man-made lake at the base of Campbell Mountain/the Blue Ridge escarpment. Then hikers will follow a stream back to the parking area. There is the possibility for some wet stream crossings.

*Space is limited and pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants. Registration, by RSVP below, opens at 9:00 am Friday, October 13, 2023.  

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall that is free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at Ironwood Plaza (Conserving Carolina’s office) and will leave promptly at 8:45 a.m. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size, distance of hike, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting location. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above) to make other meeting arrangements.

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 Pam Torlina by email at: [email protected] by 8:00 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.