Where: Pisgah National Forest’s Southern Research Station at Bent Creek, near Lake Powhatan from the Hard Times Trailhead

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

6 miles, moderate, loop

This moderate hike is an approximately 6 mile loop heading out from the Hard Times Trailhead traversing through the forest and next to Bent Creek before making their way to the South Ridge Road trail, looping around for up close views of Lake Powhatan before heading back to the trailhead.  This hike offers great views of the surrounding mountain ridges, creeks and streams, emersion in the forest, and views of Lake Powhatan.

Pre-registration is mandatory, and space is limited to 30 participants. RSVP below.  *Pre-registration is closed. 

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall, free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at various locations (noted for each date) 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 locations. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above and number below) 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: pam@conservingcarolina by 8:00 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.