Where: Florence Nature Preserve

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

5 mile, moderate, lollipop

This hike will take place at Conserving Carolina’s Florence Nature Preserve on trails that traverse the slopes of Little Pisgah Mountain. The Preserve features pristine creeks and cascades, scenic rock outcrops, the ruins of an old homesite, and areas of old growth forest. Hikers will also enjoy beautiful views of the Hickory Nut Gorge.

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

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.