Where: John Rock

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

Distance and difficulty: 4.8–miles, strenuous; trail type-loop

Elevation gain: 1,062′

Approximately 50 minute drive

Join us for a beautiful hike through Pisgah National Forest on the John Rock Loop Trail. The trail winds alongside streams, through lush rhododendron and hardwood forests, climbing to the expansive granite face of John Rock. From the overlook, hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Looking Glass Rock, Pilot Mountain, and the surrounding mountains…hopefully in their autumn glory!

This fairly challenging loop offers a wonderful mix of forests, flowing water, mountain scenery, and one of Pisgah’s most impressive viewpoints. Hikers should be prepared for a sustained climb, stream crossings, and uneven, rocky terrain. Please use caution near the exposed rock face, where steep drop-offs are present.

*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 2, 2026.  

Contact pam@conservingcarolina.org 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: pam@conservingcarolina.org by 7:00 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ 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.