Where: Little White Oak Mountain

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

Distance and difficulty: 3.5–miles, moderate; trail type-figure eight-ish

Elevation gain: 390′

Approximately 30 minute drive

Join us for a 3.5-mile hike through the scenic Little White Oak Mountain trail system in Mill Spring. We’ll wind our way through hardwood and pine forests, along quiet coves and ridgelines, and across clear mountain streams as we explore a variety of natural-surface trails.

The route offers a little bit of everything—from the steady climb of The Escalator to the rolling paths of Laurel Loco and Ripsaw Cove, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in the sights and sounds of the forest. With November’s changing leaves, we’ll keep our eyes open for beautiful displays of fall color along the way.

This hike is a wonderful opportunity to experience a growing trail network on land that was once slated for development but is now protected as part of a 440-acre Polk County park. Come explore the mountain, enjoy the autumn scenery, and discover one of the area’s newer outdoor destinations!

Hikers should expect a few creek crossings, and waterproof boots are recommended. There will be plenty of great spots for photos, and we’re hoping to catch some beautiful fall color along the way!

*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 30, 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.