Where: Youngs Mountain

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

Distance and difficulty: 4.2 miles, moderate/strenuous; trail type – out and back

Elevation gain: 1,200′

Approximately 50 minute drive

Located on the north side of Lake Lure, this trail ascends 1,200 feet in elevation to reach the top of scenic cliffs near the summit of the mountain. This dramatic destination offers panoramic views of Lake Lure, Rumbling Bald, Weed Patch Mountain, and the lower Hickory Nut Gorge. On a clear day, Mt. Mitchell and the Black Mountains are also visible.

This trail traverses 437 acres of land protected by Conserving Carolina. It is part of the emerging Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail network, and will one day connect to other trails, including the nearby Weed Patch Mountain Trail. The Youngs Mountain Trail also represents a likely future connection between the Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and the proposed Wilderness Gateway State Trail, which will ultimately extend as far east as Hickory!

*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, September 1, 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., unless otherwise specified. 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.