Where: Bearwallow Mountain

Meet: Bearwallow Mountain Trailhead, Bearwallow Mountain Road

Time: 11:00 a.m.

What to expect: 2–mile, easy/moderate; trail type-loop; elevation change ~500′

Join Conserving Carolina & Blue Ridge Humane Society for a hike &

walk an adoptable dog!

Hikers, and their dogs, are invited to join Conserving Carolina and Blue Ridge Humane Society (BRHS) on Wednesday, April 24^th at 11 a.m. for an approximately 2-mile hike up Bearwallow Mounatain. Conserving Carolina’s Community Engagement Director, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike from the trail head off of Bearwallow Mountain Road.

This is a great opportunity to give an adoptable dog a break from the Adoption Center and allow them to enjoy a nice, socializing walk in the outdoors. There is a limit to the number of dogs that can come from BRHS, so if you’re interested in walking a dog, please contact Cameron Davis, Volunteer Manager for BRHS by Monday, April 1^st to arrange a time for training orientation, pairing with the appropriate dog, and to sign a volunteer waiver. Cameron can be reached at, [email protected]. Participants may also bring their own dog on the hike so long as they are kept on leash and do not have any nose-to-nose meetings with the BRHS dogs. If bringing your own dog, there is no need to go through orientation at BRHS.

The approximately 2-mile easy/moderate, loop hike begins by ascending Bearwallow Mountain, gaining just over 500’ in elevation in approximately 1 mile. The trail traverses through a maturing hardwood forest before opening up to a grassy meadow near the mountain’s summit at 4,232 feet above sea level. Here, hikers will enjoy a nearly 280° panoramic view of the surrounding mountains with views that include Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Pisgah. This breathtaking vista also includes a birds-eye view of Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Hendersonville, and the high country of South Carolina. A historic fire lookout tower occupies the summit, as do grazing cattle who call the mountaintop home.

After taking in the sights and enjoying a little break and snack near the summit of the mountain, hikers and their dogs will complete the loop by returning to the trailhead by traveling a gravel service road on the property.

Pre-registration is mandatory, and space is limited to 20 participants. To register, please RSVP below.

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear and dogs must be on a leash and accustomed to being around many other dogs. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water (don’t forget snacks for your pooch!). Treat bags will be provided. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by e-mail, [email protected], by 8 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website event or Facebook page to see if the hike will take place.

The Blue Ridge Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization started in 1950 and dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities. BRHS cares for pets awaiting adoption at the Adoption Center; offers low-cost vaccine clinics, animal education programs, pet training classes, and youth education and projects; coordinates community pet food assistance, emergency vet assistance, and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program (SNIP), which is a collaboration with Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, and the Henderson County Animal Services Center. If you believe in our cause, consider donating or learning how to volunteer by visiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society’s website at www.blueridgehumane.org or call (828) 692-2639.

For more information contact Pam Torlina by email at: [email protected].