Where: Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve

Meet: 3161 U.S. 176, Tryon, NC  (the old Felburn Nature Library), at 11:15 a.m.

5.5-miles, moderately strenuous; trail type-lollipop

Hikers, and their dogs, are invited to join Conserving Carolina and the Foothills Humane Society (FHS) on Saturday, April 9 for a 5.5-mile hike at Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve in South Carolina.

This is a great opportunity to give a shelter dog a break from the shelter and allow them to enjoy a nice, socializing walk in the woods. There is a limit to the number of dogs that can come from the shelter, so if you’re interested in walking a dog, please contact Stephanie Aull, Community Relations Manager and Development Coordinator for FHS by Wednesday, March 30^th  to arrange a time for training orientation, pairing with the appropriate dog, and to sign a volunteer waiver. Stephanie 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 shelter dogs.  *We have reached the limited number of dogs that can come from the shelter, but if you’d like to join us solo or with your own dog, please RSVP below!

The 5.5-mile hike is 2.75-miles out and 2.75-miles back and it starts out as relatively easy, winding through new growth forest and along several streams, gradually becoming moderately strenuous as the trail ascends Squirrel Mountain through a rich hardwood forest with beautiful rock outcroppings. After reaching the ridge top, the trail descends Squirrel Mountain through a lush cove forest to the South Pacolet River, at the base of Chestnut Ridge.

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

Hikers will meet at 3161 U.S. 176 (the old Felburn Nature Library), at 11:15 a.m. to check in, arrange carpooling, and start the approximately 30-minute drive to the parking area. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead and would like to make other meeting arrangements or if you have other questions, please contact Pam Torlina at, [email protected]. Hikers should be prepared to return to the area in the late afternoon.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water (don’t forget snacks for your pooch!).

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by email at: pam@conservingcarolina by 9:00 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 leader 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.