Where: Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

Meet: Ironwood Square, Conserving Carolina’s office, 847 Case Street, Hendersonville, NC

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Trail info.: 5.5 miles, moderate; trail type – out and back

Elevation gain: 823′

Drive time: approximately 35 minutes

Join us for an approximately 5.5-mile, moderate, out and back hike in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Leaving from Asbury Hills Camp and Retreat Center in Cleveland, South Carolina, the trail winds through a maturing forest and offers great winter views of Table Rock.  At one point, hikers will have to cross Matthews Creek using a cable crossing (one cable for your feet and one cable for your hands).  This is the easiest way to cross the creek, though rock hopping and wadding may be possible.  The cable crossing may test your courage but it will offer a great sense of accomplishment!

Approaching the waterfall, hikers will arrive near the top of the falls and take a short, fairly steep descent to a cave behind the falls.  This offers a unique view of the waterfall.  There will also be an opportunity to hike down to the base of the falls to take in the full splendor of this hidden gem.

The waterfall was named for the illegal moonshining activity that occurred in the ‘cave’ behind the falls, and old moonshining barrels still remain behind the falls.  This waterfall plunges like a veil 40 feet over a dark granite cliff, strikes a ledge, turns 90 degrees and plunges into a pool.

Pre-registration is mandatory, and space is limited to 20 participants. RSVP below.  If the RSVP is closed, the hike is full. You can email Pam Torlina (email below) and request to be put on a waiting list and you’ll be contacted if a space opens up.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this spring, free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at 847 Case Street at 8:30 a.m. 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 below) 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 (below) by 7:30 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ event 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, please do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.