• Meet: at the parking area west of Home Trust Bank, 651 W. Mills St., Columbus; 8:30 a.m.
• Hiking Distance:8 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain:1,100 feet
• Difficulty:Strenuous
• Trail type: Out & back
• Drive time: 45 minutes

Hikers will head to Hickory Nut Gorge and follow the Little Bearwallow Trail.  The trail will lead hikers to the 100-foot Little Bearwallow Falls and then to the top of Wildcat Rock.  The reward for this strenuous climb – on 130 stairs – is a dramatic vista of the entire Upper Hickory Nut Gorge.

If you’re not already participating in Conserving Carolina’s “Hiking Challenge” (an additional hiking opportunity, not the “Hiking Series”), sign up online!  With this hike, you’ll have completed one of the hikes in the Challenge!

For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear; bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water. Please be sure to bring any personal medication that you may require.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Conserving Carolina’s Southeast (Polk County) office by 8:15 on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place.