Where: Youngs Mountain in the Hickory Nut Gorge

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

4.2 miles, strenuous; trail type – out and back

Approximately 50 minute drive

Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge and northeast of Lake Lure, the Youngs Mountain trail is the newest trail opening by Conserving Carolina and it is part of the Conservancy’s Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail network initiative that will one day create a 130-mile loop around the Hickory Nut Gorge.

The Youngs Mountain trail ascends 1,200 feet in elevation to reach the top of scenic cliffs near the summit of the mountain. After the ascent, which features many switchbacks, hikers will be rewarded with spectacular, long-range views that include Lake Lure and the sheer rock faces of Rumbling Bald, Shumont Mountain, and Eagle Rock.

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

Contact [email protected] with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this spring, free, guided, and open to the public. The hikes will meet at various locations (noted for each date) 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 locations. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above and number 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 at: pam@conservingcarolina by 8:00 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.