First Hike of the 2018 Series
Join Conserving Carolina on Friday, March 2nd, for a 3.8 mile, strenuous, out and back hike along the Little Bearwallow Trail to Wildcat Rock. Conserving Carolina’s Southeast Stewardship Manager, Pam Torlina, will lead the hike.
Hikers will head to Hickory Nut Gorge for a hike along the Little Bearwallow Trail to Wildcat Rock. This newly opened trail was constructed by Conserving Carolina and a team of partners in 2016. The trail will lead hikers to the 100-foot Little Bearwallow Falls and then up 130 stairs to the top of Wildcat Rock. The reward for this strenuous climb is a dramatic view of the entire Upper Hickory Nut Gorge.
If you are interested in attending the first hike, on March 2nd, you’re asked to meet in the parking area west of Home Trust Bank, 651 W Mills St, Columbus, NC 28722 at 8:30 a.m. to check in and start the approximately 45-minute drive to the parking area in Gerton. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trail head, please contact Pam Torlina to make other meeting arrangements. Hikers should be prepared to return to the area in the mid-afternoon.
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 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina Facebook page to see if the hike will take place.
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 to Wildcat Rock, you will have completed one of the hikes in the Challenge!
If you are interested in attending other Conserving Carolina spring hikes and would like more information, please call the Southeast (Polk County) office at 828-859-5060 or e-mail Pam Torlina at, [email protected]. You can also find information on Conserving Carolina’s calendar, and on Conserving Carolina’s Facebook page.
Conserving Carolina is dedicated to protecting and stewarding land and water resources vital to our natural heritage and quality of life and to fostering appreciation and understanding of the natural world.