Changes due to damage from hurricane helene
Additional Information
Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina in late September 2024.
Our club is still unable to resume scheduled hiking. We are scouting trails to verify they are usable but many of our regular areas where we hike are still closed.
Below is a photo of a whiteboard from the Pisgah Ranger Station visitor center.
This was updated on Saturday, October 26.
Note they say all trails in Pisgah are open - but with sections of trail washed out and some trees down across them. We do not consider them able to be hiked by most members of our club.
The Blue Ridge Parkway will probably closed for months and we have many hikes that need to access the BRP.
DuPont State Forest is still closed as is Gorges State Park.
We will keep hikers updated as more trails open.
Summary of trails open
we welcome guests to hike with us!
Additional Information
- If you are interested in becoming a member of High Country Hikers, use the contact form below to request a hike schedule. We will email you a schedule and other important information. You become a member when you hike with us and pay a one-time $10 fee.
- The Challenging category is our newest category. These hikes are typically have the Strenuous rating. These are intended for fit and experienced hikers. They can involve a longer drive to the trailhead. These are scheduled for Monday in a separate hike schedule.
- We also have a recent category of hikes: Social Hikes. These meet 3 criteria: less than 5 miles in length; less than 500 feet in ascent; slower and more relaxed pace than the Easy / Moderate hikes. There will be more stops and time for a quick photo or two. They are scheduled on the first four Wednesdays of each month.
- We gather at the Meeting Point associated with that hike. Hikers will then carpool to the trailhead usually at 8:30. Hikes can choose to drive directly to the trailhead if there is ample parking. Hikers respond to the hike leader's email about the hike so the leader knows how many are coming.
