Date: Sunday, October 13th

Time: Starting at 10:00 am

Where: Waterrock Knob off the Blue Ridge Parkway

Distance: 6 miles (3 miles in, 3 miles out). Rugged, rocky terrain throughout the beginning of the trail with steep elevation change, becoming smoother through Spruce-fir forest further along.

Difficulty: Moderate (5-6)

Cost: FREE for all participants (but pre-registration is required)

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and Highland Brewing Company on October 13th for a moderately difficult hike to enjoy views of Thunderstruck Ridge, for which Highland’s next seasonal is named. Participants will travel over 5 miles of rugged terrain, through mystical red spruce, fraser firs, red oak forests, and other high elevation trees while occasionally stopping at rock outcroppings for views of Thunderstruck Ridge. During this time of year we’ll be seeing some fall colors as well as we hike through Saw-Whet Owl and Carolina Northern Flying squirrel habitat!

The group will hike through the 1,595-acre Plott Balsam Preserve and eventually reach Blackrock Mountain, which SAHC protected in 2013, at a towering 5,600 feet of elevation. This beautiful section of mountains can be seen from the Blue Ridge Parkway. SAHC’s conservation work in this area protects high elevation habitat and pristine headwater streams. So come out and let’s celebrate Thunderstruck Coffee Porter and land conservation together. This hike is FREE for everyone!

PLEASE NOTE: We will meet at 9 am to carpool from Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC, and the hike will begin at 10 am from the trailhead.

You will receive additional information about carpooling, hike preparations, etc. from the hike coordinator via email.

Following the hike, we will meet for a Thunderstruck pint at Highland Brewing Company!

Complete the form below to register for the hike.