
Date: Sunday, June 2
Time: 10 am – 2 pm
Difficulty: Moderate (7 on a scale of 10) — 5.0 miles roundtrip, elevation gain: 650′
Terrain: Dirt path (few rocks/roots), steep sections, 18 stream crossings
Cost: FREE for members, $10 for non-members
Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy and Highland Brewing Company for a moderately difficult hike to Upper Catawba Falls. The Catawba River flows for approximately 220 miles, beginning in the Southern Appalachians until it drains in the South Carolina Piedmont. Our hike will begin near the headwaters of this great river to the Upper Catawba Falls. Participants will travel by the water, through a rich cove forest filled with rhododendron, hemlock, and maple trees. Participants will be rewarded with up close views and the cooling mists of the SAHC-protected Upper Catawba Falls. Our hike begins on a tract which has been protected through a conservation easement with SAHC. The trail involves several creek crossings – 18 round trip! – So prepare for wet feet.
This hike is also a celebration of the release of Highland Brewing Company’s Wanderlush, a hazy adventure ale! As part of our For Love of Beer and Mountains hike series, participants will be invited to try this double dry hopped ale elevated by notes of melon, pineapple, and fresh squeezed orange juice on the hike. So come out and let’s celebrate Wanderlush Hazy IPA and land conservation together.
Following the hike, we will meet for a pint of Wanderlush at Highland Brewing Company!
Registration for this hike is full – to be placed on the waiting list please email israel@appalachian.org
This event is part of WNC for the Planet! Western North Carolina is celebrating Earth Day throughout the entire month of April by coming together to act locally and think globally. This year, local community and environmental groups are teaming up to offer a myriad of service days, workshops and educational events and celebrations. #WNCfortheplanet