Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

2025 Land Trust Day
2025-06-07
Save the Date! Land Trust Day – Saturday, June 7.
Shop to support local land and water conservation.
Land Trust Day was designated as a special day to recognize the efforts of conservation land trusts like Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy who contribute to the well-being of communities by preserving farmland for food production, places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation, clean water, wildlife and plant habitat, and scenic beauty. Conservation is an investment in local communities, improving the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. SAHC’s Land Trust Day sponsors pledge to contribute a specific amount or donate a percentage of sales from Saturday, June 7 in recognition of SAHC’s positive impact on shared resources and communities.
Land Trust Day was created to coincide with National Trails Day. We invite you to get outside to enjoy your favorite trails – and shop locally to support conservation!
Thank you to our 2025 Land Trust Day Sponsors: Mast General Store (Asheville and Waynesville locations), Wicked Weed Brewing, Highland Brewing Company, and Jus’ Running.

In addition, we will host a closet clean-out sale for SAHC merchandise during Land Trust Day at our office at 372 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville from 9 am- 12 pm.
Join SAHC on Land Trust Day as we clean out our back stock of merchandise with a closet clean out sale!
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: SAHC Office, 372 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Discover SAHC merchandise new and old! Sizes range from XS-3X, as well as a few youth styles, and women’s cuts; long sleeve tees, short sleeve tees, sun hoodies, hats, and beanies. Older styles will all be on sale for $15 with newer merchandise and hats on a small discount. Stop by SAHC’s office on Saturday, June 7 to grab an old design before you head downtown to shop at Mast General Store!

2025 Flying Squirrel Ten-Miler
2025-06-07 08:00 - 11:30 UTC
Looking for a race that’s challenging, scenic, and unlike anything else? Welcome to The Flying Squirrel Ten Miler – Asheville’s premier 10-mile road race presented by Jus’ Running. Whether you’re chasing a personal record or just looking for an unforgettable running experience, this race is for you. Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is thrilled be the nonprofit beneficiary of this fun road race. PLUS, it helps raise awareness about the Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel – an endangered species living in pockets of high elevation spruce-fir habitat in our Blue Ridge Mountains.
Starting just blocks from downtown Asheville, the one-of-a-kind course takes you on a journey through the winding, shaded roads of Town Mountain, including hidden gems like Sunset Drive and Patton Mountain Road. With the Southern Appalachians as your backdrop, you’ll be earning those views every step of the way.

We need your help! Can you volunteer with SAHC at the race?
SAHC needs 4-6 volunteers to help us set up, share information, hand out post-race beverages, and spread the word about SAHC’s conservation work at the Flying Squirrel 10-miler. You can expect an SAHC staff member to be there to help and to receive information, FAQs, the materials that will be on display on the table, and more ahead of the event. Sign up to volunteer below.

2025 Land Trust Day - Closet Clean Out Sale!
2025-06-07 09:00 - 12:00 UTC | Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, 372 Merrimon Ave., Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Land Trust Day is Saturday, June 7
Join SAHC on Land Trust Day as we clean out our back stock of merchandise with a closet clean out sale!
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: SAHC Office, 372 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Discover SAHC merchandise new and old! Sizes range from XS-3X, as well as a few youth styles, and women’s cuts; long sleeve tees, short sleeve tees, sun hoodies, hats, and beanies. Older styles will all be on sale for $15 with newer merchandise and hats at a 15% discount. Stop by SAHC’s office on Saturday, June 7 to grab an old design before you head downtown to shop at Mast General Store!
Overflow parking available behind Moe’s Southwest Grill.

Hike Series: Blackrock Ridge
2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00 UTC
[RESCHEDULED] Date: Saturday, June 7th
Time: 9 am
Where: Waterrock Knob Visitor Center, Blue Ridge Parkway
Distance: 6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (7/10): rugged, rocky terrain with steep elevation change
Cost: FREE for all participants (pre-registration is required)
Celebrate National Trails Day & Land Trust Day with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy by joining us for a moderately strenuous hike to enjoy Blackrock Ridge with views of Thunderstruck Ridge, Waterrock Knob and other 6,000ft peaks! Participants will travel roughly 6 miles over rugged terrain through mystical red spruce, Fraser firs, and red oak forests while periodically stopping at rock outcroppings for awe inspiring views.
Blackrock Mountain in the Plott Balsam Mountains is part of a network of conservation lands in progress of being added to an expansion of national park land at Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In 2013, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased the summit of Blackrock Mountain, with more than 250 surrounding acres. The property adjoins other conservation lands: SAHC’s 60-acre Blackrock Ridge tract (protected in 2010), the Sylva Watershed (protected with a conservation easement held by Mainspring Conservation Trust), and The Nature Conservancy’s Plott-Balsam Preserve. SAHC’s conservation work in this area protects high elevation habitat and pristine headwater streams.

2025 Land Trust Day - Volunteer at Mast General Store Waynesville
2025-06-07 10:00 - 18:00 UTC | Mast General Store, Waynesville, 63 N Main St, Waynesville, NC, 28786, United States
Land Trust Day is Saturday, June 7
Volunteer with SAHC to support local land and water conservation.

Table on behalf of SAHC in celebration of Land Trust Day at Mast General Store in Waynesville! You can expect SAHC to communicate with you ahead of time, sharing information, FAQs, the materials that will be on display on the table, and more. If you sign up for a set-up or breakdown shift, SAHC staff will be there to assist! Tabling is a fun way to help people learn a little bit more about what we do and why we do it. Please sign up using the form below.
Land Trust Day was designated as a special day to recognize the efforts of conservation land trusts like Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy who contribute to the well-being of communities by preserving farmland for food production, places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation, clean water, wildlife and plant habitat, and scenic beauty. Conservation is an investment in local communities, improving the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. SAHC’s Land Trust Day sponsors pledge to contribute a specific amount or donate a percentage of sales from Saturday, June 7 in recognition of SAHC’s positive impact on shared resources and communities.

2025 Land Trust Day - Volunteer at Mast General Store Asheville
2025-06-07 10:00 - 18:00 UTC | Mast General Store, Asheville, 15 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
Land Trust Day is Saturday, June 7
Volunteer with SAHC to support local land and water conservation.

Table on behalf of SAHC in celebration of Land Trust Day at Mast General Store in downtown Asheville! You can expect SAHC to communicate with you ahead of time, sharing information, FAQs, the materials that will be on display on the table, and more. If you sign up for a set-up or breakdown shift, SAHC staff will be there to assist! Tabling is a fun way to help people learn a little bit more about what we do and why we do it. Please sign up using the form below.
Land Trust Day was designated as a special day to recognize the efforts of conservation land trusts like Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy who contribute to the well-being of communities by preserving farmland for food production, places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation, clean water, wildlife and plant habitat, and scenic beauty. Conservation is an investment in local communities, improving the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. SAHC’s Land Trust Day sponsors pledge to contribute a specific amount or donate a percentage of sales from Saturday, June 7 in recognition of SAHC’s positive impact on shared resources and communities.

2025 June Jamboree: Geology Hike at Hawk Spur
2025-06-14 09:00 - 12:00 UTC
Date: Saturday, June 14th
Time: Starting at 9 am
Where: Bakersville, NC
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: (5/10), 600 feet elevation gain in 0.6 miles
Leaders: Park Greer, South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager, Michelle Pugliese, SAHC Land Protection Director
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Please complete your registration by June 11, 2025, at 9:00 PM.
Join us for the 2025 June Jamboree: Geology hike at Hawk Spur!
Join Park Greer, SAHC’s South Yellow Mountain Preserve manager, for a moderate hike exploring the geology of the Southern Appalachian mountains on SAHC’s Hawk Spur Preserve. This hike follows a soil road for 0.6 miles up to an overlook with an expansive view of some of the highest peaks in our region.
All of the flora, fauna, waterfalls, and views in the area are tied to and sometimes depend upon the underlying geology; this hike will offer a basic answer to the question: “Why is that there?” Along the way we will see many results of the forces that folded, compressed, and uplifted the basement rocks of the Appalachians to form the metamorphic rocks we see today. At a few sites the intrusive igneous rocks provide a stark contrast to the metamorphics, not only in age but also in appearance and structure.
This hike will be at a slower pace as we stop at several spots to investigate crystals and stone older than the evolution of trees. Please come prepared with sturdy footwear, water, snacks, and questions about geology!
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC post-hike social at our Little Rock Creek Preserve. The distance from Hawk Spur to the Little Rock Creek Preserve is 12 miles (20 minute estimated drive time).
Thanks so much for your interest in this Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy outing—we’re excited to share the beauty and impact of conservation with you!
If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

2025 June Jamboree: Carver's Gap to Grassy Ridge Hike
2025-06-14 09:00 - 12:30 UTC | Carvers Gap, Carvers Gap, Fork Mountain-Little Rock Creek, NC, 28705, United States
Date: Saturday, June 14th
Time: Starting at 9 am
Where: Carver’s Gap Parking Lot
Distance: 5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: (7/10), Strenuous
Leaders: Alex Russell, SAHC Community Engagement & Education Associate, Chris Kaase, SAHC Stewardship & GIS Manager
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Please complete your registration by June 11, 2025, at 9:00 PM.
Join us for the 2025 June Jamboree: Carver’s Gap to Grassy Ridge hike!
This classic and rewarding out-and-back hike is full of adventure atop the highest elevation balds in the Highlands of Roan, widely considered among the most spectacular scenery along the Appalachian Trail. A 2.5-mile trek from the Carver’s Gap parking lot to Grassy Ridge will bring participants to the highest point near the AT, reaching a stunning 6,189 feet in elevation. Enjoy a natural, unobstructed 360-degree view and so much more — blooming rhododendron, flame azalea, patches of spruce fir forest and rare plants such as Gray’s lily and Roan Mountain bluets. Those wishing an easier hike can enjoy the flowers and expansive views from Round Bald or Jane Bald instead of going all the way to Grassy Ridge.
We hope participants will join us after this outing for the SAHC post-hike social at our Little Rock Creek Preserve. The distance from Carver’s Gap to the Little Rock Creek Preserve is 5 miles (10 minute estimated drive time).
Thanks so much for your interest in this Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy outing—we’re excited to share the beauty and impact of conservation with you!
If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

2025 June Jamboree: Challenge Hike at Razorback Ridge
2025-06-14 09:30 - 13:00 UTC
Date: Saturday, June 14th
Time: Starting at 9:30 am
Where: Yellow Mountain State Natural Area
Distance: 4 miles
Difficulty: (9/10), Very strenuous, featuring off-trail travel & steep inclines
Leaders: Joseph Hiatt, Park Superintendent of Yellow Mountain State Natural Area, Travis Bordley, SAHC Roan Tech
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Please complete your registration by June 11, 2025, at 9:00 PM.
Join us for the 2025 June Jamboree: Challenge Hike at Razorback Ridge!
Short but mighty, this year’s Challenge trek combines a steep climb with gorgeous views from an open ridgeline. Although shorter in length than previous Challenge hikes, this trek features elevation change and rough terrain not for the faint of heart. Brace yourself for a steep bushwack up to Razorback Ridge, gaining nearly 2,000 ft of elevation within the first mile. On top of the ridgeline, participants will be met with panoramic views of the Highlands of Roan and beyond. Hikers will traverse public land owned by the State of NC and SAHC, reaching areas never seen via trail. After lunch on the summit of Little Yellow Mountain, we will descend through an adjacent valley and meet the rest of June Jamboree participants at the Drop-in Social at SAHC’s Little Rock Creek Preserve!
Thanks so much for your interest in this Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy outing—we’re excited to share the beauty and impact of conservation with you!
If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

2025 June Jamboree: Plant Inventory Walk at Little Rock Creek
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Little Rock Creek Preserve
Date: Saturday, June 14th
Time: Starting at 10 am
Where: Little Rock Creek Preserve
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: (2/10), Easy
Leaders: Gary Kauffman, Retired Botanist/Ecologist at USDA-USFS, Sarah Sheeran, SAHC Stewardship Director
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Please complete your registration by June 11, 2025, at 9:00 PM.
Join us for the 2025 June Jamboree: Plant Inventory Walk at Little Rock Creek!
Explore the botanical wonders of SAHC’s Little Rock Creek Preserve with retired USFS botanist and ecologist Gary Kauffman and SAHC Stewardship Director Sarah Sheeran. This relatively easy 2-mile walk will meander through the preserve as the hike leaders identify and point out different species of flora. This plant inventory can tell us if there are any rare species and if they are being threatened by invasives, recreational impacts, or climate change. Knowing that about the populations in an area is important for protecting species and maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. Plan on a leisurely, educational stroll!
This walk is perfect for anyone curious about native plants, local ecology, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful moment outdoors surrounded by natural beauty. Afterwards, we hope participants will stick around for the SAHC post-hike drop-in social at our Little Rock Creek Preserve.
Thank you for your interest in this Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy event—we look forward to sharing the natural beauty of this special place and the meaningful conservation work happening here!
If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

2025 June Jamboree: Drop-In Social at Little Rock Creek
2025-06-14 13:00 - 16:00 UTC | Little Rock Creek Preserve
Drop-In Social at Little Rock Creek Preserve
Date: 6/14/2024
Time: 1-4 pm
Where: Little Rock Creek Preserve
Cost: FREE
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Following the morning hikes and experiences, participants are invited to stay for an afternoon drop-in social from 1 to 4 pm at SAHC’s Little Rock Creek Preserve. SAHC purchased the heart of the Little Rock Creek Preserve in 2020, and an additional 57-acre adjoining property was donated as a preserve addition in 2023. The preserve is particularly unique in the Roan Highlands because in addition to healthy forest habitats, it contains many seeps and wetland and floodplain habitats that are relatively rare in the mountains. A beautiful apple orchard, once part of farm production in the 1940s, now provides open habitat and a food source for a variety of wildlife and bird species.
During the June Jamboree Social, SAHC staff will recognize the 2024 Stanley A. Murray Volunteer of the Year and share updates about our recent conservation work – including recently-protected Round Mountain and Richmond Hill tracts.
We invite everyone to join us in celebrating friends, family, and shared hike experiences. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP so we have enough for everyone!

2025 NCWF/SAHC Volunteer Work Day at Bowditch Bottoms
2025-06-20 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
When: Friday, June 20 from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County, NC
Join the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for volunteer work day and invasive plant species removal at SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County.
Originally protected as a conservation easement in 2020, the landowners donated the land to SAHC in 2023. (With SAHC’s ownership of the land, the conservation easement was assigned to our partners at Blue Ridge Conservancy.) Bowditch Bottoms contains mixed hardwood forest, cleared agricultural fields, valuable wetland habitat within the South Toe River Watershed, and a riparian area that buffers over a half mile of Ayles Creek.
We will focus our invasive plant species removal effort on the wetland areas, targeting autumn olive and multiflora rose. The significant length of natural stream and several wetland areas makes this property stand out as an opportunity for restoration projects (clean ups, invasive species removal, revegetation with native plants) that will directly benefit wildlife and multiple habitat types. This is part of a long-term process to restore the land – which will also include planting native species in the stream corridor. We will be working on a management plan for the property over the next year.
This is one of a series of collaborative volunteer work days on SAHC-conserved land organized by our partners at NC Wildlife Federation.

Mindful Morning Walk: Sandy Mush Game Lands
2025-07-13 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
Date: Sunday, July 13
Time: Starting at 10 am
Where: Sandy Mush Game Lands
Distance: 2 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: (4/10), Easy
Cost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for the 2025 Sandy Mush Game Lands: Morning Meditative Hike
Start your morning with intention on a meditative hike through the peaceful setting of the Sandy Mush Game Lands. This easy 2-mile out-and-back walk invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of nature.
Along the way, we’ll engage in gentle mindfulness practices including focused breathing, quiet observation, and intentional pauses to reflect or journal. Binoculars are encouraged for those who want to take a closer look at birds and wildlife. You’re also welcome to bring a journal, sketchbook, or any tool that helps deepen your connection with the natural world.
This experience is perfect for anyone seeking a calm, grounding start to the day or a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Southern Appalachians.
Please note: This hike passes through pasture and wildlife habitat. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering ticks, bees, or snakes.
Thank you for your interest in this Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy event. We look forward to sharing this peaceful morning on the trail with you.
A pre-hike email sent to registered participants prior to the day of the outing will include additional information such as the group meeting location. We estimate this outing experience to last approximately 3 hours. If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

SAHC’s involvement in conservation:
The Sandy Mush Game Lands consist of 2,765 acres of land in Buncombe and Madison Counties, owned by the State of NC and managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Sandy Mush Creek and Turkey Creek flow through it.
In 2004, SAHC assisted the State of NC in the acquisition of the land, once owned by CP&L/Progress Energy, for conservation and public ownership. In 2011, we acquired an 88-acre tract because it formed a critical linking bridge and wildlife corridor between non-contiguous portions of the game lands — and in 2017 we transferred this tract to the state for inclusion in the Sandy Mush Game Lands. In 2023, SAHC assisted our partners at NCWRC with the adding 67 acres to the Sandy Mush Game Lands on the Madison County side, by providing a matching contribution which helped NCWRC secure grants from the NC Land and Water Fund and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program to make the acquisition possible.

Rocky Fork State Park Hike – Snakeden Ridge Loop
2025-07-18 08:30 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date: Friday, July 18
Time: Starting at 8:30 am
Where: Rocky Fork State Park
Distance: 6.6 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: (9/10), Strenuous, Challenging
Cost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for the Rocky Fork State Park Hike – Snakeden Ridge Loop
Join SAHC for a challenging and rewarding 6.6-mile loop through the scenic beauty of Tennessee’s Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park. With approximately 1,200 feet of elevation gain, this hike is ideal for those seeking a vigorous adventure and stunning natural views.
We’ll start on the Flint Creek Trail, following the stream through lush forests and peaceful hollows. The trail then curves to meet the Blockstand Creek Trail, where a steady climb brings more significant elevation gain. Upon reaching Snakeden Ridge, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain vistas and the chance to observe wildflowers, wildlife, and the diverse ecosystems that thrive in this special park.
The route includes portions of uneven and rocky terrain, particularly along the ridge. It combines segments of the Rocky Fork Trail, Flint Creek Trail, and Blockstand Creek Trail to provide a varied and immersive experience that highlights the best of Rocky Fork State Park.

Interesting tidbit: The name “Snakeden Ridge” refers to snake dens allegedly found along its lower reaches. Snake dens are common at mid-level elevations in this section of the park, according to folklore. The Cherokee word for snake is “inada”.

Registered participants will receive a pre-hike email with additional information the week of the outing. We estimate this outing to last approximately 5.5 hours. If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

SAHC’s involvement in conservation:
The 10,000-acre Rocky Fork watershed is comprised of the 2,076-acre Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park and approximately 8,000 adjoining acres owned by the U.S. Forest Service and part of Cherokee National Forest.
SAHC worked from 2006-2012 to protect this iconic area, in partnership with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, the State of Tennessee, the U.S. Forest Service, and other public and private partners. The Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund provided $6 million for the State of Tennessee to acquire the land for the Park, which was officially designated Tennessee’s 55th State Park in October 2012. A section of the Appalachian Trail crosses the southwest corner of the massive Rocky Fork conservation project area, approximately a half mile from the state park.
Read more HERE >>

2025 Farmer Education Workshop: Value-Added Products and Community Kitchen
2025-07-24 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Halifax) | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
When: Thursday, July 24 from 1 to 3 pm

Where: SAHC Community Farm at 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC 28701
Cost: $30

Are you interested in producing a value-added product but have a lot of questions?
We will host a workshop in the Value-Added Kitchen facility at the SAHC Community Farm, where you will learn the process from start to finish of how to go about creating a “product” from your fresh products/raw ingredients.
You will be connected with the certifying agency so you can sell both at market and in-store. During the second portion of the workshop we will teach a short Food Safety and Kitchen Sanitation Class which will allow you to sign-up to access the kitchen for use.
Our aim is to provide a kitchen that is certified and fully equipped at a cost that will “make sense” financially for farmers to take a chance at producing a product that will be more valuable, potentially shelf stable and marketable to a larger customer base.

2025 NCWF/SAHC Volunteer Work Day at Bowditch Bottoms
2025-07-25 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
When: Friday, July 25 from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County, NC
Join the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for volunteer work day and invasive plant species removal at SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County.
Originally protected as a conservation easement in 2020, the landowners donated the land to SAHC in 2023. (With SAHC’s ownership of the land, the conservation easement was assigned to our partners at Blue Ridge Conservancy.) Bowditch Bottoms contains mixed hardwood forest, cleared agricultural fields, valuable wetland habitat within the South Toe River Watershed, and a riparian area that buffers over a half mile of Ayles Creek.
We will focus our invasive plant species removal effort on the wetland areas, targeting autumn olive and multiflora rose. The significant length of natural stream and several wetland areas makes this property stand out as an opportunity for restoration projects (clean ups, invasive species removal, revegetation with native plants) that will directly benefit wildlife and multiple habitat types. This is part of a long-term process to restore the land – which will also include planting native species in the stream corridor. We will be working on a management plan for the property over the next year.
This is one of a series of collaborative volunteer work days on SAHC-conserved land organized by our partners at NC Wildlife Federation.

July Community Farm Tour
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: Starting at 10 am
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a July Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
Celebrate the height of summer with a guided hike along The Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC. This 2.5-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm in full bloom.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. July is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
The SAHC Community Farm hosts a range of exciting programs and projects, including a stream restoration project, shortleaf pine reforestation, a farm incubator program, silvopasture project, food forest, Story Walk, and a growing education center. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

South Yellow Mountain Preserve Volunteer Work Day - Pine Knob Trail
2025-08-06 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
When: Wednesday, Aug 6 from 9 am – 2 pm
What we’ll be doing: Pine Knob Trail Work
Calling all volunteers! While the trail to Pine Knob on SAHC’s South Yellow Mountain Preserve is in working order, it needs a lot of loving care.
We need help with a variety of needs, which include: building bridges, removing trip hazards, trimming small trees, placing stepping stones, and much more.
This trail is the most used outings trail on SYMP and showcases an overlook, waterfall, and historic mine, so let’s make it safe and beautiful!
Volunteers should bring water, lunch, sturdy work shoes, work gloves and their favorite trail tool (if you have one – not necessary if you don’t). Tools will be provided, and no prior experience needed.
Please register by filling out the form below; more information will be provided to registered participants prior to the volunteer work day.

Sign Up to Volunteer

South Yellow Mountain Preserve: Hike to Pine Knob
2025-08-08 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
Start time: Friday, August 8 at 9 am
Distance: 3.8 miles

Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob, an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the way Park will interpret the area’s geology and history, dating back hundreds of years.

Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, wet and rocky inclines, and plenty of bugs. This outing lasts approximately 3 hours.

Please come prepared with water, sturdy shoes, hiking poles, and lunch/snacks.

The hike is FREE for SAHC members, and $10 for non-members.

Fill out the form below to sign up for this hike

2025 Meet the Mountains Festival
2025-08-15 - 2025-08-16
Meet the Mountains Festival in Johnson City, TN
Volunteer with SAHC at one of the summer’s most adventurous outdoor festivals!
Dates & Times: Friday 8/15 from 12-1 pm and 4-9:30 pm and Saturday 8/16 from 10 am-8 pm
Location: Winged Deer Park Lakefront, Johnson City, TN
Purpose: Share about SAHC’s conservation mission, make native seed bombs with kids, and sell merchandise to festival attendees.
Table on behalf of SAHC at the Meet the Mountains Festival in Johnson City! Learn more about the festival at their website. The festival is a showcase of all the world-class outdoor action East Tennessee has to offer. You can expect SAHC to communicate with you ahead of the festival, sharing information, FAQs, the materials that will be on display on the table, and more. If you sign up for a set-up or breakdown shift, SAHC staff will be there to assist! Tabling is a fun way to help people learn a little bit more about what we do and why we do it. Please sign up using the form below.
Curious about what tabling is like? Watch this volunteer training video on our YouTube Channel.

2025 NCWF/SAHC Volunteer Work Day at Bowditch Bottoms
2025-08-21 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
When: Thursday, August 21 from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County, NC
Join the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for volunteer work day and invasive plant species removal at SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County.
Originally protected as a conservation easement in 2020, the landowners donated the land to SAHC in 2023. (With SAHC’s ownership of the land, the conservation easement was assigned to our partners at Blue Ridge Conservancy.) Bowditch Bottoms contains mixed hardwood forest, cleared agricultural fields, valuable wetland habitat within the South Toe River Watershed, and a riparian area that buffers over a half mile of Ayles Creek.
We will focus our workday along the creek targeting Japanese knotweed. The significant length of natural stream and several wetland areas makes this property stand out as an opportunity for restoration projects (clean ups, invasive species removal, revegetation with native plants) that will directly benefit wildlife and multiple habitat types. This is part of a long-term process to restore the land – which will also include planting native species in the stream corridor. We will be working on a management plan for the property over the next year.
This is one of a series of collaborative volunteer work days on SAHC-conserved land organized by our partners at NC Wildlife Federation.

2025 Grassy Ridge Mow-Off
2025-08-23 - 2025-08-24
We need YOUR help on the mountain!
Grassy Ridge Mow-Off: Saturday, August 23 – Sunday, August 24
Camp out or come for a day. Join other volunteers as we work to maintain the globally rare grassy and shrub balds found on Grassy Ridge, one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant sites in the Roan Highlands. We’ll cut invasive blackberries and other shrubs using weed whackers and brush cutters. Enjoy great company and great job satisfaction! Our annual Grassy Ridge Mow-Off is more than just a work day — it’s an incredible way to experience the Highlands of Roan and to share cherished moments with friends.
Backpackers and day trippers are both welcome.
The hike to Grassy Ridge is about 2.5 miles one way, the views are gorgeous, and we have a job suited to almost everyone. There are several different ways to help: flagging rare plants, cutting or raking blackberries, camp organization, taking photographs, and more.
Do you plan to join the group camp out on Grassy Ridge on Saturday, August 23? If so, please be sure to note that on the registration form below.
Grassy Ridge Mow-Off Planned Schedule:
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Campers arrive, set up your tent and return to the work site.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. Day hikers arrive. Sign in/Orientation
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Work time! (lunch break at 1 pm)
Saturday 4:00 p.m. – bedtime. Clean up and store equipment. Fun and Fellowship for campers!
Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. A short work day and pack out. *Everyone should be prepared to pack out group trash.
For questions, contact Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org.

Registration for this event has closed. Thank you!

August 2025 SAHC Community Farm Tour
2025-08-26 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Halifax) | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
Date: Tuesday, August 26
Time: Starting at 9:30 am
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: FREE for SAHC Members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
What can you see on the Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC? The 2.5-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm. Learn about the positive aspects of agroforestry as you walk through silvopasture demonstration project, see apple trees growing in the Food Forest orchard, stroll through the youth-friendly Story Walk, discover how stream buffers help protect water quality, and check out the growing areas for SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. Summer is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the SAHC Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org.
To Register for this Hike, Fill Out Form Below:

2025 Hellbender Festival
2025-08-30
Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine, NC
Volunteer with SAHC and learn about one of our coolest native aquatic species!
Dates & Time: Saturday 8/30 from 12-5 pm
Location: Downtown Spruce Pine, NC
Purpose: Share about SAHC’s conservation mission, lead kids crafts and activities, and sell merchandise to festival attendees.
Table on behalf of SAHC at the Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine, NC! Learn more about the festival at their website. This is the first-ever North Carolina Hellbender Festival and will be in Downtown Spruce Pine with live music, local art, river science, food trucks, and outdoor adventure—all inspired by the ancient Eastern Hellbender. You can expect SAHC to communicate with you ahead of the festival, sharing information, FAQs, the materials that will be on display on the table, and more. Tabling is a fun way to help people learn a little bit more about what we do and why we do it. Please sign up using the form below.
Curious about what tabling is like? Watch this volunteer training video on our YouTube Channel.

2025 Farmer Education Workshop: Small Engine Maintenance and Repair
2025-08-30 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Halifax)
When: Saturday, August 30 from 10 am to 1 pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm, 228 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC 28701
Cost: $20

Please join us at the SAHC Community farm for a small engine workshop.
We will host a classroom presentation and discussion followed by hands-on engine maintenance and repair work to help you feel empowered to tackle your own equipment issues and keep machines running better for years.
During the workshop, we will have a 55 hp tractor, two-wheel walk behind, Mule side-by-side and smaller engines on-site to reference.
Learn how to save time and money by doing your own repairs on small engines like lawn mowers and other small machinery. Diagnose and repair common problems with 2 and 4-stroke engines. Avoid costly repairs by learning maintenance, proper fluids, and appropriate settings to promote long lasting use. We will also facilitate a short discussion on the pros and cons of battery powered equipment and take a look at an electric lawnmower, weed eater and chainsaw.
** Please note – this workshop will be held at the Farmstand entrance to the farm – 228 Mag Sluder Road **

Registration for this workshop has closed. Please join us for our next Farm Education Workshop! Future dates TBA.

South Yellow Mountain Preserve Hike: Hellbender Festival Hike to Pine Knob
2025-08-31 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
Start time: Sunday, August 31 at 9 am
Distance: 3.8 miles
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is hosting a special hike in conjunction with the Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine!
Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob, an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the way Park will interpret the area’s geology and history, dating back hundreds of years.
Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, wet and rocky inclines, and plenty of bugs. This outing lasts approximately 3 hours.
Please come prepared with water, sturdy shoes, hiking poles, and lunch/snacks.
The hike is FREE for SAHC members, and $10 for non-members.
Registration for this hike will be made IN PERSON at the SAHC booth during the Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine on Saturday, August 30.
For more info about the festival, visit Discoversprucepinenc.com/nchellbenderfestival

2025 Free the Fir Volunteer Work Day in the Roan Highlands
2025-09-11 09:30 - 15:30 (America/Halifax) | Roan High Knob Parking Area (aka Cloudland), Roan High Knob Trail Parking Lot, Bakersville, NC, 28705, United States
When: September 11, 2025 (9:30 am-3:30 pm), Rain Date September 16, 2025
What: Tropical Storm Helene caused extensive damage to the red spruce-Fraser fir forest in and around Toll House Gap and Roan High Knob. Our partners at the U.S. Forest Service cleared this area of storm damaged trees under a compressed timeline, using tree material as matting to prevent erosion. We would like to “jump start” natural forest regeneration in this area by releasing small spruce and fir saplings and wildflowers that may be covered or bent over under matting or downed tree branches.
How: We will canvas the entire cleared area (roughly 25 acres), identifying and uncovering any healthy saplings that we can find and easily release. We will not use any mechanized tools or move large pieces of debris.
Heads Up: While this work is fairly gentle, it does require the ability to scramble over a very rugged area with uneven footing, potential holes, and rocks. Please do not sign up for this event if you have knee, back or balance issues. This event is not suitable for small children or dogs.
Where: Meet at the Roan High Knob (aka Cloudland) Parking Area at 9:30 am (Directions – https://maps.app.goo.gl/sYNgMT9rLegTH4Ci7)
What to Wear: Dress for the weather and work outside. Please wear long pants and sturdy work boots and bring rain gear.
What to Bring: Bring your lunch, water, and gear in addition to leather work gloves, eye protection, and any small hand tools (loppers, garden claws, small hoes) that may help uncover seedlings. Bathrooms and handwashing are available at the Cloudland Parking Area, but there is no potable water.
Schedule:
9:30 – 10:00 – Sign in, safety talk, split into crews and begin work
12:30 – 1:00 – Lunch with your crew
1:30 – 3:00 – Continue work (return to parking area when finished)
3:30 – Meet back at parking area for wrap up, thanks, and goodbyes

For questions or more information, contact Roan Stewardship Director Marquette Crockett at marquette@appalachian.org.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with SAHC. The registration for this work day is now closed.

2025 Clawtoberfest Hike - Strawberry Gap Trail
2025-09-20 10:00 (America/Halifax)
Date: Saturday, September 20th
Time: 10:00 am
Where: Strawberry Gap to Blue Ridge Pastures
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Cost: FREE for all participants (Pre-Registration is Required!)

Kick-off Clawtoberfest with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy by joining us for a guided hike for Highland Brewing Company’s “Thirst for Good” partnership! We’re hitting the trails to celebrate Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager by hiking to Blue Ridge Pastures via the Strawberry Gap Trail. Participants will hike a moderately strenuous 6 mile out-and-back through a beautiful forest while taking in sweeping views of Fairview, NC before arriving at the remote Blue Ridge Pastures.
Strawberry Gap is in the stunning Upper Hickory Nut Gorge trail network and climbs upward for three miles through beautiful, boulder-strewn forests. About halfway up, a rock outcrop offers sweeping views over a picturesque valley and range upon range of distant, blue mountains. The climax of this trail is Blue Ridge Pastures, where the forests give way to a ridgeline pasture, revealing dramatic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge, Bearwallow Mountain, Little Pisgah Mountain, and in the distance the highest mountains in the eastern United States.
This trail is made possible through a partnership between two local land trusts–Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) and Conserving Carolina. SAHC owns Strawberry Gap Preserve and worked with multiple private landowners to protect this beautiful mountain land with conservation easements. Conserving Carolina then built the trail, which connects to Trombatore Trail at Blue Ridge Pastures. This brings us to more than 16 miles of connected trails in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge.
This hike is part of our corporate partnership with Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC. Highland donates a portion of sales of seasonal releases during the “release party” at the Tasting Room in Asheville to support SAHC’s land and water conservation efforts, and we lead guided hikes for folks to experience and enjoy the natural landscapes for which these seasonal brews are named and beyond.
After the hike we will have plenty of time to head back by Highland Brewing to enjoy all the festivities and share a Clawhammer together!
*Please note that Strawberry Gap passes through privately owned land and dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Cost – FREE for all participants, (Pre-Registration is Required Below!)

2025 NCWF/SAHC Volunteer Work Day at Bowditch Bottoms
2025-09-26 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax)
When: Friday, September 26 from 9 am to 12 pm
Where: SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County, NC
Join the North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for volunteer work day and invasive plant species removal at SAHC’s Bowditch Bottoms Preserve in Yancey County.
Originally protected as a conservation easement in 2020, the landowners donated the land to SAHC in 2023. (With SAHC’s ownership of the land, the conservation easement was assigned to our partners at Blue Ridge Conservancy.) Bowditch Bottoms contains mixed hardwood forest, cleared agricultural fields, valuable wetland habitat within the South Toe River Watershed, and a riparian area that buffers over a half mile of Ayles Creek.
We will focus our workday along the creek targeting Japanese knotweed. The significant length of natural stream and several wetland areas makes this property stand out as an opportunity for restoration projects (clean ups, invasive species removal, revegetation with native plants) that will directly benefit wildlife and multiple habitat types. This is part of a long-term process to restore the land – which will also include planting native species in the stream corridor. We will be working on a management plan for the property over the next year.
This is one of a series of collaborative volunteer work days on SAHC-conserved land organized by our partners at NC Wildlife Federation.

2025 September SAHC Community Farm Hike
2025-09-26 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Halifax)
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: Starting at 12:00 pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: FREE for SAHC Members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
What can you see on the Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC? The 2.0-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm. Learn about the positive aspects of agroforestry as you walk through silvopasture demonstration project, see apple trees growing in the Food Forest orchard, stroll through the youth-friendly Story Walk, discover how stream buffers help protect water quality, and check out the growing areas for SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. Summer is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the SAHC Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
To Register for this Hike, Fill Out Form Below:
