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High Rock Acres – Catawba Headwaters

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High above the Catawba Falls, headwater streams coalesce and cascade down the mountainsides, with pristine rivulets merging together to form the rushing river waters.

Map of High Rock AcresNow, more of these source streams have been permanently protected.

In July 2019, SAHC purchased 101 acres at High Rock Acres in McDowell County, adding to a contiguous network of protected lands that secure forested wildlife corridors and streams flowing into the Catawba River.

“Four headwater tributaries to the Catawba River and five headwater tributaries that empty into the Left Prong Catawba River originate on the property,” explains Land Protection Director Michelle Pugliese. “This property is situated just 2 ½ miles southeast of the Town of Black Mountain, near Pisgah National Forest and other land that SAHC has protected, including hundreds of forested acres around Montreat.”

The rocky, boulder-strewn slopes provide habitat for diverse species of mammals, birds, salamanders, and amphibians. SAHC’s acquisition of the land permanently protects this forest habitat, as well as connectivity to other important areas so wildlife can safely move in the landscape. The High Rock Acres property adjoins 329 acres that SAHC protected with conservation easements in 2003, connecting to our Glade Creek Preserve and Pisgah National Forest.

Elevations on the property range from 2,660 to 3,200 feet, including high points at Allison Ridge above the Upper Catawba Falls. SAHC purchased the land in order to own and manage it as a nature preserve for the long term.

“We are very grateful to philanthropic leaders Brad and Shelli Stanback for making a generous seed gift for this acquisition and for all our members who provide ongoing support to enable SAHC to permanently protect these important land and water resources,” says Pugliese.

2020 Waterfalls Calendar to Support Conservation

Waterfalls calendar coverDo you want to help support efforts to protect water resources which create the stunning, picturesque waterfalls we enjoy across the Blue Ridge? Check out the NEW 2020 “Giving” calendar from RomanticAsheville.com Travel Guide — Waterfalls of NC. Calendar sales on our website support SAHC’s conservation work!

Find Out More or Purchase 2020 Waterfalls Calendar Now

Upper Catawba Falls Wanderlush Hike

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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

Upper Catawba Falls Wanderlush Hike

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Date: Saturday, April 20th
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!

2019 Upper Catawba Falls Wanderlush Hike Registration

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Catawba Falls Hike 2017

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On Saturday, September 30th, we continued our “For Love of Beer and Mountains” series on a hike to Upper Catawba Falls.  Catawba Brewing Company collaborated with SAHC to create a beer called Breezy Brae Biere de Miel, a honey farmhouse ale brewed with local Wild Mountain Bee Honey.

The Catawba Falls Hike was led by our new AmeriCorps Conservation Education and Volunteer Member Emily Adler, along with conservation property life estate holders Rick and Melinda. The group began on an SAHC conservation easement, hiking down to the Catawba Falls on a route few people get to visit. Read more

Glade Creek

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Headwater sources of Glade Creek

We purchased 200 acres near the headwaters of the Catawba River, located southeast of the Town of Black Mountain. It bridges two SAHC conservation easements and a corner of Pisgah National Forest. On its west side, the property adjoins 400 acres protected by the SAHC conservation easement at Christmount. On the east lies 329 acres that landowners Mary and Joe Hemphill worked with SAHC to protect with a conservation easement in 2003. The Glade Creek tract was owned by Joe’s sister, Lynn Hemphill Wolter, and her husband Bill. Read more

“For Love of Beer & Mountains” Upper Catawba Falls Hike

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Date:  Saturday, September 30
Time:  Starting at 10:00 am
Where:  Near Black Mountain, NC
Difficulty:  Moderate (7-8)
Cost: FREE for members/$10 for non-members

To celebrate our partnership with Catawba Brewing Company and the release of the NEW Breezy Brae Biere de Miel, we will lead a guided hike along the headwater streams to the top of spectacular 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 in total — so prepare for wet feet! This will be a rugged and adventurous 4 mile hike through rich cove forest and into streams. Most who access Catawba Falls have only viewed the large falls from below; come hike with us to see this rare view of the upper falls!

What to Bring: Sturdy waterproof hiking shoes (Chacos, Tevas, Keens, waterproof boots), rain gear, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, lunch, camera, and a bag to carry all personal items. Long [waterproof, non-cotton] pants are recommended for protection from poison ivy. If possible, drive a vehicle with high clearance from the ground, to help with shuttling to the trailhead.

Leader: Emily Adler, AmeriCorps Conservation Education & Volunteer Outreach Associate. For questions or more info, contact Emily at emily@appalachian.org or 828.253.0095 ext 205.

Co-Leader: Rick Halford, holder of life estate on conservation property

Hike difficulty ratings are based on this formula: (0.002 x elevation gain (ft.)) + round trip distance (mi.) = difficulty rating (1 – 10+)

Registration for this hike is now full. To be placed on the waitlist, or if you plans have changed and you can no longer join us, please contact emily@appalachian.org. Thank you!

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