Welcome to the North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association

Work off those Thanksgiving pounds and prepare for another round of Holiday feasting by joining the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Saturday, Dec. 10, for an arduous hike along the Colbert Ridge Trail. The hike traverses stately forests and steep terrain on the rocky Toe River side of the Black Mountains, affording spectacular views of the valley as well as Grandfather Mountain, Roan Mountain, and Table Rock.

On Friday, Nov. 11, 15 High Peaks members (and five dogs!) hiked to Lost Cove near the Nolichucky River in Yancey County.  We started at the trailhead on FS Road 278 and hiked first to Joe Lewis fields (first photo). We then proceeded to Lost Cove proper where we explored several ruins including the site of the old school/church (second photo, only the steps remain) and the cemetery (third photo).  Lost Cove is very interesting and peaceful.  We returned via the Devil's Creek Trail.  A sunny but cool day and a great hike!

Walk off that Turkey feast November 27th with the HighPeaks Trail Association on a leisurely Family Sunday Stroll.  The Lower River Loop Trail at Black Mountain Campground is an easy, (less than 100-foot elevation change) 2.4-mile stroll along both banks of the South Toe that includes not one, but TWO pedestrian bridges over the River.  This is a great hike for the family (not suitable for stollers) and those looking just to get out and enjoy the fresh air, wonderful views and the soothing sounds of nature.  We will meet on the Burnsville Town Square at 1pm and carpool t

Our First Annual Membership Meeting will be November 14 (Monday) at 6 p.m. in the Community Room on the second floor of the NEW Yancey County Library (321 School Circle, across from the Parkway Playhouse) in Burnsville, NC!!

Join High Peaks to explore the abandoned settlement of Lost Cove near the Nolichucky River in northern Yancey County on Friday, November 11.  Lost Cove was settled after the Civil War and inhabited until the 1950s.  A few structures and several ruins still remain.  We will hike approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead to Lost Cove then explore the ruins of the settlement before returning via the same route.  Total distance will be about six to seven miles.  This is a moderate to strenuous hike and includes an elevation change of 1500 feet.

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http://www.youtube.com/embed/ntmmeYTFWO4
 

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http://www.youtube.com/embed/b15rEGGdHf8

Eight intrepid High Peaks hikers and their three dogs enjoyed the fall colors Saturday in perfect weather.  The hike started at the Cattail Community Center where the Yancey County Transportation Authority pickup the hikers and drove them to Mount Mitchell.  After some hot chocolate, the hikers began the 8.5 mile hike and soon reached the summit of Mount Craig, second highest peak in the Eastern United States.  The hikers then found the remains of an old airplane wreck just off the trail on the way to summit Big Tom.  After exploring the wreck, the hikers continued

Hike from Mount Mitchell to Cattail Creek this Saturday, October 8 with the NC High Peaks Trail Association.  This hike will be strenuous, cover 8.5-miles and take about 6.5-hours with a lunch break.  Refreshments will be served at the Winter Star Retreat Cabin at the end of the hike on Cattail Creek.  The hike will be limited to 12 people and cost $3.60-per-person for transportation (provided by the Yancey County Transportation Authority.)  Please call hike leader Dennis Smith at 284-4000 to reserve your place and obtain further details on the meeting place and time.&nb

Come join the North Carolina High Peaks Trail Association for their first ever Membership Drive and Hot Dog Roast at Ye Olde Country Store (240 East Main Street, Burnsville, NC) on Friday, October 7, from 5-7 p.m.  Enjoy a hot dog and learn about the High Peaks, future hikes planned, the trails we maintain, the trails we are building and the trails we plan to build.  We live in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world, with over a quarter of the peaks over 6,000 feet tall in the eastern United States, including the tallest two, Mount Mitchell and Mount Cra