05/20/2026
Join us for a hike at Bluff Mountain Preserve, a botanical treasure in the Amphibolite mountains of Ashe County. The preserve’s distinctive geology—particularly its amphibolite rock—creates higher pH soils that support a range of rare and unusual plant communities seldom found elsewhere in the southern Appalachians. Among these are a dwarf red oak–white oak forest, a Carolina hemlock bluff, and one of the region’s few southern Appalachian fens.
Bluff Mountain has been managed by The Nature Conservancy since 1978 and now spans 3,800 acres. It is home to more than 400 plant species, including 25 that are listed as endangered, rare, or threatened. Once owned by the Mac Edwards and Wyn Edwards families of West Jefferson, the land has been carefully protected to preserve its remarkable ecological diversity.
Expect a moderately strenuous hike through a variety of habitats, guided by John Dwyer who will share insights into the area’s botanical richness and conservation history.
We will need a couple of 4WD vehicles so that we can drive up to the trailhead.
Payment of $15.00 per participant will be collected on site via cash, check, or Venmo. Sign up is required—see the link in the comments!
Saturday June 13
10:00am to 2:00pm
2-4 miles hiking
Moderate difficulty level
$15.00 cost per participant
13 available spaces
Signup is open May 20 - June 11
