NC High Peaks Trail Association

10/15/2026

High Peaks Leads Hike to Isom Mine Oct. 24

Fit, experienced hikers are invited to join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Saturday, Oct. 24 for a fun but challenging 8-mile hike to the historic Isom Mine below Celo K**b.

The deep-shaft mica mine was worked steadily throughout much of the last century and is a notable landmark of the Black Mountains.

Hikers should assemble at the Cattail Community Center (2170 Cattail Creek Rd.) parking lot at 8:30 a.m. The group will car-pool to the starting point for the hike, which will make a loop with a climb and descent of about 1,200 feet. We will hike up to an old railroad grade then circle back down to visit the mine and back to our starting point.

This moderate hike should take 5-6 hours so bring snacks, lunch, plenty of water, warm clothes, rain gear if it looks threatening, and hiking poles if you use them. Leashed dogs are allowed on the hike, but come prepared to clean up after your pet.

Following the hike we are invited to the Wellers home in Cattail for burgers and hot dogs. Please bring snacks and something to drink for the gathering.

For more information, contact Hike Leader Susan Weller via text at 828-284-8505 or email [email protected].

As always, check the High Peaks page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to the weather.

10/09/2026

The Big Butt hike scheduled for tomorrow is CANCELED due to expected rain and high winds.
The hike will be rescheduled for next Saturday, October 17. Meeting times and places remain the same.

10/01/2026

High Peaks Leads Big Butt Hike October 10

Fit, experienced hikers are invited to join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Sat. October 10 for a fun but challenging hike up the Big Butt Trail from Cane River Gap. This up-and-back hike will cover seven miles with more than 2,000 feet of elevation change - a tough climb up but also tough on the knees coming down.

Depending on the weather, hikers may be treated to spectacular views of the Black Mountain chain from Little Butt, our destination, and also west toward the Smokies from the Big Butt summit.

Please meet at the Roses Shopping Center Parking lot on the corner overlooking US Highway 19E at 8:30 a.m. We’ll carpool from there, or hikers may meet the group at 9:15 a.m. at Cane River Gap on NC 197. The hike should take about 5 hours to complete.

Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch and enough layers to be ready for whatever weather the group may face. Bring hiking poles if you use them.

Well behaved leashed dogs are welcome, but be aware this may be a long and challenging hike for them. Bring them water and food as needed and be prepared to clean up after them.

Contact hike leader Jimmie Bowen at [email protected] to sign up and let him know where you will meet the group.

As always, check the High Peaks page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to weather.

10/01/2026

On Tuesday, October 6, journey back in time at Mount Mitchell State Park. Join rangers and park staff for a live-action historical role-playing adventure at the highest point east of the Mississippi.

Come dressed in your best late 18th- or early 19th-century adventure gear (costumes are encouraged, but not required), then set out on a journey through Mount Mitchell’s fascinating past. Along the way, you’ll:

Meet characters from the mountain’s history
Take a hike and complete an adventure challenge
Discover how a railroad once made its way toward the highest mountains in the region
Learn about the controversy surrounding the naming of Mount Mitchell
Explore the early efforts to conserve this special place

Earn your very own Mount Mitchell Adventure Coin, featuring one-of-a-kind artwork created by one of our own park staff!

This family-friendly event offers options for different hiking abilities, so you can decide how long of a hike you’d like to take.

And it’s for a good cause. NC High Peaks, the friends' group of Mount Mitchell State Park, is hosting a food drive to support our local community. Please bring a nonperishable food donation or scan the QR code at the event or go to https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/QA75QCJCBLRVW to make a monetary donation.

Tuesday, October 6
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Mount Mitchell State Park

Your journey will begin at the park office. Please drop off your donation with office staff, and you’ll receive the information you need to begin your adventure.
For more information, visit the Mount Mitchell State Park calendar:
Mount Mitchell State Park Calendar https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/mount-mitchell-state-park?utm_source=chatgpt.com

09/30/2026

14 hikers and one adorable pup hiked to Hawks Bill last week. It was a beautiful day and the view, on both sides, amazing! Thanks to all of you who came. Watch for next month’s hike and come join us! Diane 💕

09/29/2026

Great News!

09/18/2026

High Peaks Leads Hawksbill Hike Sept. 25

High Peaks invites you to join us on a hike to one of the area’s most scenic spots, Hawksbill Mountain overlooking Linville Gorge. The 360-degree views of the gorge and nearby Table Rock are breath-taking!

The hike begins on the Jonas Ridge Trail and is rated as moderate, although it is rocky in places and features a 700-foot elevation gain. Total hike distance will be about 4.5 miles.

Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Park n’ Ride on Highway 19 about a mile east of Micaville and we’ll carpool from there. Drive-time is about 45 minutes. You can also meet the group at the trailhead at 9:30 a.m.

Bring water, a snack, hiking poles if you use them and sturdy footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome, but be prepared to clean up after your pet.

Please call or text Hike Leader Diane Schramm at 904-349-0479 with questions or to reserve your spot with the group.

As always, check the High Peaks website, www.nchighpeaks.org, or our page for last-minute changes due to the weather.

09/12/2026

Nine hikers were treated to a beautiful hike to Rock Creek Falls today!

09/05/2026

Here's our updated hike list for September and October. We hope you'll be able to join us for one or more! Details will be available about a week before each hike.

2026 Hike Schedule Hike details subject to change.Saturday, May 9 DateTrailDistance Difficulty LeaderFriday, March 13 Bailey Mountain5 milesEasyDianeFriday, March 27 Grandfather Mt. - DB Scout Trail7 milesStrenuousJimmieSaturday, April 11 Babel Tower Trail2.5 milesHardCandieFriday, April 24 Overmoun...