Hike Haywood County

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Hike Haywood County

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Haywood County Recreation will host a series of spring hikes throughout April. Here’s a look at what’s coming up.

• April 10 — Buck Spring Trail from U.S. 276

This trail is a gradual, pleasant climb that dips into coves and rounds the nose of many ridges with hardwoods in the coves and mixed hardwoods on the ridges. Total distance is 6 miles and only has an elevation gain of just 400 feet. Hikers meet up at 9 a.m.

• April 20 — Shining Rock from Black Balsam

This is a long 9.7-mile hike with an elevation gain of 1,621 feet. This hike is considered difficult based on the distance. Guides will meet registered hikers at 8 a.m.

• April 28 — Balsam Gap to Standing Rock

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This hike will go from Balsam Gap Ranger Station to the Standing Rock Overlook. Total round-trip distance is 5 miles and has a rating of C-1 with an elevation gain of 1,302 feet. Hikers will meet at noon.

• April 13 — MST from Fork Ridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob

Hike to Waterrock Knob from the Fork Ridge Overlook. This is a 5.25-mile round trip hike with easy elevation change until the steep stairs at Waterrock Knob. Hikers will meet at 9 a.m.

• April 17 — Polls Gap to Cove Creek

This is a strenuous 11.7-mile point to point hike from Polls Gap trailhead to Cove Creek. As it is in the Great Smoky Mountains Park, a parking pass will be required. Hikers will meet at 8 a.m.

• April 18 — Hiker Prep Course

Class will be taught by SAR trainer Steve Kuni from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn what to always have in a pack and what to do when running out of daylight. Meet at the Standing Rock Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 441.4, at 10 a.m. Bring a chair, water, snacks and your usual hiking pack.

• Warbler Migration at Max Patch — April 27

Howard Browers will meet birders at 7:30 a.m. and head to Max Patch. There will be a moderate hike at the bald, about 2 miles round trip. Limited loaner binoculars available for use.

All hikes are subject to cancellation due to weather conditions. Go to haywoodcountync.gov/recreation to register for all activities

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