Enjoying the places you love
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
By: Molly Lester

CTNC members hike on protected lands

There's no better way to appreciate the work of North Carolina's land trusts than to walk across some of the places we've helped save.

Suki, Cooper, Nancy, Dasher and John cool off in Lost Cove Creek

That's why CTNC members (and their dogs!) have been enjoying hikes this summer through protected properties across. Organized and led by CTNC’s Development Director, John Bell, the trips allowed participants to spend quality time in the places they’ve helped protect over the years.

Nearly two dozen friends took a three-hour hike on June 10 along the Lost Cove Creek of Avery County. CTNC Board member John Wilson graciously hosted a lunch at his family’s fishing cabin for all the hungry hikers while local naturalists Peter Smith and Gary Walker provided important biological and geological context for the day’s outing.

Members hiked through scenic forest bottomland, with several stream crossings and plenty of opportunities to cool off in fresh water. While the dogs rested in the shade, hikers enjoyed local tomatoes on their homemade sandwiches. The summer weather was perfect for this weekend escape.

One month later, a small group joined CTNC Honorary Board member and former State Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr on a hike near Mount Mitchell, scouting suitable routes for a larger member hike next year. The weather was warm, so everyone enjoyed cooling off at the end of the day at a permanently protected trout stream.

Hikers follow the Overmountain Victory Trail

The next day, 18 members listened to Altapass Orchard co-owner and raconteur Bill Carson and historian/writer Anne Mitchell Whisnant discuss the land and Blue Ridge Parkway history near Altapass and Little Switzerland. CTNC has protected a significant number of acres in the vicinity over the years, including brokering a conservation agreement between the State and CSX on the rail company's 1,488-acre property behind The Orchard at Altapass.

After a lunch on the Orchard deck overlooking the “Loops,” members hiked across the Rose Creek property, saved from a planned golf course community in 2009, down the historic Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail on the CSX property

“We are so fortunate to have such wonderful members to share these places with,” Bell says. “Special thank you to all those who came out for the hikes and to all those who offered their expertise on the area. We look forward to many more successful hikes in the coming summers.”  

For more information on CTNC’s summer hikes, send an email to Jan Pender.