High Country Conservancy Hike at Bear Paw State Natural Area November 14

Enjoy views of Grandfather Mountain and Hanging Rock Ridge on an open-to-the-public hike on November 14 in the new Bear Paw State Natural Area led by High Country Conservancy. Photos submitted

In the shadow of the better-known Grandfather Mountain, lying immediately to the north, sits a prominent ridge and richly forested cove. Known by locals as a beautiful natural area, this spot has little-known national biological significance. But this November, you can see the area yourself on Hanging Rock Ridge, through a special hike lead by the Boone-based land trust, High Country Conservancy.

The area’s nationally rare plant habitat was only recently preserved with the help of High Country Conservancy. In fact, it was only last year that High Country Conservancy spearheaded an effort to protect this important land forever. High Country Conservancy’s work resulted in North Carolina’s State Legislature designating a new State Natural Area called “Bear Paw.” Bear Paw was the American Indian name for the area.

Located between Seven Devils and Valle Crucis, Bear Paw encompasses a portion of the long, sharp Hanging Rock ridge, and a lush mountain cove that is also the headwaters of Dutch Creek. It is an area easily visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, as well as numerous other points in the High Country. It is particularly visible from Grandfather Mountain, just to the south, and Highway 194, to the north and west.

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Bear Paw State Natural Area
Cost: Free

On Saturday, November 14, starting at 10:00 a.m. High Country Conservancy will lead a hike through Bear Paw. Culminating on the high ridge over Foscoe, Seven Devils, Dutch Creek and Valle Crucis, the hike will afford incredible views of Grandfather Mountain, and other high peaks of the Blue Ridge. This hike is open to anyone interested in attending and is free of charge. For more information and/or to sign up, call 828-264-2511.