Support FCNC
Members floating the Catawba - May 2007
Hikes & Outings
FCNC Outings view upcoming hikes & outings
South Mountains State Park view upcoming hikes & outings
Rutherford Outdoor Coalition view upcoming hikes & outings
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FCNC OutingsReservations required for all outings. RSVP via e-mail at info@foothillsconservancy.org or call 828-437-9930.
Wear appropriate clothing and hiking shoes, and bring your own water, snacks and lunch.
DAY HIKING TO CATAWBA FALLS
Directions:
From I-40 west bound: take Exit 73. Turn left at the stop sign and go under the highway. Take the first right onto what
appears to be the eastbound end of the exit ramp. Two-way traffic exits to the "crossover" to Catawba River Road. Follow this
road to its end, about 3-4 miles. Parking is on the lefthand shoulder of the road prior to the narrow river bridge.
From I-40 eastbound: while still on the exit ramp you'll make a very sharp turn to the right at the "crossover".
Thanks to a temporary management agreement with McDowell County, the public may now day-hike on the Conservancy's
Catawba Falls Trail to reach the lower Catawba Falls on Pisgah National Forest, no guided hikes required.
Trail use is permitted according to rules that will be monitored and enforced by McDowell County.
Daytime Foot Traffic Only
No Alcohol, No Firearms
No Camping
No Fires
Pack it in, Pack it out - No Litter
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE! All waterfalls are extremely hazardous and require caution and adult supervision of children at all times.
Other trail hazards may exist near the falls.
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South Mountains State Park South Mountains State Park is located south of Morganton off of old Highway 18. We welcome the community
to join us for our monthly educational interpretive programs. Call the park office at (828) 433-4772 for more
information and to pre-register for the upcoming programs.
April Saturdays 10 - 2 PM
Every Saturday in April, join a Park Ranger at South Mountains State Park for a wildflower walk along the Jacob Fork River.
These moderate hikes will begin at the Jacob Fork Parking Area at 10:00 am and last approximately two hours. Each hike will be
about two miles long. Current blooming wildflowers and other flora will be identified on this walk.
Saturday, May 3 - 11 AM
Join Park Ranger Lance Huss at the Visitor Center to learn about common animal tracks and their makers. Come make your
own tracks to take home. This program will include indoor and outdoor activities and begin at 11:00 am.
Saturday, May 3 - 2 PM
Join Park Ranger Michael Eisch at the Visitor Center at 2:00 pm to learn about animal camouflage. Learn how both predators and
prey use the true art of camouflage for survival. Also play a fun game where you become predator and prey. Kids, don't forget to
bring your parents with you!
Sunday, May 4 2-3 PM
Visit South Mountains State Park and look for our interesting display of skulls and skins at the Jacob Fork Picnic Area. Come by
between 2:00 - 3:00 pm to hear about some of the animals found around South Mountains State Park.
Saturday, May 10 - 9 AM
South Mountains State Park will be hosting a bird walk to celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Join birder Nicole Juhan and
Park Ranger Tim Johnson for this moderate two hour hike. The walk will begin at the Jacob Fork Parking Area at 9:00 am.
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Rutherford Outdoor Coalition Wednesday Weekly Trail Run 6:30 PM
Weekly runs on rail trail from McDonalds in Spindale
Thursday Weekly Cycling March 13, 5:30 PM
Resume weekly Thursday rides in Spindale
Apr. 26 Hike - Panthertown Valley
Leader Tom Duchac: dukies@earthlink.net
May 2-4 French Broad River Festival (Hot Springs)
May 10 Dragon Boat Races
May 16-18 Trail Days (Damascus, VA)
June 28 Gears & Gables Cycling Tour
Rutherford Housing Partnership
September 13 Hike - Carver’s Gap to 19E
September 27 - River Sweep
October 4 - Tour de Pumpkin
Potential upcoming outings:
Virginia Creeper bike ride
Roan Mountain
Dupont State Forest* - Trail run/hike/mtn. bike
Lake paddling trips
*A note from the Friends of Dupont State Forest: Conservation Road is now open. This will allow access to Lake Julia
and Bridal Veil Falls from the popular accesses on Staton Road. For more information about DuPont's gift to the forest,
go to: www.dupontforest.com
Water at each outing provided by a generous donation from Table Rock Spring Water.
