When: November 11, 2023 @ 10:00 am
COME MEANDER WITH US TO EXPLORE THE LANDS, WATERS, AND CULTURAL RESOURCES THAT MAINSPRING CONSERVATION TRUST PROTECTS.
On the second Saturday of every month, Conservation Outreach Associate Skye Cahoon will lead you on a Meander through the rich floodplains, lush forests, picturesque meadows, and vibrant mountains that make this region so special. Together we will learn about and appreciate the natural world around us, taking time to notice both the tiny and the mighty creatures that call these places home.
On this last Meander of the year, we will be enjoying the Piney Knob Trails in Murphy. During this 2-3 hour hike we will explore Murphy’s watershed property, ambling through rhododendron groves and mixed forests while keeping an eye out for any late fall wildflowers and other natural treasures. Most of this 2 mile hike follows bubbling Marble Creek as it winds through the forest, and features a population of hemlocks that have been treated against the invasive pest Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA.)
Note that this trail system is a mixed use area, and participants may need to quickly step out of the way of mountain bikers. These natural surface trails offer gentle to moderate grade inclines, with a mild elevation gain of 230 feet. We will meet in the parking lot of the Piney Knob Trail System at the end of Piney Knob HI in Murphy at 10am on Saturday, November 11th. Please note that the road leading up to the trailhead is narrow and winding, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Parking at the trailhead is limited, so participants are encouraged to carpool if possible. Email Skye to be connected with fellow carpoolers.
This event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Please email Skye with any questions, and keep an eye on this page and our social media for any scheduling updates. We look forward to Meandering with you!
2023 MAINSPRING MEANDERS SCHEDULE:
April 8th: Pinnacle Park, Sylva
May 13th: Queen Branch Preserve, Franklin
June 10th: Salt Rock Gap, Panthertown Valley, Cashiers
July 8th: Yellow Creek Falls, Robbinsville
August 12th: Gibson Bottoms Preserve, Franklin
September 9th: Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, Franklin
October 14th: Welch Farm, Andrews
November 11th: Piney Knob Trails, Murphy
