Wander through winter
Experience the backcountry during wintertime with a pair of hikes offered over the next week with Haywood Recreation and Parks.
• A moderate 5.5-mile hike taking in a portion of the Little East Fork Trail in Bethel will start with a meetup 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Jukebox Junction. Guides Lisa and Phyllis will lead the way on the trail starting just past Camp Daniel Boone in the Shining Rock Wilderness.
• A moderate 4-mile hike from Soco Gap near Maggie Valley to the Plott Balsam Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway will commence following a meeting up at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the Old Town parking lot. Jamie and Vickie will guide this hike, which will use the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to hike out and the closed Parkway to return.
Hike registration is $10. Sign up at haywoodcountync.gov/recreation.
