Catch the first glimpses of autumn color, explore old cabins and cemeteries, and even ring the bell of a picture-perfect mountain chapel during a guided hike along Little Cataloochee Trail with the Friends of the Smokies.

Tuesday, Oct. 4, hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein (author of Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Heritage), will lead this 6.5-mile hike. The hike is moderate in difficulty and has a total elevation gain/descent of 1,500 feet, and features new improvements from the Trails Forever program. Time permitting, hikers will also visit the elk herd in Cataloochee Valley.

Participants gather to depart from Asheville at 8:30 a.m., or off Interstate 40 exit 24 at 9 a.m. Exact meeting locations specified upon registration. Hikers should come prepared with food, water and appropriate hiking clothes, and should expect to spend all day on the trail.

A donation of $25 is requested, and includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. Donations will benefit Trails Forever, a program dedicated to trail improvement projects in the Smokies. There is no cost to current Friends of the Smokies members.

Space is limited. Contact Friends of the Smokies to register for the Little Cataloochee Trail hike.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.452.0720.