Come hike the 8,600-acre Waynesville Watershed property at the head of Allens Creek in Haywood County, which is normally off-limits to all public access.

The last hike of the year there is set for Saturday, Oct. 29, at 9 a.m. It will be led by naturalist Don Hendershot, Peter Bates of Western Carolina University and naturalists from Balsam Mountain Trust.

The hike will be between three and five miles long across moderately strenuous terrain. Hikers should bring their own lunch, water, appropriate (warm) clothing, hat, rain gear, and wear sturdy shoes. Birders should bring their binoculars. The group will leave from the Waynesville Water Plant and return by 2 p.m.

The hike is being co-organized by the Town and Balsam Mountain Trust, the nonprofit environmental education and research arm of Balsam Mountain Preserve.

Advanced registration is required and can be done online at www.townofwaynesville.org, or 828.452.2491.