A 4.4-mile hike on the Wallhalla Trail at Cataloochee Ranch in Haywood County will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4,

Cataloochee Ranch is a private, family-owned, eco-tourism destination. The guided hike with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy offers a rare chance for the general public to hike the preserve’s high elevation trails. It is adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Maggie Valley and is an important buffer to the park’s estimated 187,000 acres of old growth forest.

Hike leaders are Judy Coker, Cataloochee Ranch co-owner; Rich Preyer, the Ranch’s public relations and outreach associate; and Holly Demuth, Friends of the Smokies N.C. director. Hikers are urged to bring water, comfortable shoes, warm clothes and a camera; the hike is free for members and $10 for non-members. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to hike, too.

RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.253.0095 ext. 205.