Meet with a park ranger and enjoy mountain views while lunching on top of Hemphill Bald July 19.

Hiking enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein will lead the hike from Purchase Knob to Hemphill Bald as part if Friends or the Smokies classic hikes series. The 7.5-mile hike is moderate in difficulty and has an elevation gain and descent of 1,500 feet.

A park ranger will discuss work done at the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center. Hikers will also visit the The Swag’s Nature Trail, a two-mile loop that includes a swinging bridge, working water-wheel, and hidden pond.

Participants will gather to depart from Asheville at 8:30 a.m. and in Waynesville at 9 a.m. Meeting locations are specified upon registration.

Hikers should come prepared with food, water and appropriate hiking gear for the all day excursion. A donation of $35 to go to the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever program is requested, and includes a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. A donation of $10 is requested from current Friends of the Smokies members. Members who bring a friend hike for free.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 828.452.0720, www.friendsofthesmokes.org