Macon County Archives - Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy

October 27th Walking With Bartram: Appletree Campground to Beechertown

We’re getting close to tying a bow on this second round of section hiking the Bartram Trail and I do believe we’re gonna do it in record time! With weather being favorable and our hiking groups fleet-footed and fearless, we’re going to skip the Piercy Creek side trail this time through and make the haul from Appletree Campground to Beechertown.

We’ll plan on meeting at the Beechertown trailhead at 9am and figure out shuttling to Appletree to start off the day. This is a moderately strenuous hike, at least the climb up onto the ridgeline, before we drop back down. We can do it!

Newcomers are welcome to join us. Please plan to bring plenty of water, lunch, clothing appropriate for this season, and your sense of humor and wonder.

We have had great interest in these hikes and are working to create new hiking opportunities. If you are interested in leading a hike, let us know!

Please RSVP below to help us with planning:

October 31st Trailhead Tuesday

We’ll plan to meet at First United Methodist Church in Franklin at 1pm before heading out to clean up all the tricks and treats left behind at the Bartram trailheads.

This is a program for those looking to get involved but with limited time. We will meet in the early afternoon to divide and conquer some minor clean up and trail head maintenance. We’re looking for folks to visit a set of selected trail heads to re-stock Bartram Trail information cards, complete a trail head condition report, pick up any trash in the area, and chat with hikers as they start their day hike.

We’ll supply everything you need for the day. Although we suggest you bring your own gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and a positive attitude.

We’ll meet at 1pm in the parking area at church across from Lazy Hiker Brewing. We’ll regroup between 3-4 and head across the street for a cold beverage on us.

Please RSVP to help with planning for this event:

Bartram Foragers Series Special Beer Release and Fundraiser

Come on down to this Bartram Foragers Series Special Beer Release and Fundraiser at Lazy Hiker Brewing on October 19th.

Bartramites will have met up and explored the reaches of Macon County for fresh fall ingredients and delivered them to the brewmasters at Lazy Hiker. Using their superpowers and wonderful wizardry, they will have added the ingredients to one of their finest brews to age and impart their wonderful flavors. Then, we enjoy!

Final ingredients will be determined based on what nature offers up, but the shortlist is pawpaws, black walnuts, honey locust pods, and persimmons. If you have a location or source for these items, please let us know – email info@blueridgebartram.org.

The celebration will begin at 5pm and blend into the evening with Lazy Hiker’s open mic night, a raffle, and good times with neighbors and friends.

Everyone is welcome to come for the celebration on the evening on the 19th for the special Bartram Beer Release and Fundraiser! A portion of the proceeds will benefit Blue Ridge Bartram Trail Conservancy programs. We’ll also have some of our Bartram Trail Conservancy merch available including pint and bourbon glasses, t-shirts, patches, and maps.

Technically, this is the second beer in the series, the first being the special Bartram Brew from this summer’s Bartram Trail reroute celebration. The first beer was yummy, so we have set a high bar for this one!

More details to follow!

Geologic Hike to Scaly Mountain with Dr. Dan Pittillo

We’re in for a special short hike and grateful for Dr. Dan Pittillo to be able to lead us and share his thoughts and understanding on the geologic history and current activity of these wonderful southern Appalachians. You may be surprised to learn these mountains are still rising!

We’re planning to meet at the Hickory Nut Gap Rd parking area (just outside of Highlands) and side-trailhead for Scaly Mountain at 10am. The hike is a moderate ~3 miles round trip. We should be able to wrap up around 2pm.

We’ll send out additional information closer to the event to discuss carpooling options.

Please RSVP below to help with planning:

Macon County

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