Get outside with Haywood County Recreation
Haywood County Recreation is hosting a series of events throughout September. Here’s a look at what lies ahead
Hiking
• Hike to Wayah Bald from the Wilson Lick Ranger Station Sept. 6. The is a moderate to strenuous 6-mile hike. Hikers will meet at 9 a.m. at the Best Buy in Waynesville. The Wilson Lick Ranger Station, built in 1913, was the first ranger station in the Nantahala National Forest. The Wayah Bald Fire Tower offers a great view of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, Tennessee and both North and South Carolinas.
• Yoga Hike to the Middle Prong on Sept. 9. Hike from Old Butt Knob Overlook to a bald in the Middle Prong for some gentle yoga. Meet at Jukebox Junction in Canton at 9 a.m.
•. Hike Black Balsam to Tennet Mountain Sept. 13. Tennet Mountain is one of the highest peaks in North Carolina at 6,040 feet. Take in the views in all directions, with half the hike offering open views. This hike is 6.3 miles with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet and should be considered moderately challenging. Meet at HART Theatre at 9 a.m.
•. Hike on Flat Creek Trail Sept. 16. 5.1-mile out-and-back trail, generally considered easy to moderate with several easy stream crossings and a lot of different varieties of plant life. Meet at the welcome center in Maggie Valley at 9 a.m.
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•. Hike to “The Pinnacle” Sept. 23. Extending south from the main ridge of the Plott Balsam Mountains, it stands over 2,500 feet above the valley floor, and is visible from the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway if you look closely. From its peak is a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and valley in which Sylva sits. This is a 7-mile hike with an elevation gain of 2,240 feet and should be considered challenging. Meet at the Best Buy parking lot in Waynesville at 8:30 a.m.
•. Hike Pink Beds Sept. 30. Pink Beds is an easy 5-mile loop hike. It is mostly flat trail through the mountain bogs and is one of the first to be managed through modern forestry techniques, hence the nickname “Cradle of Forestry.” Meet at HART Theater at 9 a.m.
Sunset Yoga at Waterrock Knob
Enjoy sunset at Waterrock Knob on Sept. 12. Meet yoga instructor Tara in the Waterrock Knob parking lot at 6:30 p.m. Bring your own mat/towel.
Birding
Birding expert and guide Howard Browers will be at the Lake Junaluska on Sept. 14 at 8 a.m. Loaner binoculars are available.
Navigation
Basic land navigation course taught by search and rescue instructor and team member Steve Kuni on Sept. 21. This is a 6-hour class which includes compass reading and learning to orient yourself using map, compass and technology. Class will be held at 10 a.m. at Allens Creek Park.
Mountain Biking
Ride Chestnut Mountain trails with an experienced mountain bike instructor on Sept. 16. Meet at Chestnut Mountain parking at 10 a.m. Your instructor will give you some basic instruction and safety reminders prior to hitting the trails. Loaner bikes and helmets available. Ages 11 and up.
Fly Fishing Instruction
This will be the final fly fishing classes of the year with Tommy Thomas. This 2-day beginner/intermediate course will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 15 and 22 by Richland Creek at Vance Street Park. Loaner rods are available for casting practice.
