Join Blue Ridge Parkway rangers for a moderate, 2.5 mile loop hike through the headwaters basin of Flat Laurel Creek. Flat Laurel Creek begins in a high elevation valley surrounded by high peaks, grassy balds, and the dark spruce-fir forests of the southern Appalachians. Come enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about this truly unique ecosystem.

Meet at the parking area at the end of the Black Balsam Road (FR 816), a paved road off the Parkway just south of Milepost 420.

Bring water, wear good walking shoes (ones that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy), and be prepared for changeable weather.

Call (828) 298-5330, ext. 304, for additional information.

Many of us dream of going somewhere warm for the winter and some animals get to do exactly that with migration. But who gets to migrate and what compels them to travel hundreds or thousands of miles from home? Are the animals having beach parties without us? To learn the answers to these questions and more, join us for a moderate hike, approximately 2.2 miles round-trip.

Meet at Big Ridge Overlook, Milepost 403.6. Wear good hiking shoes, bring water, and be prepared for changeable weather.

Call (828) 298-5330, extension 304 for more information.