From the Chair – Oct-2012

Vic Hasler, Steering Committee Chair

Our region is blessed with many places to enjoy the fall colors of changing deciduous trees.  The show starts in the highest elevations (above 4000’) by the start of October and continues down the mountains peaking around the second or third weekends.  So where to go for a “leaf peeper” hike?   Just opened last year, the [[Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower|Pinnacle Mountain Tower Trail]] (9 miles round trip) has wonderful 360 degree views in mid-October.  A shorter couple-mile hike up [[White Rock Trail]] in Buffalo Mountain Park offers views along the I-26 valley.  A five-mile hike out and back on the AT to [[AT – Little Rock Knob|Little Rock Knob]] is a forested walk to a scenic overview.  Joe DeLoach is fond of [[Rattlesnake Ridge|Rattlesnake Ridge Trail]] up Unaka Mountain to Pleasant Gardens Overlook (6-8 miles round trip).  This month is also the final push of the Mission Possible wellness program; so consider one of the Sunday afternoon hikes being offered.  Enjoy the color before it falls.