When: October 19, 2024 @ 12:00 pm
Come be “out in the outdoors”!
Calling WNC’s LGBTQIA+ community! Let’s gather to share the company of nature and our fellow community members. On the second Saturday of every other month (third Saturday this month), we will come together to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space as we wander in the woods, connecting to each other and the natural world around us. We’ll take the time to notice, appreciate, and learn about the creatures that call this place home, from the tiny beetles to the mighty trees. Along the way, we will find a spot to stop and enjoy a seasonal treat. This safe space is open to anyone who can use it. Friends, family, and allies are welcome too!
This month, we will be Out on Siler Bald to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains during peak fall foliage season. *Note: as of 10/11, the Nantahala National Forest is now open!* The bald should be sporting plenty of beautiful autumn wildflowers, like those pictured below. We’re likely to see woodland wildflowers blooming while hiking through the woods, as well. Please register for this event using the form below.
We will meet at the Wayah Gap Picnic Area in Topton at 12:00pm on Saturday, October 19th. See the map below for exact location. Parking is extremely limited, so please carpool. Carpool options will be organized by the leaders. This out-and-back hike is along the AT and is just under 4 miles roundtrip, with 1,000ft of elevation gain. A good chunk of the elevation gain is in the last 0.2 miles, where we will hoof it up a steep incline through the bald to reach the summit. Hopefully, there will be plenty of cool flowers to admire as we stop to catch our breath! We hope to be back at the trailhead at 3:00pm. Bring water, an optional snack (if you want one in addition to the provided snack), and sun/bug protection.
2024 Schedule
Saturday, February 10th, 11:00am-1:00pm- Icicle Hike at Whiteside Mountain, Highlands
Saturday, April 13th, 10:00am-12:00pm- Birding Walk at Tessentee Bottomland Preserve, Franklin
Saturday, June 15th, 4:00pm-6:00pm- Flame Azalea Walk at Hooper Bald, Robbinsville
Saturday, August 10th, 12:00pm-2:00pm- Snorkeling at Queen Branch Preserve, Franklin
Saturday, October 19th, 12:00pm-3:00pm- Fall Colors Hike, Siler Bald, Topton **Third Saturday**
Saturday, December 7th- Winter Bonfire, Rabun Gap, GA
Meet your leaders
As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Associate, Skye (she/her) inspires communities to engage and connect with nature. She is a queer naturalist who is especially passionate about mosses, fungi, trees, and salamanders.
Gillian (she/her) is a queer conservation practitioner who strives to build community by connecting with others in nature and working to ensure that public lands are a welcome and safe space for all.
Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions. Please leave pets at home. This event is weather-dependent.
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