You have two chances to explore a unique landscape in the Uwharrie Mountains with Piedmont Land Conservancy. This guided hike will be led by past PLC board member and avid hiker Matt Perry. Note that Ridges Mountain is not open to the public. PLC has reserved this group hike through the NC Zoo.
We will be hiking somewhere between 2 to 3 miles. Some of this hike will be on an old road, some trail, and some off trail through the woods. This hike is considered moderate to strenuous. There will be an opportunity to explore the big rocks at your own risk.
The guided hike will pass by a few upland pools. Upland Pools are rare, isolated wetlands in upland settings, with water deep enough to prevent the formation of a forest canopy across the basin. Water stands well into the growing season, though it often dries by the end of summer. These pools are breeding habitat for several amphibians.
The crowning feature of Ridges Mountain is the boulders (some are as high as 50 feet) located within the Monadnock Forest at the top that provide great viewing locations of the surrounding Randolph County.
Originally established in 2000 with a PLC and NC Zoo partnership, the preserve just grew again with as the NC Zoo added an addition 139 acres, making the preserve 423 acres in total! Read more in this press release.
Sign up for you date of choice below. Both hikes will be limited to 25 people.
Sunday, April 28
Monday, April 29