Ecotours

Join us on one of our guided adventures and explore the natural wonders of our region!

Here is a look at what we did in 2019:

6/21/19 Bartram Trail Hike (9AM - 2PM)

Join us for a hike along the Bartram Trail from Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain. Learn about the unique flora and fauna along the trail and hear stories about William Bartram’s travels from the Bartram Trail Society’s Walter Wingfield and Brent Martin. Enjoy beautiful views and a picnic lunch (provided by the Land Trust) at an overlook on Whiterock Mountain before heading back on the trail.

Distance: 4.6 miles round trip

Difficulty level: moderate-difficult, a narrow trail travels over uneven ground with roots and rocks

7/25/19 Geology of Waterfalls Tour

This waterfall excursion will be led by Bill Jacobs, geology buff and author of the book 'Whence These Special Places? The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands & Panthertown Valley' (coming in June 2019). We will visit three waterfalls on this tour, each of which represents a different type of rock formation and composition: Silver Run Falls (25 ft. falls on the headwaters to Whitewater River), Sliding Rock Falls (10 ft falls on the Chattooga River), and King Creek Falls (70 ft. falls on the headwaters of the Chattooga in SC). Learn about the geology of our unique area as well as some of our natural heritage along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the falls (provided by HCLT).

Distance:  ~2 miles total (Silver Run = ½ mile RT, Sliding Rock = ½ mile RT, King Creek Falls = 1 mile RT)

Difficulty level: mostly moderate with a few difficult spots with rocks and roots.

8/29/19 Pond Hollow

Pond Hollow is a privately owned property conserved by Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Learn about the unique beauty and diversity of this property and explore its forest, wetland, headwater streams, and pollinator meadow. Enjoy a picnic lunch (provided by HCLT) surrounded by wildflowers and mountain views. Find out how this peaceful and important landscape will be protected forever.  

Distance:  ~2 miles total

Difficulty level: mostly moderate with a few difficult spots – this includes walking a short distance on a busy road, stepping over at least one log, and a short distance of uneven rocky terrain with rocks and roots and potentially wet/slick areas.