Join the Western North Carolina Historical Association (WNCHA) Saturday, May 7 at 10AM as we hike below “Rumbling Bald” Mountain in the Hickory Nut Gorge.
In February, 1874, the mountains at the eastern edge of the Hickory Nut Gorge began to tremble, shake, and emit plumes of dust, the day after a local preacher delivered a fire and brimstone sermon. Many local residents feared a volcano was set to erupt and a geologist was called in to investigate as tremors continued into May. His investigation and newspaper coverage of the events reveal surprising insights into the environmental and cultural history of the area. Join us as we loop along the southern side of “Rumbling Bald” Mountain and sort fact from fiction while enjoying the natural environment along the way.
*During the hike, participants also have the option of exploring a fissure cave with the guidance of a Chimney Rock State Park ranger. The trail is a moderate 0.5-mile hike will lead visitors to the base of Rumbling Bald Mountain. From there visitors will have a strenuous scramble approximately 200 yards up and across a boulder field consisting of various sizes boulders. Then visitors will squeeze through a 2-foot opening and into a large room. Once in the room a ranger will be available to talk about the ecology/geology of the cave. All participants must follow white nose bat syndrome protocol which call for decontamination once exiting the cave.*
Details:
Meet: 10am at Chimney Rock State Park – Rumbling Bald Access (827 Boys Camp Rd, Lake Lure, NC 28746) by the restrooms. Please arrive prior to the starting time.
Depart: 12:30PM
Hike Length: 1.6-mile loop. See map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/rumbling-bald-loop-trail?ref=result-card
Elevation Gain: 341 feet
Hike Difficulty: Easiest (using National Park Service metric)
What to Bring:
- Backpack
- Water (1 liter)
- Bagged lunch or snacks (restaurants in nearby Chimney Rock will be open as well)
- Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sunscreen
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Any needed medications.
Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled. The alternate rain date will be the following Friday, May 13.
Tickets: $10 for WNCHA members/$20 non-members. We also have two no-cost, community-funded tickets available. We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible. If you are able please consider making a donation along with your ticket purchase. These donations are placed in our Community Fund, which allows us to offer tickets at no cost to those who would not be able to attend otherwise.
Registrants must fill out the emergency contact form in advance: https://forms.gle/VUbqBJAfgvZqjDmJ9