What we’re about
The Blue Ridge Group is the Sierra Club's group in northwest North Carolina. This includes Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watagua, and Wilkes counties. We offer hikes to help people enjoy the natural world in this part of the state and occasional programs to talk about issues affecting us here.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Tanawha Trail (Beacon Heights to Yonahlassee Overlook) with the Sierra ClubBeacon Heights Parking Lot, Linville , NC
We hope you can join us Saturday, June 28 for a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway's Tanawha Trail. The hike will be about 4.6 miles (2.3 miles one way) with an elevation gain of about 230 feet, and will take 2-3 hours to complete. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE HIKE USING THE LINK ON THE SIERRA CLUB'S BLUE RIDGE GROUP'S CALENDAR ON OUR HOME PAGE. That way we can contact you with any changes or additional information. (If the link isn't set up yet when you first try please try again in a day or two.)
We will meet at the Beacon Heights parking area at Milepost 305.2 at 10:00. The parking area does not have restrooms or water. There are reports of port-o-johns at the Visitor Center but also reports that they are not there so plan accordingly. The hike will take about 2-4 hours depending on how often we stop for breaks and to discuss the natural history of the area. Be sure to bring whatever snacks you need, a liter of water, and appropriate layers and rain gear as the weather dictates.
The entire Tanawha Trail runs about 13 miles from Beacon Heights to Price Park. We will just be hiking the southern most section from Beacon Heights to the Yonahlossee Overlook (Milepost 303.9) along the flank of Grandfather Mountain. One way distance is about 2.3 miles so to go out and back will be a 4.6-mile hike. The hike is rated moderate but there is one rocky section with large boulders to traverse. Overall the hike is on a well-maintained trail with a gentle grade.
There is no charge for this hike and it is open to both Sierra Club members and to non-members. Dogs are allowed but they must be on a leash no longer than 6' and be well-behaved. We do require participants to sign a standard liability waiver at the trailhead or when registering. If you'd like to read the waiver prior to the hike please email us at BlueRidgeSierraClub@gmail.com.
