New Hiking Guidebook for the Hickory Nut Gorge & Chimney Rock Area

Local outdoor enthusiasts Nate Ballinger and Ryan Lubbers have written a comprehensive hiking guidebook for the Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the Southeast's most spectacular natural areas. A Hiker's Guide to the Hickory Nut Gorge includes some of Western North Carolina's greatest hikes at Rumbling Bald, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Bearwallow Mountain, Bat Cave, and the Florence Preserve, among other areas. It contains over 35 trail descriptions, 100 color photos and 19 color maps.

Within the last five years there has been major land acquisitions consisting of thousands of acres by various land management agencies. Lands have been secured throughout The Hickory Nut Gorge including: Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave and Gerton. However, until now, information available to the public was scattered, misleading and often times incorrect. This resulted in accidental trespassing on private lands while leaving some public hiking areas completely ignored on beautiful weekend afternoons. This book clearly illustrates what trails are currently open, how to access the trailhead and other site-specific information needed to plan a successful hike and outdoor adventure in the Hickory Nut Gorge.

The Hickory Nut Gorge provides something for everyone. In this book authors have outlined all of the trails currently open to the public. Some are very accessible, family-friendly hikes in relatively flat terrain, while others are moderate/difficult hikes with well maintained trails with mountain vistas and loop options. We even included some hikes that are described as rock scrambles and extreme “bushwacks” for experts only. Regardless of your skill level there is a trail in the Hickory Nut Gorge that is suitable for you, and this book provides you
with the most current and accurate information you will need.

For more information on the new book, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com