Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

July 17, 2008 issue

Globe Forest Hike to Thunderhole Falls Saturday


Wild South, an Asheville-based conservation organization, will lead a hike into the Globe Forest basin along China Creek to Thunderhole Falls on Saturday, July 19, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. to raise awareness for the Grandfather National Scenic Area proposal. Hikers will include about 25 members of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church; however, anyone interested in the Grandfather National Scenic Area is welcome to meet at the St. Mary of the Hills church parking lot in Blowing Rock at 2:00 p.m.

The round trip hike is approximately 1.5 miles. Hikers should wear shoes they are comfortable getting wet because the hike includes a few shallow stream crossings.

The proposed Grandfather National Scenic Area lies across the 5th and 10th Congressional Districts, with the majority of the 25,500-acre area in Caldwell and Avery counties. The concept for the National Scenic Area developed after the Forest Service announced its plans for a logging project in the Pisgah National Forest one mile south of Blowing Rock.

The community responded with 1,800 comments to the Forest Service opposing the project. In a unanimous resolution, the Blowing Rock Town Council opposed the project and called for the creation of the Grandfather National Scenic Area.
At the request of the community, Wild South and the Southern Environmental Law Center helped draft proposed language for a bill that would set aside 25,500 acres of Pisgah National Forest as a National Scenic Area. While the bill has the support of other NC delegates, Rep. Virginia Foxx (5th District) and Rep. Patrick McHenry (10th District) remain uncommitted. Roy Carter and Daniel Johnson, Democratic challengers in the 5th and 10th Districts respectively, have publicly endorsed the scenic designation.

According to Wild South, members of St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church have been an integral part of raising awareness about the Grandfather National Scenic Area. This Saturday’s hike is the second for members of the church. In June, several church members, along with the Rev. Rick Lawler, hiked into the Globe basin to see old-growth trees that would be protected under the proposed designation.

Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Meet at St. Mary of the Hills
Cost: Free