Gather & Hike at Highland Lake Cove: Monthly Outdoor Adventures​

Welcome to our new monthly series designed for community, connection, and accessible exploration. Offered by Highland Lake Cove, Gather & Hike brings you unique outdoor experiences designed for hikers who aren’t up to summiting mountains anymore. Along with your nature outing, expect good food and great conversation.

Time Commitment: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

This window covers our morning meetup at Highland Lake Cove, travel to and from the trailhead, unhurried time on the trail, and a relaxed lunch afterward at Treska’s Cafe.

Highland Lake Cove is proud to feature dynamic collaborations with local experts to lead these monthly excursions. Please join us:​

 

• Friday, August 7, 2026 — Slickum Falls with Gordie Stein: Organized in partnership with the popular Hendo Fun Friends Meetup group. Slickum Falls is an example of a rare ecological community, known as a cataract bog. Cataract bogs form where a permanent stream flows slowly over a steeply sloped rock outcrop. A thin layer of soil forms on the edges of the stream's flow, and this moist soil supports a number of rare plant species to create the bog. In stark contrast, just yards from the stream are two dry habitat plants - lichen and prickly pear cactus. These falls are in the Eva Russell Chandler Heritage Preserve, managed by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area between Ceasars Head and Jones Gap. Slickum Falls drops over a run of 150 yards down the sloperock into a thick forest.  We will NOT attempt walking down the sloperock. This hike features a flat, 100-foot stroll to a multi-tiered cascade and sandy shore. It is designed specifically for those whose spirits are willing, but the body requires a gentler pace, providing a wonderful opportunity to re-engage with nature and sit in the shade without the demands of a harder trek. Bring a camp chair. 
  Trail Logistics 
  Distance: 100 feet each way
  Elevation Gain: 36 feet
  Estimated Trail Time: 1 hour (Out & back, including sitting time)
  Approximate Drive Time: 40 minutes from Flat Rock, NC
  Capacity Limit: Space is limited to 12 participants; registration required.

 

• Friday, September 11, 2026 — Bearwallow Mountain with Conserving Carolina (Field Notes from the Cove): Led by a professional naturalist from our local land conservancy, this excursion features a steady, moderate climb to a stunning open grassy summit with sweeping 270-degree mountain views. Join Pam Torlina as she shares her deep knowledge of our regional ecology, wildlife, and insightful conservation stories about the dedicated efforts that have protected so much of our beautiful mountain habitat.  (Approximate drive time from Flat Rock, NC: 30–35 minutes).

The Routine

We meet at Highland Lake Cove, arrange independent carpools to a scenic local destination selected with our active community in mind, and enjoy an approachable, rewarding outdoor experience. Afterward, we return to the property for a fresh lunch at Treska’s Cafe to continue the morning’s conversation.

Important Program Notes

• Registration & Waivers: Space is limited for each outing. Advance registration is required, and all participants must sign a standard liability waiver prior to departure.

• Carpooling: Carpooling is arranged entirely at each individual's own discretion and will. Highland Lake Cove does not provide transportation or assume any liability for transit to and from the trailheads.
  
  
                               Let us know you're coming! Please RSVP below for any hike in the series: