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, July 10, 2026 — Wintergreen Falls at DuPont State Forest with Adventure Therapy: An easy-to-moderate guided hike through shaded forest paths with an inner exploration bonus. Led by Scott and Nancy Kiesling (www.scottandnancykiesling.com) to help you develop an adventurous mindset. We will rest on the streamside boulders with guided conversations from our leaders before heading back. (Approximate drive time from Flat Rock, NC: 25–30 minutes). For more details and to RSVP...

 

• Friday, August 7, 2026 — Slickum Falls with Gordie Stein: Organized in partnership with the popular Hendo Fun Friends Meetup group. This special offering 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. (Approximate drive time from Flat Rock, NC: 25–30 minutes). For more information, click here. RSVP will open in July.

 

• 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) For more information, click here. RSVP will open in August.

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: