Our Mission

To explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity; to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.

2008 Foothills Group Outings

October 11 - Adopt-A-Trail Service Outing

Come help us work on our trail during the fall color season. This will be the third and last trail maintenance of the year. We will clean water bars, trim limbs and ground cover from the trail, and pick up trash. Tools will be provided. Contact Henry Fansler at (336) 473-0283 or hbjfansler@windstream.net, or Chris Halt at (336) 659-8838 or chlt@att.net.

October 18-19 - Burke's Garden Backpack

This 11-mile, moderately difficult backpack is in the mountains surrounding the highest large valley in Virginia, which is shaped like a bowl. Although the route is on the Appalachian Trail, tents will be used, rather than shelters. The changing of the leaves will provide beautiful views during the outing. For more information and to sign up, call Joel Wooten before 9 p.m. at (336) 679-8672 or contact him at joelhike@yahoo.com.

October 25 - Bluff Mountain Day Hike

For this moderate shuttle hike, we'll begin at the Basin Cove Overlook next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and walk 7 miles through diverse terrain that includes many open views of the mountain range, meadows, and hardwoods and pine forests. A spectacular hike, we finish at Brinegar Cabin, an example of homesteads in the area in the late 1800s. Bring water, snacks and/or lunch and rain gear. Well-behaved dogs welcomed. Contact Carol Dimling at (336) 722-2750 or cdimling@triad.rr.com for the meeting place.

Saturday, November 1 - Stone Mountain State Park Hike

We’ll hike a total of 7.5 miles, up over the summit, lunching down by the waterfall, and then out to Cedar and Wolf Rocks. This hike will have a leisurely pace (especially on the up hills) to allow us to enjoy this lovely state park. Bring boots, lunch, water, raingear, and sunscreen. Contact Eva at (336) 760-9184 or elively@wfubmc.edu.

November 22 - Wilburn Ridge Day Hike

Hike from Grayson Highlands State Part to Wilburn Ridge and Rhododendron Gap, to see the open balds of the high country near Mount Rogers in southeastern Virginia. We may see wild ponies, if we are lucky. Bring lunch, rain gear, and sunscreen. The elevation is about 4000 feet, so the sun is fierce even if it is cold. The terrain and distance are moderate, but participants should be prepared for any weather condition. Call Dave Pritchard at (336) 794-0263 or email dp@novat.com to register for this hike.

December 20 - Hanging Rock State Park Day Hike

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and join us for a hike in Hanging Rock State Park. We will hike portions of the Lake, Chestnut Oak, Cooks Wall, and Wolf Rock Trails. These trails will give you an idea of how important our state parks are in preserving North Carolina’s natural heritage as well as preserving a place of peace and solitude. We will be back in town by afternoon. Contact Henry Fansler for details at 336-473-0283 or hbjfansler@windstream.net.

Check out birding spots in Forsyth County:

http://www.forsythaudubon.org/html/birdingspots.html