Fall Hiking Series: Daniel Ridge loop, Pisgah National Forest

Where: Daniel Ridge loop, Pisgah National Forest

Meet: Lowe’s Home Improvement, 119 Ecusta Rd, Brevard, NC 28712, at 9:00 a.m. (in spaces farthest from the building entrance)

Distance and difficulty: 4.5 miles, moderate; trail type – loop

Elevation gain: 813′

Approximately 20 minute drive

Hikers will head to Pisgah National Forest, just past the old Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and Fish Hatchery. The Daniel Ridge Trail begins by following the Davidson River, then the trail leaves the river and follows Lanning Branch and ascends the ridge.  The reward for this ascent is beautiful views of Pilot Mountain.  After descending the opposite side of the ridge, hikers will be led to the base of a 90-foot waterfall, Toms Spring Falls.

*Space is limited and pre-registration is required, and space is limited to 20 participants. Registration, by RSVP below, opens at 9:00 am Friday, September 19, 2025.  

Contact pam@conservingcarolina.org with additional questions.

Conserving Carolina is sponsoring a Friday hiking series this fall that is free, guided, and open to the public. Hikers should plan to return to the area in the late afternoon, time varying with group size, distance of hike, and drive time. Car-pooling will be organized at the meeting location. If you’re coming from an area closer to the trailhead, please contact Pam Torlina (email above) to make other meeting arrangements.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring a bag lunch and/or snack and plenty of water for yourself.

In case of inclement weather, please contact Pam Torlina by email at: pam@conservingcarolina.org by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the hike and/or check the Conserving Carolina website ‘calendar’ to see if the hike will take place. Please also remember to bring any medication that you may need in the event of an emergency (ie: epinephrine, nitroglycerine, insulin, etc.). Hike leaders will carry a first aid kit; however, it may not contain specific medication for your individual needs.

Before each hike, you will be asked to sign a waiver form. For your safety, do not attempt any hike beyond your ability and experience. This schedule is subject to change.