Hiking veteran Michael Hayslett will lead a series of hikes in the Alleghany Highlands and beyond in a new course offered by the Dabney S. Lancaster Community College non-credit program in May and June.
“Great Appalachian Hikes” includes hiking trails not only in the local area, but also to travel destinations in the tri-state region of southwest Virginia, eastern Tennessee, and western North Carolina.
“Experience some of the best hiking trails in the Alleghenies and travel with us to take in some of the most spectacular view sheds in the southern Appalachians,” says Hayslett.
A mandatory orientation classroom session on Thursday, May 18, in Room 375, Scott Hall, from 6-9 p.m., covers hiking preparations and gear. Participants may then choose any or all of six hikes offered.
Local hikes scheduled: Sunday, May 21, Rich Hole Wilderness in Alleghany County, VA; Saturday, June 10, Douthat State Park in Bath County, VA; and Sunday, June 11, Cascades Gorge in Hot Springs, VA. All will depart at 8 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. The fee is $65 each, or $175 for all three.
Group transportation will be provided for all destinations. Lodging and meals are not covered by the course fee, however, lodging will be prearranged by the instructor.
Travel hikes scheduled: May 27-28, Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands, Southwest Virginia; June 3-4, Roan Mountain State Park in Eastern Tennessee; and June 16-18, Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest in Western North Carolina. The first two depart at 7 a.m. on Saturday and return at 9 p.m. Sunday. The third will leave Friday at 6 p.m. and return Sunday at 9 p.m. The fee for each is $195, or $499 for all three.
Group transportation is provided for all destinations; however, lodging and meals are not covered by the course fee. Lodging will be arranged by the instructor.
Hayslett, a local “mountain man,” has enjoyed a 30-year career in outdoor recreation, natural resource conservation and higher education. He has been a park ranger, wildlife biologist, hiking guide and professor of biology and environmental science. He grew up hiking, hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, caving and exploring nature in the Alleghenies but he has also trekked throughout the wilds of the Eastern U.S., the Rockies and Alaska.
To register contact Robin Jennings, DSLCC Workforce Solutions and Community Education, at 540-863-2899 or rjennings@dslcc.edu.
