Have you taken a hike before? Maybe to Hanging Rock? Sitting atop Peters Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide is a retired fire watch tower that is now an iconic spot for viewing migratory raptors and views in all directions. While leaf peeping and bird watching are popular at this site in the fall, the Allegheny Trail and Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory can be enjoyed year-round. Make May 1 your chance to see spring from 3,800 feet.
Monroe Trail Day officially kicks off May 1 with an organized hike launching from the Hanging Rock parking lot at 11 a.m. There will be two hike options, one is a two-hour hike starting and ending at the parking area. This will be the perfect wildflower walk and birding outing. The other is an approximately four-hour hike following the Allegheny Trail to the Salt Sulphur Turnpike with a shuttle return upon the conclusion. Both hike options will pass Hanging Rock and will have guides experienced to share their knowledge about flora and fauna. Pack a lunch or pick up some snacks on site from event sponsors Friends of Monroe and the Gap Mills Ruritan Club.
Here is the perfect chance to experience a group hike, experience 360-degree mountain top views, and see what lies beyond Hanging Rock. For more information contact Allison at 304-772-3003.
To get there: From Gap Mills: From WV Route 3, take Zenith Road for 3.5 miles. Turn Left onto Limestone Hill Road and travel 1.7 miles to the Allegheny Trail parking lot on your right.