Guided Hike at Ridge's Mountain (led by Piedmont Land Conservancy)

​This hike is led by Piedmont Land Conservancy. Find details and registration HERE. Space is limited - registering on this page does not save your spot, you must use the link above.

​Come explore a unique landscape in the Uwharrie Mountains with Piedmont Land Conservancy. This guided hike will be led by PLC's Conservation Advisor Dr. Ken Bridle. Note that Ridges Mountain is not open to the public. PLC has reserved this group hike through the NC Zoo.

​We will be hiking somewhere between 2 to 3 miles. Some of this hike will be on an old road, some trail, and some off trail through the woods. This hike is considered moderate to strenuous. There will be an opportunity to explore the big rocks at your own risk.

​The guided hike will pass by a few upland pools. Upland Pools are rare, isolated wetlands in upland settings, with water deep enough to prevent the formation of a forest canopy across the basin. Water stands well into the growing season, though it often dries by the end of summer. These pools are breeding habitat for several amphibians.

​The crowning feature of Ridges Mountain is the boulders (some are as high as 50 feet) located within the Monadnock Forest at the top that provide great viewing locations of the surrounding Randolph County.

​Originally established in 2000 with a PLC and NC Zoo partnership, the preserve just grew again as the NC Zoo added an additional 139 acres, making the preserve 423 acres in total! Read more in this press release.

​The group will leave from the parking area right at 4:30pm so please arrive early. An exact address and directions will be emailed to you upon registration.