
What we’re about
Welcome to the largest and most active hiking club in Upstate South Carolina. The Greenville Natural History Association (GNHA) has more than 800 members who day hike and backpack across the Blue Ridge Mountains of Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina.
It's easy to join GNHA, but it does take three steps to complete registration because our Meetup group has a $5 annual membership fee that isn’t paid on Meetup. (Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through it.)
For the safety of our hike leaders and members, we have created a set of requirements that new members must complete to begin hiking with us. Be sure to follow these steps:
- Request to join the club on Meetup with a profile that includes your first and last name as well as a face-forward, individual profile image. This ensures everyone on a group hike knows who they’re attending an event with–including you.
- If you do not want to include your last name in your profile because of privacy concerns, we will allow you to create a profile with the first letter of your last name. However, it’s possible that an existing member may already have a profile with your first name and last name initial. If that’s the case, you will be asked to include an extra letter or your full last name so that we can identify you from other hikers.
- Once you join our club on Meetup, we will contact you to complete the payment process. You'll have the option to choose a one- or two-year membership starting at $5 per year. Keep in mind that it may take up to a week to process your membership.
Once you’ve followed these steps, you can begin hiking. Be sure to review our hike rating system to identify the best hike for your fitness level. For our most strenuous hikes, you will need to contact the hike leader before joining the hike.
We also encourage you to review our safety guidelines. No pets or children under 14 are allowed on club hikes.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- The Despeauxrados, (VS) - Art Loeb / Black Balsam / Shining Rock Gap5000 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC
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We will start where the Art Loeb / MST trail crosses FSR 816 toward Black Balsam Knob. The hike will take us on the Art Loeb trail out to Ivestor Gap. We'll take the Ivestor trail to Shining Rock Gap and on to Flower Gap for lunch. From there we will follow the Art Loeb trail and take it to the summit of Grassy Cove Top for a view. We'll return following Graveyard Ridge and MST trail.
*** If our hiker count exceeds the max number for the wilderness area, we will split up at Ivestor Gap with one group taking Ivestor trail to the left and the other group taking the Art Loeb Trail to the right and possibly meet up for lunch but will meet up back at Ivestor Gap to finish the hike.
It will be HOT and there will be a lot of exposed hiking, so don't forget to bring some type of sun protection!
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 1550 ft.
Rating: VS
Pace: Approx. 2.5 mph
Leader: Mark Parsons / Charles Dial
Times and Locations:
University Square @ 8:00 - Gmap: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fbUpKryzaTLgP1hHA
Holly Springs @ 8:15 - Gmap: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZFX6PWdHin1UKuZ8
Pisgah Ranger Station @ 9:15 - GMap: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3kBB7er48fcvfbHG6
Art Loeb & Black Balsam Knob Trailhead @ 9:45- Gmap: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ez3C3AgB2pxyUW1L8Carpool info:
RT 128 mi. from University Square: $10
RT 78 mi. from Holly Springs: $6This group meets Wed at University Square Shopping Center. The hikes are scheduled 1 to 4 weeks in advance and target hikes which are 10 miles long and climb 2000 ft. We hike at approx. 2.5 MPH, faster or slower depending on terrain.
Hike coordinators are:
Mark Parsons 864-430-0875 ( voice or text)
John Pirraglia 713-826-2434 ( voice or text)
Charles Dial 704-654-7041 ( voice or text)Carpooling will be available for those who have been vaccinated. All hikers should come prepared to drive to or meet at the trailhead.
Check out our website for hike leader info, club news, stewardship and more information about GNHA.
https://www.greenvillehiking.com/
Follow us on:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289785994852020/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/greenvillehiking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnhahiking/ - (S) Bearwallow Mtn to Wildcat Rock overlookPublix Super Market At University Square, Greenville, SC
Meet at University Square (parking to the left of Publix and across from Mr. Salsa) Leave promptly at 8:30am OR
Bearwallow Mountain Trailhead (google maps) 9:40 amBearwallow Mountain Trail and Wildcat Rock is open to the lookout. This is a pleasant hike with some challenges through the woods and some gorgeous views. Maybe we will see the cows- watch where you step. We will hike to the lookout and then back up the meadow for lunch- around mile 4.5/5.
Please wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of snacks and water. We will hike at a steady faster pace 2.0-2.5 MPH.
M: 7.1, EG: 1690, R: S
Drive RT: 96 miles, Carpool Fee: $8.00 Cash
Hike Leader: Terri FCheck out our website for hike leader info, club news, stewardship and more information about GNHA.
https://www.greenvillehiking.com/
Follow us on:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289785994852020/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/greenvillehiking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnhahiking/