Join Docent Naturalists Chris MacIntosh, Lyle Rice, Paul Billig, and Mari Aldridge for a non-technical fungus appreciation day. You'll train your eyes to find a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes growing underfoot (and sometimes overhead). On this leisurely- to moderately-paced hike on the strenuous North Ridge and Whittemore Gulch trails, you'll learn to notice the sometimes-camouflaged but always fascinating fungi that flourish in winter in the different habitats. The rain (or lack of) will determine what you see. Bring boots for mud, your lunch, and your stamina and sense of curiosity. Despite frequent stops, there are some very steep sections of trail. Reservations are required and will be accepted on or after January 25 at 12:00 p.m. (Noon) and close February 6 at 2:00 p.m.
Meet at the North Ridge Parking Area on Skyline Boulevard. This entrance is next to the now closed Kings Mountain Country Store. The parking lot is 4.5 miles south of Highway 92, and 8.1 miles north of Highway 84.