Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Thursday, May 4 for a fun and educational trip to the Ray Mine, an outing that will be led by retired Geology Professor Bill Miller. The mica mine was operated on-and-off from 1867 until the 1940s.

Prof. Miller, who taught at Ohio Wesleyan University and the University of North Carolina Asheville, will treat participants to a condensed history of our region’s geology. Hikers will tour the area around the now-closed mine and will be able to collect small samples of rocks and minerals for identification and further study. The half-mile walk to the mine is on a moderate slope.

Meet at the Rose’s Shopping Center Parking lot on the corner overlooking Highway 19-E for an 8:30 a.m. departure.

Bring snacks and water, along with rain gear if the weather looks threatening. The group should return to Rose’s before Noon. The outing will be limited to 15 participants and you must contact Prof. Miller to reserve your spot.

You can reach him at: fieldpeas@ccvn.com. He and a student wrote a Geonote detailing the mine’s geology and history and he can provide this to participants upon request.

Please check the High Peaks Facebook page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to weather.