Take a break from the summer heat by joining High Peaks for a pleasant loop hike on the trails of Mt. Mitchell State Park on Saturday, July 20. Temperatures on the highest peak in the Eastern U.S. are typically 10 to 15 degrees cooler than in the surrounding valleys.

Meet in the parking lot of the restaurant at 8:30 a.m. Bring water, snacks, hiking poles if you use them and rain gear if the weather forecast warrants.

We’ll hike about 5 miles and make a loop on park trails, with only a moderate amount of climbing. But only sure-footed hikers should participate: some of the trails are extremely rocky and rugged, and if the rocks are even slightly wet (as they often are) they can be extremely slick.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the hike but you must clean up after your pet, so bring your baggies!

After the hike you’ll have the option of joining the group for lunch at the newly-refurbished Mt. Mitchell Cafe and Eatery.

For more information, contact Hike Leader Dennis Smith at dennissmith4141@gmail.com or 828-284-4000.