Haywood County Recreation is rolling out an adventure-filled line-up of hikes, bird watching trips, fly-fishing clinics and a youth mountain bike club this spring and summer.
The weekly hiking series and fly-fishing programs are back by popular demand, while the birding outings and mountain biking club are new to the docket this year. The outdoor adventure offerings are part of a larger initiative by Haywood County Recreation over the past three years to connect the public with the rich natural resources in Haywood’s backyard.
Spots are likely to go fast. To reserve your spot on any of the following outings, call 828-452-6789 or email ian.smith@haywoodcountync.gov.
Birding outings
A series of guided bird watching trips will be led by two local birding aficionados, Kevin Burke and Howard Browers. Participants will learn about the county’s native and migrating bird populations, how to identify their call and view them in their habitat.
The course is intended to educate and inspire participants about the multitude of bird populations that are in Haywood County and give a better appreciation for nature and its inhabitants. While the sole focus of this course is bird watching, participants will be hiking varying distances — sometimes up to four or five miles on a variety of surfaces and terrains. Inquire about the difficulty level of the hike when signing up.
All birding tours are $10, paid at the time of registration.
• April 17: Lake Junaluska
• April 28: Waynesville Greenway
• May 12: Purchase Knob in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• May 15: Sam’s Knob in the Pisgah National Forest off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Fly-fishing clinics
Now in its third year, the fly fishing clinics consist of a four-part series, for both beginner and intermediate levels.
ON THE WATER — A series of fly fishing clinics and fly fishing excursions will be offered by Haywood County Rec this spring and summer.
Beginner fly fishing courses for those who are new to fly fishing will be held May 7, 14, 21 and 22. The intermediate series for those who want to brush up on fundamentals will be held in June with dates TBD. Topics include casting, fly tying, reading the water and much more.
Both courses are led by local, master fly fisherman Tommy Thomas. Participants do not need a fishing license for the beginner and intermediate courses. Loaner rods are available.
Courses are $10, paid at registration. The courses will be from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and will be held below the dam at Lake Junaluska, with a final field trip to the West Fork of the Pigeon River.
Fly-fishing excursions
Fly fishing expeditions are returning for their second year for intermediate and advanced participants. The expeditions consist of a three-hour journey through Haywood County’s finest trout streams and rivers led by local, experienced fly fishermen, Ray Sugg and Reid Warren.
A fishing license is required. Limited to seven participants. All expeditions $10, paid at registration.
• April 10, 17 and 24: West Fork of Pigeon River
• May 8: West Fork of Pigeon River
• May 22: Richland Creek in Waynesville
Guided hikes
Haywood County Recreation is excited to host another year of guided hikes. Four to five hikes will be offered each month on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
HIT THE TRAIL — The popular guided hike series offered by the Haywood County Rec department fills up fast, so reserve your spot early.
The hiking outings are designed to educate and inspire citizens about the variety of trails and scenic vistas that are available in Haywood County. Most hikes are easy to moderate in difficulty, while some are more strenuous.
All hikes are led by local, experienced guides who have extensive knowledge of trails in Haywood County. Many of our guides either belong to local hiking clubs or are lifetime residents of the area.
All hikes are $10, paid at registration. You do not need to be an experienced hiker to participate, but Haywood County Recreation recommends trying easier hikes first if you are new to hiking.
The hiking line-up is released on a monthly basis. April’s hike offerings are:
• April 7: Forkridge Overlook to Waterrock Knob. Moderate 5.3-mile hike with Greg Shuping and Kevin FitzGerald.
• April 14: Mountains to Sea Trail from Soco Gap to Heintooga Road. Moderate 5-mile hike with Vickey Watson and Phylliss Woolen.
• April 18: Mountains to Sea Trail to Standing Rock. Easy-to-moderate 3.6 mile-hike with Jamie Shackelford and Kathy Odvody.
• April 24: Lickstone Gap. Easy-to-moderate 3.8-mile hike with Phylliss Woollen and Steve Szczepanski.
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