GetHiking! Afternoon hike on the Wilderness Gateway State Tail in Western NC

Eager to get back to Western North Carolina to explore, but not sure where to go and what trails are open?

On Dec. 14 Valdese Parks and Recreation gives you the chance to both hike and to help a local community affected by Hurricane Helene. At 10 a.m., hike the first – and so far, only – open segment of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail. From the trailhead in Valdese Lakeside Park we will hike along Lake Rhodhiss, then upstream along McGalliard Creek over the 151-foot McGalliard Creek suspension bridge and on to the spectacular McGalliard Falls. From there, we’ll return the way we came, for a total hike of 4 miles.

This trail is hiker-friendly, with a short series of stone steps at the falls.

Then stick around to make a day of your visit by dining in one of Valdese’s downtown restaurants (with everything from Mexican and pizza to burgers made with locally grown beef), doing some holiday shopping in one of downtown’s eclectic shops, or visiting a local museum. Learn more to help you plan your day by checking out Visit Valdese here.

• Difficulty: Easy. The trail is flat, with a cinder surface and accessible by wheelchair, bike or stroller.
• Distance: 4 miles
• Estimated hike time: 2-2.5 hours
• What to wear: We will email you the day before the event advising of weather conditions for the day and how to best dress for the hike. At this time of year, though, it will be cool at the start; layers are advised.
• What to bring: Bring at least one bottle of water (1 liter), preferably two. And bring snacks.
• Rest stop: We will take a short break at the midpoint.
• Facilities at trailhead: Yes

We will meet in the parking lot at the trailhead.

About the Wilderness Gateway State Trail: The vision for the Wilderness Gateway State Trail rests on three pillars: conservation, recreation, and tourism. The trail will protect and conserve riparian and other important habitats and serve as an ecological corridor between larger tracts of natural lands. It will create pathways and walkable downtowns in more urban areas to provide safe and pleasant recreation and exercise opportunities where people live and work. Finally, by creating recreational opportunities with access to scenic wilderness and connections to multiple downtowns, the trail will attract visitors from all areas of North Carolina and beyond. For more on the trail visit the NC Trails website here.