Join your friends at Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust for their annual Satulah-bration, a free guided hike to the summit of Satulah Mountain Preserve on Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required, instructions below.
Pictured below is an aerial view of Satulah Mountain on Jan. 9, 2020.
Overlooking the town of Highlands, Satulah Mountain Preserve stands by like an old friend, always ready to lend her trails and unparalleled vistas to us. At an elevation of 4,543 feet, Satulah Mountain has one of the tallest peaks on the Blue Ridge Escarpment.
On a clear day, from the summit you can see Lake Keowee in South Carolina, Rabun Bald in Georgia, and parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Legend has it that Highlands’ founder, Samuel Kelsey, was so inspired by these views that he decided to found the town.
Indeed, this is a very special place. In fact, Satulah has earned its spot as a North Carolina Registered Heritage Area thanks to its unique natural features and exemplary natural communities.
It is home to a number of rare and unusual plant species known from few other places, including granite dome golden rod, Hartweg’s locust, and ground juniper. Dwarf white oak trees estimated as old as 300 years, make up the ridge top forest. Mountain laurel tunnels, pitch pine, and chinquapin also flourish here.
The best part is that all of this was conserved back in 1909 with the nonprofit organization now known as Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust (HCLT). Thanks to the forethought of a group of citizens who knew just how special this place was, Satulah Mountain Preserve will be conserved forever.
Come see the sights for yourself! The view from the summit is worth this challenging hike. Reserve your spot on the FREE guided hike or check out the trail on your own using our downloadable self-guided tour.
Click HERE to register, for hike details, and downloadable tour; or contact Sarah Pursel at hclt_ed@earthlink.net or call 828.526.1111 with any questions.
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust is a nonprofit land conservation organization dedicated to preserving valuable natural resources on the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau for all generations. Be a part of our mission – make a donation, volunteer, or hike with us!
Read more about Satulah Mountain HERE.