Celebrate WNC with a hike on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail

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.