Join Friends of the Smokies on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 and enjoy the breeze atop high-elevation peaks on a guided hike to Hemphill Bald.

This 8.8 mile hike is moderate in difficulty and has a total elevation gain of 1,900 ft. It is led by hiking guide and author Danny Bernstein.

Judy Coker of Cataloochee Ranch, which borders the park along the trail, will join the group. Coker will share stories about the relationship of her family over generations with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, conserving land, and entertaining mountain guests. The Hemphill Bald Trail follows the spine of the Cataloochee Divide offering stunning vistas on a clear day and spring wildflowers long gone at lower elevations.

Hikers will learn how donations made to Friends of the Smokies help fund the Smokies Hog Control Program. Feral hogs have caused irreparable damage to high-elevation grassy balds by uprooting vegetation. The Hog Control Program funds thermal imaging units, a new source of technology, which is used to monitor wildlife for removal.

Friends of the Smokies hikes are offered on the second Tuesday of each month. Guided Classic Hikes are $35 and include a complimentary membership to Friends of the Smokies. Current Friends members receive a discount and hike for $10. Members who bring a friend hike for free. All registration donations benefit the Friends’ Smokies Trails Forever program.

If You Go: Hike to Hemphill Bald, Tuesday, June 9. To register for the hike and to view a complete listing of hikes please visit friendsofthesmokies.org/events/