About us
Welcome to the largest and most active hiking club in Upstate South Carolina. The Greenville Natural History Association (GNHA) has more than 800 members who day hike and backpack across the Blue Ridge Mountains of Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina.
It's easy to join GNHA, but it does take three steps to complete registration because our Meetup group has a $10 annual membership fee. The membership fee isn’t paid on Meetup. (Don’t worry. We’ll walk you through it.)
For the safety of our hike leaders and members, we have created a set of requirements that new members must complete to begin hiking with us. Be sure to follow these steps:
- Request to join the club on Meetup with a profile that includes your first and last name as well as a face-forward, individual profile image. This ensures everyone on a group hike knows who they’re attending an event with–including you.
- If you do not want to include your last name in your profile because of privacy concerns, we will allow you to create a profile with the first letter of your last name. However, it’s possible that an existing member may already have a profile with your first name and last name initial. If that’s the case, you will be asked to include an extra letter or your full last name so that we can identify you from other hikers.
- Once you join our club on Meetup, we will contact you to complete the payment process. You'll have the option to choose a one- or two-year membership starting at $10 per year. Keep in mind that it may take up to a week to process your membership.
Once you’ve followed these steps, you can begin hiking. Be sure to review our hike rating system to identify the best hike for your fitness level. For our most strenuous hikes, you will need to contact the hike leader before joining the hike.
We also encourage you to review our safety guidelines. No pets or children under 14 are allowed on club hikes.
By joining and attending activities of this organization: Greenville Natural History Association, Inc dba GNHA and/or GNHA Hiking Club, you agree to the RELEASES, DISCLAIMERS, and POLICIES shown below:
- LIABILITY RELEASE: I agree that GNHA and their officers, directors, hike leaders, and committee members shall not be liable or responsible for injury to me (including paralysis or death) or damage to my property during any GNHA activities, even where the damage or injury is caused by negligence (except willful neglect). I understand and agree that all GNHA members and their guests participate voluntarily and at their own risk in all GNHA activities, and I assume all risks of injury and damage arising out of the conduct of such activities. By participating in club activities and events, I certify that I have read this release and fully understand it.
- PHOTO RELEASE: I consent to being photographed or video recorded. Images may be used in social media, websites, our meetup platform, newsletters, or other club-related publications. If you do NOT wish to appear in photos or videos, please notify anyone in your group taking pictures.
- PERSONAL CONTACT RELEASE: I agree that GNHA is an organization dedicated to facilitating hiking-related education and group activities. Any personal contact or interaction between members outside of official club events is an individual choice, and thereby neither connected to nor endorsed by the club or its organizers.
Upcoming events
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(MS) King's Mountain National Military Park 6.2 MLS 760 EG
Earthfare, 3620 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC, US(MS) King's Mountain National military park 2625 Park rd, Blacksburg, sc
We will hike from the military park to Browns mountain and return
The mountain unfortunately has no view . Rocks will provide a place for snack. We will return same way. There is an option to hike the paved historical part of park giving information of revolutionary battle that occurred in area. This trail system is my favorite. Pine covered trails and not overly populated.
M: 6.2
EG: 760' Rating: M
Drive miles RT: 120, carpool from Earth Faire $9FYI. Earth faire has closed down.
Hike Leader: Susan Starkey
Hike Leader Cell: 678.643.5379Please arrive 15min early to form carpools.
Trailhead meet at 11 ready to hike by 11:15Check out our website for hike leader info, club news, stewardship and more information about GNHA.
https://www.greenvillehiking.com/
Follow us on:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289785994852020/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/greenvillehiking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnhahiking/8 attendees
Despeuxrados (VS) Station Creek Falls/Tamassee Knob 10.2 mi. 1800 ft.
5000 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC, US* HIKE SUMMARY: 10.2 mi. , 1800 ft. e.g. , Hike leader: Charles D.
CARPOOL/ TRAILHEAD INFORMATION: Carpool meetup location and time: Publix at 8:00 AM - https://maps.app.goo.gl/52fuQNbrYPFZQQzHA . Carpool from publix fee: 98 mi. RT x .08 = $8.00 fee. Trailhead meetup location and time: Oconee Station-https://maps.app.goo.gl/Epra66eLjbng4Rc36 at 9:15 AM.
HIKE DESCRIPTION:
This in-and-out hike will begin at Oconee Station. We make a side trip to Station Cove Falls, then follow the Palmetto and Tamassee Knob Trails to the Tamassee Knob overlook where we'll have lunch. Then we head back to our vehicles (in and out hike). A post-hike visit to Stumphaus Taproom in Walhalla is an option for those who are interested.* DESPEAUXRADOS/ GNHA INFORMATION:
This group meets Wed at University Square Shopping Center. The specific hikes are described in advance and target hikes which are 10 miles long and climb 2000 ft. We hike at approx. 2.5 MPH, faster or slower depending on terrain.
Hike coordinators are:
Mark Parsons 864-430-0875 ( voice or text)
John Pirraglia 713-826-2434 ( voice or text)
Charles Dial 704-654-7041 ( voice or text)
Carpooling will be available, yet all hikers should come prepared to drive to or meet at the trailhead.Check out our website for hike leader info, club news, stewardship and more information about GNHA.
https://www.greenvillehiking.com/
Follow us on:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289785994852020/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/greenvillehiking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnhahiking/18 attendees
(S) Dean’s List: Jones Gap- Silver Steps Loop 7.6 EG 1300
5000 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC, USWe will head to Jones Gap with no parking fee on a weekday. We'll begin at the Silver Steps parking lot and head to the Tom Miller Trail, then descend the Coldspring Branch Trail, ascend the Jones Gap Trail back to the Silver Steps Trail and parking lot. We will stop for snack/lunch at Silver Steps Cascade, a relaxing spot next to a peaceful waterfall. The steepest section is returning on the Silver Steps Trail.
Trail Stats: Dist.: ~7.6 EG: 1300
Leader: Don Pilzer
864-704-5163Carpool info: RT- University Square, 42 RT, $4.00
*** Carpooling group meets at University Square at 8:15 am for a prompt 8:30 am departure. ***Times and Locations:
University Square 8:30 Trailhead by 9:00
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fbUpKryzaTLgP1hHACarpooling will be available, and all hikers should come prepared to drive to the carpool location or meet at the trailhead. Please indicate whether you are carpooling or driving to the trailhead.
Check out our website for hike leader info, club news, stewardship and more information about GNHA.
https://www.greenvillehiking.com/
Follow us on:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289785994852020/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/greenvillehiking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnhahiking/4 attendees
(VS) Sassafras Mountain via Laurel Valley
5000 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC, USThis is an out-and-back hike starting at the Laurel Valley Trailhead parking area just off US178 north of Rocky Bottom. We will take the Foothills Trail all the way to the top of Sassafras Mountain, which is the highest point in South Carolina. Once on the summit, we will stop for lunch to enjoy the panoramic 360-degree views from the Sassafras Mountain Observation Deck which straddles the SC and NC state lines. After lunch we will take the same route down to return to our cars. We will hike at a moderate pace around 2.25 mph depending on the terrain and trail conditions.
M: 9 miles EG: 2,224 feet Rating: VS
Drive miles RT: 66 miles, Carpool from University Square $5
Hike Leader: Reg Kipke
Hike Leader Cell: 864.652.8826We will meet at University Square across from Mr. Salsa at 8:00 AM to form carpools and leave by 8:15 AM for the appoximate 1 hour minute drive to the Laurel Valley Trailhead.
If you prefer to meet at the Laurel Valley Trailhead, please arrive no later than 9:15 AM for a hike start at 9:30 AM. Search Google maps for "Foothills Trail - Laurel Valley Trailhead".
Please indicate in the comments section whether you are meeting at University Square or the Laurel Valley Trailhead no later then the day prior to the hike.
If you have not hiked with me before, please contact me prior to the hike as this is a VS hike. Email: reg.kipke@gmail.com Cell: (864) 652-8826.
Check out our website for hike leader info, club news, stewardship and more information about GNHA.
https://www.greenvillehiking.com/
Follow us on:
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/289785994852020/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/greenvillehiking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnhahiking/8 attendees
Past events
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