
What we’re about
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 $5 annual membership fee that 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 $5 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.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- (VS) Eastatoe Passage - McKinney MountainUniversity Square Shopping Center, Greenville, SC
We will meet at Publix at 8 and carpool to Dug Mountain Angler Access and hike towards the state park. Inside the park we will do the McKinney Mountain loop by the lake and return the way we came. 9 miles. Elevation 1880 feet.
All hikes will be at a slower pace (2 mph) and between 5-12 miles. I am a periodic hiker so I tend to slow down on ascent. If you don't hiking at a slower pace, this hike is not for you.
carpool from Publix at University Square.
Hike Leader Ron Anderson 803.446.9028
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/ - Sam's Gap to Big Bald (VVS)Needs location
Meet at the Sam's Gap Appalachian Trail head at 9:15am. Our hike will begin at 9:30am. https://maps.app.goo.gl/vZt4bAaNLarZtUtj6
*Google maps is a bit funny here. According to the map you should be able to park on the I-26 overpass, jump the bridge rail and arrive at the trailhead. Instead, do the following: I-26 north from Asheville, NC. Take the exit to Wolf Laurel Ski Resort (I don't know the exit number. Someone please chime in if you know the exit #). Turn right on Alt-23 and then turn left on highway US-23. Stay on US-23 for a few miles until you arrive at the Sam's Gap AT trailhead just before arriving at the I-26 overpass. Parking for the trailhead is on the right and left.This is a beautiful hike up to Big Bald. The AT is relatively smooth with an up and down, though mostly up, climb to Big Bald. At the summit you will experience 360-degree views which take in the Black Mountains (containing Mount Mitchell) and a distant view of the Smokey's and Mount Pisgah.
After the hike you are welcome to join us Brixx Wood Fire Pizza located at Biltmore Park for drinks and/or pizza. https://maps.app.goo.gl/snWiLywmgy9KgJzo6
Please organize carpools using the comment section below.
If you have not hiked with me in the past, please contact me at cliff@argylemultimedia.com. I will inquire of your recent hiking history regarding miles and elevation gain.
Distance: 13.14 miles
Elevation Gain: 3100'
Pace: 2.5mphCheck 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/ - The Despeauxrados, (VS) Wednesday Very Strenuous Hikes -`5000 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC
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This group meets Wed at University Square Shopping Center. The hikes are scheduled 1 to 4 weeks 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 for those who have been vaccinated. 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/