Join the NC High Peaks Trail Association on Saturday, Dec. 7 for a relaxed holiday stroll on the balds of one of Western North Carolina’s iconic peaks, Max Patch Mountain.

The three-mile jaunt will follow the Appalachian Trail as it crosses the bald and should offer spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains, the Blacks and west into Tennessee. The stroll will not include any serious climbing and footing is generally good.

Strollers should meet in the Rose’s parking lot in Burnsville at 8:30 a.m. on the corner overlooking Highway 19. Transportation will be provided in a Yancey van for a donation of $5, reservations required by Thursday evening, Dec. 5. Dogs are not allowed on the vans, so if you want to bring your leashed pet you must provide your own transportation.

Bring water, snacks, lunch, warm clothes and rain gear if the forecast is threatening. Time permitting, the group will stop in Hot Springs after the hike for coffee and cocoa.

Please contact Hike Leader Robert Branch at 682-3102 or rbranch54@yahoo.com to make your van reservation or for more information. Please contact him as a courtesy if you plan to drive yourself so he can better plan the outing.

As always, check the High Peaks Facebook page or website, www.nchighpeaks.org, for last-minute changes due to weather.