In North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, the landscape is more than a scenic backdrop, it literally shapes the culture.

Danny Bernstein's newest guidebook, Hiking North Carolina's Blue Ridge Heritage, lists 66 day hikes, ranging in length from 1 to 13 miles. Each one includes everything you need to know to get out on the trail: clear maps and detailed directions, mileage and elevation gain, trail highlights, fees and hiking regulations, and even books and movies related to each hike location. The new guide also includes three auto tours with shorter walks.

Throughout the book, Bernstein discusses the unique history of specific trails and hiking area, from moonshining and the origins of NASCAR in Stone Mountain's Wilkes County to Moses H. Cone's Flat Top Manor on the Blue Ridge Parkway. She tells hikers how they can follow the path of the Overmountain Men during the Revolutionary War, visit the fragile environment of Bat Cave Preserve in Hickory Nut Gorge, and walk beneth the monumental and controversial Linn Cove Viaduct. All the hikes lie within the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, designated by Congree in 2003. The new books has been endorsed by the BRNHA as a supporting partner of the organization.

All participants will receive a 15% off one full-price item REI coupon. This presentation is held at REI's community room.

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