Take a Hike With Us: Winter Ecology 101 at Trout Lake
As autumn settles and the first hints of winter brush across the Blue Ridge, the mountains begin a quiet transformation. Cooler mornings, calmer trails, and wildlife shifting into their cold-season rhythms create a whole new kind of magic in the High Country. And y’all are invited to experience it with us.
On November 22, The Speckled Trout hiking team is hosting Winter Ecology 101, an easy, family-friendly 1.3-mile guided walk around Trout Lake, a favorite spot tucked just minutes from Blowing Rock. This hike is designed to help folks slow down, look closer, and learn how the wild world around us prepares for the season ahead.
Led by guide Ryan Crawley and naturalist Mark Spangler, this experience blends education with exploration in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Along the path, you’ll discover how local wildlife adapts to colder temperatures, why certain species thrive through winter, and how the surrounding forests and waterways shift into their dormant phase. From bear behavior to tree ecology, every stop offers something new to take in.
The trail itself is gentle and scenic, circling the lake with views of open water, quiet coves, and towering hemlocks. It’s the perfect way to embrace the slower pace of the season and reconnect with the landscape as it readies for winter.
Good to Know
- Date: November 22
- Time: 9–11 AM
- Location: Trout Lake
- Difficulty: Easy, 1.3 miles
- Led by: Ryan Crawley and/or naturalist Mark Spangler
- Cost: $25 signup fee
- Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and a rain jacket
- Register: Scan the QR code to reserve your spot
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking to see the mountains through a new lens or someone craving a calm, guided experience outdoors, this walk offers a thoughtful, inviting way to welcome winter. We can’t wait to share the trail with y’all, cheers to crisp air, curious minds, and the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
