Bat Cave and Nature Conservancy Spring Wildflower Hike

Come take a Spring hike among the wildflowers with our experts, learn about how the Nature Conservancy has preserved the land around Bat Cave, and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Lure. Bat Cave, near Lake Lure, is not generally open to the public in order to protect the endangered species that live there. The Nature Conservancy, who bought the property to protect this pristine habitat, will take us on this special, exclusive hike there. 

The morning will start with pastries and beverages while enjoying a short talk on the biological importance of the area.  In addition to a fantastic array of wildflowers and birds, the Bat Cave Preserve is home to the largest augen gneiss granite fissure cave in the world.  The granite of these caves was formed over 500 million years ago, and the cave provides habitat for rare bats, salamanders, and spiders. 

The hike is 1.5 miles round-trip, and there will be a lot to see and explore with expert guides Marilyn Kolton and Lou Dwarshius and Nature Conservancy biologist Megan Sutton.  The hike is along a partly rocky path with some elevation changes and is considered easy to moderate in difficulty. 

After our hike, we’ll take the short drive to Lake Lure to picnic on the shores of the lake. You’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and spectacular views of the lake and Rumbling Bald Mountain. After lunch you can walk the beautiful paths of Morse Park along Lake Lure or rent paddle boats, or even take a boat tour of the Lake.

LOCATIONS: Bat Cave Apple House, 400 Lake Lure Highway, Bat Cave,NC; Lunch at Lake Lure – Morse Park, [Picnic area] 2948 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC

Details and directions will be sent to all guests.