Outdoor Adventures - Lake Norman Chapter

This is 6 mile"difficult" hike with over 600 ft of very step vertical in the 2nd half mile and 1,200ft ft total elevation gain. It's easy to shortcut the hike if you want less. You're welcome to go up a rock face a 2nd time, I'll be going up a diferent trail the 2nd time up.

Forecast is mid 50's

*Please note if you have never been to Rocky Face there are two park buildings, go past the first one on the right and we're at the second one around the corner.

Bring water and a trail snack

The Yellow Deli - YUM! YUM! YUM!
5081 NC Highway 90 E
Hiddenite, NC
Menu https://www.yellowdeli.com/our-food

I'll be at Olive Garden about 8:30 AM for a carpool, 438 Talbert Rd Mooresville. Let me know if you're carpooling.

"Cell service is not good around the Visitor's Center, it's good when we get up on the mountain." I'll do a last check for messages on meetup about 9:30 AM.

Forecst is a high of 50 and mostly sunny with 10 mph wind.
We'll build a fire in the picnic areas open building stone fireplace on top of Morrow Mt

The Morrow Mountain trail is 6 plus miles and 1,400 ft vertical, so it's classified as a difficult hike, the last quarter mile going up Morrow Mt is steep.

We'll start the hike at 10 AM in front of the main Park Office/Visitors Center near the pool, not by the lake. Please be on time!

Bring water and a trail lunch or snack.

## Stony Mountain Vineyards

26370 Mountain Ridge Road, Albemarle, NC,
WINE
Enjoy by the glass or bottle!
Wine Slushies
BEERS ON TAP
Uwharrie Brewing Albemarle Lite Ale, Uwharrie Brewing Barrel Aged Red Scare Imperial Stout, New Belgium Voodoo Ranger Juicy Haze IPA, Yuengling Lager, Miller Lite
BOTTLES & CANS
Sycamore Mountain Candy IPA, Sycamore Southern Girl Blonde Ale, Sycamore Sun Grown Lager, Red Oak Amber Ale, Catawba White Zombie, Blue Moon Belgian White, Michelob Ultra, Corona Extra, White Claw Hard Seltzer, Soda, Juice, Water
FOOD
Meat & Cheese Trays
Various Snacks/Chips
"You Can Bring Food to Stoney Mt Vinyards"

Let me know if anyone is interested in carpooling, I'll be going down the back roads 52/152 about 9 AM from near downtown Mooresville.

MAKE PLANS NOW! https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/

This is a I'll give you lots of info including good parking and hang out spots, and tell you what I'm doing and when for events. They'll be lots of people going so grab some friends and come have some fun!

I'm starting at the Museum at 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock - meet inside at 10 AM. It's free and they have new displays every year. There's a short video about the history of Blowing Rock near the front desk that's worth watching.

Blowing Rock is an awesome town, I've been going there since the 70's. You'll see things in the shops downtown that you won't see anywhere else, and there are lots of good restaurants and hiking trails.

If You Plan To Spend The Night Make Reservations NOW!
Lodging Packages 2026: https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/lodging/

Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Lake

WHO'S DOING THE POLOR PLUNGE THIS YEAR?
The Polar Bear Plunge at Chetola Resort & Spa is guaranteed to be a chillingly good time. Plunge as an individual or with a team and dress up in costume for a chance to win the famous “Golden Plunger Award.” Online registration closes Thursday, January 22 at 5PM.
Warm up with hot chocolate, coffee, and spirits while sitting by fire pits around Chetola Lake, with the smell of BBQ cooking.
Location: Chetola Resort, 185 Chetola Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

800.243.8652
Plunge Time: 10AM
This event is free for spectators, and TBD to plunge which includes a commemorative item! Be sure to bring a TOWEL and BLANKET for when you exit the lake!!
https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/event/polar-plunge-chetola-resort/

Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge

THIS IS A CHARITY EVEN THAT I HOPE EVERYONE GOES TO! $10 each
This year the Rotary Chilly Chili Challenge is taking place at the Blowing Rock School Gym! Bring some $1 bills to tip your favorite chilies with.
Get Youir Tickets Now!
https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/event/rotary-chilly-chili-challenge-limited-tickets-available-at-door/

Artisan Ice Stroll

Stroll through Blowing Rock and see all the gorgeous ice sculptures! Artisan Ice Sculptures is one of only five Master Ice Carvers in the United States. Ice sculptures will be on display in front of businesses in town. Creativity abounds with our sculptures! Spend some time in the shops and businesses while you enjoy the stroll.

WinterFest Beer Garden

This is a individual choice pay up front event, you should make sure to attend with at least one friend!
RESISTER HERE: It Will Sell Out
https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/cart/?add-to-cart=14873
Relax and toast to the season at the WinterFest Beer Garden , featuring local craft beers, tasty bites, and a festive winter atmosphere. Guests can mingle with friends, enjoy live entertainment, and celebrate the spirit of the season in a fun, community-focused setting.
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026 Time: 1 pm – 4 pm Location: The Speckled Trout parking lot Join us for this popular WinterFest tradition and raise a glass to the High Country!
* Must be 21 or older with picture ID to sample beer.

Make reservations ahead of time if you want to stay for dinner.
Blowing Rock Restaurants:https://blowingrock.com/dining/

2026 Website: https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/
Click on the website for more info

Festival of Lights at Chetola (https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/event/festival-of-lights-at-chetola-resort/)

Close to 30,000 illuminations light up the lakeside at Chetola...

Hot Chocolate & Hayrides (https://blowingrockwinterfest.com/event/hot-chocolatehayrides/)

Bring the family to grab a cup of cheer and take hayride...

For those that want to, we're meeting inside the Blowing Rock Museum at 10 AM

I'll add parking and places to hang out info also!