Blue Ridge Parkway holds nature program, hike

ASHEVILLE – Blue Ridge Parkway rangers will host a family night program, “Talk Like an Animal,” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, Milepost 384. Learn about how communication plays an important role in survival and the health of animals in the Blue Ridge ecosystems. The program is free but registration is required. Call 828- 298-5330, ext. 304, for more information and to reserve your spot.

On Friday, rangers will host the Blue Ridge Parkway Hike of the Week: “Historic Homestead Hideaway,” meeting at 10 a.m. This will be a moderate, 1.5 mile round-trip hike to the old site of Rattlesnake Lodge. Learn what life was like at a large mountain homestead, see the remains of Dr. Ambler’s famous Rattlesnake Lodge, and find out what makes it so “snake-y.”

Meet at the dirt pull-off at the southern entrance of the Tanbark Tunnel, Milepost 374.4. Bring water, wear good walking shoes, and be prepared for changeable weather. Call 828-298-5330, ext. 304.