BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT – The Franklin County Visitors Bureau and South Mountain Partnership will host a fall Walk & Talk hike to Monterey Pass Overlook on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m.
Outdoor adventurer and travel blogger Jessica Human will lead the group on the 1.6-mile trek, which features a 295-foot elevation gain and takes about an hour at a leisurely pace. Participants will meet at the Monterey Pass Battlefield parking lot on Charmian Road, across from the Monterey Pass Museum.
With many leaves fallen early this season, the hike offers expansive valley views and prime opportunities for wide-angle photography. The two-hour window allows time for exploration and snapshots at the overlook.
The event commemorates the Battle of Monterey Pass, fought July 4-5, 1863, during the Confederate retreat from Gettysburg. More than 10,000 Union and Confederate troops clashed amid a severe thunderstorm as Union forces sought to halt the retreating wagon train toward the Potomac River. The skirmish spanned Adams and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania and Washington and Frederick counties in Maryland.
Human, who promotes sustainable slow travel, will guide the hike with an emphasis on mindful appreciation of the surroundings. “Slow travel, to me, is about truly connecting with a place — walking its streets, meeting its people, and soaking up its everyday rhythm,” she said. “It’s taking time to understand the local culture, supporting small businesses, and traveling with respect for the environment. … It’s also about encouraging others to travel thoughtfully, helping them see the value in depth over speed, and connecting with people and places on a real level.”
After the hike, attendees are invited to Michaux Brewing on Buchanan Trail, a stop on the Franklin County Pour Trail. The brewery will provide a complimentary first beverage and snacks, including loaded potato skins and cheese curds.
This ticketed event encourages slowing down to savor the area’s history and natural beauty. For details, readers may visit the organizers’ websites or follow Human on Instagram at @wechooseadventures or online at wechoseadventures.com.
