Grandfather Mountain’s guided hike series, now in its second year, has four preplanned hikes to showcase the wonderful scenery and wildlife of the mountain throughout the coming months.

“The interpretive ranger staff is excited to provide the public with opportunities to explore Grandfather’s backcountry while learning about the ecology and history of the Mountain,” said Gabriel Taylor, Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation chief interpretive ranger.

Thousands of people traveled from all over the southeast to Mountain City, Ga. last weekend to compete in the infamous 5K Warrior Dash. The Warrior Dash is a worldwide race series that is complete with mud, fire, barbed wire and other “obstacles from hell.”

Last weekend’s event, which was put on by Red Frog Productions, was the third time the unusual charity run made its way to Rabun County to raise money for St. Jude's Research Hospital. The Rabun County Warrior Dash raised $90,000, the largest amount raised at a single race so far this year, according to Kendra Alley with Red Frog Productions. Red Frog Productions typically holds around 60 Warrior Dash events a year worldwide.

Bear Education and Resources (B.E.A.R.) is kicking off its 2012 B.E.A.R. Talk Program Series with an informative presentation on living with black bears Tuesday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Macon County Community Center, Franklin.

The program is free. B.E.A.R. is a task force of the Western North Carolina Alliance.

For further information, contact (828)526-9227 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital Foundation presents the 20th Annual Tour de Cashiers Ride for Health on Saturday, May 5th. Staged among the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina, the tour consists of 3 exciting routes - 25, 62 and 100 miles. The routes take in spectacular vistas of springtime in the mountains along quiet mountain back roads. With rides ranging from moderate to strenuous climbs, beginners to experienced bicyclists are welcome. The event for some is a lifetime challenge and for the hardcore, a great training ride.

All rides for the Tour de Cashiers start at the Village Green on Saturday morning May 5, at 9 a.m. Early registration fee is $40 and $45 the day of the race.