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Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Program Number: 17288RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/31/2013 - 4/5/2013; 6/23/2013 - 6/28/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/20/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Hayesville, North Carolina
Price starting at: $633.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Walking/Hiking; Natural History Activity Level: n (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails and natural wonders of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains in a small group with a hiking naturalist who reveals the wonders of wildflowers and mountain life. Follow mountain streams and uncover hidden waterfalls throughout the Nantahala National Forest and spend your evenings immersed in tales of Appalachian folklore and natural history.




Highlights

• Hike to spots above 5,000 feet like Standing Indian Mountain and Wesser Bald Fire Tower and take advantage of the commanding views to learn more about the area.
• Walk on sections of the famous Appalachian Trail, including the Muskrat Creek Shelter portion, Winding Stair Gap and Dick’s Creek Gap.
• On sections of the "Chunky Gal" Trail and en route to High Shoals Falls, study the natural history of the area with a local trail and nature expert.



Activity Particulars

Hiking 4-8 miles on varied terrain. Elevations up to 5,500 feet.




Date Specific Information

3-31-2013, 6-23-2013, 9-15-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Intentional Growth Center.




Hayesville

Much of the 130-mile shoreline of Lake Chatuge is protected from development, preserving Hayesville’s small-town charm and natural beauty for generations to come. Camping, golf, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and water sports are popular among visitors, while Hayesville’s growing community of artists is becoming an attraction in its own right.
Accommodations
Hinton Center nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina on the shores of Lake Chatuge.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hinton Center
  Hayesville, NC 5 nights
 Hinton Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Nantahala National Forest and Appalachian Trail. In the summer Hinton Center serves as the site for adult and youth groups doing community service projects.
  Contact info: 2330 Hinton Center Rd.
Hayesville, NC 28904 USA
phone: 866-389-8336
web: www.hintoncenter.org
  Room amenities: N/A
  Facility amenities: Kitchen and laundry facilities available in Joe Ervin House. Internet Access
  Smoking allowed: No
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration from 4:00 to 5:00 in Joe Ervin Retreat House. Look for signs as you enter Hinton Center. You will be staying at Hinton Center that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends with lunch. Check out 11:00. You will be staying at Hinton Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Hayesville, NC
  Nearest city or town:  Hayesville
  Nearest highway: 64
  Nearest airport:  Asheville/Atlanta
  From End of Program
  Location: Hayesville, NC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Asheville

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

   

Hinton Center is approximately two hours from the Asheville,NC airport and two and one half hours from the Atlanta, GA airport. Commercial transportation is not available from either airport.
 
Driving Directions
  From Chattanooga Follow 1-75 North to Highway 64 bypass. Take bypass to exit 64 East. Follow 64 East through Murphy, NC to Hayesville, NC. Turn right onto Hinton Center Road approx. 1 mile beyond Hayesville Business 64 sign. Go straight through the stop sign (church on your right). Road ends in Hinton's parking lot. Follow signs to Joe Ervin House.
  From North (Knoxville, Asheville) Follow I-40 (east or west) to exit 27. Follow US 23 South/74West. Just past Sylva take exit 81 (US 441). In Franklin the road will become 64W. Follow 64 West approx. 32 mi. toward Hayesville. Turn left at Hinton Center Road. Go straight at the stop sign (church on right). Road ends in Hinton's parking lot. Follow signs to Joe Ervin House.
  From South (Atlanta Hartsfield airport) Follow I-75 North through downtown. Take exit I-575 through Marietta. I-575 will turn into GA. 515 North. About 3.3 miles past Young Harris turn left GA. 17/515. Go 4.5 miles toward Hayesville(you will cross NC line and road becomes NC 69). Turn right on US 64E bypass. Go 1 mile and turn right onto Hinton Center Road. Go straight at stop sign (church on right). Road ends in Hinton's parking lot. Follow signs to Joe Ervin House.
  From Western SC (Anderson) Follow US 76 to Hiawassee GA. Turn right onto GA 75. Follow the road approx 9 miles (It becomes NC 175). Turn left on US 64 toward Hayesville. Sign for Hinton Center will be on your left. Turn onto Hinton Center Road and go straight at the stop sign (church on right). Road ends in Hinton's parking lot. Follow signs to Joe Ervin House.
Elevation Note: Elevation will be above 5,000 feet on some hikes.

Equipment Requirements: Two pair of comfortable, well broken in hiking or walking shoes, two water bottles, rain gear, and a day pack.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration
(Sunday, March 31)
   
 Afternoon: Registration will be in Joe Ervin Retreat Center. Signs as you enter Hinton will direct you to Joe Ervin House
 Dinner: Dinner in Lodge. All meals will be served cafeteria style.
 Evening: Orientation
   
Accommodations: Hinton Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Day hike each day in the Nantahala National Forest, some days on the Appalachian Trail, led by trained naturalist.
(Monday, April 1)

Note: Hikes vary from 4 to 8 mi.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in Lodge
 Morning: Hikes are dependent upon weather, the group's interests and/or abilities. View Hikes include: Standing Indian Mountain (5,498ft - 5.4 mi.) and Wesser Bald Fire Tower (5,216ft - 6.3mi.). Other Hikes may include: Sections of "Chunky Gal" Trail, Muskrat Creek Shelter portion of the Appalachian Trail (4,800ft - 8 mi), High Shoals Falls (2 waterfalls), Winding Stair Gap and Dick's Creek Gap both on the AT. Note: The trails without distances are "non-destination" hikes that are based on natural history and will vary in distance depending on time and/or the group.
 Lunch: Ingredients will be provided at breakfast for participants to pack their lunch.
 Dinner: Dinner served in the Lodge
 Evening: Evening programs will be a combination of natural and cultural history, stories, and songs of the Appalachians.
   
Accommodations: Hinton Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Evening programs three nights with stories, music and natural and cultural history.
(Tuesday, April 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in Lodge
 Morning: Day hike - See descriptions on Day 2
 Lunch: Ingredients will be provided at breakfast for participants to pack their own lunch.
 Dinner: Dinner served in the Lodge
 Evening: Evening class
   
Accommodations: Hinton Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Day hike/free evening
(Wednesday, April 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in Lodge
 Morning: Day hike - See descriptions on Day 2
 Lunch: Ingredients will be available at breakfast for participants to pack their lunch.
 Dinner: Dinner served in the Lodge
 Evening: free evening
   
Accommodations: Hinton Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Day hike/evening class
(Thursday, April 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in Lodge
 Morning: Day hike - See descriptions on Day 2
 Lunch: Ingredients will be provided at breakfast for participants to make their lunch.
 Dinner: Dinner served in the Lodge
 Evening: Program
   
Accommodations: Hinton Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Short hike in morning.
(Friday, April 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast served in Lodge
 Morning: Short Friday morning hike may include the River Cane Trail at John C. Campbell Folk School or Jack Rabbit Mountain on the shores of Lake Chatuge.
 Lunch: Ingredients will be provided at breakfast for participants to pack their lunch.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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