North Carolina
Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Program No. 17288RJ
Hike the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains with a local expert and learn about the region’s abundant wildflowers, natural history and distinctly Appalachian folklore.
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5B 5L 5D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Hayesville, NC
2
Hike Pickens Nose and Big Laurel Falls, Evening Program
Hayesville, NC
3
Hike Park Creek Loop, Evening program
Hayesville, NC
4
Hike Chunky Gal Trail & Boteler Peak
Hayesville, NC
5
Hike to the Siler Bald summit
Hayesville, NC
6
Walk River Cane Trail at Campbell Folk School
Hayesville, NC
At a Glance
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. Walk through the Nantahala National Forest and spend your evenings immersed in tales of Appalachian folklore and natural history.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
I enjoy getting my heart going on my bike or on trails. Nothing beats the thrill of taking on a rewarding climb or ride on varied terrain with inclines. Let’s keep moving — occasional stops only, please.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Hike to spots above 5,000 feet like Siler Bald and take advantage of exquisite views.
- Walk along beautiful ridges, like Pickens Nose, and experience awe-inspiring sites such as Big Laurel Falls.
- On sections of the "Chunky Gal" Trail study the natural history of the area with a local trail and nature expert.
General Notes
The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for light exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, evening entertainment on at least one night and a value-priced single room. This program is coordinated by the Hinton Rural Life Center and operates under special use permit on the Nantahala National Forest on a nondiscriminatory basis. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Program Number: 17288
Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail
Emma Gatewood told her family she was going on a walk and left her small Ohio hometown with a change of clothes and less than two hundred dollars. The next anybody heard from her, this genteel, farm-reared, sixty-seven-year-old great-grandmother had walked 800 miles along the 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail. By September 1955 she stood atop Maine’s Mount Katahdin, sang “America, the Beautiful,” and proclaimed, “I said I’ll do it, and I’ve done it.”
Driven by a painful marriage, Grandma Gatewood not only hiked the trail alone, she was the first person—man or woman—to walk it twice and three times. At age seventy-one, she hiked the 2,000-mile Oregon Trail. Gatewood became a hiking celebrity, and appeared on TV with Groucho Marx and Art Linkletter. The public attention she brought to the trail was unprecedented. Her vocal criticism of the lousy, difficult stretches led to bolstered maintenance, and very likely saved the trail from extinction.
This is Where We Live, Short Stories by 25 Contemporary North Carolina Writers
A collection of short stories from the last 15 years. Includes pieces by Philip Gerard, Heather Ross Miller and June Spence.
A Walk in the Woods
The entertaining account of Bryson's hike up the Appalachian trail, combining biting satire with a certain warmth. A fond memoir and a very entertaining read.
Saints At The River
Few are better at writing Southern life than Ron Rash. In his second novel, a 12-year-old girl drowns in the Tamassee River. As her hometown is thrown into the national spotlight, the girl's parents demand that her body be recovered. Environmentalists are convinced the operation would cause permanent damage to the river. Winner of the Weatherford Award for Best Novel.
Appalachian Trail Trees & Wildflowers
Handy for a pocket or backpack, this durable, fold-out reference features flora and fauna that travelers will likely encounter on the Appalachian Trail.
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide
A classic identification guide, which uses a simple dichotomous key for identification. With 1,075 mostly black-and-white drawings, it covers the Northeast and Great Lakes region, south to Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and most of Tennessee.
Our Southern Highlanders
A classic book of history and folklore of the mountaineers of the southern Appalachians. Kephart is considered the premier folklorist and historian of the area. First published in the 1910s.
Great Smoky Mountains Wildlife
A folding wildlife guide designed for quick reference in the field. With full-color images and text, it features more than 140 creatures often seen in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Cold Mountain
Set in North Carolina, this is the best-selling novel of a wounded Confederate soldier who abandons the front line and journeys home to his prewar sweetheart. In spare, eloquent prose, Frazier describes the strong bond between a man and the land.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals (
5B, 5L, 5D
)
1 expert-led lecture
5 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Hayesville, NC
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hinton Rural Life Center
Activity Note
Check-in from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Joe Ervin Retreat House which will be the accommodations for the week.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-6:00 p.m. Join us at the Road Scholar table at the Joe Ervin Retreat House to get your room assignment, register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. Remember to bring your name tag (sent previously).
Dinner:
In the Dining Hall. Meals will be served cafeteria style with a meat entree, a vegetable, and a starch option, as well as a salad bar; beverage choices of coffee, tea, water.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. As this is a nature program, there may be frequent stops while hiking to explore the flora and fauna of the region. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, and evening entertainment on at least one night. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
Hike Pickens Nose and Big Laurel Falls, Evening Program
Location:
Hayesville, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hinton Rural Life Center
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking about 3 miles throughout the day; elevation gain approximately 458’; moderate terrain. Depending on trail conditions and – at the group leader’s discretion – inclement weather, an alternate local activity will be selected. There may be frequent stops to explore the nature of the southern Appalachians region. No restrooms on trail.
Breakfast:
In the dining hall, we’ll choose from egg dishes, hot and cold cereal, and breads with beverage choices of coffee, tea, water, orange and apple juices. We’ll then pack lunches and snacks for today’s hike from some basic options (which may vary throughout the week) for preparing sandwiches, chips and cookies selections, fresh fruit and water to fill your water bottles.
Morning:
We’ll begin today’s hike at the Pickens Nose trailhead at Mooney Gap and ascend to a rocky ridge where the trail levels out. The short, .75 mile (one way) hike will bring us through a beautiful mature oak forest with an understory of Rosebay Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. We’ll enjoy three overlooks along the trail, with those from Pickens Nose (5000’) being exceptionally scenic.
Lunch:
Packed lunches along the trail.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will hike the Big Laurel Falls Trail through a forest of hemlock, rhododendron and some incredible, old and unique Yellow Birch (one of our highlights today). The trail follows an old railroad grade with moderate elevation gains. We will walk 0.6 miles each way accompanied by Kilby Creek and Big Laurel Branch before reaching the outstanding Big Laurel Falls.
Dinner:
In the dining hall.
Evening:
Our evening presentations will be by a local musician sharing Appalachian ballads and other traditional music and instruments, or a storyteller.
Day
3
Hike Park Creek Loop, Evening program
Location:
Hayesville, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hinton Rural Life Center
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking about 6 miles, approximately 4 hours throughout the day; elevation gain approximately 663’. This is a moderate hike with moderate terrain. No restrooms on trail. Depending on trail conditions and – at the group leader’s discretion – inclement weather, an alternate local activity will be selected. There may be frequent stops to explore the nature of the southern Appalachians region.
Breakfast:
In the dining hall. We’ll pack lunches and snacks for today’s hike from the variety of options.
Morning:
Park Creek Loop is known for its profusion of spring wildflowers. We’ll start today’s hike in the Standing Indian Basin at the Backcountry Info. Center and head on to Park Ridge Trail. After ascending to Middle Ridge, we will take the Park Creek Connector and descend to Park Creek Trail.
Lunch:
Enjoy the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning at the summit.
Afternoon:
We’ll have some creek crossing as we continue along the Park Creek Trail to complete the loop and end back where we started, at the Backcountry Info. Center.
Dinner:
In the dining hall, we'll have a cafeteria-style dinner.
Evening:
Our evening presentation be with a local Appalachian storyteller and musician.
Day
4
Hike Chunky Gal Trail & Boteler Peak
Location:
Hayesville, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hinton Rural Life Center
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking about 6 miles round trip, approximately 6 hours throughout the day; elevation gain approximately 1,400’; trail follows ridge of Chunky Gal Mountain. Hiking up and down the long grade of Shooting Creek Valley which is very steep. Depending on trail conditions and – at the group leader’s discretion – inclement weather, an alternate local activity will be selected. There may be frequent stops to explore the nature of the southern Appalachians region.
Breakfast:
Dining hall breakfast. We’ll pack lunches and snacks for today's hike from the variety of options.
Morning:
We’ll hike along the Chunky Gal Trail that connects the Nantahala and Tusquitee mountains. We start near Glade Gap off of Highway 64, then ascend Boteler Peak. This peak is known for outcroppings of serpentine rocks and associated rare plant species.
Lunch:
Packed lunches along the trail.
Afternoon:
Along the trail to Boteler Peak and down, in the rich forests are several rare plant species. Possible sightings include glade fern, dwarf ginseng, and American columbo.
Dinner:
Dining hall.
Evening:
Our evening presentations will consist of a naturalist talk on local flora and fauna.
Day
5
Hike to the Siler Bald summit
Location:
Hayesville, NC
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hinton Rural Life Center
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking about 4 miles throughout the day, rolling terrain; elevation gain approximately 1300’. No restrooms on trail. Depending on trail conditions and – at the group leader’s discretion – inclement weather, an alternate local activity will be selected. There may be frequent stops to explore the nature of the southern Appalachians.
Breakfast:
Dining hall breakfast. We’ll pack lunches and snacks for today's hike from the variety of options.
Morning:
Starting from Wayah Gap, we will hike on a forest service road up to the Siler Bald Shelter. From there, we will take the Shelter Trail to Snowbird Gap, before making our last climb (short but steep) to the summit of Siler Bald. At 5261’, Siler Bald is a grassy expanse offering incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. This 3-mile, out and back, hike is considered moderately challenging.
Lunch:
We will stop at the summit or along the trail to enjoy the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will hike a short 1 mile trail that ends at the spectacular Rufus Morgan Falls.
Dinner:
Dining hall.
Evening:
At leisure. Those who desire can gather for an informal sharing of snacks and drinks and our adventures of this week. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Walk River Cane Trail at Campbell Folk School
Location:
Hayesville, NC
Meals:
B,L
Activity Note
Driving own vehicles to Campbell Folk School. Walking one quarter mile on well-maintained, grassy trails. Trails may be very wet with dew. Check-out 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
Dining hall. We’ll pack lunches and snacks from the variety of options.
Morning:
We’ll check out and drive to the John C. Campbell Folk School for a farewell walk along the River Cane Trail. This mile-long Creekside loop features artwork from area artists depicting the Cherokee heritage of the Appalachians. At the conclusion of the walk, you may wish to explore the Folk School on your own. This concludes our program.
Lunch:
We’ll have the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning on the Folk School grounds or take them to go.
Afternoon:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
5 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 29 Reviews
Sort By:
Bring your hiking poles and boots and have fun participating in this 'no frills' hiking program. The Blue Ridge Mountain trails are challenging and one needs to be sure footed. It's rare to see another person on the trail. The leaders (Linda and Martha) were knowledgeable about the trails and the natural environment.
— Review left September 20, 2024
Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains is a great combination of hiking and learning about the flora and fauna of the area. The trails hiked were not congested with a lot of other hikers which gives a more intimate experience.
— Review left August 17, 2024
Lodging was comfortable with common spaces to visit with other guests. Hosts and leaders were very friendly and knowledgeable. Hiking was challenging and rewarding- beautiful views and fantastic colors in October. Evening programs were great.
— Review left March 17, 2024
I enjoyed my trip. I liked the retreat center where we stayed.
— Review left January 4, 2024
In retrospect, I would have done better with a program that had hike difficulty levels.
— Review left October 23, 2023
A wonderful experience, very well organized & great place to stay.
— Review left October 21, 2023
Practically Perfect! Relaxing, challenging, interesting week spent hiking in the Western North Carolina mountains while staying at the convenient location of Hinton Center in Hayesville abutting Lake Chatuge. Exceptional wild flowers which was totally unexpected in the late summer. Guides knowledgeable and proficient at adjusting hiking destinations as needed for inclement weather. Congenial groups of participants with shared interest in nature. Evening programs offered further immersion into the Appalachian culture and plant life. Kudos to Road Scholar!
— Review left September 11, 2023
I had an awesome experience challenging myself to hike. The people on the trip were incredibly friendly and supportive. Look forward to doing something like this again.
— Review left September 10, 2023
A great trip. The hiking was beautiful. The pace, distance, and elevation hiked was just right. The staff at The Hinton Rural Center where we stayed was fabulous. The hike leaders were excellent and very knowledgeable. The group really gelled together-the comradery could not have been any better.
— Review left September 9, 2023
Wow, I was able to experience the Appalachian Trail. This is something I could never have done on my own. Thank you, RS, thank you very much.
— Review left August 21, 2023
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail!! a dream come true. The area is a beautiful part of the country, and I enjoyed every minute!
— Review left May 23, 2023
It was my first Road Scholar experience, and it was great! I plan on signing up for more Road Scholar programs in the future.
— Review left May 13, 2023
Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains was wonderful; Liz Domingue was so knowledgeable and also careful to listen to our questions and concerns and make the trip work for what we wanted. Linda Flynn was warm and welcoming and also great at answering our questions. The other participants were kind and friendly and as a solo traveler this was a great way to hike in a way i otherwise would not have been able to do.
— Review left April 30, 2023
Hiking the Appalachian Trail was an exhilarating experience, but be ready to keep yourself steady with two trekking poles! Lots of rocks and roots in the trail, but when you stop to look up and catch your breath, it's beautiful & serene.
— Review left October 31, 2022
This program was wonderful. The hosts, Bev and Rod, the leaders, Liz and Ann, the length of the hikes, the beautiful vistas, and all the participants made this trip exceptional. I would highly recommend it. Thank you to Road Scholar for another great experience!
— Review left October 30, 2022
This was an outstanding program! Besides the beautiful weather we had, the accommodations were excellent, both trail guides were skillful and first-class, and our group leaders, Bev and Rod, were magnificent.
— Review left October 29, 2022
This is a great program! Be aware there is transportation (car service) available from the AVL Airport to the Hinton Center - sharing would bring the cost below car rental.
— Review left August 25, 2022
Great adventure into the Blue Ridge mountains and section-hiking the Appalachian Trail. The beauty is unsurpassed.
— Review left July 19, 2022
If you love to hike in a beautiful wilderness forest with excellent accommodations this is the program for you. Excellent!
— Review left June 13, 2022
Join the southern Appalachian Hikes…….you won’t regret it, guaranteed!
— Review left June 11, 2022
This trip offers amazing hiking experiences - especially with the abundance of spring flowers.
— Review left April 29, 2022
This is a wonderful trip that gets your heart pumping! It was great hiking up the mountains as the vistas at the top were breathtaking! We learned a lot about the plants and animals that live in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
— Review left October 16, 2021
Very nice adventure. Trip leaders were both flexible and flexible. Loved exploring the Nantahala section of the Appalachians. The Hinton Center has a million dollar view and surprisingly good food.
— Review left October 15, 2021
Excellent program! I highly recommend this program to any who loves hiking and learning about nature. Wonderful staff & great faculties.
— Review left October 11, 2021
This was a great trip. Excellent trails that I would not have been able to access on my own. Had a good time with the other people on the trip. Definitely go if you can!
— Review left September 7, 2021
Wildflowers, sunshine, knowledgeable naturalists/guides (Jack Loveless and Doris Gove) and the beauty of the mountains all collaborated for a phenomenal hiking trip. Early May was a grand time for dappled sunshine streaming through the spring forest canopies and to view the endless vistas once we reached the ridge tops. Hinton Center accommodations were comfortable. I enjoyed the mountain music evening. Jack and Doris offered extra expertise and experiences which enhanced the trip.
Hiking poles were helpful.
— Review left June 22, 2019
great learning experience. Hiking group no larger than 10 including the leader. Amazing knowledge from the leaders Lois and Jack. Highly recommend. I am 72 and in fair shape and it was not a difficult hike.
— Review left May 24, 2019
If you like hiking and nature, you'll love this program.
— Review left May 11, 2019
Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachians was a fantastic program. The knowledge of the guides was unparalleled. So many new plants. So much learned. And the walking was just right for an older former hiker.
— Review left May 10, 2019
