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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Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768

What’s Included:

5 nights of accommodations

15 meals (5 B, 5 L, 5 D)

1 expert-led lecture

5 expert-led field trips

2 performances

An experienced Group Leader

Customary gratuities throughout the program

Road Scholar Assurance Plan

Taxes

Good To Know:

Cancel & Transfer Policy

Trip Protection

Daily Weather Averages

Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Program No. 17288RJ Deposit at Enrollment: 100 Final payment due: 59 days before departure date

Transfer & Cancellation Policy

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date. Program enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

If you transfer or cancel:

fee will be applied if you do not call Road Scholar Participant Services at least one business day prior to the program start date.

Transfer Fee: 100% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 100% of trip total

less than 30 days prior to the program start date

Transfer Fee: 50% of trip total

Cancel Fee: 50% of trip total

up to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

up to 30 days prior to the program start date

Cancel Fee: $100.00

If you transfer or cancel:	Transfer Fee:	Cancel Fee:
fee will be applied if you do not call road scholar participant services at least one business day prior to the program start date.	100% of trip total	100% of trip total
less than 30 days prior to the program start date	50% of trip total	50% of trip total
up to 30 days prior to program start date	$0.00
up to 30 days prior to the program start date		$100.00

Road Scholar Program Terms and Conditions

How to Enroll in a Program

Call Us or Enroll Online To enroll

Please call us toll free at (877) 426-8056, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. You may also enroll online at www.roadscholar.org. To reserve space on a program, Road Scholar requires a deposit followed by final payment.

Road Scholar is Not-For-Profit

Road Scholar is a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) organization that incurs over $5 million annually on credit card fees. Please help us reduce this cost by paying for your program with a check. Please consider our paperless check option when paying on the phone or over the Internet. Our Advisors are happy to explain this payment option to you.

Tax-Deductible Donations

As a not-for-profit organization, we appreciate and rely on charitable donations to help us develop and maintain high-quality educational programs with exceptional value. Donations from U.S. citizens are tax-deductible as provided by law. As Road Scholar is not a registered charity in Canada, donations are not tax deductible for Canadian citizens.

Financial Assistance

Road Scholar offers two kinds of assistance: Scholarships, for those with desire but not the financial means to participate in our U.S.- or Canada-based learning adventures; and Caregiver Grants, designed to provide a unique respite opportunity for unpaid family caregivers to participate in a U.S.- or Canada-based Road Scholar program. Visit www.roadscholar.org/about/financial-assistance/scholarships, email us at scholarships@roadscholar.org, or call us toll free at (877) 426-8056.

General Program Information

Activity Level Ratings

Each Road Scholar program is assigned an Activity Level rating, ranging from Easy Going to Challenging, which are noted on program webpages. Try our Advanced Search tool to find programs that match your activity level. If you have special needs, or need a little extra help in finding the right program for your level of fitness and ambition, please call us and we’ll work to find options for you.

Disabilities and Special Needs

Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to participants with special needs and disabilities. If you have special needs requiring accommodation, please communicate them to Road Scholar at the time of enrollment. We will discuss your request with you and make every effort to accommodate you.

Service Learning

Our Service Learning programs bring participants together to work as a team to serve worthy projects. Road Scholar and sponsoring service institutions are not-for-profit organizations and are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The program price may qualify as a tax-deductible gift. However, since individual circumstances vary, we suggest participants contact their tax advisors.

Included Emergency Assistance and Medical Evacuation Insurance

Road Scholar’s continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified in our Road Scholar Assurance Plan. Whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our programs overseas, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under the Road Scholar Assurance Plan. This plan is purchased by Road Scholar on behalf of every participant. The plan provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program and insurance for emergency medical evacuation. This plan includes insurance benefits underwritten by Arch Insurance Company and emergency assistance services provided by LiveTravel Assist. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/included-insurance/

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit or transit well before departure. While Road Scholar does its best to provide pertinent information regarding international health requirements and travel health precautions for travel abroad, please remember we are not health experts and can only share with you the recommendations made by the CDC and the US Department of State. It It is therefore your responsibility to consult with your physician and/or contact the CDC for health information specific to your travel destination. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take, and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Staying healthy is critical to enjoying your program experience, and taking common sense steps to reduce the risk of getting sick.

A week before you depart on your program, consider limiting your exposure to others. If you must be in public in the week prior to departure, wear a mask.
Do not travel if you are sick, have any symptoms of illness, or if you have had close contact with a person who is ill. Do not risk traveling if you are not feeling well.
Bring a few face masks to the program. Wearing a well-fitted mask is an effective means of protection against airborne viruses, including COVID-19. Wear a mask whenever around others, including when flying and transiting airports. Once on your program, wear a mask whenever you are in public settings, especially if you have a weakened immune system or an underlying medical condition.
Wash your hands often and practice good hygiene.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Once on the program, if you do begin to feel ill or have symptoms of illness, immediately isolate and notify the Group Leader.

For those looking for additional resources on this topic, we recommend trusted sources such as your physician, the US Department of State, CDC, and WHO.

U.S. Department of State: www.travel.state.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): www.cdc.gov/travel
World Health Organization (WHO): www.who.int/

Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. To learn more about Road Scholar’s commitment to our participants’ well-being and the steps you can take to keep yourself healthy when traveling, please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/general-health-safety/

Please also be sure to review our Travel Updates webpage for the latest travel information, steps we are taking to keep your program experience as safe as possible, as well as helpful information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there. www.roadscholar.org/practical-information/travel-updates/

Domestic Travel Arrangements

Programs in the United States and Canada require independent arrivals and departures unless otherwise stated, meaning that you must make your own travel arrangements to and from the program site. If you are flying to your program, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 60 days prior to your program in the United States or Canada to purchase airfare.

International Travel Arrangements

Road Scholar Can Help Arrange Your International Airfare

Almost all of our international programs can be purchased with airfare arranged by Road Scholar. We have negotiated special international rates with major airlines. A list of departure cities can be found by visiting our website or calling to speak with one of our experienced Advisors. As an added benefit, guaranteed airport transfers on the program’s published start and end date are included with your international air travel when arranged through Road Scholar. If your preferred airport is not listed, or you would like to travel on a different day, travel in premium or business class, specify the airline or routing, or travel independently before or after our program, we are happy to customize and create a personalized air travel itinerary to meet your needs. Select the “Custom Flight Arrangements” option and then the airport you want, or discuss your flight preferences with one of our expert air Travel Advisors.

Arranging Your Own International Airfare

If you choose to make your own international air travel arrangements, you will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the starting location of your program and returning to the airport at the end. Please keep in mind that many airlines assess penalties if you need to change or cancel your ticket— up to 100 percent of the ticket price in certain cases — for which you will be responsible. Please also be aware that Road Scholar may occasionally have to alter a program in a way that affects flight schedules, and you will be responsible for changing your flight arrangements and paying applicable fees. For the greatest protection, we recommend waiting until 90 days prior to your International program to purchase airfare,

Road Scholar Optional Trip Protection with “Cancel for Any Reason” Coverage

The optional Road Scholar Trip Protection Plan helps protect your investment if you must cancel or interrupt your program for specified, covered reasons, such as illness or injury to you, your traveling companion or an immediate family member of you or your traveling companion. Plus, if you need to cancel your program for any reason not covered by insurance, you will receive a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar for the full amount of the Road Scholar cancellation fee. The plan also provides benefits if you are delayed getting to or returning home from your program and protects your investment should you have an emergency during your program that causes you to miss program days or return home earlier than expected. Your airfare, whether purchased through Road Scholar or independently, is covered at no additional cost — an exceptional benefit and value offered exclusively to Road Scholar participants. You will receive information about this optional travel insurance plan when you enroll in a program. To learn more about this plan, including its terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions, and to view and download a certificate of insurance, please visit: www.roadscholar.org/about/protection-plan.

Additional Program Information

Our goal is to make sure our participants have the most enjoyable and rewarding program experience possible. Whether you are considering one of Road Scholar’s many educational adventures or are currently enrolled in a program, we highly recommend you review the additional program information available in the Practical Information section on our website. The section includes a wide range of topics and information -- everything from how to choose the perfect program to traveling solo to insurance. Please visit www.roadscholar.org/practical-information, or call us if you have specific questions. After you enroll in a program, please be sure to carefully read all pre-program communications and your Program preparatory materials, as they provide important information about how to prepare for your upcoming program and what to expect once you're there.

Program Policies

Deposit, Transfer and Cancellation Policy

Road Scholar requires deposits for all its programs, and charges fees if you transfer or cancel your enrollment. Deposits and fees vary between programs. Please refer to the Deposit, Transfer & Cancellation Policy on program webpages for specific deposit amounts, and transfer and cancellation fee schedules. Please note that enrollments are on a per person basis and substitutions are not permitted.

About Program Details and Itineraries

We make every effort to operate our programs as advertised. The information on our website is updated regularly, and reflects the most up to date information. We are committed to providing participants with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of land programs within the United States, four weeks for programs International and Afloat programs. and one week for online programs. However, itineraries or other aspects of a program may change due to situations beyond the control. If this happens we will do our best to notify you of the change prior to arriving on your program. We ask you to pack a little extra patience and flexibility, just in case there are last-minute changes to your program.

If Road Scholar Cancels or Interrupts a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring your enrollment to another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit good for future travel with Road Scholar to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Accuracy of Information

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Terms and Conditions

Program Selection
We want every participant to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding program experience. The travel and activities of Road Scholar programs require participants to be in good general health and capable of performing all program activities as described by the program description and its corresponding Activity Level. As a group travel experience, participants must be capable of caring for themselves during the program and agree not to impede the progress of the program or interfere with the enjoyment of other participants. Participants are required to disclose known medical and physical conditions that may interfere with their safety and well being or the safety and well being of others during this program. Road Scholar may limit or terminate the participation in the program at the participant’s expense and without refund any participants who fail to disclose all medical information or do not honestly assess their physical capabilities in advance. With this information in mind, carefully consider the travel and program demands as described on the Road Scholar website, and consult with your physician about your travel plans. If after enrolling you have second thoughts about the program you chose, please call us and we will be happy to assist you in finding a program better suited to your abilities.

Responsibility

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer. Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks

Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety, and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Admission & Participation Policy

The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar reserves the right to revoke admission or terminate or limit participation at any time if Road Scholar reasonably determines a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are inappropriate or disruptive, or adversely affect the participant’s health or safety, or the health, safety or enjoyment of other participants. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography and Video

Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs, videos or audio/visual recordings during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images or recordings to be used for such purposes. Participants who prefer that their images or recordings not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program. For Road Scholar online programs, all audio or video recordings, content and materials are the property of Road Scholar. Participants are prohibited from taking screen captures, or making, copying or distributing all or part of any audio or video recordings of online programs.

Online Program Terms

If you enroll in one of Road Scholar’s online programs, you are responsible for the integrity of the device on which you will attend this online program, as well as your own high-speed internet connection. Road Scholar is not responsible for outages or interruptions in internet service. Road Scholar cannot and will not provide recordings, content or materials, or provide reimbursement of any kind, for missed portion(s) of your online program, regardless of the reason.

Seller of Travel Information

Road Scholar’s state of Washington Seller of Travel Reg. No. 602244658. CST #2068427-40. Florida Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST35594.

Modifications to Terms and Conditions

Road Scholar reserves the right at any time to update, change, modify, or revise these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will become effective upon posting the changes, modifications or revisions to the Terms and Conditions. Accordingly, participants should review Road Scholar’s Terms and Conditions regularly prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

© 2023 Elderhostel. All rights reserved. The Road Scholar service marks, logos, website address and other marks are owned by Elderhostel, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring adults to learn, discover and travel.

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Apr 21 - Apr 26, 2024

Starting at

1,439

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May 5 - May 10, 2024

Starting at

1,489

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Aug 11 - Aug 16, 2024

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Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024

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Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024

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Oct 13 - Oct 18, 2024

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Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024

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6 days

5 nights

15 meals

5B 5L 5D

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Hayesville, NC

Hike South on the AT to Glassmine Gap, Evening Program

Hayesville, NC

Hike to Summit of Standing Indian Mountain

Hayesville, NC

Hike Chunky Gal Trail & Boteler Peak

Hayesville, NC

Hiking from Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald, Evening Program

Hayesville, NC

Walk River Cane Trail at Campbell Folk School

Hayesville, NC

View Full Itinerary

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 along the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail, through the Nantahala National Forest and spend your evenings immersed in tales of Appalachian folklore and natural history.

Activity Level

Outdoor: Spirited

Hiking 4-8 miles per day on varied terrain. The trails can be steep at times and consist of rocks and roots. Elevations up to 5,500 feet. There may be frequent stops to explore the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians.

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 Standing Indian Mountain and take advantage of exquisite views.
Walk on sections of the famous Appalachian Trail, including the Rock Gap to Glassmine Gap portion, Winding Stair Gap and Siler Bald.
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.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Elizabeth Domingue

Elizabeth (Liz) Domingue is a professional naturalist, educator, nature photographer, and guide with extensive experience hiking, backpacking, photographing, and studying the natural world. Her interest in and study of natural history has been her lifelong pursuit and passion. As the originator and operator of Just Get Outdoors, she leads interpretive hikes, photography workshops, and Naturalist Adventure Tours regionally and throughout the US. In all of her programs, Liz encourages awareness, understanding, enjoyment, and stewardship of our natural world.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Bev and Rod Richardson View biography

Bev and Rod have been visiting the Western NC mountains for over three decades. They travel regularly to see their children and extended family, and enjoy hosting friends and family at home in Florida. Bev is a retired PCUSA minister and serves as parish associate at First Presbyterian New Smyrna Beach; she has been a volunteer police chaplain for over 15 years. Rod is an elder and deacon in the PCUSA church and is retired from Northrup Grumman as a financial planner.

Elizabeth Domingue View biography

Bruce Thomason View biography

Bruce Thomason was thrust into the natural world and hiking at an early age by conservation-minded parents. He served as a counselor in Asheville High School’s mountaineering summer camp, teaching technical climbing, rappelling, river rafting, caving, and backpacking. Bruce was a leader in the Boy Scouts of America and has sectioned-hiked many parts of the Appalachian Trail and other Western NC traces and tracks over the past 40 years. He has a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering and was CTO of a technology firm.

Kris Medic View biography

Kris Medic is an author and board-certified Master Arborist. She grew up in Pennsylvania, and in high school did wilderness search and rescue in the mountains with the Civil Air Patrol. As a horticulturist with BS and MS degrees, she curated the wildflower, holly, rhododendron, and azalea collections at Georgia’s Callaway Gardens, led whitewater canoe trips on the Flint River, hikes and workshops, and bird counts. Kris has been a wilderness first aid instructor, Sierra Club hike leader, and president of the Indiana Arborist Association.

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.

Search for a Title

Our Southern Highlanders

by Horace Kephart

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.

Cold Mountain

by Charles Frazier

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.

Appalachian Trail Trees & Wildflowers

by Waterford Press Inc.

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

by Lawrence Newcomb

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.

This is Where We Live, Short Stories by 25 Contemporary North Carolina Writers

by Michael McFee

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

by Bill Bryson

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.

Grandma Gatewood's Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail

by Ben Montgomery

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.

Saints At The River

by Ron Rash

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.

Great Smoky Mountains Wildlife

by James Kavanagh

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.

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6 days

5 nights

15 meals

5 B 5 L 5 D

DAY

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Hayesville, NC

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

Hike South on the AT to Glassmine Gap, Evening Program

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

Hinton Rural Life Center

Activity note: Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking about 6 miles throughout the day; elevation gain 713’; 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 in the Standing Indian basin and hike south on the Appalachian Trail, following a gentle rise to Rock Gap. From Rock Gap, we will continue to Glassmine Gap. Note the abundance of moss, lichen, and liverworts growing on rock faces.

Lunch: Packed lunches along the trail.

Afternoon: We’ll reach Glassmine Gap then return via the Long Branch Trail. As this trail winds through the forest, we will at times enjoy the sights and sounds of Long Branch's clear water rushing over rocks as it meanders down the mountain. We will wade across the creek today and the water may be deeper than hiking boots can accommodate. Note: Because the group must be divided into two groups, one of the groups will experience this hike in reverse of what is described.

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

Hike to Summit of Standing Indian Mountain

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

Hinton Rural Life Center

Activity note: Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking 5 miles, approximately 5 hours throughout the day; elevation gain 1,000’. This moderately trafficked trail is rated as difficult due to the elevation rise on the way to the summit as well as rocky 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: Beginning at Deep Gap, we will hike north on the AT to the top of Standing Indian. The trail climbs through switchbacks and rhododendron tunnels under a canopy of leafy trees. Ferns and moss are abundant along the forest floor. The climb intensifies at 1.7 miles then runs along a ridge with views on both sides of the trail. Your Group Leaders will share their knowledge of the many plants as we stop along the trail.

Lunch: Enjoy the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning at the summit.

Afternoon: After gaining the summit and enjoying long-range views from the top of Standing Indian, we’ll descend through the leafy forest to Deep Gap.

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

Hike Chunky Gal Trail & Boteler Peak

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

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

Hiking from Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald, Evening Program

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

Hinton Rural Life Center

Activity note: Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking 4 miles from Winding Stair Gap to Siler Bald plus a return hike of 2 miles via Wayah Crest or 4 miles via Winding Stair depending on group size and preferred activity level; rolling terrain; elevation gain 1000’. 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: Winding Stair Gap follows the AT to Swinging Lick Gap at 4100', then on to Panther Gap, and Big Stamp. This moderately trafficked out and back trail is rated as difficult.

Lunch: We will stop along the trail to enjoy the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning.

Afternoon: We’ll continue on to Siler Bald. At 5216', Siler Bald is an open grassy expanse with 360-degree views. The Group Leader will determine the best route of return, either Wayah Crest or Winding Stair.

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

Walk River Cane Trail at Campbell Folk School

Hayesville, NC

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!