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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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  • Southern Appalachian Mountains
  • nature walk
  • Southern Appalachian Mountains
Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall GroupRetreatsNature & Environment
Length
6 days
Rating (4.94)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,649
Itinerary
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. Read More.
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
9 expert-led field trips
2 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Check-in from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Young Commons Building. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
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, meet with 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.
Dinner:
In the dining hall.
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. 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. As this is an educational nature program, there will be frequent stops while hiking to explore the flora and fauna of the region. The group will all hike together with two expert hiking guides. This will ensure that there is a guide to lead the group and a guide to take up the rear. Educational content is provided by our knowledgeable Group Leaders and hiking guides. This program is staffed with camp hosts who will be staying with us in the cabins, as well as our expert hiking guides. 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.
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Getting in/our of vans; driving around 60 miles total, or one hour drive time each direction. 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 then pack lunches and snacks for today’s hike from some basic options (which may vary throughout the week).
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, 3/4-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:
We will hike the Big Laurel Falls Trail through a forest of hemlock, rhododendron, and some incredible, old, and unique Yellow Birch, a highlight of the day. The trail follows an old railroad grade with moderate elevation gains. We will walk over 1/2 mile 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 programs will vary. These could consist of presentations on Appalachian culture and tradition with music and storytelling, naturalist talks, or learning about and exploring the work the Hinton Center is doing.
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Getting in/our of vans; driving 50 miles total, 40 min each way. 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:
We will enjoy the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning along the trail.
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.
Evening:
Our evening programs will vary. These could consist of presentations on Appalachian culture and tradition with music and storytelling, naturalist talks, or learning about and exploring the work the Hinton Center is doing.
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Hiking about 6 miles roundtrip, 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:
In the dining hall. 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 at the summit.
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:
In the dining hall.
Evening:
Our evening programs will vary. These could consist of presentations on Appalachian culture and tradition with music and storytelling, naturalist talks, or learning about and exploring the work the Hinton Center is doing.
Activity Note
Light morning stretch before breakfast. Getting in/our of vans; driving 80 miles total, 50 min each way. Hiking about 4 miles, approximately 4 hours throughout the day on 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:
In the dining hall. 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:
In the dining hall. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
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.
Activity Note
Driving own vehicles to Campbell Folk School. Driving time is 14 miles, or 20 min one way. Walking 1/4 mile on well-maintained, grassy trails. Trails may be very wet with dew. Check-out by 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the 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.
Lunch:
We’ll have the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning on the Folk School grounds or take them to go. This concludes our program.
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 like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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