Hiking the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Hayesville

Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Walking/Hiking

Natural History

Small Group

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Hike the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains with a local expert and learn about the region’s abundant wildflowers, natural history and distinctly Appalachian folklore.

Rating (4.96)

Moderately Challenging

Program No. 17288RJ

Length

6 days

Starts at

699

6 days

5 nights

15 meals

5B 5L 5D

Hayesville, NC

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

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

Moderately Challenging

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

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Hike to spots above 5,000 feet like Standing Indian Mountain and Wesser Bald Fire Tower and take advantage of exquisite views to learn 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 study the natural history of the area with a local trail and nature expert.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Jack Loveless

Jack Loveless has lived in the northeast Georgia and western North Carolina mountains for the past 18 years. He has been a naturalist, environmental educator and outdoor adventure expert. Jack shares his knowledge of plant identification, with an emphasis on wild edibles and medicinal uses, through interpretive hikes. He is also an avid rock climber, biker, woodworker and gardener.

Jack Loveless

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6 days

5 nights

15 meals

5 B 5 L 5 D

Getting There

See travel details and required documents

DAY

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Hayesville, NC

Hinton Center

Activity note: Meet your hiking guides and discuss trails for the week ahead. 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.

Afternoon: Check in begins at 3:00, Registration at 5:00, both at the Joe Ervin House. (Signs as you enter Hinton will direct you to Joe Ervin House.) After you have your room assignment register with Road Scholar Staff and get your welcome packet with name tag, updated schedule, and other information. If you arrive late ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At 6:00 pm enjoy dinner in the Dining Hall. Choose from buffet entrées and side options and build your own fresh salad at the salad bar. Coffee, tea and other beverages will be available.

Evening: At 7:00 pm the Group leader will welcome everyone and lead introductions. We will then have a week overview and discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures and answer questions. The scheduled hikes may vary depending on local conditions, we will alert you to changes as quickly as possible.

DAY

Hike AT, summit Standing Indian Mtn.

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

Hinton Center

Activity note: Elevation change from 4300 at Deep Gap to 5200 at Standing Indian Summit. We hike the Appalachian Trail through a beautiful stretch of forest in the Nantahala Wilderness. Approx. 5 miles round trip.

Breakfast: 8:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with coffee or tea. Pack your lunch and snack 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 & moss are abundant along the forest floor. The climb intensifies at 1.7 miles, then runs along a ridge with view on both sides of the trail.

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

Afternoon: After gaining the summit & enjoying long range views from the top of Standing Indian, we descend through the leafy forest to Deep Gap. Your Group Leaders will share their knowledge of the many plants along the trail.

Dinner: Dinner served in the Dining Hall.

Evening: Settle in for an evening concert of Appalachian songs & ballads by a local musican & historian. You will hear songs preserved in these beautiful mountains that shelter a rich music tradition.

DAY

South on the AT to Glassmine Gap.

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

Hinton Center

Activity note: Elevation change from 3787 to 4500. Apox. 6 miles round trip.

Breakfast: 8:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with coffee or tea. Pack your lunch and snack for today's hike from the variety of options,

Morning: We begin today's hike in the Standing Indian basin and hiking south on the Appalachian Trail, following a gentle rise to Rock Gap. From Rock Gap, we continue to Glassmine Gap. Note the abundance of moss, lichen & liverworts growing on rock faces.

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

Afternoon: Continue hiking to Glassmine Gap. We return via the Long Branch Trail. As this trail winds through the forest you will at times enjoy the sights & sounds of Long Branch's clear water rushing over rocks as in meanders down the mountain.

Dinner: Dinner served in the Lodge

Evening: Learn more about the plants, animals and environment you are hiking through this week. This evening's presentation is with a local naturalist.

DAY

Hike Chunky Gal Trail & Boetler Peak.

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

Hinton Center

Activity note: Hike Boetler Peak area, known for unique plant species & rock formations. We follow the Chunky Gal trail that connects the Nantahala & Tusquitee Mountains.

Breakfast: 8:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with coffee or tea. Pack your lunch and snack for today's hike from the variety of options,

Morning: Today we hike along the Chunky Gal Trail that connects the Nantahala & Tusquitee mountains. We start near Glade Gap off Hwy 64, and will gain Boetler Peak. This peak is known for outcroppings of serpentine rocks & associated rare plant species.

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

Afternoon: Along the trail to Boetler peak and down, in the rich forests are several rare plant species. Possible sightings include glade fern, dwarf ginseng, & American columbo. The forest fires of 2016 have left thier mark on the landscape and by opening the forest floors, provide increased sunlight for this year's plant production.

Dinner: Dinner served in the Dining Hall.

Evening: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independant exploration to see and do what interest you most.

DAY

Winding Stair Gap, Siler Bald, Wayah Crest.

Hayesville, NC

B,L,D

Hinton Center

Activity note: Hike along the AT to wind swept, grassy Siler Bald at 5216’. This hike could be from 2-8 miles depending on preferred activity level. Possible elevation change from 3750 to 5126.

Breakfast: 8:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with coffee or tea. Pack your lunch and snack 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. Siler Bald, at 5216' is an open grassy expanse with 360 degree views.

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

Afternoon: Continue hiking! From Siler Bald we may return via Wayah Crest or Winding Stair.

Dinner: Dinner served in the Lodge

Evening: Concert by local musician.

DAY

Walk Rivercane Trail at Campbell Folk School.

Hayesville, NC

B,L

Activity note: Farewell walk along the one mile Rivercane Trail at the John C. Campbell Folk School. You may wish to tour the Folk School on your own following the hike.

Breakfast: 8:00 am Breakfast in Dining Hall. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with coffee or tea. Pack your lunch and snack for today's hike from the variety of options,

Morning: Program concludes on day 6 with breakfast at 8:00 am, pack lunches and check out from Hinton. Caravan to John C. Campbell School at 9:00 am, for Farewell Hike along the River Cane Trail.

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

Meals

15 Meals

5 Breakfasts

5 Lunches

5 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Low Fat, Vegetarian, Low Salt, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Display

Oct 15, 2017 - Oct 20, 2017

Jun 04, 2017 - Jun 09, 2017
Jun 25, 2017 - Jun 30, 2017
Jul 23, 2017 - Jul 28, 2017
Sep 10, 2017 - Sep 15, 2017
Oct 08, 2017 - Oct 13, 2017
Oct 15, 2017 - Oct 20, 2017

Hinton Center

5 nights

Hayesville

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. Road Scholar participants stay in the Joe Ervin Retreat House. The house has a common area kitchen and satellite TV in living room only. There is no land-line phone service, but there is strong cell phone signal for most carriers. Wireless Internet access in lodge dining hall and lobby. Meals are served buffet style in dining hall. Alcohol and smoke-free facilities.

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23 Reviews

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4.96 Average

Carol

Class of 2012

FAIRHOPE, AL

(5) 6 months ago

Another great program experience!

Janet

Class of 2014

Fort Myers, FL

(5) 6 months ago

We just finished the Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mtns. 10/16 to 10/21/16. It was a great experience. Our leaders, Jack Loveless and Doris Cove were very knowledgeable, patient and funny. The Hinton Rural Center was very accommodating and a lovely area. A reminder to those who are thinking of this trip. It is a nature hike and your leaders will be stopping to talk about what is around you. It is not a straight through hike. Enjoy and you will learn also.

Jack

Class of 2010

Kearney, NE

(5) 7 months ago

Weather was great accommodations very adequate; and the people at the Hinton Center were extremely accommodating and I would send a big thankyou to them.

Kathy

Class of 2016

Suwanee, GA

(5) 7 months ago

This hike was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for better leaders than Jack Loveless and Liz Domingue. They were both extremely knowledgeable and provided a wealth of information. I especially loved Liz's bird calls. :)

Kay

Class of 2016

Melbourne, FL

(5) 8 months ago

Bring hiking poles. They will save your knees!

Judith

Class of 2012

Durham, NC

(5) 8 months ago

The hikes are 5-8 miles in length with an elevation gain of 1,000 - 1,500 ft. There is a significant educational component with time on the trail spent on identifying plants and talking about the ecosystem. We spent 5-6 hours on the trail each day, mostly in forested areas. Typically lunch was eaten above the tree line, affording a view of the surrounding area.

Sara

Sheffield Village, OH

(5) 8 months ago

Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains is my sixth Road Scholar hiking experience and rates as one of my favorites. The hikes were demanding, beautiful and informative - thanks to our great guide. The evening programs and activities were in perfect balance for a group that had spent the day climbing mountain trails.

Judy

Class of 2013

North Canton, OH

(5) a year ago

Outstanding week of hiking! The group leaders were knowledgeable, hikes had interesting wildflowers, fellow participants were interesting and friendly, evening activities were enlightening, and free time allowed relaxing and socializing with fellow hikers.

Sandra

Class of 2009

Woodstock, GA

(5) a year ago

Springtime on the AT - magnificent!

Michael

Class of 2009

Atlanta, GA

(5) a year ago

Jack and Doris do a fabulous job exposing the group to the flora and creatures on the Appalachian Trail. Their enthusiasm for their subject is infectious and plan on having a great time. There is lots of stopping and starting along the way. In that way it is not 'challenging' in the usual sense and might be frustrating for a 'destination' hiker seeking to bag as many miles on the AT as possible. The selection of the trails hiked was very good -- plenty of roots, rocks and a few great views.

Esther

Class of 2013

Akron, OH

(5) a year ago

This program is strenuous but doable. If you like the forests and flowers you will like this program, but you should prepare for 4 days of hiking.

Paulette

Class of 2013

Grand Rapids, MI

(5) a year ago

I loved the group leaders, I loved the Hinton Center (rustic and comfortable with lovely grounds), I loved this area of NC. I enjoyed myself and am glad I participated in the program. However, when RS says this program is for seasoned hikers, they mean it! I was able to complete each step of the hikes, but was VERY challenged by it. The trails' upgrades are long and steep in parts, with rocks and roots to trip you up if you're not vigilant. The scenery and surrounding beauty, though, made every step worth it.

Kathy

Class of 2016

Golden, CO

(5) a year ago

If you are a good hiker, but new to this area, it's a great way to learn and become familiar with much of the AT and flora & fauna.

Helen

Class of 2014

Wake Forest, NC

(5) a year ago

A great week with expert naturalists who were also fun and flexible. Our lively and friendly group of hikers was also blessed with wonderful weather in a beautiful area of the Southeast. Highly recommend this trip for other Road Scholars who like hiking in the great outdoors!

Laura

Class of 2015

Sun Prairie, WI

(4) a year ago

We had fun hiking in four different, beautiful locations that boasted colorful leaves and amazingly fresh air. The other hikers were interesting folks, and the leaders, Liz and Doris, did a great job pointing out unusual trees, lichen, fungi, and even salamanders.

Susan

Class of 2015

Greeley, CO

(5) a year ago

Definitely agree with Regina and Beth. It was my first program and I loved it! Great leaders, wonderful companions. the prettiest hikes...a very special 5 days. Thanks to everyone.

Regina

Class of 2014

Walker, LA

(5) a year ago

Doris & Liz are experts in their knowledge about the plants & animals of the Southern Appalachians. The hikes were challenging, beautiful with brilliant fall colors, flowing creeks & waterfalls, and sunshine everyday. The Hinton Center is comfortable, pretty, & with good food served. For anyone who enjoys expert-lead day hiking in the mountains, this program is it!

Bruce

Class of 2015

Prospect, KY

(5) a year ago

This was an excellent trip! Doris and Liz were knowledgeable, and great leaders along he trails. There were hikes through the woods, past waterfalls, to the top of some "mountains" to see views and the leaders continued to explain interesting plants and foliage as we hiked. We were also able to talk with through and segment hikers on the trail. Our group was divided so that those who wanted could sometimes hike longer or shorter distances. An unexpected - and moving - part of the week was the visit to the Cherokee Village in Hayesville and the lecture and music at night.

Beth

Class of 2015

Prospect, KY

(5) a year ago

We had a wonderful adventure with this program! Doris and Liz couldn't have been more accommodating, informative, and fun. The hikes were challenging as advertised. The views were magnificent and worth the climb. I highly recommend this program

Martha

Class of 2015

Elgin, TX

(5) a year ago

This trip was so much fun! Jack and Liz lead us on some beautiful hikes, and their deep knowledge of the flora and fauna added so much to each day's experience. The accommodations are quite comfortable, the food was tasty, and our fellow hikers were a fun bunch to spend the week with.

Joanne

Class of 2005

Springfield, WV

(5) a year ago

We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this week of challenging and rewarding hiking. The accommodations and food was excellent and the group was congenial. Jack and Liz were especially knowledgeable and helpful. Jack even cooked up some of the wild mushrooms we gathered on a hike for us to sample. We certainly recommend this program.

Molly

Class of 2015

Jacksonville Bch, FL

(5) a year ago

Jack and Liz are great guides. The hikes were great, the lodging was clean and the food was satisfying. I would recommend this trip.

Thomas

Class of 2012

Lawrenceville, GA

(5) a year ago

This was an excellent program. The focus was on serious hiking but we also had alternate activities – visiting the green market, ice cream outings, Cherokee culture, night time star gazing and local music. Our group consisted of 7 participants with varying skill levels. Our leader accommodated the different skill levels and let us select our hike routes from among a choice of about ten. The program is sited in a Methodist church camp which is well maintained. We had a lodge dedicated to just Road Scholar and the rooms were large. The meals were summer camp quality and we had “front of the line” privileges. Three of our 5 hikes (typically 5-7 miles daily) were on the App. Trail so be prepared with hiking poles, sturdy shoes, bug spray and a quart water bottle. I have been trying to check “App Trail” off my bucket list since 2003 and this was a good program to get that accomplished.