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Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
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, a farm-to-table or locally sourced meal, 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.
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. 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 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: 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: We will stop along the trail to enjoy the lunches we packed at breakfast this morning.
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.
Evening: The group leader will explain the entertainment for the week as the presenters and evenings may vary weekly.
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 pack lunches and snacks for today’s hike from the variety of options.
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, we'll have a cafeteria-style dinner.
Evening: Our evening presentations will be by a local musician sharing Appalachian ballads and other traditional music and instruments, or a storyteller.
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. 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: Tonight, we'll have a farm to table meal prepared by the chef with ingredients sourced as locally as possible. If the garden is producing, it will even include seasonal vegetables grown onsite.
Evening: Our evening presentations will consist of a naturalist talk on local flora and fauna.
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.
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!