Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 15 miles, approximately 3/4 hour riding time. At Rock City, walking 100-foot trail; 35 stairs in sets of 4-5 stairs with handrails; uneven, inclines. Ruby Falls building entrance handicapped accessible, cave not wheelchair accessible. Elevator down to starting point of cave walk, approximately 4/5 of a mile each way; hard packed dirt, uneven paths, no seating. Participants must be able to remain comfortably on their feet up to 90 minutes.
At the hotel.
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the land where Asheville now exists lay within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. We will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on Cherokee legends and a performance. Our expert plays the Cherokee flute, rattle, the Native American drum, the five-string banjo, guitars, and the Appalachian dulcimer. Through this presentation and performance, we’ll delve into centuries of Cherokee history and culture that will address one of America’s darkest tragedies. We’ll learn about the Indian Removal Act of 1830 that forced tribal people out of their homes to lands in the West and on into the present. We will then take a short drive to Lookout Mountain. The mountain was the setting for two historic battles. The so-called “last battle of the Cherokee” took place in August of 1794. The 1863 Battle of Lookout Mountain —also known as the Battle Above the Clouds — sounded the death knell of the Confederacy when Union troops prevailed. As we ponder its history, we can marvel at the panoramic view of seven states.
At a Rock City restaurant.
More than 200 million years of weathering have produced the massive, unusually shaped sandstone boulders in what is now known as Rock City, situated at 1,700 feet above sea level atop Lookout Mountain. During this self-directed exploration, we will be able to traverse a walking trail more than 4,000 feet long that features not only these ancient rock formations but caves and gardens with more than 400 species of native plants. We will walk at our own pace and see what interests each of us most. There are places along the trail to sit as well as easy access back to the starting point. Our Group Leader will be available to answer any questions about trail logistics. We’ll then hop back aboard the motorcoach for a short drive on the mountain top to Ruby Falls, where we will go on a walking exploration with a local expert. We’ll learn how this extraordinary geological wonder was discovered in 1928 by a team of excavators who came across it 1,120 feet beneath the surface. The waterfall is 145 feet high, falling through a cavern created by the same geological forces as Rock City and Lookout Mountain itself. When they say don’t drink the water, they mean it! The water in Ruby Falls contains high concentrations of magnesium.
On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. This is an opportunity to enjoy dinner on your own or with new Road Scholar friends.
At leisure.
