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North Carolina

Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains

Program No. 17288RJ

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Lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails and natural wonders of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains with a seasoned hike leader who reveals the wonders of wildflowers and mountain life. Walk through the Nantahala National Forest and spend your evenings immersed in tales of Appalachian folklore and natural history.

Best of all, you'll...

Hike to spots above 5,000 feet like Siler Bald and take advantage of exquisite views.
Walk along beautiful ridges, like Pickens Nose, and experience awe-inspiring sites such as Big Laurel Falls.
On sections of the "Chunky Gal" Trail, study the natural history of the area with a local trail and nature expert.

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General Notes

The Retreat Difference: This unique, often basic and no-frills experience at a Road Scholar Retreat includes opportunities for exercise, interaction with the local community for insight into local life, evening entertainment on at least one night, and the option of 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. As this is an educational program, there will be regular stops during the hikes to learn about flora and fauna. The group will hike all together. Additionally, those interested in a program intended exclusively for women and led by a female group leader may enjoy "Nature Hiking in the Southern Appalachian Mountains for Women (#25143)".

Featured Expert

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Linda Flynn

Linda Flynn retired in Asheville, North Carolina, after 25 years as a designer and 25 years as a therapist. Her current passion is walking international “caminos” — with more than 1,200 miles in the last eight years — and hiking in Western North Carolina. She appreciates finding wildflowers and secret gardens, and is also fond of rocks, mosses, ferns, and waterfalls.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Please Note:

These experts may not be available for every date of the program

Linda Flynn

Elizabeth Domingue

Elizabeth (Liz) Domingue is a professional naturalist, guide, nature photographer, writer, and educator with extensive experience hiking, backpacking, photographing, and studying the natural world. She earned her B.S. in wildlife biology from Cornell University and her M.S. in wildlife ecology and conservation biology from the University of Florida. As the originator and operator of Just Get Outdoors, Liz leads interpretive hikes, photography workshops, and naturalist adventure tours regionally and throughout the United States.

Ricky and Rev. Marji Hill

Ricky and Marji Hill have both previously worked at Hinton, with Ricky retiring in December 2024. Ricky is a military veteran with extensive experience in disaster recovery efforts. Marji, a Deacon in the United Methodist Church, also brings significant expertise in disaster recovery. In addition to her professional experience, she is a skilled artisan, frequently showcasing and selling her handcrafted products at local craft fairs. Marji also possesses extensive knowledge of local mushrooms and can assist in identifying and locating various species in the area.

Ed Kelley

Ed Kelley is a seventh-generation son of the North Carolina mountains, born and raised in Waynesville. He has explored and photographed Western NC for over fifty years. He considers himself an amateur naturalist, interested in all aspects of nature and ecology. Although he holds degrees in the sciences, Ed and his wife, Jo, made their career in the visual arts, owning a screen-printing operation, a retail nature store, and an art gallery. Ed comes from a long line of musicians, playing a variety of instruments.

Randy Allman

Randy Allman is an educator who spent 25 years teaching middle school English and 16 years training mentors in his school system, for which he planned many events. He also trained new teachers in seminars at a local college. He enjoys walking his dogs and going to the gym.

David Lamb

David Lamb is a recent transplant from Florida and a retired public educator; prior to moving, he visited the Hayesville area for 20 years.

Jamie Wrigley

Jamie Wrigley was the first woman to graduate in her class with an associate degree in construction/engineering from Erie Community College North Campus in Buffalo, NY. She also has a master's certificate in Oracle Programming Application Development. She completed her ministerial training in 2021. Jamie is an experienced project manager and restoration estimator with expertise in residential and commercial construction, inspections, and financial oversight. She is a licensed Florida mold assessor, air quality hygienist, and remediator.

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 5,000 feet. There will be frequent stops to explore the flora and fauna of the Southern Appalachians. The group will hike all together.

Small Group (13 to 24)

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Suggested Books and Resources

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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?

We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!

Call 800-454-5768

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

An illustration of a hand holding a globe with a small bird flying around it

Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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