Calendar of Events

Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

September 2021 Sep 2021
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Tuesday, September 14, 2021
The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 14 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Read more
Categories: Garden Hike Outdoors Tours
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Sep 18 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Start Flock to the Rock out with a bevy of birds!  This early bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of birds. Taking place during fall migration also enhances the number of species expected to be in our area. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to our 13th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might see during your hike. Space is limited and advance registration is required for this hike.

 

Cost: Includes Park admission. Advance registration required.

Read more
Categories: Hike Outdoors Parks & Recreation
Art in Autumn
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Main Street Weaverville

The 14th annual Art in Autumn Outdoor Arts and Crafts Festival is a much loved event held on Main Street in downtown Weaverville, North Carolina, located in Buncombe County 7 miles from downtown Asheville. The festival features over 100 juried artists and craftspeople, and live music.

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Categories: Art & Craft Festivals Music
HERITAGE DAY
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Folk Art Center

Join us from 10 am-4 pm for a celebration of Southern Appalachian culture on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This festival has old-time music and demonstrations of the crafts of yesteryear.

Activities:
Chairmaking, quilting, heirloom apples, sheep shearing, cornshuck dolls, woodcarving, blacksmithing, weaving, stone carving, soap making, crocheting, knitting, spinning, rifle making, natural dyeing, basketry.

Band Schedule:

10:00-11:00 Cary Fridley and Old Time Friends
11:15-12:15 Highland Highlights
12:30-1:30 Split Rail
2:00-2:45 World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition
3:00-4:00 Buncombe Turnpike

Don’t Miss the World Gee Haw Whimmy Diddle Competition at 2:00 pm!!

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Community Festivals
The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Read more
Categories: Garden Hike Outdoors
51st Annual Girl Scout Day
Sep 18 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Grandfather Mountain

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s education staff for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities and presentations. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission. Reservations are required by calling 828-733-2013.

Read more
Categories: Community Education Family Fun Hike Outdoors
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 19 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Hike
Monday, September 20, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 20 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Hike
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 20 all-day
online
View the FULL Festival Schedule Here
Read more
Categories: Festivals
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 21 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Hike
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 21 all-day
online
View the FULL Festival Schedule Here
Read more
Categories: Festivals
The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 21 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Read more
Categories: Garden Hike Outdoors Tours
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 22 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Hike
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 22 all-day
online
View the FULL Festival Schedule Here
Read more
Categories: Festivals
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 23 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Hike
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 23 all-day
online
View the FULL Festival Schedule Here
Read more
Categories: Festivals
Chow Chow Culinary Festival: RECIPES FROM RABBIT’S MOTEL
Sep 23 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Smoky Park Supper Club

Opened in 1948 by Fred “Rabbit” Simpson, Rabbit’s Motel was a crown jewel of Black-owned
Tourist Courts for African-American travelers in the segregation-era South, and provided
lodging and soul-food dining for many Black travelers. Rabbit’s Motel sat in the heart of
Southside, a flourishing African-American community that was one of many early-Asheville
vibrant Black communities in Asheville. SoundSpace@Rabbit’s, opened in 2020, will create a
creative arts hub in Asheville including music rehearsal studio space, soul food kitchen and
artist studios, and will promote historic pride while embracing a model of diversity in the most
authentic way possible, through music, art, community, and food. Join us for a lively event
featuring music, drinks and bites inspired by the original Rabbit’s Motel and Cafe

Read more
Categories: Festivals Food & Drink
Friday, September 24, 2021
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 24 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests standing outside looking at canoe

Guest Appreciation Festival is our annual celebrating bringing together guests, visitors, paddlers, and staff for a weekend festival of incredible sales, whitewater, outdoor fun, and gratitude!

Snag the best in outdoor gear and apparel at stunningly low prices from our new and used gear sale with names including The North Face, Chaco, Dagger Kayaks, KEEN and more. Boaters can take advantage of free shuttles for the Cascades and Upper Nantahala recreational releases. Shop crafts and handmade goods from regional and local vendors. Join in on the fun with our family-friendly riverside games and activities including giant Jenga, face painting, and more! Dance the night away to live music on the banks of the Nantahala River. Enjoy a weekend of fun and community in the Nantahala Gorge!

Read more
Categories: Community Festivals Food & Drink Games Outdoors Sports
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 24 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Hike
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 24 all-day
online
View the FULL Festival Schedule Here
Read more
Categories: Festivals
Take A Child Outside Week
Sep 24 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Hike Outdoors Parks & Recreation
12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021 Kick-Off Party
Sep 24 @ 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Lake Lure

Picture

Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Show-stopping Dance Performances

Live Music  by The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra

The return of Hot Lake Lure Nights dance lessons
hosted by Coach Natalie Foreverland

A Message from PanCAN

Nighttime Lakeside Screening of Dirty Dancing
Picture

Read more
Categories: Dance Festivals Food & Drink Outdoors
Saturday, September 25, 2021
Guest Appreciation Festival Nantahala Outdoor Center
Sep 25 all-day
Nantahala Outdoor Center

guests standing outside looking at canoe

Guest Appreciation Festival is our annual celebrating bringing together guests, visitors, paddlers, and staff for a weekend festival of incredible sales, whitewater, outdoor fun, and gratitude!

Snag the best in outdoor gear and apparel at stunningly low prices from our new and used gear sale with names including The North Face, Chaco, Dagger Kayaks, KEEN and more. Boaters can take advantage of free shuttles for the Cascades and Upper Nantahala recreational releases. Shop crafts and handmade goods from regional and local vendors. Join in on the fun with our family-friendly riverside games and activities including giant Jenga, face painting, and more! Dance the night away to live music on the banks of the Nantahala River. Enjoy a weekend of fun and community in the Nantahala Gorge!

Read more
Categories: Community Festivals Food & Drink Games Outdoors Sports
Join City Hike for Climate Action
Sep 25 all-day
USA

Just in the last week, we’ve seen extreme storms and flooding in the midwest, leading to power outages for 800k, heatwaves in the Pacific Northwest, and wildfires that continue to burn, forcing people to evacuate their homes in the west.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!

The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU!  Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.

How can you help preserve the planet?

  • Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
  • Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you. 
  • Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Read more
Categories: Community Fundraisers Hike
LEAF Announces Fall LINE UP Global Citizen
Sep 25 all-day
online
View the FULL Festival Schedule Here
Read more
Categories: Festivals
12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival 2021
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Lake Lure

Experience The Time of Your Life at the 12th annual Dirty Dancing Festival in Lake Lure, NC!

Whether you have been coming for years, or always wanted to see what the hype is all about, we have a chance for you to WIN a weekend getaway to the namesake film’s backdrop where It’s all Crazy for Swayze.

Join us for singalongs, watermelon carrying, Lift Scenes, lots and lots of dancing, and much more on September 24-25, 2021. Proceeds benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and festival organizers, The Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge.

Picture

Picture
Professional Dance Lessons to the Original
Movie Soundtrack

Film-Inspired Dance Performances by the Asheville Ballet

Top-notch  Live Music by  DJ Michael Sprouse,  Envision, and ACE Party Band.

Watermelon Races for PanCAN

Selfie  Portraits with scenes from Dirty Dancing filmed here in Lake Lure

A Car Show featuring the 1957 Chevy Bel Air “Swayze” look-alike car

A variety of Movie-inspired Games

The Lake Lift Competition

And much more!

 

Read more
Categories: Dance Festivals
Mountain Heritage Day
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
WCU's Intramural Field

dancing in front of stage

Enjoy one of the top 20 events in the Southeast with live entertainment, 130+ food and craft vendors, tons of family-friendly activities, interactive kids area, along with performances and demonstrations celebrating the Southern Appalachian mountain culture. Mountain Heritage Day is diligently working to create a safe environment for everyone, whereby booths and seating are spaced for physical distancing.

Read more
Categories: Art & Craft Community Dance Family Fun Festivals Food & Drink Games Music Outdoors
The North Carolina Arboretum: Guided Trail Walk
Sep 25 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
The North Carolina Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types. Depending on the season and each guide’s area of expertise, topics of discussion may include wildflowers, plant and tree identification, natural history and more.

Guided trail walks are limited to 10 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m..

Walks last 1.5 – 2.5 hours, are approximately one to two miles in length. As this program is held rain or shine, all participants should dress appropriately for the weather.

Register In Advance

Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.

Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:

  • Pre-register online, using the the link below.
  • Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.

 

Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Read more
Categories: Garden Hike Outdoors
Take A Child Outside Week
Sep 25 @ 11:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Read more
Categories: Family Fun Hike Outdoors Parks & Recreation
WNCHA Outdoor Experiences: Big Ivy Hike
Sep 25 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Big Ivy Historical Park

Join us as we tour the Big Ivy Historical Park and then hike to the nearby Little Snowball Mountain.

Buncombe County’s Big Ivy region is a special place. Hemmed in by mountains and, more recently, national forest land, this valley which encompasses the communities of Barnardsville and Dillingham provides a chance to look at bigger trends in western North Carolina history, including perceptions of isolation versus connectivity, changing economies, and even the later influence of the CCC and federal land agencies.

Distance: 7.2-mile round trip hike on Snowball Trail, 2,000 ft elevation gain. Note: The Big Ivy Historical Park stop is easily accessible.

Difficulty Level: Strenuous

What to Bring: Backpack, plenty of water (64oz recommended), bagged lunch, trail snacks, sturdy hiking boots and comfortable clothing, hiking poles, sunscreen, bug repellent, any needed medications.

Read more
Categories: Hike Outdoors