Calendar of Events

This announcement is revised from the original Dec 15th to Dec 22nd.
John Muir didn’t like the word ‘hike’. “We ought to saunter through them reverently, not ‘hike’ through them.”
I am going to scout the Stone Mtn Tr in DuPont; A few of you are welcome to join me.
Hike Distance: 4.0 Total (optional) ascent: 675 ft
Pace: 1.5mph – because I’m an ol’ Codger.
Difficulty: Well established Tr. No water Xings.
Optional Climb to Stone Mtn is 600 ft ascent in 1 mile.
(I, and the more leisurely of us, will skip this part. ;-)
Drive time: 25 min/14 mi 1-way

Hey everyone, let’s go see the Christmas lights at the Arboretum!

I’m going to reserve a spot for one car, but if more than one car-load show interest I can always buy another.

Tickets for next Thursday night are $55 per car so we’ll divide that up by the number of people in the car. If someone’s willing to sit in the middle we can get 5 in my car.

We’ll meet at the Ingles up the road on 191 (863 Brevard Road) and head over from there. We should plan on leaving the parking lot at 6:45(tickets are for 7pm entry).

Kick off the new year in Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park during this First Day Hike! Start your morning bright and early with a stroll, hike or bike ride up to the 3.2-mile Park road. Usually restricted to motor vehicle traffic only, there will be no cars in your way if you show up for this special, early morning hike that’s free to participants! Bicyclists are allowed to use the road also on this special morning to climb and descend the steep park road under controlled speed. Helmets are required.

Meet at the Old Rock Café at 8am. Registration is not required.

Our first passholder-exclusive event of the year! Join a naturalist for an intimate hike with fellow passholders in an area of the Park not typically open to the public. This moderate hike traverses our own old growth forest and gives you the opportunity to learn what makes this ecosystem unique. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.

This 6-mile, moderate hike with some steep inclines crosses the beautiful Bailey Mountain Preserve near Mars Hill, NC. This hidden gem consists of adjoining properties under a conservation easement that the SAHC monitors each year. The Preserve encompasses over 250 acres. Please note that this property is open to the public, but if you wish to join this guided hike you must pre-register for this event. FREE for SAHC members, $10 for non-members.

Along the Chattooga River, the states of NC, SC, and GA intersect. From conflicts between Cherokees and white settlers, to the Walton War between Georgia and North Carolina over their boundaries, this area has seen its share of strife and political challenges. Surveyor Andrew Ellicott initially settled the conflict and placed a marker along the bank of the river in 1811. But eventually his work was challenged by the more precise “Governor’s Rock” a few years afterward. As late as the 1970s though, NC and GA once again disputed the precise location. Join us as we hike through three states and explore the history of this contested boundary.

Join us for Happy Hiker Day, a spring event celebrating the Year of the Trail and our love for hiking! At the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Nantahala River, we are proud to be a respite and guide for thru-hikers, day hikers, and anyone that wants to get out on the trail! Enjoy a free guided local hike, discounts on hiking gear, activities for kids, a trail mix bar, an AMA (ask me anything) with a former thru-hiker, and participate in a backpack shakedown!  AT Thru-hikers and authors Josh and Amber Nevins will give a talk and book signing.

Schedule Of Events:

• 10% off Select Hiking Gear at our Outfitter’s Store.
• 11 am: Short guided informational hike to Rufus Morgan Appalachian Trail Shelter, 1.5 mile round trip- easy to moderate. Meet outside the General Store.
• Pack Shakedowns with our experienced retail guides at the Outfitters Store.
• 12 pm: Kids Activities on River Left. See signs for details
• 12:30 pm – 1 pm: “Ask Me Anything” with former 2016 Thru-Hiker “Hot Sauce”
• 2 pm: Book Signing/Presentation with Josh and Amber Niven upstairs in the Outfitter’s Store

See other great hiking events here: https://greattrailsnc.com/events/ 

Join Ali McGhee and Tara Eschenroeder for this special Earth Day adventure!

About the adventure…

Earth my body, water my blood, air my breath, and fire my spirit!

We are surrounded by so much beauty that we so often overlook as we are distracted by so many things to do and tasks to accomplish. We forget that we are human beings (not human doings) grounded in place and inherent, effortless purpose.

This hike will excite our senses and our minds as we gather deep wisdom about area plants and discover their powerful potential. On our journey up the mountain, we’ll meet several of our local and native plant species and learn their medicinal and magical uses, from healers that help us reconnect with the land – and ourselves – to a few storied (and poisonous) allies.

At the top of the majestic Bearwallow bald, we will share a meditation on the land and flow together in asana, then celebrate with fresh herbal tea brewed from plants we’ve met. Not only will we interact and commune with nature, but we will also come together as a beautiful community celebrating new friends and old.

This adventure is limited to 20 participants.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Sign up here!

SAHC’s annual Roan Highlands showcase will feature five outings, ranging from easy to difficult: 1 – Roll n’ Stroll at Rhododendron Gardens 2 – Challenge Hike on the Hackline Trail 3 – Waterfall Hike on Little Cove Creek Preserve, with Pathways to Parks 4 – Hampton Creek Cove Loop Hike 5 – Birding at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area Be sure to join us at the Nilsen Homestead at SAHC’s Little Cove Creek Preserve for afternoon refreshments and a conservation celebration. FREE for all participants, but registration on hikes may be limited. Be sure to register early!

Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!

Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.

We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!