What is an airstrip doing in the middle of DuPont State Recreational Forest? Why the formal entrance into a state forest? And how did the lakes come to be?

Come on a moderate all-day hike through historic DuPont Forest where we will walk, talk, take photos and even speculate. DuPont Forest is in Cedar Mountain, located between Hendersonville and Brevard. We will visit Bridal Veil Falls and four lakes. Although the hike focuses on DuPont Forest history, we might see some early spring flowers and buds.

Here are the details:

• The hike is 7.5 miles and about 800 feet of altitude gain over the day. The trails are well-maintained but will be muddy and rocky.
• Meet at the Transylvania County Library (212 S Gaston St, Brevard, NC) by 8:20am. We will depart from there in a caravan and arrive at the Fawn Lake Access Area of DuPont just before 9am.
• Wear light boots or good sneakers with hiking sock, a rain jacket (no matter the weather forecast) and a couple of layers of warm clothing – a long sleeve shirt and a fleece.
• Bring lunch and snacks and at least one quart of water – two pints. Water will not be available  on the hike.
• There are no toilets in the forest. We will stop several times for trail breaks in the woods. There is also no cell service in the area including the forest.
• Note: For liability reasons, no dogs are allowed on this hike.

Questions, concerns? Email me at [email protected]

Put your critter knowledge to the test with our virtual trivia series! Join two educators from the Friends of the WNC Nature Center for the month of March as we host four virtual trivia nights.

Every Thursday night, we’ll be giving away a prize to the participant with the highest score. We’ll also offer a grand prize for the participant with the highest score over all four nights, so be sure to study hard and join us for the whole month of March!

If you register for all four trivia nights, you’ll also be entered in a raffle to win a prize package valued at $200! Raffle winner will be announced on March 4.

After registering, you’ll receive an email from us with more information. The night of each virtual event, you’ll be emailed a Zoom link to participate. You must register by 6pm the evening of the event in order to participate.

• March 25: “All About Appalachia” – Here, anything goes! We’ll be asking trivia questions ranging from plant life to the history of our beloved mountains. We’ll also be announcing the grand prize winner of the series at the end of this round!

Hike with a llama on our private trails and enjoy mountaintop views at Earthshine Lodge! All ages.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

We meet at the parking area of the French Broad River. We leave for the hike no later than 9:10 a.m. and hike 2.5 miles on the MTS trail and back for a total 5 miles hike. We walk at a pretty swift pace (2.7 to 3 mph). Hike is designed for fitness and conversation. We don’t take a break until we reach the turn around point, then we stop for brief water break. We repeat this hike on Friday. Then move on with our regular rotation of hikes.

Hikers who are new to hiking will likely be more comfortable on another meet up hike designed for people who are just beginning hiking or trying to get into shape for hiking. You might consider “WNC Easy Hikers Group,” for instance.

We meet at the parking area of the French Broad River off of Brevard Road. Coming from Asheville, go through the light at the arboretum intersection and you will see the parking area almost immediately on your left. We leave no later than 9:10 a.m. I think this is called the Brent Creek River Park.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Are ready to connect to the healing energy of the forest??

Cera from Harmonize Your Health will guide you on a forest bathing meditation experience near Pisgah National Forest to dive deep into the heart of nature healing. As humans we evolved with the forest but a lot of us have lost a deep understanding of and connection to how it guides us on our healing journey.

Shinrin Yoku or translated Forest Bath is an ancient Japanese practice involving completely immersing yourself in the healing powers of nature.

Get your tickets today!

Love looking for critters and playing in the woods? Learn all sorts of wild and wacky nature facts as you explore the Earthshine trails with our nature expert, Mo. Be stealthy and you never know what you’ll find!
This is a family program and an adult is required to accompany children.

Ever wonder what to do if you’re lost in the wild? Join one of our experienced instructors for a fun and adventurous jaunt through the wilderness where you’ll learn to build a debris shelter, collect and treat water, build a fire, and discuss the essentials to make sure you’re prepared any time you are headed out on a hike in the woods. This is a family program; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.

Each family/group gets 1 to 3 lovable llamas to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill on rocky and sometimes slippery terrain. This experience lasts approximately an hour and a half.

Reservations required to reserve your spot on the hike. We need a minimum of 4 hikers to book and may contact you about rescheduling if we do not have enough bookings. We welcome all ages on our llama hikes, and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age.

Earthshine Lodge is located on 76 acres of mountaintop property with some of the best views in Transylvania County. Take a guided hike on Earthshine’s trails and learn all sorts of wild and wacky nature facts. When we’re done with hiking, we’ll head to a “secret spot” to create fun art projects out of natural objects, like fairy and gnome houses and rhododendron crowns! This is a family program; all children must be accompanied by an adult.