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.

Saturday, December 30, 2023
A Walk in the Park: Campbell Covered Bridge Park, SC
Dec 30 @ 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Ingles Markets

A Walk in the Park
We will Tour de Parks of the area. One at a time. You are welcome to join me.
This Week: Campbell Covered Bridge & Poinsett Bridge, SC:
Accum Length: 1.0mi Accum ascent: 100 ft
Difficulty: Suitable for beginners: if you can handle some rocks & roots.
(This event is NOT for those with health or balance issues.)
Drive time: 1.25 hr RT; 60mi RT
Apprx return time: 1 PM
Weather Check: Landrum, SC
Carpool contributions appreciated. $2.00 suggested
WAITLISTED PEOPLE WILL BE ADDED AS DRIVERS SIGN ON.
Please bring an extra pair of shoes to avoid bringing your muddy shoes into the driver’s car at the end of the hike.
Incessant prattlers will be assumed to be having an affair. Obstreperous raucous yawping is discouraged.
THIS IS A DOG-PARTICIPANT WALK. This event is NOT for those who are uncomfortable with the antics of fun-loving dogs.
Dogs (and Masters) required to be ‘on-leash’…
DESCRIPTION:
Remember – hikes led by ‘the Curmudgeon’ tend to have challenging surprises.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1909 Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in the State of South Carolina. The 38 foot long, 12 foot wide pine structure spans Beaverdam Creek
There is a ½ mile loop trail and the creek is ‘wade-able’ (optionable).
**Poinsett Bridge..**a 183-year-old arched stone bridge believed to be the oldest surviving bridge in South Carolina. A moderately steep slope leads to the stream below the bridge and photo ops.
All walks are at your own risk. You are responsible for your OWN safety and adequate equipment.
Waiver: There are certain risks inherent in any outdoor activity. Each participant, by signing up to attend this event, agrees to release from liability the leader(s), Hendo Fun Friends, its Partners, Affiliates, and members for any accident, injury, illness, or personal loss which might occur while participating in this activity or while traveling in any vehicle during this trip. Each participant further agrees to abide by the rules and regulations concerning safety, to follow instructions of the leader(s), and not to become intentionally separated from the group. The leader(s) also has the right to use any images collected on this trip for recording on website photo collections.
gordie’s contact: [email protected]
(before day of hike): 828.393.0297 (talk & text)

Sunday, December 31, 2023
Spring Conference Registration Open
Dec 31 all-day
online

Save the date for our 31st Annual Spring Conference, March 8-10, 2024, at Mars Hill University. Registration opens Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

 

Friday pre-conferences in 2024 will include full-day workshops from JM Fortier (founder of Jardins de la Grelinette and the Market Gardener Institute), Jeannie Dunne (director of Red Moon Herbs), and Ember Phoenix (Soul Thrive Apothecary).

 

Our main conference program will feature over 60 classes on 13 learning tracks, including Cooking, Earth Stewardship, Farming Business, Farming Production, Forest Farming, Food Justice, Gardening, Herbs, Living on the Land, Mushrooms, Permaculture, Pollinators & Pests, and Soils. For a deeper dive into these fields, the conference will also include nine half-day classes including speakers like Jesse Frost of the No-Till Market Garden Podcast and workshops exploring fermentation on the farm and in the kitchen, lean farming, seed saving, building your farm brand, fruit tree propagation, and more.

Friday, January 5, 2024
SAHC Community Farm Tour
Jan 5 @ 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
SAHC Community Farm

We invite you to join us for a hike around the beautiful SAHC Community Farm with Engagement and Education AmeriCorps member, Katie Greer!

Participants will hike along the The Discovery Trail, a 2.5-mile loop that traverses through the forests and fields of the farm. Along the way, we may encounter the resident Scottish Highland cow herd, Texas longhorn cattle, white-tailed deer, red-tailed hawks, and more as we make our way across the farm grounds.

Our 140-acre Community Farm educational and working farm just outside of Asheville. The farm is a continually evolving home for conservation projects and agricultural production. An ideal place for photographers, nature-lovers, and individuals interested in regenerative agriculture, our stream restoration projectshortleaf pine reforestation projectfarm incubator program, and education center, are a few of the highlights.

Please note that our Community Farm is an active farm not open to the public unless accompanied by SAHC staff. To ensure safety, staff capacity, and a positive experience for everyone involved it is critical that ALL hike participants pre-register for events before visiting the farm. You will receive an email with specific information about where to meet on the farm and other necessary details. If you do not receive this email, as well as a confirmation email following your registration, we do not have you registered for the hike. The majority of this hike is not disability accessible. 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require further details at [email protected]

Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Mountain Mushrooms
Jan 9 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Bullington Gardens

Learn about how to grow mushrooms at home, basic fungal biology, and the top wild mushrooms to collect in the forest. Presented by Steve Pettis, Henderson County Commercial and Consumer Horticulture Agent and host of the Gardening in the Mountains Radio Show,

Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Learn Libby with the Experts
Jan 10 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
online w/ Pack Memorial Library

Join a one-hour Getting Started with Libby ONLINE webinar, and learn Libby with the Experts!

From downloading the app & signing in, to searching & borrowing titles, placing holds, adjusting reading settings, and more, our Libby experts are here to get you started. The session will close with a mini-quiz and live Q&A.

Want to learn Libby, but can’t attend one of our monthly sessions live? Sessions will be recorded and emailed to everyone registered 24 hours after the webinar. Please register to receive the recording.

To register go to this link:
overdrive.zoom.us…

If you don’t have the Libby app downloaded on your device already, you can download the Libby app on most iOS and Android devices. Visit the Apple App Store or Google Play store and search for Libby. Your result should be Libby, by OverDrive, and the app is FREE! You can also use Libby in your web browser by going to libbyapp.com. Webinar is set in Eastern Time. If you would like to show the time in your zone, click on “Time shows in Eastern Time (US and Canada)” and choose your time zone.

Thursday, January 11, 2024
Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian
Jan 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session One
Jan 11 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Saturday, January 13, 2024
Experience the Gifts of Mary Magdalene: Empower Your Sacred Self Leadership
Jan 13 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Crystal Visions

Step into this sacred space and unlock the divine gifts of Mary Magdalene as we embark on a transformative journey to empower your sacred self-leadership and receive sacred blessings. The ongoing cosmic shift heralds the ascent of the Divine Feminine, a transcendent force resonating within the collective consciousness and very core of your being – from the depths of your soul to the essence of your cells.

Join us in recognizing and integrating the divine union of your inner feminine and masculine aspects, guiding you toward unity, empowerment, love, and a life experience infused with grace.

In this 90 minute program, you will immerse yourself in this profound experience, where the alchemy of crystals and anointing with sacred oils accelerates your inner spiritual awakening. A guided meditation in the Love Frequency will clear and activate the innate wisdom and divine potential within, allowing you to embrace the boundless love that resides within.

Delve into the tenets of ancient alchemy and modern knowledge, learning to embody the sacred self-leader of your most authentic and abundant life. Uncover the art of infusing the mundane aspects of daily life with sacredness through simple yet profound modern alchemical practices.

Embark on a journey of transformation, transitioning from mere survival to authentic thriving. Adora shares her personal healing journey, highlighting the profound connection with the Divine Feminine – especially Mary Magdalene, who as a guiding presence, embodies the mastery of love, faith, trust, surrender, and tantra. This workshop invites you to join in the healing power of sacred community to express your leadership, creativity, sensuality, and empowerment, enabling your inner feminine to rise as a radiant beacon of love, light, and peace.

This event is at Crystal Visions, Hendersonville NC 20 minutes from Asheville

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 16 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 17 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday, January 18, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 18 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian
Jan 18 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Two
Jan 18 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Friday, January 19, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 19 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Saturday, January 20, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 20 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Sunday, January 21, 2024
NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 21 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Coldest Day of the Year Hike at Bailey Mountain Preserve
Jan 21 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Bailey Mountain Preserve

Join the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy as we visit the beautiful Bailey Mountain Preserve. This hidden gem consists of adjoining properties under a conservation easement that the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy monitors each year. The Preserve is open to the public and encompasses over 250 acres. Bailey Mountain is the highest peak visible from the Town of Mars Hill, and this mountain figures prominently in the history of the Town and Mars Hill University. The preserve offers six contiguous miles of hiking trails, masterfully built and maintained by the dedicated volunteers and the Friends of Bailey Mountain. For more resources and news regarding Bailey Mountain, follow this link: https://libguides.mhu.edu/Bailey

On this hike we will be joined by a few members of the Friends of Bailey Mountain who will orient us with the preserve and share their passion for this awesome place!

Please note that this property is open to the public but if you wish to join this guided hike it is critical that ALL participants pre-register for this event. You will receive a follow-up email with specific information about where to meet at the preserve and other necessary details 24-48 hours prior to the hike. If you do not receive this email, as well as a confirmation email following your registration, we do not have you registered for the hike. This hike is not disability accessible. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Monday, January 22, 2024
SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge
Jan 22 all-day
outdoors

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 4th annual Winter Hiking Challenge to get folks out and about – no matter your background or ability this is a project designed to get folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors!

The 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, around the block, up a rugged mountain trail, or through the forest. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2024). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 25th. Please note, this is a challenge you set with yourself, it is not a competition. Registration for this challenge is $25 per person and your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2024.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and destinations. Due to overuse of popular trails in the area we will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Lastly, those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge.

Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard.Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 22 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024
SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge
Jan 23 all-day
outdoors

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 4th annual Winter Hiking Challenge to get folks out and about – no matter your background or ability this is a project designed to get folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors!

The 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, around the block, up a rugged mountain trail, or through the forest. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2024). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 25th. Please note, this is a challenge you set with yourself, it is not a competition. Registration for this challenge is $25 per person and your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2024.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and destinations. Due to overuse of popular trails in the area we will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Lastly, those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge.

Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard.Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 23 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Energetic + Spiritual Defense 3 Series Workshop
Jan 23 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Skinny Beats

Blue Mountain Healing Center is excited to host a 3 series energetic defense workshop at Skinny Beats.

Workshop Dates for all 3 Classes:
Jan 23 – 5:50PM to 8:00PM
Jan 30 – 5:50PM to 8:00PM
Feb 6 – 5:50PM to 8:00PM

WHO ARE THESE CLASSES FOR?
These classes are for participants who are familiar or comfortable in with working in the energetic or spiritual realms.
Energetically or spiritually sensitive people who are seeking tools on how to manage and defend against challenging situations and relationships.
People who want to create energetic and spiritual shelters to staff off harmful collective patterns and intrusive energies.
Frontline high stress pressured public facing work environments that cause energetic and spiritual exhaustion.
Challenging interpersonal or family dynamics that cause energetic or spiritual drop outs.

DYNAMICS WE WILL COVER
Emotional and Energetic Dumping
Energetic Powerlessness In Conflict
Energetic & Spiritual Boundary Crossing
Money & Relationship Interference​
Managing Challenging Dynamics With Others Who Are: Badgering Guilt Ridden Demanding Entitled Dominant and Abusive

WHAT PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN
Understanding Energetic Boundaries​​
Mindfulness Practices​
Energy Management Tools​​
Visualization Techniques:​​
Identifying and Clearing Negative Energies:​​
Creating Your Sacred Space​​
Practical Applications in Daily Life​
Group Energetic Dynamics​​
Self-Care and Energetic Hygiene​

* Classes are limited to 20 participants per class and fee’s must be paid in advance to secure your spot. Please arrive no later than @ 5:50 to get settled and ready for a fast moving and exciting class. Teaching will begin at 6:00 sharp!. Short breaks are given to help participants process the information and solidify these teachings.

Virtual Writers Workshops
Jan 23 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
online w/ Carl Sandburg Home

Join writers and poets from across the country each month for a virtual writing workshop. A link will be added to their name when more details and sign-up information becomes available. These workshops are geared towards amateur writers, ages 16 and older recommended. Follow us on Facebook for notifications too.

2024 Virtual Writers Workshops

January 23 – Tony Robles
February 26 – Ruba Ahmed
March – Amber Rose Crowtree

2023 Workshop Writers : Angela Evans, Tom Tenbrunsel, Robert Edward Miss, Kenneth Chamblee, Yasmin Mays, Shannon Yong, Jennifer McGaha, Erica Reid, Raymond McNally, Jane Waldrop, Francis Pearce, Eric Nelson, Darren Todd.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024
SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge
Jan 24 all-day
outdoors

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 4th annual Winter Hiking Challenge to get folks out and about – no matter your background or ability this is a project designed to get folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors!

The 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, around the block, up a rugged mountain trail, or through the forest. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2024). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 25th. Please note, this is a challenge you set with yourself, it is not a competition. Registration for this challenge is $25 per person and your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2024.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and destinations. Due to overuse of popular trails in the area we will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Lastly, those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge.

Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard.Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 24 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Thursday, January 25, 2024
SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge
Jan 25 all-day
outdoors

Do you need a little inspiration to get moving after the holiday season? Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 4th annual Winter Hiking Challenge to get folks out and about – no matter your background or ability this is a project designed to get folks outside to enjoy the great outdoors!

The 2024 Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, run or hiked – in your neighborhood, around the block, up a rugged mountain trail, or through the forest. Whatever works for your comfort and skill level – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2024). Sign up early to have more time to complete the Challenge. Registration ends on February 25th. Please note, this is a challenge you set with yourself, it is not a competition. Registration for this challenge is $25 per person and your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2024.

All participants will receive informative emails with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN. This special email series will include recommendations to enjoy places that SAHC has protected as well other favorite trails and destinations. Due to overuse of popular trails in the area we will try to share tidbits about some of the lesser-known trails and places to enjoy the great outdoors. Are you a little unsure about hiking in winter? We will share helpful Winter Hiking Tips, for those who haven’t hiked during the winter months. Lastly, those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch after the end of the challenge.

Please note, the Challenge signup fee is a fundraiser to help support conservation efforts; you DO NOT have to pay to hike public trails. Feel free to enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1. You can even enter your miles at the end of a certain time period (e.g, entering your miles for the week on Friday, all under one entry).

Time spent outdoors and in nature can help with both mental and physical health. We hope this Challenge will make it interesting for folks to explore places you may not have hiked before, and/or to rediscover the joy of nature in your own backyard.Take the Challenge by yourself, or with friends and family. Please just be safe while doing so!

NC Arboretum Hiking Trails
Jan 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Located within the wildly-popular and botanically beautiful Southern Appalachian Mountains, The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails that connect to many other area attractions such as Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy their hiking experience at the Arboretum as trail options include easy, moderate, and difficult challenge levels. All trails are dog-friendly and visitors are asked to adhere to the proper waste disposing procedures for pets.

Part of a running group that would like to use the Arboretum as a starting point or parking location? Please review our Running Group Guidance and email [email protected] with any questions.

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!

Memoir Writing Mini Series with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Memoir Writing Miniseries with Writing Coach Cornelia Dolian: Session Three
Jan 25 @ 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Weaverville Public Library

Join local writing coach, Cornelia Dolian at the Weaverville Library for this three part Memoir Writing Mini Series.  Space is limited. Call 828-250-6482 to reserve a spot today!

Session One: Memoir Basics & Beginnings
Thursday, January 11th 2:00-3:30

Session Two: Memoir Structure and Outline
Thursday, January 18th 2:00-3:30

Session Three: Memoir Writing Marathon First Miles
Thursday, January 25th 2:00-3:30

Huge thanks to the Friends of the Weaverville Library for sponsoring this series!