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.

Monday, July 25, 2022
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
Jul 25 all-day
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.

Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.

Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.

PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.

Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.

The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!

Scholarships opportunities are available!

Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
Jul 26 all-day
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.

Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.

Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.

PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.

Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.

The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!

Scholarships opportunities are available!

Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
Jul 27 all-day
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.

Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.

Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.

PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.

Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.

The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!

Scholarships opportunities are available!

Thursday, July 28, 2022
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
Jul 28 all-day
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.

Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.

Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.

PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.

Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.

The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!

Scholarships opportunities are available!

Friday, July 29, 2022
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
Jul 29 all-day
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.

Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.

Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.

PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.

Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.

The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!

Scholarships opportunities are available!

Saturday, July 30, 2022
Summer Camps At PARI (Registration is Open)
Jul 30 all-day
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

PARI’s summer STEM and space camp programming is designed to inspire your young scientist’s curiosity, passion, and confidence to discover something extraordinary. We give campers experiences that encourage deeper thinking and problem solving skills while finding opportunities for comradery, adventure, and fun in the incredible Pisgah Forest region.

Our Mission Control camps provide simulated missions that cover the many topics and skills necessary for a successful exploration of world beyond our own. We’ll use the same kinds of processes that NASA, SpaceX and others use in developing and conducting journeys into space. These missions teach teamwork and STEM principles while giving campers fun and exciting experiences. The camp is an immersive journey amidst our historic campus which played a critical role in the first space race, and will help poise your camper for a role in the next.

Teams will research real technologies and techniques to build and launch a spacecraft, set science and research goals, and ensure everything needed is sent along. They will also need to choose a crew and care for their health and well-being, perform outreach and gain public support, and navigate funding and political challenges.

PARI’s research based camps are aimed at the camper who wants to experience what its like to be a researcher in astronomy, astrophysics, and astrobiology. Scientists and researchers with careers in space science lead this academically challenging curriculum that has been refined for nearly two decades.

Camps begin with an intense first few days of introductions to the instruments, science, and math needed to conduct research. They’ll be guided through choosing a research goal from the menu investigations we believe they can successfully conduct with radio and optical telescopes, and vast archives, provided by PARI and its partners.

The importance of both individual and team based work is emphasized while campers are guided through the research process. They’ll learn to share their progress and conclusions in the same ways expected in journals and at astronomical conferences.
Register for one of PARI’s summer STEM and Space Camp programs today!

Scholarships opportunities are available!

Guided Hendersonville History Walks on Main Street with Mary Jo Padgett
Jul 30 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall, front steps

Take a 90-plus minute walk along Historic Main Street to learn about Hendersonville’s history and architecture and hear fascinating stories of the past. Be charmed and informed by Hendersonville’s history, architecture, and colorful stories.  Learn how the town got its name, who donated the land, bordellos, the oldest block of buildings, amazing fires, trolley lines … and more. All walks begin at 10am and begin at Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (corner of 5th Ave. East and King Street).

Saturday, August 27, 2022
Nature at Night Hike
Aug 27 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Image result for Chimney Rock Park

Join a Park naturalist on the Hickory Nut Falls trail, and watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness. Do you know whether that’s a frog or a toad calling from the undergrowth? What birds and mammals prefer the dark to the daylight? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents.

Saturday, September 10, 2022
West Asheville (WAGS) Garden Stroll
Sep 10 @ 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
Trinity United Methodist Church

Picture

The West Asheville Garden Stroll is an annual volunteer-organized community event that opens selected neighborhood gardens to the public, featuring a selection of beautiful, creative, and funky gardens. Participants can pick up a map guide, hear some announcements, and peruse the community tables at the Kickoff Location.
GreenWorks Bee City USA – Asheville will have a table with information on pollinators and pollinator habitats.

Map

Each year the Garden Stroll committee chooses a specific area in greater West Asheville to highlight.

Sign up for our mailing list or check our Facebook page for the latest news.

A detailed map is always available on the day of the stroll at the kickoff site and the
WEST ASHEVILLE LIBRARY

Thursday, September 15, 2022
Greenway Pollinator Habitat Walk + Talk
Sep 15 @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Wilma Dykeman Greenway on Riverside Drive

Picture

Meet up with Betsy and Florrie by the Bowen Bridge along Riverside (look for balloons) for a leisurely walk and informative talk about the first two pollinator habitats created by Bee City USA-Asheville committee members and friends along the Greenway. We’ll cover a brief history of the Greenway habitats as we walk around the River Arts District Habitat (RAD HAB) and then to the second habitat nearby, emphasizing good habitat characteristics, discussing shrubs and perennials there, and looking for pollinators. We’ll also talk about expansion plans, the difference in the RAD HAB and the pollinator meadow, and invasive plants along the way, finishing at the meadow.

Betsy Savely is co-chair of GreenWorks’ Bee City USA-Asheville Leadership Committee and was the first Asheville resident to have her pollinator habitat certified by GreenWorks. She graduated from the North Carolina Arboretum’s Blue Ridge Naturalist Program in 2020, co-creating a large pollinator habitat in the River Arts District for her BRN project. She has been an avid landscaper and gardener for over 30 years and has created many wildlife and pollinator habitats in the Asheville area.

Florrie Funk has been on the board of Bee City USA-Asheville for six years. She has had a life-long love of wildflowers and wild places. She has spent the last thirty years learning about native ecosystems and working as a volunteer in nature education, citizen science projects, plant diversity restoration, and removal of invasive species. Recently she has focused on native habitat gardening and photographing pollinators. She is of the opinion that in all creation, there are no insignificant pieces.

Saturday, September 17, 2022
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Sep 17 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

The early bird gets the worm! Or in this case, the early bird gets the chance to spot more of our feathered friends before the excitement of Flock to the Rock. The early bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of native and migrating birds. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to the our 14th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might encounter during your hike.

14th Annual Flock to the Rock
Sep 17 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Grab your binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! Live bird demos, guided walks, activities for kids and our annual hawk watch are just a few of the reasons this event is perfect for the whole family.

Check out the full schedule below.

Flock to the Rock 2022 Schedule of Events

Saturday September 17th 

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10am – 10:30am Who gives a Hoot (live bird program)

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

12pm – 12:45pm  Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

Sunday September 18th

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

11:30am – 12:00pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:30pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

*pre-registered event

Sunday, September 18, 2022
Naturalist Niche: Early Bird Walk
Sep 18 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park

The early bird gets the worm! Or in this case, the early bird gets the chance to spot more of our feathered friends before the excitement of Flock to the Rock. The early bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of native and migrating birds. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to the our 14th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might encounter during your hike.

14th Annual Flock to the Rock
Sep 18 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Grab your binoculars and get ready for our annual feathered frenzy. This event was designed so birders of all skill sets can enjoy one of the country’s fastest growing hobbies – bird watching! Live bird demos, guided walks, activities for kids and our annual hawk watch are just a few of the reasons this event is perfect for the whole family.

Check out the full schedule below.

Flock to the Rock 2022 Schedule of Events

Saturday September 17th 

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10am – 10:30am Who gives a Hoot (live bird program)

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

12pm – 12:45pm  Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:45pm Wings to S.O.A.R presentation (live bird program)

Sunday September 18th

7:30am Early Bird Walk*

10am – 3pm Birding Activities begin

10:30am – 11:00am Intro to Family Birding

11am – 3pm Hawk Watch on the Chimney

11:30am – 12:00pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

1:00pm – 1:30pm Intro to Family Birding

2pm – 2:30pm Radical Raptors (live bird program)

*pre-registered event

Saturday, September 24, 2022
Welcoming WNC Procession
Sep 24 @ 9:00 am – 9:30 am
Blue Ridge Pride

On Saturday, September 24, we will renew our annual walk for a a vision of a community that welcomes and celebrates all.
This walk is open to everyone: individuals, families, friends, neighborhoods, churches, activist groups, social clubs, companies, sports teams.

We believe that the overwhelming majority of people and organizations in western North Carolina aspire to a community that is welcoming. We need to make ourselves seen and heard.

This is not your typical Pride Parade. This is a gathering of ALL in our community who share a vision of inclusivity.

Join us as we walk to Pack Square and into the heart of the festival. Whether you are a business, a group, a congregation, community, family, or a pack of friends join us on this half-mile walk. Let the world know that in WNC, we share a simple ideal: Inclusion, Ya’ll!

How to Participate
One person per team should register to walk. Estimate your number of walkers while registering (you can update later).

Gather your team. Wear your organization’s tee shirts, uniforms, hats, buttons. Create your own posters. Need ideas? Our team is eager to help. ([email protected]).

Bring a sign or banner with your logo or an aspirational message.

Show up at between 9:00 am and 9:30 am at the parking lot across from 23 Grove Street, Asheville

Sunday, October 2, 2022
Guided Hendersonville History Walks on Main Street with Mary Jo Padgett
Oct 2 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall, front steps

Take a 90-plus minute walk along Historic Main Street to learn about Hendersonville’s history and architecture and hear fascinating stories of the past. Be charmed and informed by Hendersonville’s history, architecture, and colorful stories.  Learn how the town got its name, who donated the land, bordellos, the oldest block of buildings, amazing fires, trolley lines … and more. All walks begin at 10am and begin at Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (corner of 5th Ave. East and King Street).

Saturday, October 8, 2022
James Vester Miller:From Walking Trail to Website Launch
Oct 8 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Pack Library’s Lord Auditorium

The historic contributions and impact of renowned Black Architect James Vester Miller come to life in a new walking trail and website. Buncombe County Public Libraries and Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County are proud to present a program and walking tour on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 11 a.m.
The public is invited to this free program. Join us at Pack Library’s Lord Auditorium to hear Asheville photographer Andrea Clark speak about her grandfather, master mason James Vester Miller. Born in Rutherford County, NC to an enslaved mother and slave master father, James Vester Miller built many of the historic brick buildings in downtown Asheville. The program will focus on the launch of the new James Vester Miller website, designed by UNC- Asheville student AJ Jolly under the guidance of Professor Victoria Bradbury, chair of the Department of New Media. Participants are encouraged to walk the trail at will or join the guided tour that will take place following the program.
Learn more about James Vester Miller in the Preservation North Carolina sponsored traveling exhibit: “We Built This” Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in NC.” Miller is the sole artist from western North Carolina to be featured in the exhibit, which is currently on display through Oct. 10 at Pack Memorial Library
Friday, October 14, 2022
Hike at Scott’s Ridge
Oct 14 @ 12:00 pm
Scott’s Ridge

https://appalachian.org/event/2022-scotts-ridge-hike/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=See+Scott+s+Ridge+-+guided+hike+of+new+nature+preserve&utm_campaign=Upcoming+events%2C+Scott+s+Ridge+Conservation%2C+Strawberry+Gap+Trail+Opening

Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on October 14th for a hike at Scott’s Ridge, a recently-protected 139-acre tract adjoining Pisgah National Forest. Participants will hike a moderately strenuous 3 mile loop through a heavily forested area. This loop will give participants a chance to marvel at the beautiful fall foliage while walking through a series of moderately sloped trails throughout the property.

Cost – $10 or Free to Members. Pre-registration is required.

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

Thank you for taking interest in our outing with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy!

I am sorry to say that our outing is currently full and we cannot accept any more attendees at this time. However, if you are still interested in the hike, please contact me at [email protected] and your name and email will be put on a wait-list. I will contact you if a spot becomes available.  If you have any questions, you can contact me at emily@appalachian.org. 

Thank you for your interest in hiking with SAHC!

Saturday, October 29, 2022
Eblen Charities Walk, Run or Roll
Oct 29 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Carrier Park

Come out in a family friendly costume with your well behaved dog (costumes highly encouraged) and help raise funds for Eblen Charities work! All dogs will receive a treat, and all humans will be entered into raffles for prizes. All funds raised go to our work to keep people housed, with working utilities and other essential needs. Register by October 7th to be guaranteed a tshirt.

Sunday, October 30, 2022
Guided Hendersonville History Walks on Main Street with Mary Jo Padgett
Oct 30 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Hendersonville City Hall, front steps

Take a 90-plus minute walk along Historic Main Street to learn about Hendersonville’s history and architecture and hear fascinating stories of the past. Be charmed and informed by Hendersonville’s history, architecture, and colorful stories.  Learn how the town got its name, who donated the land, bordellos, the oldest block of buildings, amazing fires, trolley lines … and more. All walks begin at 10am and begin at Hendersonville City Hall, front steps (corner of 5th Ave. East and King Street).

Saturday, November 12, 2022
Mindfulness Series: Gratitude
Nov 12 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join Namaste in Nature for a reflective meditation walk. De-stress on this hike focused on connection with yourself and the natural world. This fall mindfulness experience will center on the season of gratitude as the holidays approach.

Saturday, December 17, 2022
Mindfulness Series: Rest and Reflection
Dec 17 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Join Namaste in Nature for a reflective meditation walk off the beaten path and away from the crowds. De-stress on this hike focused on connecting with yourself and the natural world. This fall mindfulness experience will center on rest and reflection as winter falls on the Park.

Thursday, December 22, 2022
DuPont Stone Mtn Tr; revised
Dec 22 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Ingles - Laurel Park Center · Laurel Park, NC

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

Sunday, January 1, 2023
First Day Hike
Jan 1 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Chimney Rock State Park--Old Rock Café

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.

Saturday, January 21, 2023
Mindfulness Hike
Jan 21 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park
. Advance registration required.

Bring self-care to the new year on this reflective meditation walk with Namaste in Nature. This peaceful hike is focused on reconnecting with yourself and the natural world even during one of the darkest times of the year.

Monday, March 6, 2023
Hike With a Naturalist
Mar 6 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.

Monday, March 13, 2023
Hike With a Naturalist
Mar 13 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.

Saturday, March 18, 2023
Happy Hiker Day
Mar 18 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Nantahala Outdoor Center

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/ 

Monday, March 20, 2023
Guided Trail Walk
Mar 20 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
NC Arboretum

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through 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 15 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.

There is no pre-registration; walks are first-come first served and sign up sheets are located in the Baker Visitors Center.

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

Know Before You Go

  • Guided Trail Walks are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age.
  • Guided Trail Walks are rain or shine and all participants should be dressed comfortably and for the weather.
  • Hikes cover 1-2 miles and last 1.5-2 hours.
  • Well-behaved leashed pets are welcome to accompany their owners. In the rare case that a pet is disruptive or negatively impacts the experience, the pet and its owner may be asked to excuse themselves from the guided walk.
  • COVID-19 Safety: In order to hear the guide and fully participate in the trail walk, participants will be in close proximity to one another for extended periods of time. While face coverings are not required, participants should use their best judgement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the trails. Individuals who are experiencing flu-like symptoms or suspect they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should not participate.
  • At this time, no more than 6 spaces may be filled by a single family/group through pre-registration for any one Guided Trail Walk. If additional spaces are available on the day of the Walk, additional members of the family/group may participate. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming larger groups in the future.
Hike With a Naturalist
Mar 20 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Chimney Rock State Park

Spend an hour hiking one of the Parks’ six trails with a naturalist. Watch the transformation from winter to spring on this educational excursion. You may even learn some of the Parks’ history as well. Meet in front of Cliff Dwellers Gifts.