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.

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]

Monday, January 8, 2024
End of Year Sale
Jan 8 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Atelier Maison & Co.

Explore our exclusive End of Year Sale featuring an exquisite collection of affordable luxury furniture renowned for its heirloom quality and eco-friendly comfort. Join us from December 16th to January 8th at both our furniture studios in Asheville, NC, and Cashiers, NC.

Indulge in a rewarding shopping experience in our main studio with tiered discounts:
– Enjoy 15% off total purchases up to $1,500
– Elevate your space with 20% off total purchases ranging from $1,501 to $5,000
– Embark on a luxury journey with 25% off total purchases exceeding $5,000

Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Business Morning Update
Jan 10 @ 7:45 am – 9:00 am
Elk's Lodge

Join us each month for an info-packed event brought to you by the Blue Ridge Community College’s Small Business Center, the City of Hendersonville Main Street Program, the Hendersonville Merchants & Business Association and the Chamber. Get the lowdown on current community events and the issues that matter to our local businesses and community.

Stay tuned for updated on our monthly lineup of guests and speakers!

The 2024 Business Morning Updates are proudly Presented by ALLCHOICE Insurance!

Monday Morning Leadership
Jan 10 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Boardroom

Join us for our Smart Series on Monday Morning Leadership on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from noon – 1 p.m. in the Chamber’s second floor boardroom.

Most companies lack a solid succession plan for leaders, leading to premature promotions and unprepared managers. Gain a fresh perspective on team leadership for yourself or your supervisors!

Presenter Meredith Campbell, Owner and Chief Joy Facilitator of Express Employment Professionals, will share 8 insights from the book “Monday Morning Leadership” by David Cottrell.

Registration is required. This event is a Chamber membership benefit, but we’re extending an invitation to non-members for $15.

Smart Series: Monday Morning Leadership
Jan 10 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

Most companies don’t have a succession plan for managers and leaders when current leaders move out of the workforce or lessen their workloads. As a result, more workers are being promoted into management positions before they are ready or have had management training. This content provides 8 insights to help alleviate this problem by offering basic supervisory and management training to all levels of leaders. This training program is based on the book Monday Morning Leadership by renowned author, speaker and business owner David Cottrell. The book shares the story of a manager struggling to increase his team’s performance. An experienced leadership mentor offers him insights into improving his own management skills, leading to higher team achievements.

During our time, I’ll share, and we’ll discuss these 8 insights. Attendees will walk away with a new viewpoint and approach to team leadership either for themselves or the supervisors they support.

Each insight can be applied on its own or in partnership with the other insights.

  • Become a Driver
  • Focus on the Main Thing
  • Escape from Management Land
  • Follow the “Do Right” Rule
  • Hire Tough
  • Do Less or Work Faster
  • Be the Chief Bucket Filler
  • Enter the Learning Zone

Meredith Campbell is Owner and Chief Joy Facilitator of Express Employment Professionals in Asheville, NC. She is active in the community and volunteers with local organizations such as the local SHRM chapter, MANNA Food Bank, and Eblen Charities. She is a graduate of Leadership Asheville 33, holds her PHR, and is an active Asheville Chamber of Commerce Member.

 

Meredith became owner of Express Employment Professionals in January of 2014, and she has been with the Express team since 2007. Since 2007, 2,461 job seekers have found permanent employment in Western North Carolina due to the work of the local Express Employment Professionals team.

 

Registration is required so we may plan accordingly.

This event is offered as a benefit for Chamber membership. We also believe these are important topics for everyone, so we are opening this event to non-members for $15. We welcome you to come and check us out! Please contact Jessica Kanupp, our Member Development Specialist, at [email protected] if you’re considering a Chamber membership.

Young Professionals of Henderson County Social
Jan 10 @ 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
The Buzz

Elevate & Connect

Gear up for our monthly socials, where networking takes center stage. Join other Young Professionals under 40, for connections, exchange of ideas, and occasional guest speakers. Enjoy a complimentary beverage on us, as you mingle in style. Bring your energy, business cards and elevate your professional circle!

Young Professionals are Presented by:

Adventhealth hendersonville

Thanks to our monthly Host:

TheBuzz

Healthcare Workers MeetUp Mixer / Networking Group
Jan 10 @ 6:00 pm
Pleb Urban Winery

Join us on Wednesday, January 10th at 6pm back at Plēb Urban Winery and mix and mingle with other people who are new to or veterans in healthcare to swap stories, share experiences, network, and make new friends within our industry. The goal of this event is just to build new relationships and make connections. Please feel free to reach out directly with any questions, concerns, or suggestions related to this event.

Please RSVP if you do plan to attend to make sure we have the proper space to accommodate the group as well as give notice to the venue. Looking forward to meeting you. (Or seeing you again!)💛💛

 

Thursday, January 11, 2024
Ribbon Cutting: Southern Quality Company
Jan 11 @ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Southern Quality Company

Join us as we celebrate members Southern Quality Company, at their new location in Hendersonville!

​Southern Quality Company invites you to join us in commemorating a significant milestone with the grand opening of our new location in Hendersonville, NC! This momentous occasion not only reflects our unwavering commitment to the local community but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in delivering exceptional roofing services throughout the picturesque mountains of Western North Carolina.

As a trusted presence in the region, Southern Quality Company has been dedicated to providing top-notch roofing systems to our valued clients. Our expansion signifies our continuous pursuit of excellence, and this new location is strategically chosen to better serve the needs of our community.

We are thrilled to celebrate this accomplishment with you, our cherished friends, clients, and community partners.

The official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will take place at 11:30 AM. 
SQC

Thank you to Duke Energy for being the Presenting Sponsor of 2023 Ribbon Cuttings!

Friday, January 12, 2024
AM Power Hour
Jan 12 @ 8:00 am – 9:00 am
Mini Batch Bakery

Rise and shine and make your morning the catalyst to AMP UP your business!

Jumpstart your morning with a burst of productivity as you mingle with prospective customers. This monthly event is your gateway to discovering strong referral sources, finding new vendors, meeting the perfect client, or establishing connections that can open doors for future interactions!

Whether you’re an early bird, or can’t make it to our after-hours, AM Power Hour is your go-to for a dynamic and energizing start to the day!

2024 AM Power Hours are Presented by We Sell WNC!

January’s Host is Mini Batch Bakery!

Greenville Remodeling Expo
Jan 12 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greenville Remodeling Expo on Jan 12th-14th! This comprehensive home show brings together homeowners and many of the most knowledgeable and experienced remodeling and building experts. Every aspect of the home can be explored, from the smallest design detail to the largest house addition. Professionals will be on-hand to share their valuable knowledge to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones.

Admission:

Adults: $4

Children under 18: FREE

For more information click here: Greenville Show: Remodeling Expo | L&L shows (homeshowcenter.com)

Saturday, January 13, 2024
Greenville Remodeling Expo
Jan 13 @ 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greenville Remodeling Expo on Jan 12th-14th! This comprehensive home show brings together homeowners and many of the most knowledgeable and experienced remodeling and building experts. Every aspect of the home can be explored, from the smallest design detail to the largest house addition. Professionals will be on-hand to share their valuable knowledge to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones.

Admission:

Adults: $4

Children under 18: FREE

For more information click here: Greenville Show: Remodeling Expo | L&L shows (homeshowcenter.com)

Sunday, January 14, 2024
Greenville Remodeling Expo
Jan 14 @ 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Greenville Convention Center

Join us at the Greenville Convention Center for the Greenville Remodeling Expo on Jan 12th-14th! This comprehensive home show brings together homeowners and many of the most knowledgeable and experienced remodeling and building experts. Every aspect of the home can be explored, from the smallest design detail to the largest house addition. Professionals will be on-hand to share their valuable knowledge to bring your ideas to life or inspire you with new ones.

Admission:

Adults: $4

Children under 18: FREE

For more information click here: Greenville Show: Remodeling Expo | L&L shows (homeshowcenter.com)

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.

Ribbon Cutting: American Dream Home Mortgage, Inc
Jan 16 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
American Dream Home Mortgage, Inc

Join us as we celebrating American Dream Home Mortgage, Inc!

At American Dream Home Mortgage, Inc. we pride ourselves in helping people find the best solution for their individual financing needs. We take the time to get to know our clients while working quickly to get them the results they want. We opened our business in 2006 in Tampa, FL and have over 30 years of experience in the industry. We understand the importance of providing the best possible terms while meeting your closing deadline. The company is family owned and operated and started in Tampa, FL. We are excited to share our expansion to North Carolina with you!

Amber Turner, mortgage loan originator and North Carolina branch manager, has been in the mortgage industry since 2016. She was born and raised in Tampa, FL and relocated to North Carolina in January 2020. Amber has experience with the mortgage financing process as she began her career as a mortgage loan processor. With this experience, she is knowledgeable about Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines and the underwriting process to ensure a smooth closing process for all parties. Amber has a wealth of knowledge in all mortgage lending products such as Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA as well as niche programs for those who may not qualify for a loan in traditional ways. Amber strives to provide consistent communication to both her customers and referral partners to achieve a stress-free process start to finish.
SQC

Thank you to Duke Energy for being the Presenting Sponsor of 2024 Ribbon Cuttings!

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.

Policy on Tap
Jan 17 @ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Wicked Weed

In our first Policy on Tap of 2024, we’re talking about business improvement districts (BIDs). Come learn how BIDs can address identified needs in a defined district and about the effort to create a BID in Downtown Asheville.

Our panel includes Downtown Planning Manager Dana Frankel, Asheville Downtown Association Executive Director Hayden Plemmons, and Thrive Asheville Executive Director Casey Gilbert.

Registration is required due to limited seating.

Policy on Tap is the Chamber’s quarterly discussion series highlighting topics that matter to our business community with insights shared by key leaders and experts.

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.

Business After Hours
Jan 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
HomeTrust Bank

Mark Your Calendars and Seize the Opportunity to Build Great Connections!

Experience the Chamber’s Business After Hours – an event designed for real connections and genuine conversations. Mix and mingle with fellow professionals and broaden you network, meet potential clients and create a new referral source!
Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with fantastic food and beverages, courtesy of our monthly host sponsor, with the chance to win fabulous door prizes – a perfect blend of business and enjoyment!

Plus don’t miss the chance to try your luck in our 50/50 raffle!
No cost to attend, just pre-register.

January is hosted by HomeTrust Bank!
YPA Professional Development on AI Opportunities
Jan 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce - 2nd Floor Boardroom

All Young Professionals are invited to this professional development session to hear an overview of AI with a healthy discussion about governace and ethical use. Artificial Intelligence is permeating every aspect of our careers and personal lives. Come learn what it is, how to use, and how to get an advantage in many tools before you are left behind. This introductory talk on AI will give you the tools and frameworks to get started using AI today. This professional development workshop is led by Venture Asheville’s Director, Jeffrey Kaplan. Jeffrey speaks on AI reguraly, ranging from statewide audiences to local meetups. He was formerly Governor Roy Coopers appointee to the NC Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation and is a technology entrepreneur himself. Prior to a life in entrepreneurship, Jeffrey was a multi-media educator and built the Digital Media and New Technology Graduate Certificate Program at Indiana University.

Please register for this event in order to help us plan accordingly.

The Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking for Asheville professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. For more information or to join, please visit Young Professionals

 

YPA Professional Development: AI – The Boundless Opportunities
Jan 18 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce

All Young Professionals are invited to this professional development session to hear an overview of AI with a healthy discussion about governace and ethical use. Artificial Intelligence is permeating every aspect of our careers and personal lives. Come learn what it is, how to use, and how to get an advantage in many tools before you are left behind. This introductory talk on AI will give you the tools and frameworks to get started using AI today. This professional development workshop is led by Venture Asheville’s Director, Jeffrey Kaplan. Jeffrey speaks on AI regularly, ranging from statewide audiences to local meetups. He was formerly Governor Roy Coopers appointee to the NC Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation and is a technology entrepreneur himself. Prior to a life in entrepreneurship, Jeffrey was a multi-media educator and built the Digital Media and New Technology Graduate Certificate Program at Indiana University.

 

5:30-6:30 – Social Hour (snacks and beverages provided)

6:30-7:30 – PD Session

 

Please register for this event in order to help us plan accordingly.

The Young Professionals of Asheville (YPA) provides outstanding professional leadership development opportunities through educational seminars, service opportunities and networking for Asheville professionals between the ages of 21 and 40. For more information or to join, please visit Young Professionals

Friday, January 19, 2024
2024 Legislative Update
Jan 19 @ 8:15 am – 10:00 am
UNC Asheville's Wilma M. Sherrill Center

Hosted by Brian Lewis and Skye David, the dynamic duo behind the Do Politics Better podcast, the event will feature a conversation that delves into the intricate workings of the North Carolina legislature.

Speakers:

  • Brian Lewis: A seasoned lobbyist and expert in state politics, Brian leads strategy and messaging at New Frame, a bipartisan lobbying and communications firm. His extensive experience will provide valuable insights into the legislative landscape.
  • Skye David: With a background in policy, legal, and regulatory issues, Skye has become a trusted figure at New Frame. Her work has garnered attention in major media outlets, and her expertise will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of legislative matters.

The discussion will highlight key aspects such as a reflection on the 2023 NC General Assembly session and forward-thinking insights into the expectations for the 2024 short session.

Agenda:

  • 8:15-8:45 a.m.: Registration & Networking (Enjoy light pastries and coffee)
  • 8:45-10 a.m.: Program

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain first-hand insights, network and stay ahead of the legislative curve.

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.

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!