Calendar of Events
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.
Did you know more than 40 peaks in the Southern Appalachians of NC and TN reach over 6,000 feet elevation? And, most of these “Southern Sixer” summits fall within Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s six conservation focus areas. (The map below shows Southern Sixer locations relative to our focus areas).
Many of these peaks can be accessed from public lands and trails — such as Mt. Mitchell, Roan High Knob, Mount Kephart, and Black Balsam Knob.
In 2017 we launched the Southern Sixer Hiking Challenge, to challenge YOU to summit at least six of these 6,000+ ft. peaks and receive a commemorative patch!
Originally started as part of our “For Love of Beer & Mountains” Partnership, the Southern Sixer Challenge has become so popular we’ve decided to keep it going. Since starting the Challenge, many hikers have shared stories and images from their adventures — including the cover photo for our 2018 View from the Highlands newsletter, submitted by Steve Bridges.
Fill out the online form on this page (submit a photo and tell us a little about each of your hikes), and we’ll send your patch!

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.
Register In Advance
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.
Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:
- Pre-register online, using the the link below.
- Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.
Register In Advance
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.
Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:
- Pre-register online, using the the link below.
- Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
12 miles | Difficult
Fire Tower, Appalachian Trail
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Discover America’s most-visited national park with a guided day hike! The Classic Hikes of the Smokies feature interpretation of the history, flora, and fauna of park trails. Hikes vary in distance, difficulty, and location within the park to provide a comprehensive overview of the Smokies, exposing hikers to high Appalachian vistas, streams teeming with aquatic life, the best collection of log structures on the Eastern Seaboard, and much more.
After completing registration…
You will receive an email the Friday before the hike with directions, and more information. All hikes begin at 9 a.m

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.
Register In Advance
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.
Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:
- Pre-register online, using the the link below.
- Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Start Flock to the Rock out with a bevy of birds! This early bird walk was designed to start before the Park opens to ensure participants get the best chance to encounter a variety of birds. Taking place during fall migration also enhances the number of species expected to be in our area. This hike is considered moderate and is the prelude to our 13th Annual Flock to the Rock event which starts at 11am. Click here to see what birds you might see during your hike. Space is limited and advance registration is required for this hike.


Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.
Register In Advance
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.
Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:
- Pre-register online, using the the link below.
- Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Girl Scouts are invited to join the park’s education staff for a fun-filled learning adventure on Grandfather Mountain. Participants can enjoy special scout activities and presentations. Plus, all Girl Scouts and troop leaders are admitted free with proof of membership, and family members will receive discounted admission. Reservations are required by calling 828-733-2013.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.
Register In Advance
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.
Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:
- Pre-register online, using the the link below.
- Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.
Register In Advance
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.
Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:
- Pre-register online, using the the link below.
- Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.
Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Join us as we tour the Big Ivy Historical Park and then hike to the nearby Little Snowball Mountain.
Buncombe County’s Big Ivy region is a special place. Hemmed in by mountains and, more recently, national forest land, this valley which encompasses the communities of Barnardsville and Dillingham provides a chance to look at bigger trends in western North Carolina history, including perceptions of isolation versus connectivity, changing economies, and even the later influence of the CCC and federal land agencies.
Distance: 7.2-mile round trip hike on Snowball Trail, 2,000 ft elevation gain. Note: The Big Ivy Historical Park stop is easily accessible.
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
What to Bring: Backpack, plenty of water (64oz recommended), bagged lunch, trail snacks, sturdy hiking boots and comfortable clothing, hiking poles, sunscreen, bug repellent, any needed medications.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with the return of guided trail walks in 2021! From April — 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 10 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.
Register In Advance
Space is limited and advance registration is encouraged. Pre-registered participants must check in at the Baker Information Desk no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled program to keep their spot. Unclaimed spots will be offered to other guests.
Guests may sign up for trail walks in the following ways:
- Pre-register online, using the the link below.
- Sign up in-person at the Baker Information Desk.
Walks are FREE; however, donations to The North Carolina Arboretum Society are appreciated. Regular parking fees apply. Arboretum Society Members always park free.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!
Take a Child Outside Week is a national movement developed to encourage kids to get outside! Join us for guided hikes daily at 11am designed to introduce children and families to the unique environment within the Park. Receive one free youth admission with every full paid adult admission.

Feeling frustrated? It’s time to turn your feelings into action!
The Sierra Club is harnessing the power of community to fight for a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and we need YOU! Join a powerful collective of millions of changemakers doing what’s right for the environment.
How can you help preserve the planet?
- Register for City Hike, a nationally-powered, locally-experienced event raising money to protect the Earth while providing an adventurous, challenging, and engaging exposure to the great outdoors.
- Fundraise to support Sierra Club’s local and national environmental initiatives, like ensuring a just transition to 100% clean energy. Show how much you care about our planet, and get your friends and family to join you.
- Hit the Trail! From September 19th – October 9th, lace up your shoes and get outside! Use AllTrails to find a great hike near you, or create a new experience. We’ll send you a virtual scavenger hunt that you’ll access through the Glide app to enhance (and educate you) along your self-guided hike route!


