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Rich in History, Land of the Cherokee, the Appalachian Mountains have captured the imagination and spirits of artists and recreation enthusiasts alike. Come, bask in their splendor and discover the magic that awaits you in this land of immeasurable beauty. Hike a Mountain trail, Raft the rapids of a wild and scenic river, Mountain Bike past waterfalls in a lush mountain forest, Visit the Magnificent Biltmore Estate, Motor along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, Take a Train Ride through a picturesque Gorge, or Ride a Horse high into the Mountains. The possibilities are endless, the choice is yours. So, join us for an adventure and create your own special Appalachian summer memory!
*Tour times are estimated and will be confirmed at
conference registration in Asheville.
TOUR DESCRIPTIONS
E1) BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY TOUR
Time: 12:30 – 18:30 (6 hours)
Minimum: 40 | Maximum: 104
Come explore the Blue Ridge Parkway this afternoon as we climb high into the mountains and motor along “America’s favorite scenic drive,” gateway to the Appalachians. Discover the treasures of the Blue Ridge Parkway, from staggering views at scenic overlooks and Craggy Gardens, to the mountain culture at the Folk Art Center, and woodland paths at the North Carolina Arboretum. Follow the nature trail for a short self-guided hike at Craggy Gardens. Walk in a high-elevation forest, enjoy the rhododendrons, and hike a section of the famous “Mountains to Sea” trail. Then continue by motor coach through the forest to the Folk Art Center nestled in the woods. View the traditional and contemporary crafts of the Appalachian region. See artisans at work, and visit the century-old Allanstand Craft Shop where you can select from a wide variety of mountain crafts to purchase. Our marvelous adventure ends with a visit to the North Carolina Arboretum, the creation of Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s father of landscape architecture. This magnificent world-class arboretum is situated on a 426 Acres in the Pisgah National Forest surrounded by the Southern Appalachian Mountains Wander at your leisure through what is considered one of the most beautiful natural garden settings In America. The perfect ending to this wonderful afternoon’s adventure in the forest along the Parkway.
E2) CHIMNEY ROCK HIKING – (Moderate – Experienced)
Time: 12:00 – 17:30 or 12:30 – 18:00 (5.5 hours)
Minimum: 40 | Maximum: 104
WOW!!! The dazzling views of Hickory Nut Gorge and surrounding mountains from Chimney Rock Park on this afternoon’s adventure will take your breath away. Come take a guided hike to Hickory Nut Falls, or on the Skyline-Cliff Loop Trails. The 1.5 mile roundtrip Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a gently rolling trail with several moderate uphill sections and a small set of stairs at the base of the Falls. Stand below this 404’ high waterfall and feel the mist. A number of scenes from “Last of the Mohicans” were filmed along the Skyline-Cliff Trail Loop. Check these locations out as you hike this more strenuous 1.5 mile roundtrip trail. And, of course, a trip to the Park would not be complete without standing on top of the towering granite 2,280’ monolith, Chimney Rock, for a 75 mile view. Join this excursion and see why Chimney Rock ROCKS!
What to bring: Raingear, synthetic layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, hat, water and snack, hiking boots/sturdy closed toe shoes.
E3A or E3B) GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIKES
Time: 11:30 – 19:00 (7.5 hours)
Minimum: 30 | Maximum: 52
Travel along the scenic highway through the Appalachian Mountains to Grandfather Mountain, which at 5,964’ is the Highest Point in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and one of the most environmentally significant mountains in the world, recognized by the UN as an International Biosphere Reserve. Privately owned since 1885 by the Morton Family, Grandfather Mountain encompasses 5,000 acres and has 47 rare and endangered species. Join your guide for one of the following unique Grandfather Mountain experiences on top of the world!
What to bring: Raingear, synthetic layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, hat, water and snack, hiking boots/sturdy closed toe shoes.
E3A) McRae Peak Hike – (Experienced)
Time: 11:30 – 19:00 (7.5 hours)
Maximum: 12
This experience is not to be missed for the experienced hiker! On this rigorous 2-mile hike along the Grandfather Trail, you’ll scramble over some of the most rugged terrain in the country through Spruce Forests coming out at McRae Peak where a series of cables and ladders up the rock face (approximately 100’) will take you to the 5,949’ peak. Here a picture truly is worth a thousand words and you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360 degree view as far as the eye can see. This hike is not recommended for those afraid of heights or scaling sheer cliffs.
E3B) Ecosystems/Interpretive Hike – (Moderate)
Time: 11:30 – 19:00 (7.5 hours)
Maximum: 40
Join a park naturalist for an interpretive hike at Grandfather Mountain. Learn about the Ecosystems and history as you explore the wildlife, and take a hike on the Bridge Trail to the Swinging Bridge. Wander among the wildlife habitats for an up-close look at the animals native to the Appalachian high country (Black Bear, Panthers, River Otter, Eagles and White-Tailed Deer) in their natural settings. Then take a four-tenths of a mile hike on the Bridge Trail switch backing up the mountain through Rhododendron, galas, red spruce, Fraser fir, yellow birch, and huge outcroppings, ending at the famous Swinging Bridge. Here, take a short walk across the footbridge to Linville Peak, where you will be surrounded by the magnificent Southern Appalachian Mountains. And don’t miss the fudge stand (located near the animal habitats) to purchase a sweet treat for the ride back to Asheville.
E4) DUPONT FOREST WATERFALL HIKE – (Novice/Leisure)
Time: 12:00 – 17:30 (5.5 hours)
Minimum: 40 | Maximum: 80
The DuPont State Forest boasts simply the most amazing array of waterfalls anywhere in North Carolina…and all within 1.5 miles of each other. Maybe that’s why parts of “Last of the Mohicans” were filmed here. Professional guides will lead you on this leisurely trek along the Little River through lush foliage with modest elevation gain to three waterfalls (Hooker, Triple and High Falls.) This Blue Ridge Mountain adventure is perfect for the Novice or Leisure Hiker. You won’t want to miss the thrill of standing beneath a waterfall or a swim beneath Hooker Falls on this 2–3 hour hike.
What to bring: Raingear, synthetic layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, swim suit, camera. hat, hiking boots/sturdy closed toe shoes, water & a snack.
E5) BILTMORE ESTATE
Time: 12:30 – 17:00 (4.5 hours)
Minimum: 30 | Maximum: None
Experience the grandeur of the Gilded Age at the Vanderbilt’s magnificent Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home. Join your guide for a leisurely tour of the estate in this 8,000 acre park-like setting designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the father of American Landscaping. Travel the tree-lined drive to the palatial Biltmore House.Explore this stately home set against a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains with it’s 250 rooms, 55 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, priceless art and antiques. Then wander through the adjoining Formal Gardens and Greenhouse before continuing your tour of the grounds. Travel by motor coach to the winery past ponds, streams, meadows and over cobblestone bridges watching for woodland creatures along the way. Take a self-guided tour at the Biltmore’s award-winning Winery and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. Visit the Historic Horse Barn and Farmyard for a glimpse of the estate worker life in the 1890’s. Complete your afternoon with stroll through the charming English style Village shops searching for treasures… “all in this golden afternoon.”
E6) RAFTING THE FRENCH BROAD RIVER – (Moderate, Leisure)
Time: 12:30 – 18:30 or 13:00 – 19:00 (6 hours)
Minimum: 30 | Maximum: 104
Surcharge: $30.00
Raft the French Broad River, one of the oldest rivers in the world! Only the Nile and New Rivers predate it. This free-flowing river runs through the beautiful Pisgah National Forest located in the famous Appalachian Mountain range. Today’s adventure takes you on a 5 mile stretch of class II & III rapids. A favorite of Vacationers, the French Broad offers the perfect moderate/leisure guide-assisted rafting experience.
What to bring: T-shirt and Shorts or Bathing Suit (non-cotton material recommended), Tennis shoes or River Sandals with heel strap, Sunglasses with strap, Sunscreen, Water and a snack. Please leave valuables behind.
What’s included: River Fees, Professional Rafting Guide (1 in every other raft,) Helmet, PFD, Paddle, Splash Jacket And Pants.
E7) SMOKY MOUNTAIN RAILROAD
Time: 11:30 – 20:00 (8.5 hours)
Minimum: 30 | Maximum: 200
Surcharge: $30.00
“All Aboard” the Smoky Mountain Railroad for an unforgettable 4-1/2 hour scenic train ride in the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains! Chug along the Tuckasegee River crossing Fontana Lake on a 100 foot high Trestle Bridge (spanning almost 800 feet across the Lake,) before winding through the scenic North Carolina mountains into the lush Nantahala River Gorge with it’s high cliffs and rugged terrain, a place the Cherokee called “The Land of the Noonday Sun.“ Enjoy a 1-hour layover at the Nantahala River Depot. Sightsee, Grab a snack, shop and relaxing before boarding the train for the return trip to the train depot in Bryson City.
E8) HORSEBACK RIDING IN THE APPLACHIANS
Time: 12:30 – 17:00 (4.5 hours)
Minimum: 30 | Maximum: 35
Surcharge: $30.00
Saddle up with the Good Ole Boys at the Sandy Bottom Stables located in the heart of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. This 2-hour continuous horseback ride will take you over hilltops, through valleys, past cattle and sheep grazing with spectacular views of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains at every turn in the trail.
What to bring: Please wear sturdy shoes or boots, bring water and a snack.
E9) APPALACHIAN TRAIL HIKE & HOT SPRINGS – (moderate)
Time: 12:00 – 18:00 (6 hours)
Minimum: 30 | Maximum: 30
Surcharge: $30.00
Join your guide for a 4 mile hike southbound along the famous 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail. Our hike starts at a high elevation offering magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, then meanders down into the French Broad Gorge, along the French Broad River and into the quaint historic mountain town of Hot Springs. Our journey ends with a soak in a private hot mineral bath overlooking the River at the rustic Hot Springs Resort and Spa.
What to bring: Raingear, synthetic layers, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, swim suit, camera, hat, hiking boots/sturdy closed toe shoes, water and a snack.
Included: Hot Springs Fee.
E10) SCENIC DUPONT SHUTTLE MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE – (beginner/leisure rider)
Time: 12:00 – 17:30 (5.5 hours)
Minimum: 30 | Maximum: 30
Surcharge: $60.00
Feel like a kid again as you cruise off-road through the beautiful DuPont State Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bike past cool waterfalls in summer woods. Stop and visit two quietly majestic waterfalls (Wintergreen and Grassy Creek) on this primarily 2-3 hour downhill leisurely bike ride ending at beautiful Lake Imaging.
What to bring: Any current medications, Rain jacket, synthetic layers, camera, closed toed shoes, water and a snack. Please provide us with your height and weight when registering.
What’s included: Bike, Helmets, and guide.
E11) RAFTING THE NOLICHUCKY RIVER – (Experienced)
Time: 11:30 – 19:00 or 12:00 – 19:30 (7.5 hours)
Minimum: 40 | Maximum: 100
Surcharge: $60.00
The Nolichucky River is a wild and magical place tumbling down out of the Appalachian Mountains. A river as diverse as it is spectacular, the Nolichucky offers jagged rock faces, towering over beds of laurel and Rhododendron. Beauty and history abound in this area – It’s Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett country! Enjoy this fast-paced trip with Twenty-five Adventure Class III & IV Rapids through 9 miles of one of the most picturesque and deepest river gorges in North America. The ideal excursion for an action-packed adventure.
What to bring: T-shirt and Shorts or Bathing Suit (non-cotton material recommended), Tennis shoes or River Sandals with heel strap, Sunglasses with strap, Sunscreen, water and a snack. Please leave valuables behind.
What’s included: River Fees, Professional Rafting Guide, Helmet, PFD, Paddle, Splash Jacket and Pants.
E12) TSALI TRAILS MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE – (Expert)
Time: 11:30 – 19:30 (8 hours)
Maximum: 24
Surcharge: $60.00
Challenging is the best way to describe the Tsali Trails rated as “more difficult,” and one of the Top 10 places to ride in the U.S. This area is located on a hilly peninsula which reaches into beautiful Fontana Lake at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. Expect the Mouse Branch Loop and Thompson Loop Trails to be technical, fast, hard packed and single track. Riders describe the Thompson Loop Trail as the “best Trail in the Tsali system” with 7.5 miles of great cruising, cool creek crossings and a fast 1.5 mile Finish. Prepare to go at top-speed through single-track.” The 9-mile Mouse Branch Loop is described as a “Super fun trail, a great downhill and views,” “…a good mixture of all riding…definitely some good jumps.”
Please provide us with your height and inseam when you register.
What to Bring: Close toed shoes (bring your own clip less pedals and shoes if desired,) Comfortable Clothing (non-cotton fabrics recommended,) Sunglasses with strap Sunscreen, water and a snack.
What’s included: Bike, helmet, water bottle, and mountain biking guide.
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