Lauren has been exploring Appalachia for over 30 years. BRPA is the official marketing partner of the Blue Ridge Parkway NPS. 1 Master Suite D (full size lower bed) 4 day or 2 overnight passengers and includes private shower and restroom. Single Day, All Backpack with a contemporary! SAHC conserves unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.There are many ways to be involved with SAHC whether you enjoy lacing up your hiking boots or you long to help preserve thehiking trails in Western North Carolina. Having survived a childhood of blissful, unsupervised galavanting through the local woods, creeks, and hollers, he derives great joy in sharing his love of the natural world with others, and has yet to meet an outdoor activity he doesnt like! For Help with detailed instructions please open this PDF. The hiking clubs below host a variety of events. Take your friends and family out for a UTV ride on the shaded pathways throughout the property. Cedar Ridge Trail (great for day hike; vistas and forests) 4.2. 1. In 2011 she set the overall fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail by finishing the 2,185-mile foot path in 46 days (an average of 47 miles a day). 66,097 in the Blue Ridge Ranger District and . Not all images were taken at The Coves Mountain River Club but are a close representation of the item displayed. Hikes range from5 to 8 miles. Blue Ridge Hiking Club 3 Double Bedrooms A-B-C (upper and lower berth) 2 passengers per room with private restroom (shared shower facility). A journey on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers spectacular views of Southern Appalachia's diverse beauty for 469 uninterrupted miles. Dates: April 02, 2023. Wind and weave one of the many scenic trails that make up the BRMC Trail System, whether you are a novice or a skilled hiker. Find some inspiration for your next adventure by joining our Armchair Adventure Book Club! Bev has been a hiking and backpacking leader for adults and youth for more than 10 years. Wednesdays Striders: a faster paceand with less stops than theMondayPisgah hikes. All Rights Reserved. Mitchell has an ADA 1/4-mile paved trail to the observation tower, although . She has also guided many backpacking, canoeing, and rafting trips in Western North Carolina and loves nothing more than sharing the outdoors with new friends. We offer seasonal Laid Back Fishin' trips (which can also include some time for swimming in the lake), as well as private charters for the "serious anglers" or a private family or group outing for fishing, swimming or both. - Virginia's Blue Ridge. Having moved around the world pursuing other professional interests, Matt has decided Western North Carolina is the place for him and helping to expose others to our natural world is the perfect way to spend his time. Kacie grew up playing in the Eno River along what is now a stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Durham, NC. 3 Beds. Also, click here for special seasonal hiking tips especially winter. He has hiked all 400 miles of trails in the Pisgah Ranger District; section hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and New Hampshire; completed the South Beyond 6,000ft Challenge and even a few of the 14ers in Colorado. Blue Ridge has all there is to love about nature and hiking. She is an AT Trail Maintainer for the Max Patch section, she has completed Educator Outward Bound, and recently hiked 200 miles of the Spanish Camino del Santiago. Lauren Smucker Now she wanders forests and climbs mountains since completing her Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Mileage is one-way from the trailhead unless the trail is a loop. Leah "Eagle Eye" LaRocco,Guest Guide I would hike with her anywhere!" Born in the Catskills of NY and raised in the Blue Ridge of NC, Adam has always called the mountains of Appalachia home (wellexcept those 6 years in NYC, but we dont talk about that). All of Blue Ridge Hiking Company's guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid (or higher) and CPR. Both men and women are encouraged to attend. When he isn't on a trail, he works as a veterinarian. DISCLAIMER/Liability Waiver: The Blue Mountain Hiking Club (BMHC) and its Leaders and Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm, bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. Going to Water: A Return to the Heart of Everything, Happy Birthday to the Mountains to Sea Trail, 70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801 | 828-713-5451 | trips@blueridgehikingco.com, All content Copyright 2023 Blue Ridge Hiking Co. By clicking Attending you are confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and you will not hold any hike leader/organizer, participant, BMHC member, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. Born and raised in Georgia, Hannahs love of the outdoors began while digging for worms in the mud and playing in the red clay. Please respect all these lands and treat them with care. Little Glad Millpond (easy loop stroll around pond) .4. Mount Pisgah Hiking Trail. 14. Jenna is a formerly Washington, DC-based corporate queen turned artsy outdoor enthusiast. There's no such thing! Paul has been an avid backpacker since starting as teenager with his dad and frequently camps in the Smoky Mountain National Park and the National Forests surrounding Asheville. Hidden Gem less then 2 miles from Down Town Blue Ridge with a Mountain View! Built by Pullman-Standard in 1950 as BLUE RIDGE CLUB for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railways Streamliner The George Washington (Cincinnati, Ohio to Washington DC). When you want to see the Roanoke Star on Mill Mountain, try taking the Star Trail by parking in the lot off Riverland Avenue at the base of the mountain and hiking to the top. Paul Benson, Guest Guide 176.2 Others lead to historic sites with stories of how people have shaped our heritage. The Aska Trails. By TomA589. Jenna is a formerly Washington, DC-based corporate queen turned artsy outdoor enthusiast. 2 Baths. Whether you're looking for a relaxingly easy hike, or a more strenuous challenge, the Blue Ridge has hiking trails for all skill levels many of which are easily accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Heidi "Sketch" Nisbett We have 2 on Tuesdays for intermediate and advanced hikers, and on Thursdays we have a Leisure hike which are shorter, less steep and go at a slower pace. He also published the Blue Ridge Travel Guide coffee table book with hundreds of breathtaking photos by professional photographers - over 40,000 in print! Holding a Masters degree in Geography he knows the terrain and enjoys using maps and hiking trail apps. $399,700. A stay at Blue Ridge Mountain Club is accompanied by access to our premier amenities. She spent over 180 nights under the stars on trail before she moved to Asheville full-time. Kacie "Foxy" Ross From enjoying Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River to historic attractions, explore the best things to do in Blue Ridge, GA. . As an artist, licensed therapist, and professional backpacker, she views the wilderness as a source of inspiration, healing, and empowerment. It has four programs to help hikers reach many outdoor destinations. Bev has been a hiking and backpacking leader for adults and youth for more than 10 years. At age 24, Jennifer founded Blue Ridge Hiking Company to help everyone - especially women - experience the joy and wonder of spending time in the woods. Cedar Cove Trail a .5 mile trail from the Waterfall Trail to the lovely community gardens and stables. We don't email too often and you can unsubscribe anytime. Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway The Appalachian Trail travels 78.6 miles through Georgia before entering North Carolina at Bly Gap, where it passes through a famous, contorted old oak tree. Picture hiking on pristine, tree-lined trails, riding UTVs over rolling hills, swimming in tucked-away mountain pools, just to name a few. Lindsey was nominated for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce's 2020 Woman Up Rising Star Award. April 25April Wildflower Wednesday11 am-3. Breathe deeply of the fresh air and feel nature's healing powers. Brew Davis, Guest Guide He has a Plant Sciences degree from the University of Tennessee and has spent many of his hours in nature studying its science and history. May 32018 Leave No Trace Tainer Course; Highlands of Roan; 10 am; May 4 at 3 pm. Rock Castle Gorge Trail (loop from campground along ridge over Rocky Knob and into gorge for return to campground) 10.8. Nantahala Hiking Club Experience BRMC in your inbox. These include South Beyond 6000 (SB6K) - hiking the 40 southeastern 6,000 foot peaks; Lookout Tower Challenge (LTC) - hiking 24 fire towers in WNC; Pisgah 400 (P400) - hiking all 400 miles of trails in the Pisgah Ranger District; Waterfall & Cascade 100 (WC100) - hiking 100 of WNC's most spectacular waterfalls. Water-starved Californians can soak up the scenery at three stunning waterfalls here." Mountain High Hikers thanks Extreme Terrain for their grant of $250 for the reroute of Chatuge Trail on Dec1, 2022. He has hiked all 400 miles of trails in the Pisgah Ranger District; section hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and New Hampshire; completed the South Beyond 6 . Website by Bitcookie, Have you heard? This trail is dog-friendly. We are very supportive of each other, focus on trail safety and practice Leave No Trace ethics. It works on the principles of gravity, requiring a hill to be built on. Please remember that hiking can be strenuous in our mountains, and that certain risks are involved. Find out for yourself by getting involved and have an incredible outdoor adventure while making life-long friends. He has been a member, hike leader, and trail maintainer for the Carolina Mountain Club for 20 years. Friends of the Smokieswas begun in 1993, and with hard work and devoted members and volunteers, more than $53 million has been raised to fund worthy projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Parkhistoric preservation, wildlife management, environmental education among them. Jenn grew up mid-state and spent her summers enjoying the east coast beaches. Recent Features:PBS America Outdoors|The New York Times. |. Little Stony Man to Millers Head - Out and back. He is an expert amateur mushroom identifier, and can dazzle/bore you with fun fungal facts! - Welcome to the world-class Blue Ridge Mountain Club and Craig 101! Steve has lived in Asheville for 10 years. - The Washington Post, "Jennifer Pharr Davis, founder of Blue Ridge Hiking Co., guided me to a favorite find, a trail that leads to the ruins of a summer home thats said to have had more than three dozen rattlesnake skins tacked to its living-room ceiling. To grasp the beauty and vast natural landscape surrounding you at BRMC, take it all in and enjoy the fresh mountain air at one of our several overlook points or green spaces. Also here is a look at National Park Trails: Trail By Trail. With opportunities to hike and bike, the Aska Adventure Area features 17 miles of outdoor fun near Deep Gap in Fannin County. Blue Ridge Forever, a collective campaign led by 13 land conservation organizations to engage the public and raise financial resources to safeguard land and water in the Southern Blue Ridge for present and future generations. But there are so many other wondersdramatic 360- degree views, fir forests, the bursting beauty of the natural growing Catawba rhododendrons,sheer rock faces and other geological features that stop you in your tracks before you reach the crest of a summit. Traci loves connecting folks with the spirit of the land and helping them cultivate a love for the natural world. Spy Rock Trail is a 3.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Montebello, Virginia. Little Rock Creek Falls. Lexie "Curls" Lanfrank, Guest Guide Carolina Mountain Club, formed in 1923, is the oldest Hiking and Trail . He has been a member, hike leader, and trail maintainer for the Carolina Mountain Club for 20 years. Melissa grew up in Florida where she spent many hours watching wildlife and guiding kayak tours. Festivals, Food, Craft Beer. Magnolia Trail1.5 miles of trail up to 100ft overlooking river, winding into the serene woods and ending at Coletons Swimming Hole. She is a Southern Appalachian Naturalist and is on Haywood County's Search and Rescue Team. - LA Times, "I emailed the Blue Ridge Hiking Company, which set me up with a specialist in Appalachian flora. Blue Ridge Hiking Club. This website is not an advertisement or solicitation to purchase or sell property in states where prohibited by law. If you get a ride to the trailhead from another hiker, be prepared to chip in for the cost of the ride. Lindsey grew up in central North Carolina, where she developed a love for science and the outdoors. The Asheville Hiking Group holds short hikes, full-day and overnight hikes for all athletic levels, from beginners to experts. From the first railway in 1827 to the national rail network today, railroads have played an part in connecting America. Along the trail, you may see mountain vistas, rolling Piedmont farms, picture postcard colonial towns, weathered tobacco barns, old textile villages, country churches, rushing mountain streams, coastal swamps, hardwood and pine forests, lighthouses, sand dunes, miles of seashore, and friendly people.Some of the ways to get involved from the comfort of yourCarolina mountain homesjoin the friends, attend an event, share your photos, keep up-to-date with the newsletter, purchase a MST license plate, or volunteer. Originally a Pennsylvania native, she moved from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina in 2015. We climbed lichen-covered stone ledges into a cool, ferny hollow; the creek on our left jumped musically from one gravel pool to the next and my guide picked wild plants for me to taste." Lets go for a hike! She thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2018 and kept a detailed sketchbook of watercolor paintings to document her travels. Blue Ridge Mountain Club Sales & Development Office. Visit us in downtown Blue Ridge and discover unique treasures. If you live anywhere in the southeast, you're within driving distance of Blue Ridge, only 90 miles north of Atlanta via I-575 on the Georgia-Tennessee-North Carolina line. Sleeper Car. Let's take a look at 10 of the best spots to stop and take in the view. What are her favorite things? Deep River Rail LLC He has a Plant Sciences degree from the University of Tennessee and has spent many of his hours in nature studying its science and history. Please enjoy looking at our website, where you will find information about how to join, a schedule of our hikes, photos of past hikes and information about some of our non-hiking social get-togethers. Paul has been an avid backpacker since starting as teenager with his dad and frequently camps in the Smoky Mountain National Park and the National Forests surrounding Asheville. There are hikes to suit all interests and levels of ability. 10. I also relished the drive to DuPont State Forest. Bluff Mountain Trail (parallels Parkway to Milepost 244.7) We love the Great Outdoors and explore it through many different hikes, backpacking tours and skiing events. Hiking near Asheville, N.C. The BMT traverses 81.8 miles in Georgia and 205.8 miles in Tennessee / North Carolina. Come out and play! PXL_20221109_191004235-2 by Blue Ridge Hiking Club 20221109_140944-2 by Blue Ridge Hiking Club This site uses cookies to improve your experience and to help show content that is more relevant to your interests. The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge is arguably among the most iconic attractions in Blue Ridge, and the gorgeous hike to get there is as easy as it is beautiful. Origination: Mountain High Hikers originated from a course entitled Hiking in the Blue Ridge at the Institute for Continuing Learning, at Young Harris College in the winter of 1993. Being in the woods makes Melissa feel like a kid again. There are more than 100 Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails that provide visitors with an up-close view of the wilderness surrounding the most scenic drive in America. If you have gone on more than two hikes with a club, it is time to join the club. Blue Ridge Mountain ClubSales & Development Office, 1098 Main Street, Suite 11Blowing Rock, NC 28605, Copyright 2023 Blue Ridge Mountain Club. There over 369 miles of hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway, so one of the most daunting tasks facing hikers may be choosing which trail to explore. Full-time and part-time residents as well as visitors are welcome. Full and part-time residents and visitors are. IMG_4253.jpg by Blue Ridge Hiking Club This site uses cookies to improve your experience and to help show content that is more relevant to your interests. Jenn grew up mid-state and spent her summers enjoying the east coast beaches. This development offers cottage homes with a rustic mountain architectural style in sizes ranging from 1,200 - 1,500 square feet and prices starting at $399,000. Its no secret to the folks who appreciatehiking trails in Western North Carolinathat The Coves Mountain River Club delivers 13 miles of groomed hiking and horse trails. Steve Wike launched BlueRidgeTravelGuide.com in 2008 - now a leading online travel resource. Blog | Blue Ridge Hiking Co. Email Us (828) 713-5451 Blog Blue Ridge Hiking Company Announces New Owner By Lindsey Barr As we head into our fifteenth year at Blue Ridge Hiking Company, we are beginning the season with a very exciting announcement. Blue Ridge Parkway Campgrounds Otter Creek Campground Located at milepost 60.8, this campground has 45 tent sites and 24 RV sites, plus it offers recreational activities like hiking and fishing . Blue Ridge Hiking Club Hike the High Country of North Carolina Welcome 2023 . The Coves location is perfect, providing variation in elevation, with 3,600 acres ranging from 1,040 to 1,700 for our active residents to strut their stuff and all without leaving home! Carolina Mountain Club also maintains a portion of the Appalachian Trail and other hiking trails in the Carolinas. Kacie loves fun conversation while hiking and finding all the little critters along the way! - SS, Private Backpacking Trip, "I HIGHLY recommend Blue Ridge Hiking Company for a corporate retreat. Founded in 2008, we are locally owned, female operated, and our guiding team has over 60,000 miles of backpacking experience. Matt has over 12,000 trail miles on his legs, including thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, John Muir Trail, and Long Trail. Learn everything youd want to know about living in Western North Carolina in our helpful guide. Wait, SoI Shouldn't Buy Every Holiday Gift on Amazon? Her passion for being in nature has grown since then and she has backpacked over 3,500 miles including a southbound thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2013, sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, and many smaller backcountry trails in between! Freshwater ponds and creeks abound at BRMC. The BRHC is an informal group of hiking enthusiasts in NW North Carolina and NE Tennessee. As you explore, enjoy views of Lake Blue Ridge, the Blue Ridge Mountains, mountain laurel and . During that time, Blue Ridge Hiking Company has grown from a one woman operation to a small business with a dozen guides, a shop in downtown Asheville, a bunkhouse in the Appalachian Trail hamlet of Hot Springs, and a small fleet of vehicles, and has been recognized coast to coast- from the LA Times, to the Washington Post and New York Timesas a key cog in Asheville's burgeoning tourist industry. She loves to take her time exploring ecologically diverse trails with stunning vistas, mighty waterfalls and hopefully a toad or two! In her free time she also enjoys paddleboarding, biking, enjoying the Asheville music scene, completing home improvement projects with her partner, and cross-stitching. Rocky Knob Picnic Loop trail (leg stretcher around picnic area) 1.0. Use our trail map below to go exploring. 2 talking about this. Spy Rock Trail. Copyright 2023 Mountain High Hikers - All Rights Reserved. His three keys to continued enjoyment of backpacking in your 70s are a lighter pack, trekking poles, and some younger backpacking buddies. Today's private railcars can travel the nation behind Americas Railroad (Amtrak). Nancy has hiked all 800 miles of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park four times, and co-holds the speed record for the Smokies 900 Miler Challenge. From the start of Aska Road in Blue Ridge, go 4.4 miles to the trailhead for the Deep Gap portion of the Aska Trails in the Aska Adventure Area.Another trailhead is located 1.5 miles from Deep Gap on Shady Falls Road. When she isn't at work, you can find them exploring area trails and waterways, enjoying Asheville's thriving live music scene, or in their art studio. Take off on miles of forested trails and scenic paths specially designed for UTV/ATVs. And just a short drive from the gates of BRMC are several exquisite waterfalls, hiking trails, and rivers to explore. 50+ Miles of Hiking & UTV Trails with a 6,000+ acre backyard, provides endless possibilities for adventure. UNITED RAILROAD HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NJ, INC. The Nantahala Hiking Club also leads hikes for students, as well as weekend hikes for members. Blue Ridge Hiking Company is Western North Carolina's Premier Guiding Service for Day Hikes. Tranquility Vineyard Trail a 1 mile trail into the woods along several small streams ending in the vineyard. She feels most alive when she is active in the forest; it is so empowering! Mountain High Hikers The Offical NC Year of the Trail See all about it here: Great Trails NC and here with a short video clip. Have several small bills handy. She also enjoys assembling sculptures using foraged & often forgotten elements from the natural world. Linville Falls West Rim Trail, Photo by Alex Armstrong. Brew is Jen's husband and grew up in Nashville so he's required by law to be a part-time singer/songwriter. Our guides made our trip the experience of a lifetime." Blue Ridge, Georgia Features animals Contact Awards From the parking lot, walk back across . Build a fire and enjoy a night under the stars at the Grapevine Gap Campground. Hops in The Hills is the anchor event to Summer on Broadway, which will include The Big BBQ Bash, Maryville Farmers Market, Smoky Mountain Dock Dogs, Napa Know How Auto Fest and many other activities. This region provides a gloriously varied landscape to those who enjoy heading out for a day, or maybe a week, heading down trails that range from tame to downright strenuous. Most are full time residents, but some only come up for a few weeks a year. Most have their hike schedule on the web. She shares stories and educational content onHope and Feather Travels. There are 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest making Blue Ridge, Georgia the ideal setting for enjoying a hike. - JK, Private Half Day Hike, "From the very first conversation with Blue Ridge Hiking Company, they were helpful, informed and experienced. Check out our website for further information, photos and pricing. This is just one of the many perks that draw people in search ofCarolina mountain homesto The Coves. Now a 3 Double Bedroom, 1 Master Suite Sleeper with Kitchen, Dining and Observation Lounge (Flat End). Blue Mountain Hiking Club Gainesville, VA 1,139 members Public group ? Leah received her certification as a Southern Appalachian Naturalist from Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and loves exploring nature on the trail whenever she gets a chance. We offer hikes in Pisgah National Forest, on the Appalachian Trail, in Dupont State Forest, and Mount Mitchell State Park . Admission: $5. In her free time she also enjoys paddleboarding, biking, enjoying the Asheville music scene, completing home improvement projects with her partner, and cross-stitching. The area has 300 miles of hiking trails, including the famed . HIKE MILL MOUNTAIN TO THE ROANOKE STAR. Dome Car With easy banter, camaraderie, some socializing over food and drink, all in our world will be ok. Enjoy nature at it's best while hiking down to the Blue Hole. A hiking and biking trail system 17 miles in length and open year-round. Hikes are scheduled year-round in places such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountains-to-Sea trail, the Appalachian Trail, Linville Gorge, Roan Mountain (Tennessee), and the Virginia Creeper Trail (Virginia) to suit all interests and levels of ability. He tries to stay in shape by carrying granddaughter Lily whos very close to his base weight.