Hiking & Backpacking
No previous experience required unless noted! Trip ratings indicate the necessary fitness level necessary to comfortably accomplish the hike given the terrain, average temperatures, speed and carrying load. EASY: relatively flat and/or ample rest opportunities. MODERATE: includes several elevation changes and switchbacks. STRENUOUS: contains extreme conditions and/or elevation changes. A very good level of fitness is required for these hikes.
At-a-glance
| June | ||
| Saturday-Sunday | June 4-5 | Deep Creek Loop |
| Satruday | June 18 | Smithgall Woods Hiking or Biking |
| Sunday | June 26 | Prentice Cooper State Forest |
| July | ||
| Friday-Saturday | July 8-9 | Table Rock State Park |
| Friday | July 15 | Little River Falls Alabama |
| Friday-Sunday | July 15-17 | Great Smoky Mountains |
| August | ||
| Sunday | August 14 | Foothills Trail Exploration |
| Saturday-Sunday | August 13-14 | Deep River Trail |
| Saturday-Sunday | August 20-21 | Overlook The Ocoee |
Descriptions
Deep Creek Loop
Join us for an easier look at the Great Smokies and an introduction to camping/backpacking. This trek stays in the cool, lush areas of Deep Creek with superb waterfall exploration and always a chance to swim!
date: Saturday-Sunday, June 4-5
cost: $12/$14/$19 includes transportation and leadership
rating: Moderate, 5.5 miles
leader: Bobby Wess, Joshua Castleberry
limit: 8
Smithgall Woods Hiking or Biking
This activity will take you to Smithgall Woods Conservation area for a day of leisure hiking only or bike riding. The lodge and wildlife exhibits on this 5,600 acre wonderland are rustic and secluded. Your ride will take you past premier trout streams and to a spectacular short hike that will lead you past a waterfall and Martin’s Mine! Participant must provide own bike if riding. Transportation for participant and bike provided.
date: Saturday, June 18
cost: $8/$9/$10 includes transportation and leadership
rating: easy
leader: Gardner Neely
limit: 8
Prentice Cooper State Forest
Explore the start of the Cumberland State Scenic Trail that extends all the way to Virginia. This State Forest is home to the Hicks Gap Natural Area overlooking the beautiful Tennessee River and looks directly at Lookout Mountain.
dates: Sunday, June 26
cost: $8/$9/$10 includes transportation and leadership
leader: Naveen Hiremath, Erin Burt
limit: 8
Table Rock State Park
Come along for a great overnight stay in South Carolina full of scenic views and swimming holes. On this beginner trip we’ll camp primitively and hike/swim our way through the weekend. At your option you can summit Pinnacle Mountain or hang out by the lake.
date: Friday-Saturday July 8-9
cost: $12/$14/$19 includes transportation and leadership
rating: easy, 5+ miles
leader: Jennifer Johnson, Naveen Hiremath
limit: 8
Little River Falls Alabama
This trip will be an incredible opportunity to swim below Little River Falls. As a matter of fact, that’s what we’ll do! Hike the canyons with a swimsuit on and jump right in. Dry off for a picnic lunch on the beach and swim for the rest of the afternoon.
date: Friday, July 15
cost: $8/ $9/ $10
rating: Easy, 3-8 miles
leader: Jennifer Johnson
limit: 8
Great Smoky Mountains
See how the Smokies gets the name in this beautiful section of the Blue Ridge. This is a great time of the year for pictures of layering ridges. We’ll see the park from many angles and then dive into the wilderness away from the sightseers to backpack a loop high on the ridge.
date: July 15-17
cost: $12/$14/$19 includes transportation and leadership
rating: moderate, 11 miles
leader: Gardner Neely
limit: 8
Foothills Trail Exploration
This newly built and not yet complete trail system winds its way through beautiful North Carolina State Parks and forests. Come learn about this trail and its purpose, and be some of the first to explore the areas it winds through.
dates: Sunday, August 14
cost: $8/$9/$10 includes transportation and leadership
rating: moderate, 7 miles
leader: Gardner Neely
limit: 8
Deep River Trail
We'll cross the river more than walking on the trail on this 12.1 mile hike past some of the river’s most scenic stretches! Bring clothes you can swim in, because we'll camp next to a swimming hole! Due to the number of river crossings combined with the potential for waist deep water, this trip is for intermediate and advanced backpackers. River shoes (or sandals), trekking poles, and a waterproof stuff sack are recommended.
dates: Saturday-Sunday August 13-14
cost: $12/$14/$19 includes transportation and leadership
rating: moderate to strenuous
leader: Andy Mycroft
limit: 8
Overlook The Ocoee
See three states and stunning views of the Ocoee River basin atop the towering Big Frog Mountain on this two day adventure. A steady climb of 2,000 to the 4,186ft. summit will reward you will an amazing sunset, unforgettable stars and cool breezes at night, and an inspiring sunrise. Join us for this incredibly rewarding backpacking trip not far from home!
dates: Saturday-Sunday August
cost: $12/ $14/$19 includes transportation and leadership
rating: moderate to strenuous
limit: 8
leader: Rob Edison