Welcome Winter Seniors Hiking Weekend

December 5-7, 2025

One of our favorite things about Western NC? The fact that we can hike year round! Your guide will show off some of our favorite early winter hikes - in Hot Springs NC, Dupont State Forest, and Pisgah National Forest. After your hike on Sunday, the group will check out Big Crafty - a local artists market showcasing over 150 artists. This weekend is not to be missed!

The trip is designed for hikers over the age of 60.

"While it is true that every hike is its own reward, Bev just adds so much more with her knowledge, interesting stories, and expert guidance.
She knows the forest and the history behind so much of it like the back of her hand." - EW, Private Hiking Weekend, July 2025

Cost:

$425 per person
Payment Plans are available for all Blue Ridge Hiking Company trips. Please reach out to us at trips@blueridgehikingco.com for more information.

This trip will run if there are a minimum of 2 participants signed up. If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll contact participants two weeks before the trip to discuss options. The maximum group size is 6 participants. 

This price includes 2 half day hikes and 1 full day hike, with round-trip transportation from downtown Asheville and snacks or a picnic lunch each day. It does not include gratuity for your guide.

Sign-Up Details:

In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our Trip Calendar and select the trip start date (December 5, 2025).  You will find the trip listed there. 

Itinerary:

This trip meets at Blue Ridge Hiking Company's location in downtown Asheville (70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801). Meetup time on December 5 is 12pm for an afternoon hike, December 6 is 9am for a full day hike, and December 7 is 8am for a morning hike. After your hike on the last day, you can choose to join the group for an afternoon of browsing at Big Crafty, a local makers market that has been voted Western NC's favorite event for 17 years, just in time for holiday shopping!

Each day, your guide will go over the planned hike and discuss safety, weather, and logistics for the trip. You'll be given a waiver and health form to fill out on the first day. Each day's hike is around 5-6 miles of easy-moderate terrain.

Hikes generally finish around late afternoon each day. Itinerary is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather, trail conditions, and participants needs and abilities. Please inform our admin team or your guide ahead of time if you have a time constraint the last day of your trip.

Guide:

Your guide for this trip will be Bev MacDowell. Backpack with a contemporary! Bev has been a hiking and backpacking leader for adults and youth for more than 10 years. 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. She feels most alive when she is active in the forest; it is so empowering! It brings her great joy to introduce others to the wonder of outdoor life in Western NC. 

What to Bring:

Hikers should wear comfortable hiking or athletic clothing (no cotton!) and supportive hiking shoes or boots. A rain jacket and an extra warm layer are a must! Pack at least 1 liter of water per person each day.

What we Provide:

This trip includes snacks (Friday) or a picnic lunch (Saturday and Sunday) and round-trip transportation between downtown Asheville and the trailhead each day.

 Trekking poles and day packs can be provided upon request at no additional cost.

Cancellation Policy:

We hike rain or shine! Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hike may be cancelled up to 2 weeks before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 2 weeks, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, a refund will only be offered if Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather. 

If your guide does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip. Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity for a hiking trip is 20-25% of trip price.

If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach our office by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.