Early Fall Foliage Hiking for Seniors
October 6-7, 2026
Join us for two days of full day hikes chasing early fall foliage. We'll hike to Max Patch and Mt Mitchell - two of our favorite high elevation views in Western NC! Hikes are both moderate difficulty, with some sections of rocky, rooty terrain (this is the southern Appalachian mountains, after all!). Both hikes are planned with lots of time for breaks and a leisurely pace.
Fall in Asheville is very busy! We've planned this trip during the week when trails and trail heads are less crowded and when hotels are easier to book. At the higher elevations where we plan to hike, temps can be up to 15 degrees cooler than in town. Dress in layers!
"Blue Ridge Hiking Company is a 5-Star operation. They diligently plan each hike, watch the weather to make
sure that you are safe, have excellent guides that are trained for anything that might arise. Bev is the absolute
best guide and hiking companion I've ever had. I cannot recommend her more, and I assure you that she goes
out of her way to make sure that you are comfortable, safe and happy." - KH, Private Day Hikes, May 2026
Cost:
$340 per person
Payment Plans, Scholarships, and discounts for teachers, nurses, veterans, and first responders are available for all Blue Ridge Hiking Co trips. For more information about payment plans and discount programs, please email our office at trips@blueridgehikingco.com. For information and to apply for scholarships, please see our scholarships page.
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 a month before the trip to discuss options. The maximum group size is 6 participants. If you are traveling in a party of 4 or more hikers, we encourage you to consider a private trip. You can find more information about our private trip offerings by sending us an email.
In addition to your guide, this price includes transportation between downtown Asheville and the trailhead and a picnic lunch each day. It does not include overnight lodging in Asheville, personal items, or 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. You will find the trip listed there.
A few weeks before the start of the trip, we will be in contact via email with a pre-trip email that includes all information for you to prepare for your trip, a waiver packet for you to complete (waiver, health form, and gear request form), and a detailed packing list.
Itinerary:
This trip meets at 9am each day at our shop in downtown Asheville, NC (70 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801). Each day, your guide will review the trip plan for the day, then you'll take our company shuttle and enjoy your hike!
During this trip, we plan to hike at Mt Mitchell - the highest peak east of the Mississippi River - and Max Patch - a grassy bald on the Appalachian Trail with iconic 360-degree views. Hikes are 4-7 miles in length and moderate difficulty.
You'll return back to downtown Asheville each day around 5pm. This trip does not include overnight lodging or any evening activities.
Guide:
Your guide for this trip will be Bev MacDowell. Hike with a contemporary! Bev has been a hiking/backpacking leader for adults and youth for more than 15 years. She is an AT Trail Maintainer/Max Patch section, she has completed Educator Outward Bound, and hiked 200 miles of the Spanish Camino del Santiago. Bev ia a completer of the local South Beyond 6000' Mountain Climbs (40) and Lookout Tower (22) Challenges. She feels most alive when she is active in the WNC forests. She loves introducing others to these old mountains!
What we Provide:
Transportation: Transportation between downtown Asheville and the trailhead is provided each day in our company SUV.
Food: Your guide will provide a picnic lunch each day, tailored to your dietary restrictions and preferences.
Individual Use Gear: All hikers should have a day pack and trekking poles. BRHC can provide day packs, hiking umbrellas, and trekking poles upon request at no additional charge.
Community Gear: BRHC provides all community gear for the trip, including water filters, toilet kit, first aid kit, and navigational tools.
What to Bring:
You are expected to bring your own clothing/footwear, a headlamp, two 1L water bottles (Nalgene or disposable Smart Water bottles are good options), and any necessary medications. Generally, comfortable trail shoes are better than heavy hiking boots. Please pack synthetic or wool athletic clothing rather than cotton; cotton does not dry quickly and will not keep you warm when wet. Bring a raincoat and a warm layer year round; a beanie and lightweight gloves are appropriate in most seasons as temperatures can be cool at higher elevations.
Cancellation Policy:
Trip cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Hikes may be cancelled up to 1 month before the trip for a refund (minus the 15% admin fee). Within 1 month, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 1 week, no refunds will be offered. If Blue Ridge Hiking Company cancels the trip due to severe weather, we'll offer a refund less the 15% admin fee. We are unable to offer exceptions to this policy; we strongly recommend all hikers purchase travel insurance to cover their trip.
Hikers may reschedule their trip once (at least 1 month before their trip) free of charge. Additional changes to their reservation date may result in a rescheduling fee.
We hike rain or shine! While it is incredibly rewarding, hiking is an endurance sport, and it can be challenging and/or uncomfortable at times. Maintaining a positive mindset, even when it is uncomfortable, is key to enjoying your time in the wilderness.
Our team of highly trained professional guides always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity for a guided hiking trip is 15-25% 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.
