Welcome Fall! Day Hike Trip (50+)
September 22-23, 2022
Welcome Fall with 2 successive Full Day Hikes, heading out in search of early fall color. We'll visit 2 beautiful wilderness areas, each with a unique atmosphere and flora and fauna. This is a great way to escape the heat for some cooler hiking, and check out some of our favorite mountain views! Each of the planned hikes are all moderate difficulty, and do have some sections of steep and/or rocky terrain.
This trip is exclusively for hikers age 50 and older.
"The guide was experienced and professional and made me feel completely safe and at ease on the trails.
They also brought an abundance of tasty food!" - C.B., Private Day Hike Series
Cost:
$250 per person
Scholarships and Sliding Scale Fees are available for this trip. 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. The maximum group size is 6 participants. If the trip minimum has not yet been met, we'll reach out to participants two weeks before the trip start date (September ) to discuss options. If you are traveling in a party of 4 or more hikers, we encourage you to consider a private backpacking trip. You can find more information about our private trip offerings by sending us an email.
Price includes two guided Full Day Hikes, including transportation and a picnic lunch each day. Price does not include gratuity for your guide.
This trip does not include lodging. We'll recommend a few of our favorite downtown-area lodgings in the confirmation email for hikers to choose from, or you can check out the many Bed and Breakfasts, Cabins, and AirBnBs in the area!
Sign-Up Details:
In order to sign up for this trip, please go to our trip calendar and select the trip start date (September 22nd). You will find the trip listed there.
Itinerary:
Trip meets at 9am at our 70 College St. location in downtown Asheville each morning. The first morning, you will be given a waiver to fill out. Each morning, your guide will explain the planned hike for that day, and will share some information about what you may see or experience. Each day hike will range from 5 to 10 miles, depending on the group's interest and ability. Itinerary and planned hikes are subject to change based on a variety of factors, including weather, trail conditions, and participants needs and abilities.
Planned hikes:
- Black Mountain Crest Trail. This out-and-back trek on the Black Mountain Crest Trail to Cattail will feature views and a journey off the beaten path to observe remnants of a 1960s plane crash.
- Cat Gap Loop. This iconic loop near Brevard in the John Rock/Cedar Rock area of Pisgah National Forest is complete with waterfalls and views.
Guide:
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 we Provide:
Food: We provide snacks and a picnic lunch each day. If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, please notify us ahead of time.
Individual Use Gear: We have day packs, trekking poles, and hiking umbrellas available for hikers to use, free of charge. Please let your guide or our admin team know ahead of time if you would like to use any of these items, and we will reserve them for you.
What to Bring:
Hikers should wear comfortable clothes and footwear. We recommend you avoid cotton; activewear is an excellent choice! Hikers should bring 2L water per person each day, and should pack a rain jacket and extra warm layer. These hikes are in the mountains of Western NC, so it will be several degrees cooler on your hikes than in Asheville!
COVID Safety Information:
In accordance with NC's mask mandate, all participants over the age of 11 are required to wear face coverings during trip meetup and in our shuttle vehicle. We also ask that you wear a mask any time you are within 6ft of your guide or another participant. We provide each hiker with a neck gaiters that can be used as a face covering. If you have additional questions about the safety precautions for your trip, please contact us via phone or email.
Cancellation Policy:
Payment in full is required to register. 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.
We hike rain or shine!
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 guided backpacking trip is 15-20% of trip price.
If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.
