Programs
Outdoors
Miles of scenic hiking and walking trails criss-cross 2,500 acres of permanently protected Montreat wilderness. Maps are provided for hiking on your own, or you may choose to participate in public hikes led by the Montreat Trail Club or the summer Wilderness Ranger staff. Learn more about the Montreat Wilderness.
Other outdoor recreation at Montreat includes:
- Fishing
- Rock-hopping
- Paddle-boating & canoeing on Lake Susan *
- The Robert Lake Park playground
- An outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool *
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Tennis
*Seasonal activities.
| Hiking/Nature Center |
In the summer, public hikes take place most Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays. Call 828-669-9540, stop by the Nature Center, or check out the latest issue of This Week in Montreat for more information.
For the complete schedule of Tuesday & Thursday hikes, download the 2008 Wilderness Program Hike Descriptions. For a list of Saturday hikes, see schedule in the latest issue of The Wanderer.
In the off-season, please see the schedule of public hikes in the latest issue of The Wanderer.
| Fishing |
Permit Rates:
- Daily – $5
- Weekly – $20
- Four weeks – $75
- Season – $135
Permits for fishing in Montreat’s lake and streams may be purchased at the General Store (year-round) or Nature Center (summer only). Fishing rules are posted at the Nature Center.
For more information about fishing permits, call 828-669-9540 (summer only) or 828-669-6016 (year-round).
| Paddle-Boats & Canoes |
Hours: 2:00-6:00 pm daily (summer only)
Rates: $2 per boat per half-hour
No reservations taken.
For more information about the boats, call 828-669-0593 (summer only).
| Outdoor Swimming Pool |
Hours: (summer only)
- 1:00—6:00 pm daily
- 12 noon—1:00 pm, Monday-Friday, lap swim only
The pool is open to the general public.
Individual Rates:
- Daily – $3.00 per person (age three & under free)
Family Rates: (family swim passes may be purchased at the pool)
- Weekly – $48
- Four weeks – $145
- Season – $260
For more information about the pool, call 828-669-0593 (summer only).
| Patricia Cornwell Tennis Center |
Reservations available during the following hours:
(summer only)
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday
- 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm Saturday
- 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Sunday
For information on private instruction or reserving a court, call one day in advance.
Rates:
- Singles: $1 per person per half hour
- Doubles: $.75 per person per half hour
- 20-hour pass: $20
For more information about tennis, call 828.669.9757 (summer only).