Spending two days with the Montreat Rangers felt like tagging along with a band of mountain goats who carry axes, wear matching hats, and can rattle off the name of any plant you point at. As we worked in the Montreat Wilderness, their job was to keep Montreat’s trails safe, beautiful, and hikeable. My job was to try not to pass out as I attempted to keep up with them. If you are ever around the Rangers, you will witness their untamable, joyful spirit in action. If they see a tree, one of them will try to climb it. If there is a hill, chances are high they will roll down it. I even saw a couple of them hanging upside down by their toes from a shelter in the middle of the woods just because they could! Their sense of fun is contagious, and a big part of what makes this crew so unforgettable. They treat the forest like a giant playground, reminding me that nature is meant to enjoy.
What makes this team special isn’t just their collective wilderness knowledge (which is vast) or their ability to sprint up a trail like it is nothing (which is terrifying) – it’s their love for each other and shared sense of mission. Each team member brings something special to the crew: Emily’s steady leadership sets the tone. Claire’s words of encouragement make even the most grueling hike feel manageable. Dylan has a knack for turning every water break into a mini adventure. Stella’s enthusiasm is infectious and keeps energy high even when the trail gets tough. Pierce keeps morale up with his jokes and uplifting spirit. Jason, the year-round wilderness director, is basically the Dumbledore of the woods; full of wisdom, patience, and a deep desire to make you fall in love with the natural world.
The work they do is intense. In my time as a temporary Ranger, I joined two public hikes (Rainbow Road and the Sanctuary Loop), rode in the back of a truck, helped clear a tree that had fallen over a trail, and hiked parts of Lower Piney, the East Ridge, and the Mt. Mitchell Toll Road. The Rangers maintain and mark trails, lead public hikes, take care of the aquatic life in Lake Susan, educate visitors at the Nature Center, and rescue people who get lost on the trails – luckily, I didn’t end up needing that service. While the work they do is often done behind the scenes, it is foundational to the Montreat experience. In the wake of the trail closures due to Hurricane Helene, the Rangers are actively working to repair and reopen areas for the hundreds of hikers who explore these trails each day.
The Rangers’ goal is not just to maintain trails; they are secretly behind a lot of Montreat’s magic. Jason explained the reason behind the work they do by quoting Aldo Leopold: “The objective is to teach the student to see the land, to understand what he sees, and to enjoy what he understands.” The Rangers are the reason kids sprint up to the Nature Center asking to see the snakes, and the reason visitors and locals feel comfortable hiking into the woods. They help to create small, miraculous moments, like when they quiet a group and encourage them to listen to the sound of the stream or point out a mushroom you have likely never seen before. Whether they are offering directions or an encouraging mid-hike smile, the Rangers bring joy, curiosity, and charm to every corner of Montreat.
My time as an honorary Ranger qualifies as the craziest two days of my summer so far. I was wildly out of my comfort zone, but I also enjoyed myself beyond measure. The Rangers made me feel like part of their team (they even gave me a junior ranger badge, which I will display proudly forever). They took the time to explain things that are unique to their skill set, they answered all my questions (even the silly ones), and they made sure I was successful on their hikes/missions.
I encourage you to stop by the Nature Center or take time to join a public hike this summer. You will sweat and maybe trip over a rock or two, but I promise you will leave with the gift of a greater appreciation for the trails, the woods, and the group of amazing Rangers who keep it all running. And if you find yourself huffing and puffing behind them, don’t worry, they’ll wait for you.
Kayden Foyles is the marketing assistant at Montreat Conference Center as part of Summer Staff. She is a rising senior at North Carolina State University studying Communication Media.
