We are happy to offer guided hikes again this fall.
All hikes depart from the Nature Center at 9:00 a.m., except the Wilderness Day Hike on Saturday, October 17, which departs at 9:30 a.m.
In the event of inclement weather, hikes may be altered, truncated, or cancelled. Please make sure we have a waiver on file. Waivers can be filled out at the Nature Center.
Please email wilderness@montreat.org in advance to sign up for the hike!
Suggested donation of $10 toward the Wilderness Operations and Maintenance Fund.
Fall Hike Schedule
All hikes depart from the Nature Center at 9:00 a.m., except the Wilderness Day Hike on Saturday, October 17, which departs at 9:30 a.m.
| Friday, September 18 | Rattlesnake Rock We will climb Big Piney to Rattlesnake Rock and return the same way. About a 3-hour hike. |
| Wednesday, September 23 | Lower Piney We will hike the Lower Piney Trail from one end to the other and then return on the roads. Just over 2 hours. |
| Tuesday, September 29 | Brushy Mountain We will hike up Lookout to the Trestle Road, go to Buck Gap, then climb up the south face of Brushy. We will return by climbing down the north face of Brushy and descend from Sourwood gap. Just over 3 hours. |
| Tuesday, October 6 | Trestle Tour We will climb Rainbow Road to Trestle and walk along it with stops for interpretive history of the railroad. We will walk a portion of the Trestle and then return. 2 to 3 hours. |
| Tuesday, October 13 | Sanctuary Loop including Woodward Falls We will start on Graybeard and make a counterclockwise loop which includes Harry Bryan, Julia Woodward, and Sanctuary trails with a detour to see the Woodward Falls area. About 2 hours. |
| Saturday, October 17 | Wilderness Day Hike, Lower Piney We will hike the Lower Piney Trail from one end to the other and then return on the roads. This is an excellent hike for leaf viewing. Just over 2 hours. |
Before you hike
- Wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking shoes
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Pack water and snacks for all hikes
- Acquire a Montreat trail systems map online or at the Nature Center
- Let someone who is not hiking with you know your hiking plan and follow it.