We are excited to offer a new volunteer opportunity this summer in the form of public hike hosts! Every summer, the Montreat Rangers offer public hikes for the Montreat community on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We will continue that tradition this year while incorporating a new twist: For some of our half-day hikes, we would like individuals from the community to help lead the hike.
If you are interested, you can sign up to lead one of the following half-day hikes:
- Tuesday, June 16: Rattlesnake Rock (Big Piney Trail)
- Tuesday, June 30: Sanctuary Loop
- Tuesday, July 9: Lookout Loop
- Tuesday, July 14: Rainbow Mountain
- Tuesday, July 28: Two Sisters and a View
- Thursday, Aug 4: Brushy Mountain
Volunteers will be accompanied by 1-2 rangers who will serve in support roles for first aid or other specific needs.
By assisting with one of these hikes, you will support our ministry in the following ways:
- You will help our community to extend its hospitality to the public.
- You will give our ranger staff a chance to learn more about the Montreat Wilderness based on your personal experiences.
- You’ll free up some of our ranger staff so that they can spend more time on the second (and more time intensive) phase of Hurricane Helene clean up and trail maintenance.
The wilderness rangers will continue to lead the longer and more difficult hikes over the course of the summer. (Although, as always, you are welcome to join us!)
What to Expect
As usual, our hikes are on Tues or Thurs mornings. They depart from the Montreat Nature Center on foot at 9:00 am.
All half day hikes are designed to return in time for the lunchtime Clubs pick-up.
Take this opportunity to share your knowledge of Montreat with others. Are you a birder? Great! Let everyone know some bird facts. An amateur historian? A forester? A geologist? A botanist? A pastor? The possibilities are endless.
If you are interested or have questions before committing, please email Jason Nanz, wilderness director, at jasonn@montreat.org. We would love to have you!
This article was originally published in the April 2026 edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Stewarding God’s Creation which highlights information related to the Montreat Wilderness. Sign up to receive Stewarding God’s Creation directly in your inbox by clicking here.