People come from near and far to enjoy the Montreat Wilderness. Some are here for a conference or retreat, some are visiting the area and looking for a beautiful hike, and many live in the community and head to the trails for exercise and renewal. However you find your way here, the Montreat Wilderness has a way of enchanting you. Its rugged beauty and unique ecology spark a lot of curiosity, and we get plenty of questions about this part of our ministry.
For us, helping people experience that sense of wonder is part of our mission. The wilderness offers space for rest, reflection, and connection with God’s creation. Over the past decade, we’ve worked hard to keep the trails better maintained and resourced, and the recovery after Hurricane Helene showed how much that work depends on this community. Caring for a trail system takes seasonal ranger staff, lumber for bridges and staircases, and the tools to keep paths clear. Donations make all of it possible.
Join us on Saturday, October 17, for the second annual Support the Montreat Wilderness Day. We’re setting aside the day for the community to gather around the wilderness, share information and ideas, and build support for future wilderness initiatives. Check out this event and schedule.
Throughout the day, you can:
- Meet the people who care for the land, including members of the Montreat Wilderness Advisory Committee (the volunteers who advise staff on wilderness initiatives) and the Montreat Tree Board (the community group focused on the health of Montreat’s trees).
- Hear short presentations from Montreat Conference Center staff, representatives of the Mount Mitchell Wildlife Club, and other community partners.
- Shop for a cause. 10% of sales at the shops in Moore Center (The Montreat Store, The Huckleberry, and The Good Steward) will go to the Wilderness Operations and Maintenance Fund.
Can’t make it? You can support the Montreat Wilderness anytime by making a gift to the Wilderness Operations and Maintenance Fund.
We hope to see you there!
This article was originally published in the September 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.