All hikes this summer are subject to change based on evolving health guidance and weather. Please feel free to drop by the Nature Center during normal operating hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm) to check on trail conditions or hike cancellations.
The Ranger staff will offer public hikes most Tuesday and Thursday during the summer conference season with a few special full-day Saturday hikes. All hikes are free and open to the public. You must be 13 or older to attend a hike without an adult guardian. Hikes will leave at 9:00 am—unless otherwise noted—from the Montreat Nature Center, located just below the Lake Susan spillway.
Due to damage from Hurricane Helene, some hikes may not appear on the schedule this summer and other hikes may be rerouted to avoid damaged trails. Please bear with us as we try to offer enjoyable guided hike experiences.
Half day hikes are designed to return in time for Clubs pickup at noon.
Full day hikes will return mid to late afternoon.
Before you hike
- Wear sturdy, well-broken-in hiking shoes
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Pack water and snacks for all hikes and a lunch for longer 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.
In case of emergency:
- Emergency Services: 911
- Montreat Nature Center: 828.699.9540
Tuesday, June 10
9:00 am, Half Day – Rattlesnake Rock (Big Piney Trail)
Moderate hike with short strenuous sections | Moderate pace
1:00 pm, Half Day – Lookout Traverse Loop
Moderate hike with steep technical sections | Moderate pace
Thursday, June 12
9:00 am, Half Day – Birding Hike with Bill Sanderson
Moderate hike | Leisurely pace
Take a hike with zoology professor Bill Sanderson, we will look for, listen to, and learn about some of Montreat avian wildlife.
Tuesday, June 17
Full Day – Pinnacle
Moderate hike with some strenuous sections | 16.4 miles total | 3300’ gain
The second-longest hike of the summer takes us to Pinnacle Mountain, just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway near the entrance to Mount Mitchell State Park. We’ll take the Graybeard Trail to the foot of Graybeard Mountain, walk along the Mitchell Toll Road all the way to the Parkway, and then double back along the ridge line to Pinnacle. We’ll have a leisurely lunch at the top with plenty of time to take in the excellent view (and a nap), and then return via the Toll Road to Buck Gap, Lookout Trail and home. Be sure to bring rain gear and plenty of water.
Thursday, June 19
9:00 am, Half Day – Lookout Loop
Easy hike | Moderate pace
1:00 pm, Half Day – Lower Piney
Easy hike | Leisurely pace
Tuesday, June 24
9:00 am, Half Day – Sanctuary Loop
Easy hike | Leisurely pace
1:00 pm, Half Day – Rainbow Road
Easy hike | Moderate pace
Thursday, June 26
Full Day – East Ridge Ramble
Moderate hike with a few strenuous sections | 6 miles total | 1700’ gain
From the Nature Center we’ll ascend the Rocky Head Trail, travel along the East Ridge Trail, and descend via Lookout Trail.
Tuesday, July 1
Full Day – Annual Perimeter Hike
Long and strenuous hike; some moderate sections | Approximately 16.0 miles | Expect to return after 5 PM
Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and rain gear. Rangers will carry water filters but no water source is available on the first half of the hike.
A 4th of July week tradition. We’ll ascend Stomping Knob to the West Ridge, then up to Graybeard Mountain for lunch. Return along the East Ridge to Rainbow Mountain. A very challenging hike topping nearly every peak in the Montreat valley | This is a trip for strong hikers only. It often rains on this trip, be prepared.
Tuesday, July 8
9:00 am, Half Day – Rainbow Mountain
Strenuous hike | Moderate pace
Thursday, July 10
9:00 am, Half Day – History Hike with the Presbyterian Heritage Center
Easy hike | Leisurely pace
Join the Exective Director of the Presbyterian Heritage Center, Anne Chesky, on a hike focusing on the history of Montreat.
Tuesday, July 15
Full Day – East Ridge Ramble
Moderate hike with a few strenuous sections | 6 miles total | 1700’ gain
From the Nature Center we’ll ascend the Rocky Head Trail, travel along the East Ridge Trail, and descend via Lookout Trail.
Tuesday, July 22
Full Day – Two Sisters and a View
Strenuous hike | 4.2 miles total | 2000’ gain
We will ascend Stomping Knob trail, stopping to see the old moonshine stills. Turning north on the West Ridge, we will proceed to the top of Big Piney. We will stop for lunch at Rattlesnake Rock then continue our descent to Montreat via the Big Piney Trail.
Tuesday, July 29
9:00 am, Half Day – Brushy Mountain
Moderate to strenuous hike | Fast Pace
Thursday, July 31
Full Day – Pinnacle
Long and strenuous hike; some moderate sections | Approximately 16.0 miles | Expect to return after 5 PM
Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and rain gear. Rangers will carry water filters but no water source is available on the first half of the hike.
We’ll ascend Stomping Knob to the West Ridge, then up to Graybeard Mountain for lunch. Return along the East Ridge to Rainbow Mountain. A very challenging hike topping nearly every peak in the Montreat valley | This is a trip for strong hikers only. It often rains on this trip, be prepared.