Do not access closed trails for any reason without explicit permission from the Mountain Retreat Association (dba Montreat Conference Center).
Montreat is committed to an enriching wilderness experience for all. Between peaceful picnic areas, an educational Nature Center, guided hikes and more, there’s something in the outdoors for all who visit.
In 2004, Montreat Conference Center placed approximately 2,460 acres of pristine wilderness under a conservation easement. This land is now permanently protected from development and is known as the Montreat Wilderness. The Montreat Wilderness joins local mountain preserves and several thousand acres of private land in preserving the wildness and unique ecology of the entire region. By protecting this land we think of the many generations to come who will have the gift of experiencing Montreat’s nature, unperturbed by our changing world.
To help protect this land, and the entire 4,000 acre valley, we’ve teamed up with neighboring organizations to care for our wilderness. The Montreat Landcare Committee is a community-based group of volunteers working on conservation projects to enrich the town of Montreat. To learn more about opportunities to volunteer and give, please visit Montreat Landcare’s website.
Hiking | Camping | Picnic Areas
The Nature Center
Hiking
The Montreat Wilderness and trail system is on private property managed by the Mountain Retreat Association (dba Montreat Conference Center). Our trail system is protected by conservation practices and is a hike-at-your-own-risk facility. There are more than 20 trails in Montreat stretching over 40 miles, offering a variety of hikes for all skill levels.
Camping
The Montreat Family Campground is comprised of 29 tent/small pop-up campsites nestled among the hardwoods, laurels, and rhododendrons that run alongside Flat Creek. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire pit, and grill. Electrical or water hookups are not available at most sites; however, water spigots are close to each campsite and two bath houses provide campers with hot water, showers, toilets, and electrical outlets. Site 5 has full RV hookups: water, electrical and sewer. Sites 11 and 14 have electricity.
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and firearms are prohibited in the Montreat Family Campground. Pets are allowed as long as they are kept quiet and leashed, and you must clean up after them. Questions about the Montreat Campground should be directed to the front desk of Assembly Inn at frontdesk@montreat.org or 828.419.9844.