Half-Day Hikes & Adventures

These custom guided hikes are for families and adventurous travelers. You will see many of the same forest marvels as in the Naturalist Walks, all while exploring rugged mountain terrain. We will lead you on a half-day hike up into the Black Mountains, finding unmarked trails, rockhopping up creeks. Hidden waterfalls, secret swimming holes, cloud forests, and rare plants and fungi are on the menu of options. Each trip is tailored to the clients' interests and fitness level.
Choose one of our listed hikes or contact us
to arrange a custom half-day, full-day, or overnight adventure.
This off-the-beaten path adventure follows a mountain creek as it tumbles down the mountain. Very few people get to visit any of these three waterfalls. For those excited to cool off, there are swimming holes under each of the falls that dot the trail. As always, we will be eager to point out the extraordinary plants and mushrooms along the way.
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$160 first two people; $30/each additional adult; $15 youth; kids free; ask about group rates
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Maximum group size: 10; discounted rates for public school teachers and large groups (7+ paying clients).
Hidden Creek Old Growth (~4 hrs)
This off-the-beaten path adventure winds through some of the finest old growth wilderness in Pisgah National. Majestic trees shade a trail that parallels the stunning mountain creek. Fit hikers will make it to a secluded high-elevation waterfall. An add-on is available for this hike: a short bushwhack to a gorgeous hidden swimming hole ($40 add-on, ~5 hrs).
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4 miles, up to 1000' climb
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$180 first two people; $50/each additional adult; $25 youth; kids free; ask about group rates
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Maximum group size: 8; discounted rates for public school teachers and large groups (6+ paying clients).
Swimming Hole Paradise (~4 hrs)
On some days, it feels like a true jungle adventure to find this fantastic swimming hole with a buttslide. This hike has a more moderate climb than the other creek adventures, so is appropriate for a wider range of fitness levels. This is the perfect outing for a family that wants to play in the water. For those who desire the ultimate adventure, we can rockhop up to the best buttslide in the area ($50 add-on; 5-6 hours)
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4 miles, 500' climb; longer version: 5 miles, 700' climb, plus rockhopping
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$160 first two people; $40/each additional adult; $20 youth; kids free; ask about group rates
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Maximum group size: 10; discounted rates for public school teachers and large groups (7+ paying clients).
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3 miles, 500' climb
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$160 first two people; $40/each additional adult; $20 youth; kids free; ask about group rates
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Maximum group size: 10; discounted rates for public school teachers and large groups (7+ paying clients).

