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Half-Day Hikes & Adventures

Guided hike on the Black Mountain Crest Trail to Mount Mitchell.

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.

Three Waterfall Hike (~4 hrs)

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.

  • 4 miles, up to 800' climb

  • $160 first two people; $30/each additional adult; $15 youth; kids free; ask about group rates

  • Maximum group size: 10; discounted rates for public school teachers and large groups (7+ paying clients). 

Waterfall hike
Old Growth
Swimming Holes

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)

  • 4 miles, 500' climb; longer version: 5 miles, 700' climb, plus rockhopping

  • $160 first two people; $40/each additional adult; $20 youth; kids free; ask about group rates

  • Maximum group size: 10; discounted rates for public school teachers and large groups (7+ paying clients). 

Cloud Forest
Red Eft (adolescent phase of Eastern Newt), themost commonly seen critter on a Snakeroot ecotour
Guided backpacking trip over the Black Mountains, Mount Mitchell, NC
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