August 2

Join us for an exhilarating adventure as we conquer three of North Carolina’s 6,000-foot peaks in a single day! Starting at the Black Balsam Trailhead, this challenging 8-mile hike features an elevation gain of approximately 1,400 feet, guiding us across the breathtaking summits of Black Balsam, Tennant Mountain, and Sam Knob. Even if you’ve explored these peaks individually, tackling them all in one day is a unique and rewarding experience. Plus, with the hike timed perfectly during the peak blueberry season, we’ll have an abundance of delicious blueberries to fuel our journey. Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to test your limits and savor nature’s bounty!

August 16

Valley History Explorer Series Hike #6: Riceville (Rattlesnake Lodge)
Hikers will first stop at Bull Creek Valley Overlook, overlooking the Riceville valley, to learn about the history of the community, named after Joseph Marion Rice, who settled in the region in the 1780s. From the Tanbark Ridge Tunnel, hikers will travel up to the ruins of Rattlesnake Lodge. In 1903, Dr. Chase Ambler, realizing the health benefits of the mountains, commenced construction of a summer home for his growing family. Remembered as one of the most unique summer residences in Western North Carolina, Rattlesnake Lodge also boasted stables, tennis courts, and a pool.

Difficulty: Moderate, 2.5 miles

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

August 16

Rim Hike #8: Walker’s Knob (CLICK HERE TO REGISTER)
This peak (elevation 5,482 feet) was named after North Fork’s Walker family, one of the early families to settle in the upper North Fork valley. The Walkers owned much of the land and were engaged in timber and logging. Along this trail are giant hemlocks, lichen and moss covered rocks, stretches of beech forest, surround by spectacular views. This 4-mile, moderate hike begins at Balsam Gap and then over Bullhead Mountain and ends at Greybeard Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. On this hike there are several long range views over the North Fork Valley and the Asheville Watershed.

**Note: The route of this hike as shown is dependent on the reopening of the BRP up to Mount Mitchell State Park prior to the date of the hike. If the BRP remains closed as of the date of the hike, an alternate hike will be substituted. Registered hikes will be notified if the route has been changed as soon as possible prior to the hike.**

Difficulty: Moderate, 4.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,475 feet

Join The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center Haunted History walking tours in downtown Black Mountain’s historic district. Traveling some of Black Mountain’s most storied streets, visitors will learn about the humorous, haunting and harrowing history of the Swannanoa Valley while being visited by some of its most famous spirits. This event, which is a fundraiser for the museum, will highlight local tragedies and triumphs- and the many ghosts, friendly and frustrated, born from these events.