Come celebrate our 50th year of conservation in the Highlands of Roan!
We invite you to enjoy a day of free, guided outings in the iconic Roan landscape. Enjoy blooming rhododendron and gorgeous views as we celebrate the conservation of these globally important ecosystems. We offer a variety of outings for different ages, interests, and ability levels — from challenging treks to relaxing yoga or a simple stroll to a waterfall.
Below are brief descriptions of each hike. Follow the links provided to view the full description and register for the hike. These guided outings are all free, but pre-registration is required, and space may be limited.
What to Bring: Water bottle, sturdy footwear, gear/clothing relevant for your specific outing, and a bag to carry personal items. Weather in the Roan can change quickly, so you may want to bring sunscreen, a rain jacket, and multiple layers. Most hikes will have an opportunity to stop for lunch along the way — please plan to bring your own lunch.
Click HERE to Register for the Afternoon Social.
Elk Hollow Falls with Pathways to Parks
Time: 10:00 am
Leaders: Larry Pender & Tanya Marie of Pathways to Parks
Where: Elk Hollow Preserve, 3535 Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (5/10)
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED
REGISTRATION FOR THIS HIKE IS CURRENTLY FULL
Please join our friends at Pathways to Parks for this classic hike to visit Elk Hollow Falls. Hikers will enjoy our Evertt Bowman Memorial Trail which will take you through golden-winged warbler habitat, deep forests, and scenic vistas, and leave you sitting next to the crystal clear waters of Elk Hollow Branch, permanently protected for your enjoyment. After the hike, I hope you will join us back at the start of the trail for our June Jamboree Drop-in Social!
This hike will be led by our partners at Pathways to Parks whose vision is to motivate Americans of color to get outdoors and enjoy the benefits of nature in our national, state, and local parks and to help make it easy and accessible for them to do so!
Birding in the Highlands of Roan
Time: 8:30 am
Leaders: Joe McGuiness, Botanist with the Cherokee National Forest & Marquette Crockett, Director of Roan Stewardship
Meeting Location: The Spear Country Store, 5810 US-19E, Newland, NC 28657
Distance: 1 mile
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED
Come search for birds in the protected Roan Mountain Important Bird Area, traveling up through SAHC’s Yellow Mountain Connector Property, 456 acres which joins North Carolina’s Yellow Mountain State Natural Area to create an unbroken swath of mature forest and rushing streams. As we travel, we may hear forest interior birds like Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird, Veery, Black-throated Green and Blue Warblers, and others. Turk’s Cap lily, Black Cohosh, and Purple Flowering Raspberry dot the roadsides.
We hope all birders will stick around and join us at Elk Hollow Preserve, just 10 minutes down the road, at noon, for our Drop-in Social to celebrate our conservation success in the Highlands of Roan!
Elk Hollow Yoga
Time: 10:30 am
Leaders: Lillah Schwartz
Where: Elk Hollow Preserve, 3535 Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC
Distance: 0.5 miles
Distance: Moderate (4/10)
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED
We are delighted to share the exciting news that Lillah Schwartz, a highly regarded yoga instructor, author, and mentor hailing from Asheville, NC, will be joining us for this year’s June Jamboree. Lillah will lead a nature-based yoga class at our Elk Hollow Preserve, where she will tailor the session to the group and the serene surroundings of the Roan Highlands. We are honored to have her expertise enhance our event.
Following the yoga session, all are welcome to unwind by Elk Hollow Falls or join us at our Drop-in Social, commencing at noon.
Big Yellow Mountain Hike
Time: 9:30 am
Leaders: Jay Leutze
Where: 45 Birchfield Creek, Newland, NC 28657
Distance: 2 miles
Distance: Moderate (6/10), some steep inclines
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED
REGISTRATION FOR THIS HIKE IS CURRENTLY FULL
Embark on a journey with Jay Leutze, an esteemed author, Senior Advisor to SAHC’s Board of Trustees, and a proud resident of Big Yellow. Together, we’ll explore a hidden gem nestled within the Roan Highlands. Jay will lead a brief yet invigorating hike, offering panoramic views of the Roan while regaling us with tales of the land.
Following our adventure, we invite all participants to join us at Elk Hollow Preserve, a quick 20-minute drive away, for our Drop-in Social at noon. Let’s come together to revel in the conservation victories of the Highlands of Roan!
Challenge Hike: Roaring Creek to Big Yellow Loop
Time: 9:00 am
Leader: Travis Bordley
Where: Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead, Roaring Creek Road, Newland, NC
Distance: 5 miles
Distance: Difficult (9/10), long steep inclines and unmarked trails
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED
REGISTRATION FOR THIS HIKE IS CURRENTLY FULL
The 2024 June Jamboree Challenge Hike promises an adventurous blend of experiences for all participants. Brace yourself for mountain ascents, Appalachian Trail traverses, panoramic views from hidden balds, and exploration of lesser-known SAHC preserves, all intertwined with a bit of bushwhacking. Setting off from the Yellow Mountain Gap Trailhead at the terminus of Roaring Creek Road, this rugged trek will follow the ridgeline along the AT to Little Hump, continue to Big Yellow Mountain, and culminate with a descent through SAHC-protected wilderness. Expect a demanding journey, requiring endurance for long distances and comfort with off-trail navigation across steep terrain.
Afterward, we invite all hikers to gather at Elk Hollow Preserve, conveniently located nearby, for our Drop-in Social, starting at noon or whenever we wrap up. Let’s come together to toast to our conservation triumphs in the majestic Highlands of Roan!
Pine Knob Hike
Time: 9:30 am
Leaders: Park & Katie Greer
Where: South Yellow Mountain Preserve, Spruce Pine, NC
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (6/10)
Cost: FREE, pre-registration is REQUIRED
REGISTRATION FOR THIS HIKE IS CURRENTLY FULL
Come and join us to be among the first people to step foot on the newly protected South Yellow Mountain Preserve. You might have heard about this property in the news lately. We’ve recently acquired this 7,500-acre preserve and we’re thrilled to share it with you. Our preserve manager, Park Greer, has gotten know every corner of this property and he has chosen this hike especially for the June Jamboree event. This hike offers magnificent waterfalls, breathtaking views, and vast expanses of protected land. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore conservations at its finest!
We hope participants will join us after the hike at our neighboring Elk Hollow Preserve, just 20 minutes down the road, at noon, for our Drop-in Social to celebrate our conservation success in the Highlands of Roan!
Drop-in Social!!
We will hold a drop-in social at our Elk Hollow Preserve in the afternoon after morning hikes conclude. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating friends, family, and shared hike experiences while learning about SAHC’s recent land protection news. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided, so please RSVP so we have enough for everyone!
We look forward to seeing you and hope you all join us in celebrating 50 years of conservation success in the Highlands of Roan!
