July Community Farm Tour
2025-07-26 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Halifax) | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: Starting at 10 am
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: Suggested $10 donation towards our conservation efforts is appreciated.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a July Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
Celebrate the height of summer with a guided hike along The Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC. This 2.5-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm in full bloom.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. July is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
The SAHC Community Farm hosts a range of exciting programs and projects, including a stream restoration project, shortleaf pine reforestation, a farm incubator program, silvopasture project, food forest, Story Walk, and a growing education center. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Alex Russell at alex@appalachian.org.

South Yellow Mountain Preserve: Hike to Pine Knob
2025-08-08 09:00 - 12:00
Start time: Friday, August 8 at 9 am
Distance: 3.8 miles

Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob, an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the way Park will interpret the area’s geology and history, dating back hundreds of years.

Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, wet and rocky inclines, and plenty of bugs. This outing lasts approximately 3 hours.

Please come prepared with water, sturdy shoes, hiking poles, and lunch/snacks.

The hike is FREE for SAHC members, and $10 for non-members.

Fill out the form below to sign up for this hike

August 2025 SAHC Community Farm Tour
2025-08-26 09:30 - 11:30 | SAHC Community Farm (Event Venue), 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC, 28701, United States
Date: Tuesday, August 26
Time: Starting at 9:30 am
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: FREE for SAHC Members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
What can you see on the Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC? The 2.5-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm. Learn about the positive aspects of agroforestry as you walk through silvopasture demonstration project, see apple trees growing in the Food Forest orchard, stroll through the youth-friendly Story Walk, discover how stream buffers help protect water quality, and check out the growing areas for SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. Summer is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the SAHC Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org.
To Register for this Hike, Fill Out Form Below:

South Yellow Mountain Preserve Hike: Hellbender Festival Hike to Pine Knob
2025-08-31 09:00 - 12:00
Start time: Sunday, August 31 at 9 am
Distance: 3.8 miles
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is hosting a special hike in conjunction with the Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine!
Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob, an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the way Park will interpret the area’s geology and history, dating back hundreds of years.
Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, wet and rocky inclines, and plenty of bugs. This outing lasts approximately 3 hours.
Please come prepared with water, sturdy shoes, hiking poles, and lunch/snacks.
The hike is FREE for SAHC members, and $10 for non-members.
Registration for this hike will be made IN PERSON at the SAHC booth during the Hellbender Festival in Spruce Pine on Saturday, August 30.
For more info about the festival, visit Discoversprucepinenc.com/nchellbenderfestival

2025 Clawtoberfest Hike - Strawberry Gap Trail
2025-09-20 10:00
Date: Saturday, September 20th
Time: 10:00 am
Where: Strawberry Gap to Blue Ridge Pastures
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Cost: FREE for all participants (Pre-Registration is Required!)

Kick-off Clawtoberfest with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy by joining us for a guided hike for Highland Brewing Company’s “Thirst for Good” partnership! We’re hitting the trails to celebrate Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Clawhammer Oktoberfest Lager by hiking to Blue Ridge Pastures via the Strawberry Gap Trail. Participants will hike a moderately strenuous 6 mile out-and-back through a beautiful forest while taking in sweeping views of Fairview, NC before arriving at the remote Blue Ridge Pastures.
Strawberry Gap is in the stunning Upper Hickory Nut Gorge trail network and climbs upward for three miles through beautiful, boulder-strewn forests. About halfway up, a rock outcrop offers sweeping views over a picturesque valley and range upon range of distant, blue mountains. The climax of this trail is Blue Ridge Pastures, where the forests give way to a ridgeline pasture, revealing dramatic views of the Hickory Nut Gorge, Bearwallow Mountain, Little Pisgah Mountain, and in the distance the highest mountains in the eastern United States.
This trail is made possible through a partnership between two local land trusts–Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy (SAHC) and Conserving Carolina. SAHC owns Strawberry Gap Preserve and worked with multiple private landowners to protect this beautiful mountain land with conservation easements. Conserving Carolina then built the trail, which connects to Trombatore Trail at Blue Ridge Pastures. This brings us to more than 16 miles of connected trails in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge.
This hike is part of our corporate partnership with Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, NC. Highland donates a portion of sales of seasonal releases during the “release party” at the Tasting Room in Asheville to support SAHC’s land and water conservation efforts, and we lead guided hikes for folks to experience and enjoy the natural landscapes for which these seasonal brews are named and beyond.
After the hike we will have plenty of time to head back by Highland Brewing to enjoy all the festivities and share a Clawhammer together!
*Please note that Strawberry Gap passes through privately owned land and dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Cost – FREE for all participants, (Pre-Registration is Required Below!)

2025 September SAHC Community Farm Hike
2025-09-26 12:00 - 14:00
Date: Friday, September 26
Time: Starting at 12:00 pm
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: FREE for SAHC Members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
What can you see on the Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC? The 2.0-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm. Learn about the positive aspects of agroforestry as you walk through silvopasture demonstration project, see apple trees growing in the Food Forest orchard, stroll through the youth-friendly Story Walk, discover how stream buffers help protect water quality, and check out the growing areas for SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. Summer is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the SAHC Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
To Register for this Hike, Fill Out Form Below:

Conservation Celebration Hike Along Bull Creek
2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00
Date: Sunday, October 5th, 2025
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: SAHC’s Bull Creek Preserve at Warren Wilson College
Difficulty: Moderate (4/10)
Cost: FREE for all participants (Pre-Registration is Required!)

Join SAHC on a guided hike to celebrate the purchase of the new Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Bull Creek Preserve at Warren Wilson College! This 191 acre tract consists of a beautiful cove and mixed forest, an open 17-acre pasture with stunning views of the Black Mountains, and lovely sections of Bull Creek with rocky streambanks and wading pools. A tributary of the Swannanoa River, Bull Creek originates in the Black Mountains just south of Rattlesnake Lodge and the Blue Ridge Parkway, draining an area of more than 10 square miles. Approximately 3 miles of single track hiking and biking trails traverse the property in an existing trail system.
This hike has a few steep sections along with some trip hazards such as roots and rocks, but is mostly flat ground that winds through the forest with numerous different paths you can take to continue through the woods or walk along Bull Creek. We will split up into groups for a guided hike or you can take a map and explore on your own!
SAHC’s purchase ensures protection of the property from future development, preserving the scenic beauty of the landscape as well as water resources, habitat, and places for people to enjoy outdoor recreation. SAHC will own the land for the long-term and remain in deep partnership with Warren Wilson College, who will continue to use the property for education and land management training.
If you have any questions about this hike, please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
This hike is FREE, but you MUST register below first.

2025 October Blackrock Mountain Hike
2025-10-11 10:30 - 14:30
Date: Saturday, October 11th
Time: 10:30 am
Where: Blackrock Mountain Trail, Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Cost: FREE for all participants (Pre-Registration is Required!)

Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on Saturday, October 11th to hike the Blackrock Mountain Trail to the summit of Blackrock Mountain with views of Thunderstruck Ridge, Waterrock Knob and other 6,000ft peaks! Participants will travel roughly 6 miles over rugged terrain through mystical red spruce, fraser firs, and red oak forests while periodically stopping at rock outcroppings for awe inspiring views.
This moderately strenuous hike contains numerous steep sections with some rock scrambling. During this time of year, we’ll be seeing spectacular fall colors as well as Saw-Whet Owl and Carolina Northern Flying squirrel habitat!
Blackrock Mountain in the Plott Balsam Mountains is part of a network of conservation lands in progress of being added to an expansion of national park land at Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In 2013, Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased the summit of Blackrock Mountain, with more than 250 surrounding acres. The property adjoins other conservation lands: SAHC’s 60-acre Blackrock Ridge tract (protected in 2010), the Sylva Watershed (protected with a conservation easement held by Mainspring Conservation Trust), and The Nature Conservancy’s Plott-Balsam Preserve. SAHC’s conservation work in this area protects high elevation habitat and pristine headwater streams.
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email SAHC Outreach Program Manager, Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org

Cost – FREE for all participants, (Pre-Registration is Required Below!)

Sunset Yoga on the Farm
2025-10-26 17:00 - 18:00
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Gentle Flow Yoga
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for Non-members (Pre-Registration is Required!)
Bring your own mat

Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on Sunday, October 26th for a gentle 60 minute yoga session at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC led by our Outreach Program Manager, Erin Goodpaster. This class is suitable for beginners as well as experienced students. This class will offer some flow, including some movements up and down off of the mat. Postures may include, but are not limited to, sitting, hands & knees, standing poses, balancing poses, etc. Expect lots of modifications and cues to help you have the safest practice possible. This flow will be a relaxing way to wind down with the sunset and ease your way into the coming week.
After our flow, we will have some fall treats and beverages offered in our Education Center.
Erin is a certified 200 hr yoga instructor and has been practicing yoga since 2015.

After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. If you have any questions please email SAHC Outreach Program Manager, Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org

Cost – Free for Members, $10 for Non-members, (Pre-Registration is Required Below!)

2025 November Elk Hollow Preserve Hike
2025-11-01 11:00 - 12:30
Date: Saturday, November 1st
Time: 11:00 AM
Where: Elk Hollow Preserve
Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (6/10), several steep inclines and some slick surfaces.
Cost: Free for SAHC Members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED

Join SAHC for a beautiful fall hike at our Elk Hollow Preserve! This moderate two mile scenic route will guide us through stunning forests of oaks, maples, and beech trees. The trail will wander beside Elk Hollow Branch and pass some vibrant meadows perfect for birdwatching. The Preserve is home to a variety of rare wildlife, such as Golden-winged Warblers, Southern Appalachian brook trout, and Gray’s lilies. In addition, SAHC has set up a well-maintained trail system, a tent camping platform, and a moldering privy!
It is hunting season, so bright colored/blaze orange clothes and hats are strongly recommended.
The Elk Hollow Preserve is located about 1.5 hours north of Asheville, NC, and an hour from Johnson City, TN. Please plan your trip accordingly!
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. If you have any questions please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
This event is Free for SAHC members and $10 for non-members. If you’d like to become a member, click here!

To Register for this Hike, Fill Out Form Below:

2025 November Community Farm Hike
2025-11-09 10:30 - 11:30
Date: Sunday, November 9th
Time: Starting at 10:30 AM
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: FREE for SAHC Members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
What can you see on the Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC? The 2.0-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm. Learn about the positive aspects of agroforestry as you walk through silvopasture demonstration project, see apple trees growing in the Food Forest orchard, stroll through the youth-friendly Story Walk, discover how stream buffers help protect water quality, and check out the growing areas for SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. Summer is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the SAHC Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
To Register for this Hike, Fill Out Form Below:

2025 November Chestnut Mountain Hike
2025-11-21 11:00 - 14:00
Date: Friday, November 21
Time: Starting at 11:00 AM
Where: Chestnut Mountain Nature Park
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (6/10), several long, steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: FREE for members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED below

Join SAHC for a guided group hike at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park in Canton, NC on Friday, November 21st at 11 am. We will hike 6 miles on the Old Timer Loop via the Papertown Express Trail. This hike is rated moderately strenuous, containing many extended steep sections with some rocky terrain and about 800 feet of elevation gain. Be aware that bikers can also use the Papertown Trail, so we may encounter riders.
SAHC purchased the 448-acre Chestnut Mountain tract in 2020 and then transferred the property to the Town of Canton in 2022. Chestnut Mountain Nature Park opened to the public in April 2022 and hosts over 15 miles of trails.
This property is a critical piece of a larger wildlife corridor connecting the Pisgah National Forest to Sandy Mush and Cherokee Forest of East Tennessee. Conservation of the land permanently protected nine miles of streams, including a section of Hominy Creek.
Conservation of the Chestnut Mountain property was made possible through funding from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund, the NC Attorney General’s Office’s Environmental Enhancement Grant Program, The Pigeon River Fund of The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, the Conservation Trust for North Carolina, many private donors, and a bridge loan from the The Conservation Fund.

After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email SAHC Outreach Program Manager Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

Learn more about Chestnut Mountain Nature Park

2025 December Asbury Trail Hike
2025-12-13 10:00 - 15:00
Date: Saturday, December 13th
Time: Starting at 10:00 AM
Where: Asbury Trail
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (6/10), several long, steep inclines and descents are present on this trail.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED below

Join SAHC for a guided group hike on the Asbury Trail at Cove Creek Gap along the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This hike is a steady descent and gradually becomes steeper moving towards Cataloochee Creek. This will be an out and back hike of about 6 miles total.
Along this hike we will pass five SAHC protected tracts that sit between the Smokies and Pisgah National Forest buffering its boundary from incompatible real-estate development. The last property we will come across, which we will be celebrating one year of protecting, is the 407 acre White Oak Mountain tract on the eastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Protection of this property and others buffering the park provides exceptional habitat for a variety of plant and animal species in an important corridor for wildlife movement, scenic views from the Appalachian Trail, and water quality in headwater tributaries of the Pigeon River watershed.
No dogs are allowed on this hike.
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email SAHC Outreach Program Manager Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

December Sunset Yoga on the Farm
2025-12-14 16:00 - 17:00
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Gentle Flow Yoga
Date & Time: December, 14th, 4:00 pm
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for Non-members (Pre-Registration is Required!)
Bring your own mat

Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy on Sunday, December 14th for a gentle 60 minute yoga session in our Education Center at the SAHC Community Farm in Alexander, NC led by our Outreach Program Manager, Erin Goodpaster. As we move into this winter season, we hope to offer an invitation to slow down, ground, and turn inwards before we head into the hustle of the holidays.
This class is suitable for beginners as well as experienced students and will offer some flow, including some movements up and down off of the mat. Postures may include, but are not limited to, sitting, hands & knees, standing poses, balancing poses, etc. Expect modifications and cues to help you have the safest practice possible. This flow will be a relaxing way to wind down with the sunset and ease your way into the coming week.
Erin is a certified 200 hr yoga instructor and has been practicing yoga since 2015.

After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. If you have any questions please email SAHC Outreach Program Manager, Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org

REGISTER HERE

2026 SAHC Winter Hiking Challenge
2026-01-01 00:00 - 2026-03-01 00:00
Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy is proud to announce our 6th Annual Winter Hiking Challenge!
The Winter Hiking Challenge sets a goal of 60 miles in 60 days, to be completed in your own time and at your own speed. Those can be miles you’ve walked, ran or hiked – in your neighborhood or through the woods – just make it 60 miles within the 60-day challenge time period (January 1st to March 1st, 2026). No matter your background or ability this event is designed to get folks outside in the cold winter months! Registration opens December 1st and ends on February 25th and the registration fee is $25 per person. Your registration fee directly supports conservation work in the Southern Appalachians. If you cannot afford the registration fee at this time, please use the coupon code: SAHC2026.
All participants will receive informative emails throughout the challenge with suggestions for some of our favorite places to hike across the mountains of NC and TN, including some new properties SAHC has recently protected. You may enter miles at any date during the 60 days, as long as they are all entered before March 1.
Those who complete the Winter Hiking Challenge will receive a commemorative SAHC patch, designed by Solstice Handmade, and all participants will be invited to an in-person celebration in March at the Wicked Weed Funkatorium. The top 5 finishers by mileage will receive $50 gift cards to Second Gear!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

2026 South Yellow Mountain Preserve - Pine Knob Hike
2026-01-03 10:00 - 14:00
Date: Saturday, January 3rd
Time: Starting at 10:00 AM
Location: South Yellow Mountain Preserve
Distance: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (6/10)
The hike is FREE for SAHC members, and $10 for non-members.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED below

Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob, an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the way Park will interpret the area’s geology and history, dating back hundreds of years. Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, rocky inclines, and potential snowy ground.
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer at park@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

2026 January Hampton Creek Cove Hike
2026-01-19 11:00 - 15:00
Date: Monday, January 19th
Location: Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area
Start Time: 11:00 am
Distance: 4 Miles
Difficulty: 6/10

Join us on Monday, January 19th for a guided hike through Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area. This hike will utilize multiple trails, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail and the Shell Hollow Trail. Starting from the parking area we will follow the footsteps of the Overmountain Victory Men, heroes of the Revolutionary War, who hiked this route in 1780 through Hampton Creek Cove! The Overmountain Victory Trail will take us to the Shell Hollow Trail which will guide us deep into the woods and through stands of old growth forest that surround the old Shell family homestead.
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email Roan Stewardship Technician Travis Bordley at travis@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

2026 February 7th South Yellow Mountain Preserve Hike to Pine Knob
2026-02-07 10:00 - 13:00
Date: Saturday, February 7th
Time: Starting at 10:00 AM
Location: South Yellow Mountain Preserve
Distance: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (6/10)
The hike is FREE for SAHC members, and $10 for non-members.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED below

Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob, an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the way Park will interpret the area’s geology and history, dating back hundreds of years. Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, rocky inclines, and potential snowy ground.
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer at park@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

2026 February SAHC Community Farm Hike
2026-02-08 10:30 - 12:30
Date: Sunday, February 8th
Time: Starting at 10:30 AM
Where: SAHC Community Farm
Distance: 2.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (5/10), several steep inclines are present on this trail
Cost: FREE for SAHC Members, $10 for non-members
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED
Join us for a Guided Hike at the SAHC Community Farm
What can you see on the Discovery Trail at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander, NC? The 2.0-mile loop winds through sunlit fields and shady forest edges, providing views to showcase the vibrant beauty of the farm. Learn about the positive aspects of agroforestry as you walk through silvopasture demonstration project, see apple trees growing in the Food Forest orchard, stroll through the youth-friendly Story Walk, discover how stream buffers help protect water quality, and check out the growing areas for SAHC’s Farm Incubator Program.
As you explore the 140-acre property, you may encounter Scottish Highland cattle grazing in the pastures, white-tailed deer moving quietly through the woods, or hawks soaring overhead. Summer is a lively time on the farm, when native pollinator plants blooms, birds and wildlife are active, and our conservation and agriculture projects are on full display.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or someone curious about regenerative agriculture, this hike offers an inspiring look at how conservation and farming can work hand in hand.
Please note that the SAHC Community Farm is an active site not open to the public outside of scheduled events. To protect this space and ensure a positive experience for all, pre-registration is required. After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
If you have any questions please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
To Register for this Hike, Fill Out Form Below:

2026 February 13th South Yellow Mountain Preserve Hike to Pine Knob
2026-02-13 10:00 - 13:00
Date: Friday, February 13th
Time: Starting at 10:00 AM
Location: South Yellow Mountain Preserve
Distance: 3.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (6/10)
The hike is FREE for SAHC members, and $10 for non-members.
Registration: Pre-registration is REQUIRED below

Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike to Pine Knob, an exposed rocky outcrop with beautiful views of the Black Mountains. Along the way Park will interpret the area’s geology and history, dating back hundreds of years. Participants should be prepared for uneven terrain, rocky inclines, and potential snowy ground.
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer at park@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

2026 Rescheduled Deaverview Mountain Hike
2026-02-14 10:30 - 14:00
Date: Saturday, February 14th at 10:30 am
Where: Deaverview Mountain
Distance: 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate (5/10)
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for Non-Members

Join SAHC for a guided group hike up Deaverview Mountain located just outside the city limits of Asheville. We will hike about 2 miles round trip on a moderately graded road bed with a steady incline through high quality forest. The summit is a stunning view of Asheville from the 343-acre mountain top. Deaverview Mountain will soon be transferred to Buncombe County to be made into a public park.
This hike is rescheduled from its original date, January 29th due to the winter storm.
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date.
If you have any questions please email SAHC Outreach Program Manager Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

2026 February Hiking with Kids at Bull Creek Preserve
2026-02-22 10:30 - 12:30
Date: Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
Time: 10:30 am
Where: SAHC’s Bull Creek Preserve at Warren Wilson College
Difficulty: (3/10)
Cost: FREE for members, $10 for non-members
(Kids hike for free!)

Join SAHC on a family friendly guided hike at SAHC’s Bull Creek Preserve! This hike is specifically designed for folks to hike with children and to encourage families to get outside during the chilly winter times. The trails at SAHC’s Bull Creek Preserve meander through the 191 acre tract and are gently graded, making them perfect to bring the whole family with children of any age. This hike will be about 2 miles in length.
This newly protected preserve consists of a beautiful cove and mixed forest, an open 17-acre pasture with stunning views of the Black Mountains, and lovely sections of Bull Creek with rocky streambanks and wading pools. A tributary of the Swannanoa River, Bull Creek originates in the Black Mountains just south of Rattlesnake Lodge and the Blue Ridge Parkway, draining an area of more than 10 square miles. Approximately 3 miles of single track hiking and biking trails traverse the property in an existing trail system.
SAHC owns this land for the long-term and remains in deep partnership with Warren Wilson College, who continues to use the property for education and land management training.
If you have any questions about this hike, please email Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
After registering, you’ll receive directions, meeting instructions, and other important details a couple days prior to the event date. It’s crucial to note that a significant portion of the hike may not be disability accessible.
Please Register Below

2026 March SAHC Community Farm Birding Hike
2026-03-14 09:00 - 11:00
SAHC Community Farm Birding Hike
Date: Saturday, March 14th
Start Time: 9:00 am
Distance: 2 Miles
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Pre-Registration is required below

Join us for this beginning birding walk at the SAHC Community Farm (the first of our Birding series throughout the spring) to learn tips on how to listen for birds, spot their movements, then look for marks to help you identify them. This hike will be led by experienced birder, Mike Hill, and designed for beginners. This is a great opportunity to test out that new camera or pair of binoculars, or just explore the sights and sounds of the SAHC Community Farm!
This hike will be slow and methodical. Plan to hike less than two miles in open field habitat before returning to the start.
REGISTER HERE

2026 March Rough Creek Watershed Hike
2026-03-28 10:00 - 14:00
Date: Saturday, March 28th
Time: 10:00 am
Where: Rough Creek Watershed
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Cost: FREE for all participants (Pre-Registration is Required!)

We’re hitting the trails to celebrate Highland Brewing Company’s seasonal Saint T’s Pale Ale by hiking the Rough Creek Watershed’s inner loop trail! Participants will hike a moderately strenuous 5 mile loop through a beautiful forest with a near pristine ecosystem. Our hike will consist of about 1,000 ft of elevation gain, most within the first two miles. This watershed contains nearly 7 miles of streams, numerous seeps, springs, & swamp/bog areas which have become fairly uncommon with human inhabitants of the region. It also is home to many species of interesting & rare plants (painted trillium, whorled pogonia) as well as a large & diverse animal population (salamanders, turkey, bear, bobcats, songbirds). For those interested, the hike will be followed by celebrating with a Saint T’s Pale Ale.
The Rough Creek Watershed property, located at 265 Rough Water Pt., consists of over 870 acres of beautiful & majestic land, owned by the Town of Canton. This property is located on the South side of the Newfound Mountain Range, approximately 5 miles north of Canton in Western North Carolina. The Rough Creek Watershed Trail System is comprised of 3 trails of various distances, totaling 10+ miles.
In 2002, with the help of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, a partnership was created between the Town of Canton & the North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund. This relationship has led to the establishment of a conservation easement throughout the Rough Creek property, ensuring the protection of its unique forest ecosystem & natural resources.
This hike is a part of SAHC’s “For Love of Beer and Mountains” corporate partnership with Highland Brewing Company and is a part of Highland’s “Thirst for Good” partnership. Highland donates a portion of sales of seasonal releases during the “release party” at the Tasting Room in Asheville to support SAHC’s land and water conservation efforts, and we lead guided hikes for folks to experience and enjoy the natural landscapes for which these seasonal brews are named and beyond.
*Please note that dogs are not allowed on these trails.
Cost – FREE for all participants, (Pre-Registration is Required Below!)

2026 April Beaver Creek Trail Hike
2026-04-01 10:00 - 17:30
Where: SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve
When: 10:00 am
Distance: 5 Miles
Duration: 5.5 hrs
Meeting Location: Spruce Pine, NC – exact location sent to you upon registration
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Registration is required below
Join SAHC South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager Park Greer for a moderately strenuous hike on the Beaver Creek Trail. This hike will guide participants through a protected watershed while exploring the human history, ecology, and geology of the region. At the peak is an overlook where everything seen is wholly protected by SAHC.
This 5 mile hike is an “out-and-back” mostly along old roadbeds with a few short, steep sections that can reach 45 degrees and a total elevation gain of 1100 feet. This trail is currently under construction and may have areas of uneven/rough ground and may be slick on inclines.
If you have questions before the hike, please reach out to South Yellow Mountain Preserve Manager, Park Greer at park@appalachian.org

REGISTER HERE

2026 April Rocky Fork State Park Hike
2026-04-03 11:00 - 15:00
Date: Friday, April 3rd
Time: 11:00 am
Where: Rocky Fork State Park
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Cost: FREE for all participants (Pre-Registration is Required!)

Join SAHC on a hike in Rocky Fork State Park in Flag Pond, TN. We will be hiking roughly 6 miles round trip along the Rocky Fork Trail, White Oak Flats Trail, and the Headwaters Trail and gain about 700 ft of elevation. Along the hike we will go through a cove forest and see a nice overlook, ridge, and a scenic cascade.
For questions about this hike, please reach out to Outreach Program Manager, Erin Goodpaster at erin@appalachian.org
REGISTER HERE

2026 April Bill Popper Memorial Wildflower Hike
2026-05-03 10:30 - 14:00
Date: Sunday, May 3rd
Time: Starting at 10:30 AM
Where: Popper Tract
Distance: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: (4/10 difficulty) Moderate with several stream-crossings
Cost: FREE for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Pre-registration is REQUIRED

Join SAHC for a memorial hike to honor and remember our friend Bill Popper and his dedication to preserving the 573-acre Prices Creek Preserve in Yancey County that he loved so much.
This hike is a perennial favorite, taking participants through our Price’s Creek Preserve where an astounding array of ephemeral wildflowers can be found this time of year. Participants will hike through mature northern hardwood forest along a trail following Price’s Creek.
NOTE: Due to limited parking availability, we will be hard capping this hike at 12 participants. Please register each party member individually to ensure we do not go over this number.
We will meet at a public parking area before carpooling to Price’s Creek Preserve.
If you would like to learn more about Bill Popper and his passion for this land that he loved, please read our memorial here.

REGISTER HERE

May Birding at Hampton Creek Cove
2026-05-16 09:00 - 12:30
Date: Saturday, May 16th
Start Time: 9:00 am
Distance: 2 Miles
Cost: Free for Members, $10 for Non-Members
Pre-Registration is required below

Join SAHC on a spring bird walk at Hampton Creek Cove on Saturday, May 16th. This 693-acre preserve offers an ideal habitat for a diverse range of bird species, including the elusive Golden-winged Warbler. Thanks to the conservation efforts of multiple agencies, including SAHC, the habitat of the Golden-winged Warbler has been protected, providing birdwatchers with a unique opportunity to observe these beautiful birds in their natural environment. This walk will be co-led by experienced birders Mike Hill and Seth Buddy.
While participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, a limited number of pairs will be available to borrow. Whether you’re interested in learning more about birds or simply getting outside, we hope you’ll find some joy with us on this outing!

REGISTER HERE

National Trails Day - Chestnut Mountain Group Ride
2026-06-06 10:00 - 15:00
Date: Saturday, June 6th
Start Time: 10:00 am
Cost: Free!
Register Below

Bring your bike and join SAHC to celebrate National Trails Day/Land Trust Day at Chestnut Mountain Nature Park on Saturday, June 6th! We’ll meet at the entrance arch at 10:00 am to talk about SAHC’s hand in the conservation of Chestnut Mountain and the new Hominy Creek Expansion property and stream restoration project. Folks will then be invited to ride the trails at the park as a group or on their own. Register below or just show up if you can make it!
SAHC will also be at Mast General Store in Asheville and Waynesville tabling to share about Land Trust Day! A portion of sales from each location on June 6th will be donated to support the conservation work that SAHC does in the Southern Appalachians. We invite folks to shop at Mast or help by volunteering to table after the ride!
To volunteer, please fill out the form on this page.

REGISTER FOR THE GROUP RIDE HERE:

2026 June Jamboree
2026-06-13 08:00 - 16:00
June Jamboree registration is NOW OPEN!!

Join us on Saturday, June 13th for SAHC’s annual celebration of outdoor recreation and 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 you explore and learn about these globally important ecosystems. This year, SAHC is hosting five concurrent outings in TN and NC — choose from challenging treks, nature journaling, or a simple stroll.

SAHC’s 2026 June Jamboree Outings Include:

– Roll n’ Stroll at Rhododendron Gardens

– Birding at The Miller Farmstead (with Roan Mountain State Park)

– Challenge Hike from Carver’s Gap to Hampton Creek Cove

– Green Journaling Hike at SAHC’s Little Cove Creek Preserve

– Spruce Restoration Walk and Talk at Cloudland

Following the morning hikes and experiences, participants are invited to stay for an afternoon drop-in social from 1 to 4 pm in the vicinity of Roan Mountain State Park, where we will celebrate with live music, drinks, and snacks. All outings are FREE and open to the public, although we welcome donations to support SAHC’s ongoing work.

To see a list of events and to register, click here!
