Our annual outing showcase in the Highlands of Roan has returned!
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.
Hike#1: Shell Hollow Loop
Location: Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, TN
Start Time: 10 am
Leader: Tom Gatti & David Smith (both former SAHC seasonal Roan Ecologists)
Difficulty: Moderate, 5
Join us for a moderate 3-mile hike led by Tom Gatti and David Smith (both former SAHC seasonal Roan Ecologists) in the Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area. The hike will feature the chance to see and hear Golden-winged Warblers, the ruins of the Lenoir Shell homestead, and BIG old-growth trees.
Hike #2: Little Cove Creek Preserve Waterfall Stroll, TN
Location: Little Cove Creek Preserve
Start Time: 10 am
Leader: Jay Leutze
Difficulty: Easy, 1
Join Jay Leutze on our Little Cove Creek Preserve for a morning of storytelling and appreciation for one of the most unique places in the world. Anyone and everyone is invited, whether you have a story to tell or not. Long-time Roan residents will appreciate this event as a time to recount how times have changed, what has been preserved, and acknowledge the memories made in our timeless corner of the world.
Hike #3: Yoga with Kim Blaine at Little Rock Creek Preserve, NC
Location: Little Rock Creek Preserve
Start Time: 10 am
Leader: Kim Blaine
Difficulty: Easy, 2
We invite you to join Kim Blaine, owner of Downtown Yoga Center in Johnson City, for a calming, stress-relieving yoga class on SAHC’s Little Rock Creek property. Students of all yoga levels will enjoy this restorative experience under the guidance of Kim.
Hike #4: Birding with Simon Thompson at Wiles Creek Preserve, NC
Location: Wiles Creek Preserve
Start Time: 9 am
Leader: Simon Thompson
Difficulty: Moderate, 4
Come out to our Wiles Creek birding hike and take a step back in time. Our Wiles Creek Preserve is one of the most beautiful, diverse, and ecologically important properties that we protect. On a roughly 1.5-mile hike led by Simon Thompson, you will experience the abundance of beauty and species diversity in our oasis in the Roan. Roan Stewardship Director, Marquette Crockett, will be on hand to answer questions about future management priorities for the preserve.
Hike #5: Challenge Hike at Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area, TN
Location: Hampton Creek Cove State Natural Area
Start Time: 9 am
Leader: Travis Bordley, our Roan Ecologist
Dificulty: 11+
Our challenge hike starts at Hampton Creek Cove and journeys up 1,850 feet of elevation on the Overmountain Victory Trail, through pastured farm roads and wooded footpaths to Yellow Mountain Gap on the Appalachian Trail. After a short stretch on the Appalachian Trail, we will leave trails behind and bushwack to our DeYoung property and eventually back to our cars. The total hike is about 6.5 miles with lots of elevation gain.
Post Hike Social!!
We will hold a drop-in social on our Nilsen Preserve (Little Cove Creek) in the afternoon. 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!
Attendees will be able to relax at our newly finished cabin and have the opportunity to take an optional short hike to explore the nearby creek and waterfall!
We look forward to seeing you and hope you all join us in celebrating the Roan after two years of being apart.
