A Walk on the Wild Side

Join us for one of the best hikes in North Carolina’s Pisgah Forest! A gentle, mostly level loop trail of 3 miles will introduce you to the wonders of rare mountain bogs, beautiful mature forest canopies, and fern-filled woods. We may even see a touch of fall color! Our knowledgeable tour guide, George Luther, was a National Park Ranger for 11 years in the most visited U. S. National Parks. He will explain how beaver dams along the South Fork Mills River created these unusual mountain bogs with distinct plants and wildlife. George and Edith Vanderbilt created their “Cradle of Forestry” school here, which is now a heritage site. It was the first to introduce modern forestry management techniques in the country. We will learn the history of how the Vanderbilt family of Biltmore House in Asheville helped create the Pisgah National Forest, one of the nation’s best outdoor recreation playgrounds.

This area is also known as the “pink beds,” because of the dense rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets that bloom every spring. Some thickets still remain in this beautiful, shade forest.

We will start off early (8:30 – 9:00 am) at the picnic area with a light snack of juice and pastries. Water will be provided for all hikers during our leisurely walk.

After the hike, we will enjoy a delicious lunch of salads, cold cuts, cheeses, fruit, dessert, beverages, wine and beer at our covered, private picnic shelter. There are full-service restrooms there. Special treat: Ben Warner, a Guild member, will provide musical selections on his 7-string classical guitar.

This event covers the best of the peaceful, natural world with fascinating history and the company of other music lovers!