NOLI Guided Hike - see Overview for location

Northeast Tennessee and the Appalachian Highlands are well known for their beauty, much of it easily accessible and only a short drive away. Among the best ways to experience this natural splendor is its expansive network of hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail is the crown jewel of these with the section traversing our region offering some of the best views in all of its 2,184 miles. But that's just scratching the surface. There are an abundance of other trails throughout the area providing miles and miles of long-range vistas, cascading waterfalls, bubbling streams and the verdant mountains that capture the intimate majesty and essence of the region.

NOLI offers regular low-cost instructor-led day hikes to some of these gems and are open to anyone wishing to join in the fun. Hikes vary in length and difficulty, but most are in the 2-6 mile range and are mild to moderate in difficulty.  Hikes will go as scheduled unless the weather is expected to be miserable, in which case we will notify you of cancellation or rescheduling. Guide has the right to modify location and distance based on weather and other conditions. Minimum age is 8 years old and minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Hikes are often added throughout the year so check back regularly to find a day and location that works for you.

Schedule for 2026:

• April 4, 9AM-noon - Guided Hike to Rock Creek Falls, Erwin, TN.  Join NOLI Instructor Rob Schoborg for a beautiful morning hike along Rock Creek up to Rock Creek Falls. This moderate hike is 4.9 miles round trip and includes a gradual 1,154 ft climb up to the falls with 4 small creek crossings, and a descent along the same trail back.
• May 2, 9AM-noon - Guided Hike at Rocky Fork State Park, Flag Pond, TN.  Join us at Rocky Fork State Park for a hike to Whitehouse Knob. The Whitehouse Knob hike is a total of 2 miles (1 mile up and 1 mile back) and travels below the 200-foot quartzite Whitehouse cliffs, then continues upward to a beautiful view of the park atop Whitehouse Knob. This trail is steep, with about 900 feet of elevation change in the 1 mile of climbing, so we will take plenty of rest breaks as we climb to the top.  Rated as moderate to difficult due to the steepness of the trail so a good level of fitness is required.
• May 30, 8-10PM - Blue Ghost Firefly Night Hike in Cherokee National Forest, Erwin, TN.  Join NOLI instructors Rob Schoborg and Michelle Duffourc for a leisurely night hike to see blue ghosts (aka fireflies) and listen for owls. Total length is between 1-2 miles. This is one of our most popular guided hikes. Hike to take place in the Erwin area, specific location will be sent out to participants. Rated as mild to moderate. We will be walking back in the dark so a headlamp and sturdy footwear are recommended. 
• June 6, 8-10PM - Blue Ghost Firefly Night Hike in Cherokee National Forest, Erwin, TN.  Join NOLI instructors Rob Schoborg and Michelle Duffourc for a leisurely night hike to see blue ghosts (aka fireflies) and listen for owls. Total length is between 1-2 miles. This is one of our most popular guided hikes. Hike to take place in the Erwin area, specific location will be sent out to participants. Rated as mild to moderate. We will be walking back in the dark so a headlamp and sturdy footwear are recommended. 
• July 11, 9AM-noon - Guided Hike at Grayson Highlands State Park, VA.  This is an out and back hike on the Appalachian Trail in spectacular Grayson Highlands State Park, one of the premier hikes in the Eastern United States. We will hike out to the Thomas Knob Shelter on the AT, enjoying long-range views along Wilbur Ridge before returning. The area is well-known for its herds of wild ponies roaming the area and, with any luck, we will encounter some of these beautiful animals. The hike is approximately 7.2 miles round trip and is rated as moderate with about 1,700 feet of total climbing. There is a 7 dollar fee to enter the park.
• Aug 8, 7-10PM - Sunset Hike at Roan High Knob, TN).  Join NOLI instructor Rob Schoborg on this hike from the historic Cloudland Hotel site to the overlook on Roan High Knob to enjoy the sunset from one of the most stunning and iconic locations in the southern Appalachians. Total length is 2.8 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain. Rated as mild to moderate. We will be walking back in the dark so a headlamp and sturdy footwear are recommended.
  
  

Highlights:

• NOLI-led hike along one of the many exceptional trails in the Appalachian Highland Region
• Beautiful natural surroundings and vistas
• Wildlife viewing