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NOLI-Led Day Hike - FREE
Location Varies
FROM:FREE
Months of Operation:
March-November
Duration:
Varies (averages 3-6 hours)
Begins:
Varies
Age Requirements:
Age 8+
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Overview & Highlights
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 free 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 4-6 mile range and are mild to moderate in difficulty. Participation requires registration so that 1) we know to expect you, and 2) we limit our group size to maximize everyone's enjoyment while minimizing our footprint. 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 2024:
NOLI offers regular free 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 4-6 mile range and are mild to moderate in difficulty. Participation requires registration so that 1) we know to expect you, and 2) we limit our group size to maximize everyone's enjoyment while minimizing our footprint. 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 2024:
- Mar 2, 9am-noon - Whitehouse Knob and Flint Creek Battle Site Hike, Rocky Fork State Park, TN. Join us at Rocky Fork State Park for a hike to Whitehouse Knob and then, for those interested, the Flint Creek Battle Site. The hike to Whitehouse Knob is a 1 mile long, steep trail travels below the 200-foot quartzite Whitehouse cliffs, then continues upward to a beautiful view of the park atop Whitehouse Knob. After we come down from Whitehouse Knob, those who wish to do so can accompany us on an additional 1.4 mile out and back (2.8 miles total) hike along Rocky Fork creek to the Flint Creek Battle Site.
- Apr 6, 9am-noon - Aug 12, 7-10pm - Rock Creek Falls, Unicoi, TN. Join NOLI Instructor Rob Schoborg for a 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. Meet at 9 am in the parking lot by the playground dressed for hiking over rocky terrain with snacks and plenty of water. There is a $2 parking fee, so be sure to bring some cash. For more information on this hike and driving directions click here.
- May 11, 9am-3pm - Hike with the ponies at Grayson Highlands, VA. Join us for an out and back hike in spectacular Grayson Highlands State Park, one of the premier hikes in the Eastern United States. Group will meet at Massie Gap and hike to the summit of Mt. Rogers, the highest point in Virginia, 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 8.5 miles round trip and rated as moderate.
- Jun 15, 8-11pm - Blue Ghost Firefly Hike on AT from USA Raft, Erwin TN. Join NOLI instructor Rob Schoborg for a leisurely night hike north on the AT from USA Raft to see blue ghosts (aka fireflies) and listen for owls. Total length is between 1-1.5 miles. This is one of our most popular free guided hikes. Meet Rob at USA Raft at 8pm (directions here) dressed for hiking over rocky terrain. When driving onto USA Raft property stay to the left of the NOLI sign and park immediately to your left by the trailhead.
- Jul 13, 9am-noon - Appalachian Trail from Sam's Gap to First Bald, Flagpond, TN. Join NOLI instructor Rob Schoborg for a hike north on the Appalachian Trail from Sam’s Gap to the first bald (at mile 1.8 from I-26) and back. Total length is 3.6 miles with 890 feet of elevation gain and is rated as moderate. The balds along this section of the AT offer stunning panoramic views and should be relatively cool because of higher elevation.
- Aug 10, 7-10:30pm - Nighttime Hike to Roan High Knob Overlook. 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. Rob will have his camp stove and make hot drinks and smores for everyone once the sun sets. We will be walking back in the dark so a headlamp and sturdy footwear are recommended.
- Sep 28, 9am-4pm - Birchfield Camp Lake, Rocky Fork State Park, TN. This “out and back” hike is 12 miles long with the lake at the mid-point (6 miles). This small lake was constructed by the CCC as a holding pond for water used for fire suppression.
Highlights:
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- NOLI-led hike along one of the many exceptional trails in the Appalachian Highland Region
- Beautiful natural surroundings and vistas
- Wildlife viewing
Variable Locations
2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA
Guided hikes take place throughout the Appalachian Highland Region. Specific meeting location instructions will be provided with your individual booking.
