About Us

Enjoy the beauty of four season hiking

Rhododendron and flame azaleas in the spring, greenery year-round, fall colors and winter views are what make our area so special.

Western NC offers a wide variety of hikes that include mountain views, waterfalls and beautiful trails in the woods.

Enjoy conversations with fellow hikers

One of the pleasures of hiking with High Country Hikers is the friendships we make as we walk on the trail. Most of us are transplants to the area and we relish making new friends.

Members are encouraged to participate in a variety of social events throughout the year ranging from a picnic, our spring dinner meeting and our Holiday dinner.

Challenge yourself

Get some good exercise while you enjoy the beauty of the woods and interesting conversations with fellow hikers. We encourage new hikers to start with the easiest hikes. Often, newcomers have not done much hiking in the mountains and are surprised by how difficult it can be.

We offer a range of hike difficulties to accommodate most hikers.

About our Hikes

We hike on Mondays and Thursdays

We offer an Easier and a Harder Hike on Mondays and Thursdays.

In addition, Social Hikes are scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays.

We have made changes in our procedures due to COVID-19.

Departing time

We now require an advance signup for hikes to prevent overcrowding.

We leave the Meeting Point promptly by 8:30 AM unless changed by the hike leader.

It is suggested you arrive about 15 minutes before then.

Suggestions for first-time hikers

If you are able to hike to the top of Big Glassy at Connemara without needing to stop for a rest, then you are probably fine to do one of our hikes rated Easy or Easy/Moderate.
Request a schedule using the contact form on the Home Page.
Email the hike leader listed on the schedule. The leader will tell you more about the hike and its difficulty, and also of any updates. Driving directions to the trailhead can be provided.
If you wish to join the club after your first hike, fill out the short REGISTRATION FORM that the hike leader has and give the leader a $10 one-time fee plus the completed form. You will be added our email list. We have no annual dues.
As a new member you will be sent several PDF files including the Hike Book giving details of all our hikes, the current club roster of members, the latest hike schedules and a Hike Guideline document.

Basics of hiking equipment you may need

Most important are your hiking shoes. There are many good choices of lightweight but supportive hiking shoes. Do not wear running shoes or sandals. We hike over rough terrain with many rocks and roots, and shoes without good support can make you miserable.
Absorbent socks are suggested.
Take a daypack or fanny pack.
Bring one or two water bottles. On a long strenuous hike you may need even more water.
Bring a light snack to enjoy during a brief stop on the trail.
Bring a light rain jacket or lightweight poncho. Summertime showers in the early afternoon are common in the mountains.
Many hikers use hiking poles. They are great help in hiking over rough terrain.
Hats are a good idea for sun and rain protection.
Layer your clothing. We often remove outer layers as we warm up and the day heats up. It helps to be able to stuff unused clothing in your pack.
During Hunting Season (roughly October through December), we suggest wearing a bright orange cap or vest while hiking.
Put a name tag on your pack. This makes it easier for other hikers to learn your name.
Safety supplies - a whistle, contact information and description of medical conditions, plus any special medications.
Optional items - sunscreen, insect repellent.

Hike etiquette

Bring your hiking shoes in a bag when you ride in the car. When we get to the trailhead we change into our hiking shoes.
The hike leader will designate a hiker to be the sweep who will bring up the rear.
Hikers must stay between the leader and the sweep.
Keep the hiker in front of you in sight. Blow your whistle if the group becomes out of sight. The group will stop and wait for you to catch up.
If there is a serious problem, blow your whistle three times.
Pack out what you packed in.
Be considerate of fellow hikers. We have wonderful conversations but avoid certain subjects such as politics.
Have a great time!

Hiking do not's

Do not smoke while on the trail.
Do not bring a dog or other pet.
Do not pick or damage anything growing.
Do not litter.
Do not drink from any mountain stream.

Other resources:

These websites contain valuable information about trails, road conditions and weather: