Blue Ridge Waterfall Trip

• Hike to 14 of the most spectacular waterfalls in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains: watch them shimmer as they plunge hundreds of feet … feel the mist as you walk behind roaring falls … hike along the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies … visit falls featured in The Last of the Mohicans …

• Enjoy spring’s vibrant colors, courtesy of mountain azaleas and wildflowers … and walk through verdant, towering forests and along babbling creeks.

• Hike to the highest sheer cliffs in the eastern U.S. on what some experts believe is the world’s oldest mountain.

• Trek along sections of the popular Foothills Trail and Chattooga River, featured in Deliverance.

• Visit fabulous Biltmore Estates, America’s largest home, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking the French Broad River. Tour the 250-room chateau and expansive gardens during the spring Festival of Flowers, enjoy complimentary wine-tasting at the Biltmore Winery, and relive long-ago farm life. Opt to raft or kayak on the French Broad River or rent a bicycle to tour the grounds.

Day 1

• Arrive at the Asheville, NC, airport and let us shuttle you to our charming lodge in the quaint mountain village of Cashiers. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains en route.

• After settling into your room, savor Carolina’s famous barbecue and down-home atmosphere at Cashier’s Carolina Smokehouse.

Day 2

• Hike 2.5 miles along Horsepasture River and its two spectacular waterfalls: teen-favorite Turtleback Falls and 150-foot Rainbow Falls.

Then join our 2-mile walk that takes you to the base of towering King’s Creek Falls, and explores sections of the popular Foothills Trail and famous Chattooga River, featured in the movie Deliverance.

We'll then dine at one of Cashier’s favorite spots.

Day 3

Enjoy amazing (but safe) vistas on this 2-mile hike Whiteside Mountain, the highest sheer cliffs in the eastern U.S. Some experts believe this mountain is the oldest in the world. Then lunch and shop in the delightful town of Highlands.

After lunch, hike 1.2 miles to two shimmering 50-foot cascades at Glenn Falls, drive past delicate Bridal Veil Falls, and then stroll behind the roaring 80-foot waterfall at Dry Falls.

Savor a sunset dinner on the four-season porch of On the Veranda, overlooking lovely Lake Sequoia.

Day 4

Our 3-mile hike will take us along 411-foot Whitewater Falls (the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies), secluded Laurel Falls, and along the tumbling Whitewater River.

After our hike, enjoy free time for R&R or Cashier’s gift shops. Then savor dinner at the delicious Lightwater Grille in Cashiers ( Save room for dessert).

Day 5

At Pisgah National Forest, visit picturesque Looking Glass Falls and stroll 1.4-miles through a magnificent forest and lush ferns leading to enchanting Moore Cove Falls.

Hike DuPont State Forest to view Hooker Falls (featured in The Last of the Mohicans), stand on bedrock jutting into the cascades of 150-foot Triple Falls, and glimpse the covered bridge spanning 120-foot High Falls.

Head to Asheville, where we’ll dine at Province 620 and get a great night’s sleep at our inn, minutes from Biltmore Estate.

Day 6

Visit fabulous Biltmore Estates, America’s largest home, perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains and overlooking the French Broad River. Tour the 250-room Biltmore chateau and admire 250 acres of manicured spring gardens and grounds.

In the afternoon, head back to the hotel for some R&R or stay at the Estate to enjoy complimentary wine-tasting at the Biltmore’s Winery, visit the historic farm for a look at yesteryear’s farm life, kayak the French Broad River, rent a bicycle to tour the grounds, or take a leisurely walk. Then dine at historic Biltmore Village*#8217;s delicious Corner Kitchen.

Day 7

Let us shuttle you to Asheville Regional Airport for your flight home anytime before 4PM.

The trip includes:

• 4 days and nights, double-occupancy at charming Laurelwood Mountain Inn, featuring screened porches, private rooms/baths, and front-porch rockers.

• 2-night stay, double-occupancy, at the Baymont Inn near Biltmore
• Hot, complimentary breakfasts at the Baymont

• Full-day admission to the Biltmore Estates

• Guided hikes by experienced, knowledgeable leaders

• Guided discussions, based on what we see in nature each day, that foster warm camaraderie and help you view nature and yourself in new ways

• Transportation throughout the week to hikes, restaurants, shopping, and the Biltmore

• Shuttles to and from the Asheville's airport, within designated time frames

• Park entrance fees

• Informational booklet packed with suggestions on what to bring; fun facts about the park and its history, weather, and wildlife; and hiking tips

• Photo CD memento of your trip

• Reunion party following the trip

Hope you’ll join us on our next visit there!

Testimonials:

“We’re so thankful we joined you and the others on this AWESOME hiking trip ”~Mother & daughter team, Swift River and Skip

“I like that everything is taken care of, and then some. I have so much responsibility in my life, that it’s nice not to think about food, transportation, etc. I want to go back and take all of my friends to share the experience with them. It was so beautiful.!! ”~Ladybug

“I’ll bring a friend or a sister on these trips because I know that whatever their circumstance in life, they’ll be respected and feel comfortable, they’ll have a quality hiking experience, and they’ll make new friends ” ~Flowing Water

“ Thank you for a remarkable experience ” ~Anonymous

“ The best part of the trip is that it doesn’t end with the end of the week because it is now living in my heart. ” ~Hawk