• 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.

Monday, May 11

• Fly into Asheville, NC, airport and let us shuttle you to our Laurelwood Mountain Inn 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.

Tuesday, May 12

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

• Our 2-mile walk takes you to the base of towering King’s Creek Falls, and explores sections of the popular Foothills Trail and famous Chattooga River.

• Dine at one of Cashier’s favorite spots.

Wednesday, May 13

• This spectacular 2-mile hike safely takes you to the highest sheer cliffs in the eastern U.S. – on what some experts believe to be the oldest mountain in the world.

• Explore, dine, and shop in the delightful town of Highlands.

• Visit two shimmering cascades at Glenn Falls on this 1.2-mile trek.

• Drive past delicate Bridal Veil Falls, and then feel the mist behind roaring Dry Falls as it plunges 80 feet into Cullasaja Gorge.

• Dine at sunset on the four-season porch of On the Veranda, overlooking lovely Lake Sequoia.

Thursday, May 14

• Our 3-mile route takes you to gorgeous 411-foot Whitewater Falls (highest waterfall east of the Rockies) and exquisite Laurel Falls, and along the tumbling Whitewater River.

• Enjoy some R&R or gift shops in Cashiers.

• Dine at the delicious Lightwater Grille in Cashiers (don’t resist their desserts).

Friday, May 15

• Enjoy our visit to Pisgah National Forest, which includes a stop at picturesque Looking Glass Falls and a 1.4-mile hike to (and behind) enchanting Moore Cove Falls.

• At DuPont State Forest, 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 above 120-foot High Falls.

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

Saturday, May 16

• Tour fabulous Biltmore Estates, America’s largest home, located in Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ll tour the 250-room chateau and lovely spring gardens.

• In the afternoon, head back to the hotel for a swim and 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 long-ago rural life, or walk the grounds. You can also opt to raft or kayak on the French Broad River, or rent a bicycle.

• Dine at the Corner Kitchen in historic Biltmore Village.

Sunday, May 17

• After the hotel’s complimentary hot breakfast, we’ll shuttle you to Asheville Regional Airport for your flight home.

*Price varies according to the room you choose for your 4-night stay at Laurelwood Mountain Inn. Rooms available on a 1st-come basis; view them at www.LaurelwoodMountainInn.com

• $1,290: Several double-occupancy standard rooms have 1 double and 1 single bed, along with a mini-frig, coffeemaker, TV, and high-speed internet access. (Provides no outdoor living space.)

• $1,320: Two spacious, deluxe rooms provide 1 king bed and a covered front porch with rocking chairs overlooking fountains and beautifully landscaped grounds. In addition to the amenities in the standard room, you’ll enjoy these room’s extra space, microwave and extra dresser drawers. One of these deluxe rooms also features a spacious screened porch.

• $1,490: Three luxurious 2-story suites offer you a private bedroom (queen or king bed) and private bath, while you share a living room and full kitchen with your roommate. The covered wrap-around front porch and rockers let you enjoy the sound of a gurgling brook. Two of the three suites also feature screened porches.

Trip price includes:

• 4-night stay at beautiful Laurelwood Mountain Inn in Cashiers, NC.

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

• Full-day admission to the Biltmore Estates

• Eight guided hikes with two friendly, experienced guides

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

• Shuttle to and from the Asheville Regional Airport

• Booklet packed with information to prepare you for the trip and to familiarize you with the region’s highlights and history

• Photo CD of your trip

• Reunion party following the trip

Links:

www.Province620.com

www.theCornerKitchen.com

www.LaurelwoodMountainInn.com

www.DupontForest.com

www.CashiersNorthCarolina.com

www.HighlandsChamber.com

www.flyavl.com (Asheville Regional Airport)