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Elderhostel Photos of Hiking and Rafting

in Appalachia

 

 

 

The first day, we hiked 8 miles or so over Chinquapin Mountain, with elevation gain/loss of 1200 feet, to view Glen Falls, a series of 3 tall waterfalls and cascades.

After each of the 4 days' activities, we congregated on the deck for "social time" with beverages and popcorn, just prior to supper. This Elderhostel program is hosted by The Mountain Learning and Retreat Center, just outside Highlands, North Carolina. It is the best organized program I have attended so far, and their mountaintop facility is also first-rate.

The second hike began at the Wayah Crest trailhead, from which we hiked nearly 8 miles and 1400 feet up on the Appalachian Trail, including an incredible overlook at Siler Bald. Pictured above (front to back) are Doris (our hike leader), Murray, Marcia, Claudia, Gloria, Bill, Nancy, Dick, Don, and Richard E. (program manager)

We rafted two days, first about 8 miles on the Nantahala River (which is shallow and swift and cold with mostly class I and II rapids and one which is class III). The second day was on the Chattooga River, which has been designated a Wild and Scenic River and was the filming location for the movie "Deliverance." This river was warmer and offered many exciting class II and III rapids, and the above class IV rapid called Bull Sluice. We also body-surfed the rapid below this big drop. We used the Nantahala Outdoor Center for both raft trips, and their guides, equipment , and safety record were all outstanding.

Left to right:

Middle row: Claudia, Jim, Gloria, Harry, and Murray

Back row: Joyce H., Dick, Susan, Jerry, Chuck, Marcia, Marilyn, and Bill.

(Not pictured: Nancy, Kathy, Judy, and Sharon)

 

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Chuck's other Elderhostel adventure programs (with photos)

E-mail Chuck at CMorHiker@aol.

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