What we’re about
Our goal is to help you explore on foot the abundance of wonderful natural places North Carolina has to offer. If you're a beginner, we'll make sure that you never hike alone (unless you want to!). We'll also teach you how to become an intrepid hiker capable of exploring wherever (the rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness, for instance) and whenever (at night!). We're aided in our efforts to get out and explore by Great Outdoor Provision Co., which provides us space for clinics and meetings, and covers the monthly fee for our Meetup site.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Return to Western NC: A Hiking Weekend in Ashe CountyNeeds location
Western NC is back from Hurricane Helene and open for exploring! Hike at Paddy Mountain, Elk Knob State Park and Pond Mountain, enjoy an outdoor concert, and check out the mountain towns of West Jefferson and Lansing. Mark your calendar for June 27 & 28.
The weekend's three hikes:Friday, June 27
Return to Western NC: Hike Paddy Mountain and the Northern Peaks State Trail, 2:30 p.m., West Jefferson. Paddy Mountain in West Jefferson marks the northern end of the Northern Peaks State Trail. Get a peek at the trail on this 3.6-mile hike guided by the Blue Ridge Conservancy. Learn more about this free hike and sign up here.
Backstreet Park Summer Concert featuring the Whitecap Mountain Band, 5:30-7 p.m., West Jefferson. Free outdoor concert in downtown West Jefferson featuring this family-based band with deep roots in mountain music.
Saturday, June 28
Return to Western NC: Hike Elk Knob State Park, 9 a.m., Todd. On this 4-mile out-and-back hike we top out on 5,520-foot Elk Knob, which offers incredible views to the north, of the Southern Appalachians in northern North Carolina and southern Virginia. And the 2-mile hike to the summit, gaining nearly 1,000 verticle feet, relies on well-designed trail to ease the impact of that elevation gain and to usher you safely through some of the mountain's rockier sections. Learn more about this free hike and sign up here.
Return to Western NC: Hike Pond Mountain, 2 p.m., Creston. P ond Mountain is a 2,900-acre game land made possible by the Blue Ridge Conservancy and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Stunning views dominate the 5,000-foot summit plateau, but so does water. According to the Blue Ridge Conservancy, the area got its name from surveyor Peter Jefferson (Thomas's son), "...because of the many natural ponds that dotted the mountain’s high ridgeline. The historic ponds point to the mountain’s special significance as an important water resource. Several important streams and creeks originate on Pond Mountain, including Big Laurel, Ripshin and Big Horse Creeks, all of which flow into the New River, a National Heritage River and one of the oldest rivers in the world." Learn more about this free hike and sign up here.
Questions? Contact Joe.miller@hts.nc.gov. Signing up through the provided links insures that you will get additional information in advance of the hike.
For a look at the entire Return to Western NC weekend lineup, go here.
- ONLINE (self-paced) Wilderness First Aid available ALL DAYS NOW until June 30thLink visible for attendees
In your own home, at your own leisure (anytime -- not just the date of this event): now you can learn a ton in the online portion of Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid! COURSE TOPICS VIDEOS are almost exactly as MEDIC SOLO always presents them with the latest on disaster and wilderness medical science. Intermixed at several points we guide you to practice various skills.
Choose one of two ways to learn:
a) Take the self-guided course (no certification) $99.
b) Take the self-guided online course and attend a skills scenarios workshop (one day on-line) and get certified $249 (Early Bird).
Register here: https://solowfa.com/register-online-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid-course.html
In order to get certified, you will start watching our highly-rated, self-paced videos one month prior to your Skills Scenarios Workshop date and:- Practice skills at home before your Workshop date, send us photographs and our Instructors will provide you with kudos and constructive ideas.
- Pass the multiple-choice quiz and test is what verifies that you're ready for your workshop day with an instructor.
- Attend your online Skills Scenarios Workshop full day with a live instructor and a live human patient. Use a unique software which nearly replicates the in-person learning experience.
- Gain as much to more hands-on learning experience as compared to an in-person course.
- Instructors give individual live feedback to students while you perform hands-on skills in your own home.
- Graduates receive the internationally-renowned SOLO 2-year WFA Certification.
Upcoming online Skills Scenario Workshop dates:
May 31, 2025
and June 14 2025.Sneak peek at the course:
https://www.solowfa.com/online-sample.htmEmail us at courses@solowfa.com with questions.
November, 2024Sneak peek at the course:
https://www.solowfa.com/online-sample.htm
