About us
Worship in the Wild is a hiking community for anyone who loves the outdoors and is open to exploring the deeper questions of life together. We hike local (and occasionally not‑so‑local) trails around the Asheville area on Sunday mornings at 9 AM.
We’re a diverse group who believe that nature has a way of opening us up to each other and to the questions that matter most. Every hike follows a simple rhythm: we gather and introduce ourselves, kick things off with a fun icebreaker, and hear a short introduction to the day’s discussion topic before hitting the trail. A few miles in, we pause, enjoy the scenery, and dig into the conversation together; no right answers, just honest reflection from wherever you’re coming from. Then we finish the hike, and those who want to keep the conversation going often head to lunch afterward.
We hike at a pace most reasonably active people can enjoy and do our best to keep the group together, so please reach out first if you’re unsure a hike is right for you.
Our core values are to build community, cultivate curiosity, respect every voice, and enjoy the hike, with no agenda other than the journey itself. Our conversations cover a lot of ground, from the practical to the philosophical to the deeply spiritual, and everything in between. We often draw from the Bible and other ancient writings, not to preach or convince, but because they’ve been asking the same big questions humans have always wrestled with. Every perspective at the table is welcome. No matter your background, your beliefs, or your history with church and religion, you are welcome here.
Hike lengths are typically 4 to 6 miles with moderate elevation, though we occasionally go a little longer. Leashed dogs are welcome on most hikes. For questions, email Ron at WorshipInTheWildAsheville@gmail.com.
Worship in the Wild is made possible by Covenant Community Church, which shares our heart for belonging and community.
Happy Hiking!
Upcoming events
1
Rainbow Rd-Old Trestle Toll Rd-E Ridge Trl-Lookout Trl (8:40 Blk Mtn Ingles)
Ingles Market - Black Mountain, 550 NC 9, Black Mountain, NC, USRainbow Rd to Old Trestle Toll Rd to East Ridge Trl to Lookout Trl Loop (8:40 Black Mountain Ingles)
Meeting Point: Trailhead
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 8:40 AM
General Location: Montreat
Parking URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KZZzPU3apYAwfEA96
Parking Address: Ingles, 550 NC-9, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Parking Notes: Parking is limited at the trailhead, with two small adjacent parking lots as you go up on the right side of hill. We will meet at Black Mountain Ingles parking lot on the side closest to McDonald's at 8:40 am and carpool from there. If you're unable to do this and will take your chances with parking at the trailhead, please comment, and we'll see you there at 9am.
Trailhead Parking URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YtDrJJ3KQd8NJ5EWA
Trailhead Parking Address: 348 Lookout Ter Rd, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Miles from Downtown Asheville: 20
Total Length: 5.4
Elevation Gain: 1230
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AllTrails URL: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/rainbow-rd-to-old-trestle-toll-rd-to-east-ridge-trl-to-lookout-trl-loop-35e912c?u=i&sh=nnvj4c
Restrooms: None
Cell Service Availability: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Comments
The trail starts with about 3 1/2 miles of gentle ascent. We'll enjoy the awesome views from Lookout Rocks before the descent. It's a bit of a scramble the first couple of hundred yards after Lookout Rocks, then pretty easy descent from there to the parking lot. The short rock scramble descent is the only challenging section, but easily doable with help available if you need it.
A note about hiking ability: Note that this trail is around 5.4 miles long, 1230 feet in elevation gain, and rated Moderate. We hike at a pace most reasonably active people can enjoy and do our best to keep the group together, so please reach out first if you’re unsure whether this hike is right for you.
Legal Disclaimer
This Worship in the Wild event involves hiking, which may be physically taxing and involve some risks to participants and their property. Neither the event host nor Worship in the Wild can assure participants' safety or eliminate all risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety, and they affirm that they have the necessary skills, physical conditioning, and equipment to safely participate in the event. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.7 attendees
Past events
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