Waiting List: Spring Headwaters & Wildflower Hike 4/13
2023-04-13 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Strawberry Gap Trailhead

Wildflower Walk on the John Muir Recreation Trail near Reliance, TN
2023-04-15 10:00 - 16:00

Waiting List: Pilot Cove Loop Spring Hike 5/10
2023-05-10 10:00 - 15:00

Nature Walk at Nodding Trilliums Private Nature Preserve in Cullowhee
2023-05-12 10:00 - 13:00

Guided River Snorkel near Boone, NC 5/20
2023-05-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Watauga Upper Gorge Access, 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States

Headwaters Fun Float on the Broad River in Shelby, NC
2023-06-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Cooke’s Hometown Market, 4601 Polkville Rd, Shelby, NC, 28150, United States
We are heading up to the South Mountain foothills for a fun paddle on the cool shady waters of the First Broad River. The water is likely to be pretty shallow and “bony”, that is, we will be scraping and dragging over quite a few rocks and gravel beds.
Meet up at Cooke’s Hometown Market at 10:00 am sharp! (4601 Polkville Rd, Shelby, NC 28150) You can follow us to the put-in to drop off boats. Then we’ll take all the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling.
Please bring your boat, paddle, and lifejacket, water, lunch, sunscreen, sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops), towel and a dry change of clothes. We have some kayaks available to rent for an additional fee, please be sure to purchase rental gear at checkout if you need it.
The rain date for this paddle will be June 10th.

French Broad Float 2023
2023-07-12 - 2023-07-14 | Hot Springs Campground, 315 Bridge Street, Hot Springs, NC, 28743
WE ARE BACK, FOLKS!! After a couple-year hiatus due to Covid, we’re ready to bring our favorite river trip back to the masses!
Our annual French Broad Float is back! Every year, MountainTrue and our French Broad Riverkeeper guide participants on an incredible trip down a stretch of the French Broad River, creating powerful memories of camping under the stars on the French Broad River Paddle Trail and exploring what can feel like uncharted territory right in our own backyards. Leave the hustle behind, and experience the joys of river travel while having your meals provided, your campfire built and your gear transported for you to your next campsite.
The dates for 2023 are July 12-14. The plan is to launch our canoes near Hot Springs, NC, enjoy scenic views of the river, and tackle some small rapids along the way before finishing up at the river access near Hwy 25/70. We’ll highlight the work of the Riverkeeper program to keep our waterways clean in WNC, and still have plenty of time for cornhole and s’mores.
Camping has been arranged for each night of the trip. Attendees will feast on delicious meals prepared by our staff. You’re welcome to bring all your own gear, or we can provide watercraft (canoes, duckies, kayaks) for those that need it. For those folks, we’ll include paddles, life jackets, and helmets.
If you’re feeling especially adventurous, then join us on a one-day rafting trip of Section 9 on July 11! Flowing through the heart of Pisgah National Forest, the trip starts in Barnard, NC with a few warm-up class II rapids. The rest of the section highlights the beauty of the river and the Blue Ridge Mountains while bounding down numerous class II and class III rapids. We’ll end with an exciting class IV rapid called Frank Bells. It’s a beautiful stretch that we’re hoping can be designated as a Wild and Scenic River one day. Arriving in Hot Springs, NC, you can grab a beer, hike, or enjoy a soak in natural hot springs before we launch for the main trip the following day.
We look forward to seeing you on the water! Scroll down past the FAQ section to submit a sign-up form!
French Broad Float – FAQs
What does my registration fee include?
Your registration fee includes shuttle, food, beer, awesome and knowledgeable guides, educational activities, tours, and a great time with other paddlers.
Do I need to be an experienced paddler?
It helps to have spent some time paddling a boat, but it’s not necessary for the trip. The pace and distance of each day’s journey and the difficulty of the river is generally suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers. The trip does have some class II rapids with one small, class III rapid.
What do I need to bring?
You only need to bring personal camping items, including a tent, sleeping pad and bag, and personal items. Leave the rest to us. When you register, we will email you with a list of suggested supplies. Camp gear is limited to 40 pounds, and two bags per person. If you’re bringing your own boat, it should be of a size and weight that you and another person can carry.
Where do we camp?
Camping will be on the banks of the river every night. This is backcountry, primitive camping. Some sites might have a composting toilet or porta-john. On other sites, we’ll be using a groover system.
Do I need to bring food?
Breakfast, dinner and sack lunches will be provided as part of your registration. Yummy beer will be available on each night of the trip. You are welcome to bring some other must-have snacks and drinks as well.
Where do I leave my car?
Everyone will meet in Hot Springs. We have arranged a safe place to meet and leave your cars. Your camping gear will be shuttled between campsites, allowing you to travel light on the river. We will email these details closer to the date.
Do I have to paddle with all my camping gear?
Not at all! Unless you’re really into it. We’ll have vans and trailers to lug gear from campsite to campsite.
Do I have to wake up super early?
Not at all! We don’t sleep until noon, but this is a laid-back kind of paddle. We encourage you to get all the beauty sleep you need (we don’t want any zombies out there). Just be sure you’re ready to launch your boat around 10 or 11 AM.
Do I have to sleep late?
Not at all! If you’re an early riser (before 7), get up and get going when you feel ready. We might not have breakfast ready for you, but you are welcome to get up, raid the kitchen coolers for snacks or coffee, go birding, or whatever you super early birds do.
Can I go fishing?
Sure! Just make sure you have both a North Carolina and Tennessee fishing license with you.
More questions? Call or email the French Broad Riverkeeper at Hartwell@MountainTrue.org.

Craggy National Scenic Area Hike near Barnardsville, NC
2023-07-21 10:00 - 16:00
Join MountainTrue for a hike in the proposed Craggy Mountain National Scenic Area. The Craggy Mountains are one of the mightiest mountain ranges in eastern North America and are traversed by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The National Forest Lands of the Craggy Mountains have popular support to become a national scenic area designed to permanently protect the scenic and biological values of the area. Join biologist Josh Kelly for a six-mile hike through the spectacular high-elevation forests and vistas of the Craggies. Along the way, we will appreciate the flora, fauna, and natural history of the area.

Guided River Snorkel near Boone, NC 7/29
2023-07-29 10:00 - 12:30 | Watauga Upper Gorge Access, 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Join our High Country Water Team in exploring aquatic wildlife in the Watauga River. We will get up close and personal with many native fish species, such as the tangerine darter. Using view buckets, we can see under the water’s surface and observe the life teeming below. This is a great opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems, and what makes the Watauga River truly unique. Our staff will provide viewbuckets, identification books, and a wealth of knowledge of the region.
Important: *Option to rent a wetsuit and snorkel for a fully immersive experience at an additional cost*. If you would like to rent a wetsuit and snorkel gear, be sure to purchase both a ticket ($10-$30) and the additional ticket for rental gear ($20). Please also indicate what size wetsuit you will need based on the sizing chart linked here.
The rain date for this event will take place on August 26th.

Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail Kickoff at Island Park in Bryson City, NC
2023-08-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Bryson City Island Park, 213 Bryson St, Bryson City, NC, 28713, United States
Beat the heat and help us celebrate the launch of the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail in Bryson City! We invite you to kick off the new Island Park Snorkel Site on Saturday, August 26th from 10:00am-12:00pm. We will unveil our new educational signage, then get in the river and explore our underwater backyard. Snorkelers will be treated to a beautiful array of creatures like Tangerine Darters and Warpaint Shiners, which are common at this site, as well as other fish, salamanders, freshwater mussels, crayfish, macroinvertebrates, and more. Don’t have a snorkel? We’ll bring one for you! Just indicate on the form below if you will need one. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please fill out the form below, then grab your bathing suit and get ready to see the world from a fish’s-eye view. Wear a swimsuit or other clothes to get wet, including shoes. Bring a towel.
There is no designated parking for the park at this time. You will need to park in available public parking spaces downtown and walk to the park. This event is weather dependent. If it rains heavily in the days leading up to the event, the water will be cloudy and we will reschedule. Please, no pets.

Watauga Tailwaters End of Summer Guided Paddle near Johnson City, TN
2023-09-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Blevins Boat Ramp, Blevins, Johnson City, TN, 37601, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Riverkeeper water team staff on a guided tailwater float on the Watauga River. The Watauga Riverkeeper and French Broad Riverkeeper teams have decided to team up to spend the Friday afternoon on the water. We welcome all ages and skill levels for paddlers. Reserve your boat and spot on this awesome trip, as supply is limited. You are also welcome to BYOB (bring your own boat).
We will meet at Blevins Boat Ramp and provide a shuttle and boats. The rain date for this event will be September 30th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

Bartram Trail Hike: Jones Gap to Whiterock Mountain
2023-09-23 10:00 - 15:00 | Bartram Trail at Jones Gap, 35°04'33.7"N 83°17'16.6"W, Sugarfork, NC
This 4.6-mile lightly trafficked section of the Bartram Trail near Highlands, NC features spectacular views into the Tessentee Valley of Macon County. Jones Knob and Whiterock Mountain are a pair of peaks that lie along this rather tame stretch of the Bartram Trail, one of North Carolina’s premier long distance trails. Though both measure well below 5,000 feet in elevation what sets this pair apart is that they are plutons – mountains comprised of erosion resistant rock sporting massive open cliff faces. The trail is rated as moderate; there is approximately 940 feet of elevation change. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.

Urban Ebike Tour of Downtown Asheville 9/30/23
2023-09-30 10:00 - 13:00 | The Flying Bike Tours, 1 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC, 28801
Join MountainTrue as we team up with The Flying Bike to take out a fleet of electric bikes! We will pass through downtown, where Chris Joyell, Healthy Communities Director, will share his extensive knowledge about Asheville’s urban core, including stories of how redlining has shaped our city and what the future could hold for Asheville. With the bikes, we will expand our range, pedaling through the River Arts District and the Southside, experiencing the highlights (and lowlights) of Asheville’s bike infrastructure. We will frequently stop to hear from Chris about the history of development in these areas and what the future might look like in these places.
The bike rental includes a helmet, and the bikes have a basket with a waterproof cover to store your belongings while riding. We encourage folks to bring water and snacks, wear close-toed shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather (sunscreen, raincoat, sunglasses/hat, etc.). We do recommend that folks have prior experience riding a bike, the transition from a normal bike to an electric one is easy, but they do require some knowledge of how to ride. If you’re not in professional biker shape, don’t worry! Electric bikes are much easier to ride than normal bikes. Uphills are a breeze!
The rain date for this event will be October 7th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure that you can accommodate any changes in our plans.

Broad River Fall Float near Shelby, NC
2023-10-21 09:30 - 16:00 | Broad River Greenway Canoe Access, 126 Broad River Drive, Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
Join Broad Riverkeeper David Caldwell for a fall float along the Broad River. We will be paddling a beautiful and remote stretch of the Broad that few people get to paddle and enjoy! The first half of the trip will have some fun, easy class I and II rapids. The second half of this section is in slow-moving and still water, so we will need to paddle some (not just float) to reach the takeout on time. It is about a 4 to 5-hour trip. If interested we invite you to bring a fishing pole and some binoculars on this trip! There will be opportunities to fish and see wildlife!
The rain date for this event will be October 28th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure you can attend. If you have any questions about this trip please contact our Broad Riverkeeper via email at david@mountaintrue.org.

Woody Ethnobotany Walk near Weaverville, NC
2023-10-28 12:30 - 17:00 | Herb Mountain Farm
Ethnobiologist Marc Williams has taught hundreds of classes to thousands of people about plants, humans, other life forms and their interface. His training includes a B.A. in Environmental Studies/Sustainable Agriculture from Warren Wilson College with a minor in Business and a M.A. in Appalachian Studies/Sustainable Development from Appalachian State University with a minor in Planning/Geography. He has over 20 years of experiences working at various restaurants, farms, and travels throughout 30 countries in Central/North/South America, Europe and all 50 states in the USA. More information can be found at www.botanyeveryday.com and www.plantsandhealers.org. The elevation change on this hike will be 500 feet or less.
Come learn more about the food, medicine and craft uses of woody plants. We will take a walk and practice ways to systematically identify trees, shrubs and vines by their bark, ecotypes, flowers, fruit and growing conditions. Common and obscure sustainable uses for woody plants that may support overall health, well-being and sustenance will also be discussed. The connection between woody plants and other lifeforms such as birds, butterflies and fungal species will be an additional topic of conversation. The possible use of exotic invasive woodies as one potential means of control will round out our discussion.

Old Growth Forest Hike near Barnardsville, NC
2023-11-11 10:00 - 16:00 | Asheville US Forest Service Office, 160 Zillicoa St # A, Asheville, NC, 28801, United States
This hike will explore an old-growth, high elevation oak forest in the proposed Craggy Mountain National Scenic Area. The hike will be partially off trail, traverse steep, rocky terrain, and be very strenuous. During the hike we will discuss tree identification, forest ecology, and traits of old-growth forests, among other topics. There will be 1,000 to 1,500 vertical feet of elevation change on this hike, please keep that in mind when signing up.
This hike will take place on Coxcombe Mountain but we will meet as a group at the Asheville US Forest Service Office before the hike to carpool. There is very limited parking so carpooling will be essential for this trip.

Hike to Standing Indian Mountain near Hayesville, NC-CANCELLED
2023-12-03 13:00 - 16:00 | Deep Gap Trailhead Parking, Franklin, NC, 28734, United States
Due to the Collett Ridge Fire and the lack of rain in the forecast, the air quality is poor and not expected to improve before the hike. Sadly we are canceling this hike but we hope you can join us for another outing soon!
We’ll use Deep Gap Rd before it closes for the season (Jan 2) to access the Appalachian Trail for a 5-mile round trip out-and-back hike to Standing Indian Mountain, elevation 5,439′. It’s a gentle incline all the way up with only 1,095′ of elevation gain over 2.5 miles. There are gorgeous views from the top, especially in December when all the leaves are off the trees!

First Day Hike in the Brasstown Wilderness near Young Harris, GA
2024-01-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Miller Trek Trailhead, Young Harris, GA, 30582, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Western Regional director on the first day of the New Year for a moderate 6-mile loop hike in the Brasstown Wilderness. The trail climbs at a consistent rate of 500 ft/mile for almost three miles, skirting around Rocky Knob where we’ll take a short spur trail out to some rock outcrops for lunch and amazing views of both Hiawassee and Young Harris. The rest of the hike descends almost at the same rate it ascended, passing through beautiful mature forests on the way back to the trailhead. There is nothing particularly challenging about this hike. It’s rated moderate for the length and elevation gain of about 1,500′.

Winter Tree ID Hike-LOCATION CHANGE
2024-03-07 12:00 - 16:00
We have learned that the Parkway is closed in the stretch where the Flatrock Loop Trail is, so we are making a last-minute location change.

Updated location: Bull Gap on the the Blue Ridge Parkway

Park at the gate. This section of trail is surprisingly diverse and even offers some long-range views. We will meet at noon and return to our vehicles by 4 p.m.

Do you want to improve your ability to identify trees in all seasons? Winter is the time to do that! On this hike we will be treated to an afternoon in an ancient oak forest and views from a granitic outcrop. Along the way, participants will learn both basic and advanced techniques for tree identification. We will also discuss forest ecology, wildlife habitat, and more.
This hike is moderately strenuous and open to all knowledge levels. Children are welcome if they can hike up to 3 miles. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please bring:
*Sturdy hiking shoes
*Clothes/layers appropriate for the weather
*Snacks
*Rain Gear
*At least 1 liter of water
We love our four-legged friends but pets are not permitted on this hike.

Winter Bird Watch around Lake Chatuge near Hayesville, NC 3/9/2024-CANCELED DUE to WEATHER
2024-03-09 07:30 - 09:30 | Chatuge Dam, 1407 Chatuge Dam Rd, Hayesville, NC, 28904, United States
There is a 90% chance of rain on Saturday, March 9th so we must cancel this event. We hope to reschedule this at a later date.
MountainTrue is hosting the 18th Annual Winter Bird Watch outing around Lake Chatuge! Participants will meet at Chatuge Dam and carpool/caravan to various sites around the lake. Typically 18-25 different species of birds are observed on the outing, ranging from small songbirds to larger birds of prey and wintering waterfowl associated with more northern climes (like loons!).
Retired Young Harris College professor and former Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition board member Brenda Hull will again lead the outing. A spotting scope is provided for up-close views, but participants should still bring binoculars and a favorite bird identification guide, if they have them.
Kids ages 8 & up are welcome but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
What to bring:
Binoculars and bird guides if you have them
Water and snacks if desired
Warm layers (there is usually a breeze by the lake).
**As much as we love our furry friends, pets are not permitted on this outing.
Join us to learn more about our feathered winter visitors!

Additional Resources for your reference:
Birdwatching for Beginners: How to Start Birding

https://www.audubon.org/birding/how-to-start-birding

Green River Cove Wildflower Walk near Saluda, NC with MountainTrue and Hemlock Restoration Initiative
2024-03-17 12:30 - 17:00 | Fishtop Access, 2302 Green River Cove, Saluda, North Carolina, 28773
Enjoy a guided hike with MountainTrue Biologist Josh Kelly and Olivia Hall from The Hemlock Restoration Initiative (HRI) at one of the earliest blooming wildflower sites in Western North Carolina.
The moderate, four-mile hike will include information on wildflower identification, tree identification, and forest ecology. Join us as we discuss the importance of hemlocks and Hemlock Woolley Adelgid Management across the game land, including the Paddlers Hemlock Health Action Taskforce (PHHAT) treatment program, a partnership between HRI and the MountainTrue Green Riverkeeper.
Children are welcome as long as they can walk or be carried up to 4 miles. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing.
Please remember to bring:
Water
Snacks
Raingear
Sturdy footwear
Clothing comfortable for the weather
And a notebook if you wish to document any information
Feeling thirsty after the hike OR can’t attend the hike but want to gather? Join your fellow hikers, supporters and MountainTrue staff at the Green River Brew Depot for a casual hang from 5:30-6:30 pm.
The rain date for this event is March 24th. Please make sure to save both dates in your calendar just in case.

Spring Wildflower Hike near Shelby, NC 4-12
2024-04-12 10:30 - 14:30 | Broad River Greenway Canoe Access, 126 Broad River Drive, Shelby, NC, 28152, United States
Join our MountainTrue Broad Riverkeeper, David Caldwell, as we explore the downstream trail at our Broad River Greenway. David will discuss the value and concerns associated with the Broad River along the way.
Meeting location is the Broad River Greenway main parking lot beside the Ranger Station and bathrooms at 10:30 sharp.
This out and back hike is approximately 5 miles with almost no elevation change, although the terrain is rugged. Children are welcome on this hike if they can hike 5 miles.
Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the hike.
While we love our furry friends, please no dogs on this hike.
Please bring:

Appropriate outerwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Water
Lunch and snacks
Walking stick (if you have one)

The rain date for this event is April 19th. Please hold both dates in your calendar.

Guided River Snorkel near Sugar Grove, NC 4/23 CANCELED
2024-04-23 14:00 - 16:30 | Rominger Gravel Road Pull-off, 36.238482, -81.823214
Due to chilly weather, we unfortunately must cancel our planned snorkel. Please view the calendar for other upcoming snorkel adventures.
Join our High Country Water Team in exploring aquatic wildlife in the Watauga River. We will get up close and personal with many native fish species, such as the tangerine darter. Using view buckets, we can see under the water’s surface and observe the life teeming below.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems, and what makes the Watauga River truly unique. Our staff will provide viewbuckets, identification books, and a wealth of regional knowledge.
Important: *Option to rent a wetsuit and snorkel for a fully immersive experience at an additional cost*.
If you would like to rent a wetsuit and snorkel gear, be sure to purchase both a ticket and the additional ticket for rental gear ($40).
**Please also indicate what size wetsuit you will need based on the sizing chart linked here.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome to attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the outing.
Meet-up Coordinates: Rominger Road Gravel Pull-Off (36.238482, -81.823214)
Please remember to bring: Water, snacks, towel, and change of clothes

Headwaters Fun Float near Lawndale, NC
2024-06-08 10:00 - 15:00 | NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch, 4933 Casar Road, Polkville, NC, 28136
We are heading up to the South Mountain foothills for a fun paddle on the cool, shady waters of the First Broad River. Just downstream from the South Mountain Game Lands and one of our few Outstanding Resource Waters, this is some of the cleanest and life-filled water in the Broad River basin. The water is likely to be pretty shallow and “bony”, that is, we will be scraping and dragging over quite a few rocks and gravel beds.
Meet up at the brand new NC Wildlife Resources Commission boat launch (NC 10 PFA, 4933 Casar Road) at 10:00 am sharp! We will unload boats and gear, then take all of the vehicles to the take-out spot and shuttle back to begin paddling.
Please bring:

your boat
paddle
lifejacket (PFD)
water
lunch
sunscreen
sturdy water shoes or sneakers (no flip-flops)
towel
dry change of clothes

We have a limited number of boat rentals available for an add-on fee (4 available) so reserve your spot early.
**If you are renting a boat, please call David at 704-300-5069 to confirm PFD (life jacket) size.
For safety reasons, this event is limited to participants aged 18 and older.
The rain date for this event will be June 22nd so please hold both days on your calendar.

Waterkeepers Carolina Paddle Parade with MountainTrue in Boone, NC
2024-06-22 09:30 - 12:30 | Boone Skate Park, 200 Casey Ln, Boone, NC, 28607
Throughout the last week of June, Waterkeepers Carolina has made a uniform effort to get folks on the water with their Riverkeeper. This FREE float will be featured by Waterkeepers Carolina, MountainTrue, and Conservation Network! Come out and enjoy a beautiful day of celebrating community, clean water, and the beauty of the High Country.
The float should be around 3 hours total, with around a 20-minute shuttle back to the cars.
You can bring your own boat (and lifejacket) or rent a boat from MountainTrue but hurry, we have a limited number of available boats.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome to attend as long as they are with a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing. All skill levels of paddling are welcome.
Please remember to bring: Water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, towel & change of clothes for after and your life jacket if you are bringing your own boat.
Rain Date: June 29th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

Snorkel the French Broad River's Headwaters in Rosman, NC
2024-06-22 10:00 - 14:00 | Champion’s Park River Access, Champion Park's River Access - 39 Old Turnpike Rd, Rosman, NC, 28772
Join MountainTrue staff and partners for a guided snorkeling experience on the French Broad River’s headwaters at Champion Park in Rosman, NC. Come immerse yourself amongst the vibrant and diverse aquatic life calling the cold, clear, waters of the upper French Broad home. Our guides will be Luke Etchison – Western Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Kevin Merrill – Owner & Biologist with Oxbow River Snorkeling.
Luke and Kevin have intimate knowledge of the fish, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates on this particular site and within Western North Carolina in general. You’ll learn about what you’re seeing, the conservation and preservation efforts occurring to help protect these species and their habitats, and other regional water quality and outdoor recreation projects happening throughout the watershed.
Masks, snorkels, wetsuits, and booties can be rented through our partnership with Mountains to Seas. If you rent equipment, please make sure to complete ALL of the sizing fields for each ticketed guest to ensure we get the correct size for wetsuits and booties.
Due to the sensitivity of the site and the capacity of our guides, we will be limiting this adventure to two separate two-hour time slots with no more than ten people each.
The first tour starts at 10:00 AM and the second tour at 12:00 PM.
Please Note that snorkeling tours like this one are at the mercy of Mother Nature. High water velocity and poor visibility following a heavy rain event may create conditions unfavorable for this activity to continue as planned. If this occurs for our scheduled date, we will unfortunately need to cancel and refund any expenses.
Register:
**If the ticket type or timeslot that you need are not available please contact amy@mountaintrue.org for assistance or to be put on the waitlist. Registration will close on June 14th.
Register for the 10am tour
Register for the 12pm tour

Guided River Snorkel near Sugar Grove, NC 8/16
2024-08-16 14:00 - 16:30 | Watauga Upper Gorge Access, 2531 Old Watauga River Rd, Sugar Grove, NC, 28679, United States
Join our High Country Water Team in exploring aquatic wildlife in the Watauga River. We will get up close and personal with many native fish species, such as the tangerine darter. Using view buckets, we can see under the water’s surface and observe the life teeming below.
This is an excellent opportunity to learn about aquatic ecosystems, and what makes the Watauga River truly unique. Our staff will provide viewbuckets, identification books, and a wealth of regional knowledge.
Important: *Option to rent a wetsuit and snorkel for a fully immersive experience at an additional cost*.
If you would like to rent a wetsuit and snorkel gear, be sure to purchase both a ticket and the additional ticket for rental gear ($40).
**Please also indicate what size wetsuit you will need based on the sizing chart linked here.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome to attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire duration of the outing.
Meet-up Coordinates: 321 Upper Gorge Park (36.25481006839172, -81.84969156997231)
Please remember to bring: Water, snacks, towel, and change of clothes

Watauga Tailwaters Guided Paddle near Johnson City, TN 9/20
2024-09-20 11:00 - 15:00 | Blevins Boat Ramp, Blevins, Johnson City, TN, 37601, United States
Join MountainTrue’s Riverkeeper water team staff on a guided tailwater float on the Watauga River. Some of our best MountainTrue river experts have teamed up to spend the Friday afternoon on the water with you!
You can bring your own boat (and lifejacket) or rent a boat from MountainTrue but hurry, we have a limited number of available boats.
Children aged 5 and up are welcome to attend as long as they are with a parent/guardian for the duration of the outing. All skill levels of paddling are welcome.
We will meet at Blevins Boat Ramp and provide a shuttle and boats.
Please remember to bring: Water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, towel & change of clothes for after and your life jacket if you are bringing your own boat.
Rain Date: October 4th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure attendance.

**CANCELED**Urban Ebike Tour of Asheville 10/5
2024-10-05 09:00 - 12:00 | The Flying Bike Tours, 1 River Arts Pl, Asheville, NC, 28801
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 5.
Join MountainTrue as we team up with The Flying Bike to take out a fleet of electric bikes! We’ll start in the River Arts District and make our way downtown, where Chris Joyell, Healthy Communities Director, will share his extensive knowledge about Asheville’s urban core, including stories of how redlining has shaped our city, the infamous Pit of Despair and plans for the I-26 Connector. We will frequently stop to hear from Chris about the history of development in these areas and what the future might look like in these places.
Following the bike tour, attendees are invited to join Chris for a casual member hangout at the nearby RAD Brewing (13 Mystery Street). Those who could not make the bike tour are invited to join us for an adult beverage at noon. (The Rad Brewing Co. will have beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages for sale).
The bike rental includes a helmet, and the bikes have a basket with a waterproof cover to store your belongings while riding. We encourage folks to bring water and snacks, wear close-toed shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather (sunscreen, raincoat, sunglasses/hat, etc.).
We do recommend that folks have prior experience riding a bike, the transition from a normal bike to an electric one is easy, but they do require some knowledge of how to ride. If you’re not in professional biker shape, don’t worry! Electric bikes are much easier to ride than normal bikes. Uphills are a breeze!
The rain date for this event will be October 12th. Please reserve both dates on your calendar to ensure that you can accommodate any changes in our plans.
Huge thanks to our friends at The Flying Bike for helping make this tour possible.

**CANCELED** Whitewater River Hike in Cashiers, NC
2024-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Forest Service Road 88, 35°02'30.1"N 83°03'46.2"W
DUE TO THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE HELENE, THIS EVENT IS CANCELED FOR OCT 5.
Visit the Whitewater Special Interest Area which is renowned for it’s unique flora and wildlife. The Forest Service attempted to log 15 acres of the Special Interest Area as part of the Southside Project but MountainTrue and our partners took legal action and won.
The hike will be 4-6 miles and will follow a gated Forest Service road for most of the length. The last portion of the hike will be on steep, uneven ground with no trail. The hike will proceed unless heavy rains or wind are in the forecast.
*Children are welcome if they can hike up to 6 miles without assistance. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the outing. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on the hike.
Please remember to:
-Wear sturdy hiking shoes and long pants.
-Bring water, lunch, snacks and any medications you may need
Carpooling details will be sent when you register but there will be carpools from Asheville and Cashiers, NC.
