FRIDAY DAYTIME ACTIVITIES

(PLEASE NOTE: this is a tentative schedule and subject to change. We'll do our best to stick to it, but as things evolve over the summer, some slight tweaks may need to be made.)

This year, once again, we have grouped our events by track -- just like at a conference! There is something in nearly each timeslot for each track -- so if you wish to just do water sports, just learn about the arts and history of the area, or just do all the strenuous hikes -- you can do so. Of course, you can mix and match activities, as always. The tracks are there to help give some general structure to the activity offerings.

FULL DAY ACTIVITIES

BOAT & FLOAT TRACK I [Pre-Paid Add-On]: Chattooga River Rafting - Part IV (Class IV-V Whitewater). This is our most exciting whitewater trip of the weekend. Youll crash through the class IV+ rapids from which legends are made: Woodall Shoals, Seven Foot Falls, Ravens Chute, Deliverance Rock. We will stop long enough to view the astounding waterfalls of Stekoa and Long Creek Falls as they cascade into the river, just to let you catch your breath! Then, as the canyon deepens and the river rounds a hard right turn and drops out of sight and an ominous roar seems to make the entire raft tremble with excitement, prepare yourself for the world renowned Five Falls, starting with Entrance, flying through Corkscrew, slipping through the narrow line at Jawbone, and finally over the big drop at Soc-em-Dog, youll drop a total of about 100 feet over a little more than a third of a mile! This run covers the steepest section of river currently being run on a commercial basis in the Southeast. Recommended for people with previous rafting experience, Section IV can be the ultimate challenge for whitewater paddlers. Cost: $95 (includes transportation, guide, and all gear.) Limit 30 people. Drive time from camp: 40 minutes.

BOAT & FLOAT TRACK II [Pre-Paid Add-On]: Paddle the Wild and Scenic Chattooga Section II in Duckies. ***SOLD OUT*** Section II is a beautiful 6-mile stretch of mostly flat-water, with a few class II shoals and one small class III rapid to keep things interesting. Sit back and enjoy the fantastic scenery of this upper section of river. Cost: $38 (includes transportation and rental of all gear.) Limit 12 people. Drive time from camp: 60 min. NOTE: This activity is now SOLD OUT and you can no longer register for it.

ROCKS & MINERALS TRACK [Pre-Paid Add-On]: Gem Mining in Franklin & Tubing on Little Tennessee River. We'll visit Sheffield mine in Franklin, NC, where we'll sluice through buckets of native soil pulled from the mine that morning (not salted with minerals found elsewhere!). Good chance of finding sapphires and rubies, as well as other local minerals. We'll spend 2-3 hours at the sluice, hunting for treasures, then, after a picnic lunch, we will head back towards Franklin and stop along the shores of the Little Tennessee River and cool off with a relaxing float. Water levels range from 3 to 8 feet deep, so no scraping your tube against the bottom!; Gentle ride; some small Class I rapids to keep things interesting. Swimming allowed. Both open-bottom and closed-bottom tubes available; your choice! Cost: $22 (includes admission to the mine, two large buckets of native dirt, tube rental and transportation.) Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 60-75 minutes.

ADVENTURE TRACK I [Pre-Paid Add-On]: Mountain Bike and Hike to Waterfalls in Smithgall Woods. Enjoy 8 miles of mountain biking on paved and gravel roads with no cars in pristine Smithgall Woods. We'll hop aboard our rental bikes, and ride four miles stopping at the trailheads of four different hikes. The fourth trail goes to Cathy Ellis Falls. We'll park our bikes at each trailhead and hike. It is about a 15 minute hike to Cathy Ellis Falls, where we'll rest and play in the water. Many beautiful streams along the way with plentiful wildlife and late summer wildflowers. Bring lunch, water, and water shoes. Cost: $55 (includes bike rental and transportation.) Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 60 minutes.

GORGEOUS GORGES TRACK I [Included]: Highlands Day: Visit Waterfalls around Highlands, the Highlands Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, the town of Highlands, and Optional hike to Whiteside Mountain. The area around Highlands, NC is known for its waterfalls. We'll visit a few of the most spectacular including Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Cullasaja Falls in the Cullasaja Gorge in the morning, then we'll expore the Highlands Nature Center and Botanic Garden. We'll head into the picturesque town of Highlands where folks can opt to spend their afternoon visiting the shops, or elect to take an optional 30-min drive to the trailhead of Whiteside mountain; a 2-mi moderate hike (Elevation gain 800') to an overlook with 210 degree views from spectacular cliffs that are home to peregrine falcons! The van will then return to Highlands where the hikers can get ice cream, and everyone can reconvene for the trip back to camp. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 60 minutes.

MODERATE HIKE TRACK I [Included]: Hike the Raven Cliffs Trail. Raven Cliffs Trail is a 5-mile out and back hike along Dodd Creek to the cliffs where the creek plunges through a narrow crack in the cliff. The trail is mostly easy walking through beautiful rhododendron and hemlock forests following the creek by numerous small waterfalls. The trail is a great trail for beginners since it does not contain any large inclines. The cliffs themselves rise 100 feet from the valley floor. A 40 foot waterspout shoots out from a cleft halfway through the cliff. Elevation change: 856'. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 60 min.

MODERATE HIKE TRACK II [Included]: Hike 5-mile on East Fork Trail of Chattooga from Walhalla Fish Hatchery to Chattooga River; and visit Fish Hatchery, Stumphouse Tunnel & Issequeena Falls. A plethora of delights awaits you on this easy-moderate adventure. We will hike 2.5 miles through a lush, fertile gorge in the Ellicott Rocks Wilderness area along the East Fork of the Chattooga River until we reach the wooden bridge where the trail meets up with the longer Chattooga River Trail. We will find a nice lunch spot, then head back to explore the fish hatchery at the trailhead (there is fish food to feed the trout -- which might explain why they are so huge!). We'll then climb in the van to head to visit nearby 100-ft. Issequeenah Falls, and Stumphouse Tunnel, an abandoned railroad tunnel that extends 1600 feet through granite into the heart of Stumphouse Mountain. Optional walk into the tunnel where cool air and hundreds of tiny sleeping brown bats await. Flashlights needed if entering the tunnel. Elevation change 400'. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 60 minutes.

MODERATE HIKE TRACK III [Included]: Hike to Panther Creek Falls. ***SOLD OUT*** Seven mile out and back hike to Panther Creek Falls, a high-volume, powerful falls that dumps over a large and ragged rock face into one of the largest pools in the north Georgia Mountains. Towards the end, we will descend into a gorge where rock faces and overhangs have been worn smooth over time. We will have lunch, swim and play under the roaring falls, before heading back. Elevation change 350 feet. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 40 min. NOTE: This activity is now SOLD OUT and you can no longer register for it.

STRENUOUS HIKE TRACK I [Included]: Hike the Beech Creek Loop. Just driving to the trailhead through the upper gorge of the Tallulah River is breathtaking. We start the hike in the heart of the Southern Nantahala Wilderness, only 15 miles from camp. This most challenging wilderness circuit features many rock outcroppings, a stacked-stone corundum mine ruins, and two spur trails leading to two waterfalls, one of which is 150 feet. In 3.8 miles, you've climbed 2140 feet, and just when you've had a chance to catch your breath, those who want can make an optional climb to the top of Big Scaly for a spectacular southwest view. The trail then follows an old logging road and forest service road to complete the loop. Total hike length 8.4 miles without Big Scaly Spur (next line). Elevation change 2140 feet. Optional hike on Big Scaly spur adds about 2 miles and 400 feet elevation. Limit 12 people. Drive time from camp: 35 min.

STRENUOUS HIKE TRACK II [Included]: Hike to Standing Indian - the Highest Point on the AT south of the Smoky Mountains. ***Cancelled*** Three trails make up this Standing Indian loop, one of the few places you can make a loop hike with the Appalachian Trail and in one of the best hiking destinations in southwest North Carolina. First is the Kimsey Creek Trail, which follows and traverses several creeks and goes through wildlife meadows. Then take the AT for 2.5 miles to the summit of Standing Indian Mountain to enjoy the southwest views at 5499 feet, the tallest mountain south of the Smokies. All your climbing is done in 6.1 miles, and the last leg of the loop is on the steep Lower Ridge Trail for 4.1 miles, which leads you back down to the Nantahala River. Total hike distance: 10.2 miles. Elevation change 2120 feet. Limit 12 people. Drive time from camp: 75 min. . NOTE: This activity has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

HALF-DAY MORNING ACTIVITIES

ARTS & HISTORY TRACK I [Pre-Paid Add-On]: Visit Foxfire Museum. ***Cancelled*** Foxfire Museum Guided. Visitors to Foxfire will receive a rare glimpse of what life was like for the mountaineers who settled this area over 150 years ago. The Museum is centered around a collection of over 20 historic log cabins and replicas of traditional log construction designs, with some of the authentic structures dating back to the early 1800s. These cabins provide a glance into the past, including a look at a wagon used in the Trail of Tears - the forced Cherokee migration from these mountains to Oklahoma. Our knowledgeable guide will enlighten, explain and entertain. Cost: $12 (includes admission, guided tour and transport.) Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 30 minutes. NOTE: This activity has been cancelled.

GORGEOUS GORGES TRACK II [Included]: Visit Tallulah Gorge. One of the most spectacular gorges in the eastern United States, the chasm is less than 2 miles long and approximately 700 feet deep. We will first stop at the interpretive center to learn about the natural history of spectacular Tallulah Gorge, then we will head out to hike the north and south rim trails, viewing the Tallulah River from many overlooks along the way. Elevation change TBD. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 40 min.

EASY HIKE TRACK I [Included]: 1.8-mi Nature/Photography Hike in Coleman River Scenic area. Highly scenic trail along Coleman River. The Coleman, a beautiful mountain stream, is bordered by room-sized boulders and wide enough to let the sun in. This hike follows the Coleman river to a series of cascades. Expect to see maidenhair fern, Indian cucumber-root, Vasey's trilium and showy orchis, as well as old growth hemlocks, Eastern white pines, sweet birch, rhododendron, and more. Plenty of places to dip, get your feet wet, and cool off along the way. Bring your cameras.... Elevation change minimal. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 25 minutes.

CAMP ACTIVITIES TRACK I [Included]: Odyssey Challenge Course. It's not High Ropes. It's not Low Ropes. It's something completely different altogether! After some on-ground training, you'll embark in two groups of eight by climbing an inclined cargo net into the lower level, first treehouse. At each treehouse you'll navigate through either lower level or upper level linear challenges, finally disembarking from the course, thoroughly energized, via Zipline. Limit 16 people.

CAMP ACTIVITIES TRACK II [Included]: Boating/ Swimming in Camp. The waterfront at the lake will be open this morning for boating around the lake, swimming, sunning on the dock, and jumping on "the blob!" Unlimited.

CAMP ACTIVITIES TRACK III [Included]: Sports and Fitness at Camp. There are gorgeous tennis courts, basketball courts, and other sporting fields available and open for your use. There's also a state-of-the-art air-conditioned fitness facility! Grab a partner, get a group together, hit some balls, shoot some hoops, or just work out on your own... then go cool off in the lake.... Unlimited.

HALF-DAY AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

VINES & WINES TRACK I [Included]: Half-Day Winery Tour ***SOLD OUT*** We'll take a shorter version of Saturday's tour, and visit Tiger Mountain and Persimmon Creek Wineries near camp. At Tiger Mountain, we'll taste up to nine different wines, then enjoy a stroll to a picnic area out back to sit and take in the scenery. Then it's on to Persimmon Creek, where we'll taste up to five wines, and take a walk and tour of the picturesque grounds and gardens. Then it's just a short hop back to camp. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 20 minutes. NOTE: This activity is now SOLD OUT and you can no longer register for it.

ARTS & HISTORY TRACK I [Pre-Paid Add-On]: Visit Foxfire Museum. ***Cancelled*** Foxfire Museum Guided. Visitors to Foxfire will receive a rare glimpse of what life was like for the mountaineers who settled this area over 150 years ago. The Museum is centered around a collection of over 20 historic log cabins and replicas of traditional log construction designs, with some of the authentic structures dating back to the early 1800s. These cabins provide a glance into the past, including a look at a wagon used in the Trail of Tears - the forced Cherokee migration from these mountains to Oklahoma. Our knowledgeable guide will enlighten, explain and entertain. Cost: $12 (includes admission, guided tour and transport.) Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 30 minutes. NOTE: This is a repeat of the Friday morning tour by the same name. NOTE: This activity has been cancelled due to lack of interest.

ADVENTURE TRACK II [Pre-Paid Add-On]: Segway Tour along Little Tennessee River. ***SOLD OUT*** Looking for a different way to experience the outdoors? Join us as we glide along the Little Tennessee River Greenway and enjoy the beauty of the mountains, river, flora and fauna atop a Segway XT. Sightings of pileated woodpeckers, wild turkey and river otters are not uncommon. On this three hour tour, you will experience the Segway's capability in varied terrains. We will travel over paved pathways, gravel walkways, and shaded forest trails to visit various sights abd paths along the river. Glide effortlessly up hills and gradually experience faster speeds as all riders will be given the opportunity to key up to the red key for a faster glide. Cost: $55 (includes Segway rental, safety gear, and instruction.) Limit 6 people. Drive time from camp: 60 minutes. NOTE: This activity is now SOLD OUT and you can no longer register for it.

EASY HIKE TRACK I [Included]: Easy Hike and Waterfalls at Hemlock Falls. ***SOLD OUT*** Easy flat trail that follows rushing Moccasin Creek to a swimming hole under beautiful Hemlock Falls. The Hemlock Falls trail goes through a typical hardwood forest, with Moccasin Creek in sight most of the way. We will hike in a mile and relax, swim, and play in the water before heading back to camp. Optional visit to Lake Burton Fish Hatchery. Elevation change minimal. Limit 15 people. Drive time from camp: 30 minutesfont color=red> NOTE: This activity is now SOLD OUT and you can no longer register for it.

EASY HIKE TRACK II [Included]: Nature Hike to Waterfall in Camp with Dave. The trailhead for this hike is across the street from Camp! We'll hike in 15 minutes or so to the waterfall and see what we see along the way. Naturalist Dave Liebman will point out interesting things as we go. Bring your camera. Elevation change minimal. Limit 20 people.

CAMP ACTIVITIES TRACK I [Included]: Pool Open in Camp. The Olympic-sized pool will be open this afternoon for swimming, sunning, reading, or just hanging out. Lifeguards will be on duty. Unlimited.

CAMP ACTIVITIES TRACK II [Included]: Sports and Fitness at Camp. There are gorgeous tennis courts, basketball courts, and other sporting fields available and open for your use. There's also a state-of-the-art air-conditioned fitness facility! Grab a partner, get a group together, hit some balls, shoot some hoops, or just work out on your own... then go cool off in the pool.... Unlimited.