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Dates: May 16–22, 2010

Cost: $3,882 per person (double occupancy); $4,482 (single occupancy) from Asheville, NC

Information & Reservations:
Discovery Tours
Al “Chip” Cipolletti
(800) 590-2669
info@tourwithdiscovery.com

Connect with the land:

Help eradicate invasive species at the base of our Bluff Mountain Preserve (optional).

Why we work here:

The mountains and forests of the Southern Appalachians create special habitats for species from bobcats to black bears, rare wildflowers to the elusive bog turtle.

Threats to this ecosystem:

Climate change, habitat fragmentation due to unsustainable development, invasive species, water pollution.

What we do here:

Partner with local citizens, conservation groups and government agencies to restore contiguous habitat, preserve natural diversity and protect scenic recreation areas.



Cliffs and caves, wildflowers and waterfalls...discover the beauty of an Appalachian spring.

Surround yourself with the rare beauty of the southern Appalachians. Your tour will give you a naturalist’s perspective on our work in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains, from rugged gorges to spectacular mountaintop vistas. Search for salamanders at Rumbling Bald Preserve; get an insider’s tour of Grandfather Mountain; hike to the longest fissure cave in North America; or let an elevator whisk you to a stunning view from the top of Chimney Rock. Enjoy bluegrass and barbecue in West Jefferson; explore galleries and shops in the charming town of Blowing Rock; and see rare plants and migratory birds at sites from rare Appalachian bogs to botanical gardens.

Highlights:

  • Take a special wildflower hike that leads to the world’s largest augen gneiss fissure cave;
  • See the waterfalls and rocky outcroppings of Hickory
    Nut Gorge;
  • Explore some of the 16 natural communities on
    Grandfather Mountain;
  • Hike into a mountaintop hemlock forest and rare Appalachian fen at Bluff Mountain Preserve;
  • Visit the magnificent Biltmore estate take in Asheville’s lively cultural scene;
  • Enjoy a luncheon cruise on Lake Lure; and
  • View the scenery along the Blue Ridge Parkway Stay at the legendary Grove Park Inn and the historic Inn at Ragged Gardens.

Download the complete itinerary for this trip

View More Legacy Trips


Image credits (left to right): © Willie Johnson (Rhododendron at Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina); © Simon Williams/TNC (Craggy Gardens, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina).