• Hike to 14 of the most spectacular waterfalls in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains: watch them shimmer as they plunge hundreds of feet … feel the mist as you walk behind roaring falls … hike along the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies … visit falls featured in The Last of the Mohicans …
• Enjoy spring’s vibrant colors, courtesy of mountain azaleas and wildflowers … and walk through verdant, towering forests and along babbling creeks.
• Hike to the highest sheer cliffs in the eastern U.S. on what some experts believe is the world’s oldest mountain.
• Trek along sections of the popular Foothills Trail and Chattooga River, featured in Deliverance.
• Visit fabulous Biltmore Estates, America’s largest home, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains overlooking the French Broad River. Tour the 250-room chateau and expansive gardens during the spring Festival of Flowers, enjoy complimentary wine-tasting at the Biltmore Winery, and relive long-ago farm life. Opt to raft or kayak on the French Broad River or rent a bicycle to tour the grounds.
Monday, May 10
• Fly into Asheville, NC, airport and let us shuttle you to our Laurelwood Mountain Inn in the quaint mountain village of Cashiers. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains en route.
• After settling into your room, savor Carolina’s famous barbecue and down-home atmosphere at Cashier’s Carolina Smokehouse.
Tuesday, May 11
• Hike 2.5 miles along Horsepasture River and its two spectacular waterfalls: teen-favorite Turtleback Falls and 150-foot Rainbow Falls.
• Our 2-mile walk takes you to the base of towering King’s Creek Falls, and explores sections of the popular Foothills Trail and famous Chattooga River.
• Dine at one of Cashier’s favorite spots.
Wednesday, May 12
• This spectacular 2-mile hike safely takes you to the highest sheer cliffs in the eastern U.S. – on what some experts believe to be the oldest mountain in the world.
• Explore, dine, and shop in the delightful town of Highlands.
• Visit two shimmering cascades at Glenn Falls on this 1.2-mile trek.
• Drive past delicate Bridal Veil Falls, and then feel the mist behind roaring Dry Falls as it plunges 80 feet into Cullasaja Gorge.
• Dine at sunset on the four-season porch of On the Veranda, overlooking lovely Lake Sequoia.
Thursday, May 13
• Our 3-mile route takes you to gorgeous 411-foot Whitewater Falls (highest waterfall east of the Rockies) and exquisite Laurel Falls, and along the tumbling Whitewater River.
• Enjoy some R&R or gift shops in Cashiers.
• Dine at the delicious Lightwater Grille in Cashiers (don’t resist their desserts).
Friday, May 14
• Enjoy our visit to Pisgah National Forest, which includes a stop at picturesque Looking Glass Falls and a 1.4-mile hike to (and behind) enchanting Moore Cove Falls.
• At DuPont State Forest, view Hooker Falls (featured in The Last of the Mohicans), stand on bedrock jutting into the cascades of 150-foot Triple Falls, and glimpse the covered bridge above 120-foot High Falls.
• Head to Asheville, where we’ll enjoy dinner at Province 620 and a great night’s sleep at our inn, minutes from Biltmore Estate.
Saturday, May 15
• Tour fabulous Biltmore Estates, America’s largest home, located in Asheville’s Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ll tour the 250-room chateau and lovely spring gardens.
• In the afternoon, head back to the hotel for a swim and R&R … or stay at the Estate to enjoy complimentary wine-tasting at the Biltmore’s Winery, visit the historic farm for a look at long-ago rural life, or walk the grounds. You can also opt to raft or kayak on the French Broad River, or rent a bicycle.
• Dine at the Corner Kitchen in historic Biltmore Village.
Sunday, May 16
• After the hotel’s complimentary hot breakfast, we’ll shuttle you to Asheville Regional Airport for your flight home.
*Price varies according to the room you choose for your 4-night stay
at Laurelwood Mountain Inn. Rooms available on a 1st-come basis; view
them at www.LaurelwoodMountainInn.com
• $1,620 pkg:
Enjoy a private standard room with 1 double and 1 single bed,
along with a mini-frig, coffeemaker, TV, and high-speed internet access.
(Provides no outdoor living space.)
• $1,860 pkg: Enjoy the spacious luxury of the deluxe room, which features 1 king bed and
a covered front porch with rocking chairs overlooking fountains and beautifully
landscaped grounds. In addition to the amenities in the standard room,
you’ll enjoy this room’s extra space, microwave and extra
dresser drawers. One of these deluxe rooms also features a spacious screened
porch.
Trip price includes:
• 4 days and nights at beautiful Laurelwood Mountain Inn, featuring screened porches,
private rooms/baths, and front-porch rockers.
• 2-night stay, double-occupancy, at the Baymont Inn near Biltmore,
including its hot, complimentary breakfasts
• Full-day admission to the Biltmore Estates
• Guided hikes by experienced, knowledgeable leaders
• Guided discussions, based on what we see in nature each day, that foster warm
camaraderie and help you view nature and yourself in new ways
• Transportation throughout the week to hikes, restaurants, shopping,
and the Biltmore
• Shuttles to and from the Asheville's airport, within designated time frames
• Park entrance fees
• Informational booklet packed with suggestions on what to bring; fun facts about the park and
its history, weather, and wildlife; and hiking tips
• Photo CD memento of your trip
• Reunion party following the trip
Book Your Trip!
Our trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains is now filled.
However, we encourage you to click the "Book Your Trip " link, to print a registration form
to sign up for the trip's wait list. Mail your completed form to: Trailbound Trips, 111 Woodland Drive, Lake Barrington,
IL 60010. No deposit is necessary to join the waiting list.
“We’re so thankful we joined you and the others on this AWESOME hiking trip ”~Mother & daughter team, Swift River and Skip
“I like that everything is taken care of, and then some. I have so much responsibility in my life, that it’s nice not to think about food, transportation, etc. I want to go back and take all of my friends to share the experience with them. It was so beautiful.!! ”~Ladybug
“I’ll bring a friend or a sister on these trips because I know that whatever their circumstance in life, they’ll be respected and feel comfortable, they’ll have a quality hiking experience, and they’ll make new friends ” ~Flowing Water
“ Thank you for a remarkable experience ” ~Anonymous
“ The best part of the trip is that it doesn’t end with the end of the week because it is now living in my heart. ” ~Hawk
Links:
www.Province620.com
www.theCornerKitchen.com
www.LaurelwoodMountainInn.com
www.DupontForest.com
www.CashiersNorthCarolina.com
www.HighlandsChamber.com
www.flyavl.com (Asheville
Regional Airport)