Hike with a Historian –
Explore History Where it Happened
Sometimes the best way to learn is to see and experience the places we discuss. Partnering with local historians and researchers, AMoH frequently leads outdoor hikes (and occasional paddles) to and along historic places and routes within western North Carolina. These range from easy, 2-mile walks to strenuous 6+ mile hikes. These programs include forests, cemeteries, forgotten roads, high peaks, storied rivers and more! We often follow our book or lecture events with these outdoor excursions, giving guests and members opportunities to explore subjects in multiple ways. We hope to see you at these outings!
Prices vary for these events (paddles may cost more) with AMoH members receiving discounted rates. No-cost community funded tickets are also available thanks to donations.
See our event calendar for more specifics and registration links.
What To Expect:
- Outings are led by a guest historian/speaker or the AMoH public programs director.
- Participants are asked to fill out a liability waiver and provide emergency contact information.
- Outings sometimes require cooperative shuttling in vehicles.
- We love pets, but not all events allow for them.
- Occasionally parking arrangements and dates change due to weather or other factors. We stay in contact with registrants and notify them of any changes prior to the event.
PAST PROGRAMS
Hikes With a Historian: Ray Mica Mine
September 20, 2023
On this early fall day, we were grateful to have Dr. William Miller (UNCA emeritus professor of environmental studies) lead us on a short hike to the former Ray mica mine near Burnsville. Many of the deep pits and tailings from the mica extraction are visible, as are countless specimens of the transparent mineral scattered all throughout the area. We learned about the ancient geologic forces which shaped this section of the Appalachians millions of years ago and the social history of mining in the area in much more recent times. We hope you’ll join us for more hikes and outings in our Hikes With a Historian series in 2024!
A former mine shaft with grate covering.
A mine shaft entrance estimated to be 100 feet deep.
Erosion and collapsed banks around another mine shaft opening.
Tailings from a mine shaft flow down a hillside.
Hikes With a Historian – Cemetery Series: Quaker Meadows Cemetery and Frankie Silver Grave
Sep 13, 2023
The final event in our 2023 Cemetery Series explored some of the most politically influential/connected families in the foothills during the last decades of the 18th century as well as one of the most famous murder trials in WNC history. We were guided through the Quaker Meadows Cemetery (started by the McDowell family) by a docent from Historic Burke Foundation. We then travelled several miles from Morganton to see the supposed grave of Frances “Frankie” Silver, hanged for murder in 1833. A big thanks to all who attended this and other events in our series!
Hikes With a Historian – Cemetery Series: Ashworth Cemetery and Sherrill’s Inn
Sep 6, 2023
The second event in our 2023 Cemetery Series explored the early push of settlers into and over the Blue Ridge right after the American Revolutionary War and new treaties with the Cherokees. We looked at the arrival of African-descended enslaved people into the region, land speculation and continued migration, the early road and stagecoach network, and also the legends of healing women or mountain witches, putting some names to those bigger patterns.
We were also lucky on this tour to have several descendants, community members, and stewards of the land join us and share some of their own oral history passed down to them. Oral history like this is invaluable to understanding places and people which/whom were not typically documented.
Read more and see related maps and primary sources at the link below.
The cemetery is filled with numerous fieldstones in addition to the few carved headstones.
John Ager speaks with guests on the front porch of the inn
A spring flowing from Ferguson Peak provides water.
Gun ports (triangular notches) visible in the sides of the structure believed to be a late 1700s fortified blockhouse
Hikes With a Historian – Cemetery Series: Brittain Church and Biggerstaff Hanging Tree
Aug 30, 2023
Led by public programs director Trevor Freeman, the museum kicked off our second season of the popular cemetery tour series near Rutherfordton at the Brittain Presbyterian Church graveyard and nearby Biggerstaff Hanging Tree site. Guests explored the graveyard of the first WNC church, with the earliest known graves dating to the 1780 battle at Kings Mountain. We also trekked a short trail at a nearby spot where 9 Loyalists were executed and unceremoniously buried after the same battle. Read more and see related maps and primary sources at the link below.
A big thanks to participants Kim Leatherwood and Kieta Osteen Cochrane for sharing photographs!
Participants investigate the oldest burials at Brittain Church
Brittain Presbyterian was originally built in 1768. This is the third church building which was veneered with brick in 1940.
The group discusses some interesting patterns they noticed among the burials at the church
The grave of Thomas McCullough of VA, mortally wounded at Kings Mountain and buried days later at Brittain Church
A marker describing someone as a “consort of”
By the late 1800s, obelisks, ornate symbols, and individual variations are seen among headstones and markers.
A state historical marker
The Biggerstaff site and Brittain Church are both stops along the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail
Hiking the loop trail at the Biggerstaff site
The vegetation at the Biggerstaff farm would have looked much different in 1780
The group gathers near the possible location where Loyalists were hanged and buried
The group gathers near a possible location of the executions.
French Broad Paddle w Conserving Carolina and MountainTrue
July 7, 2023
At the last recreational event in Conserving Carolina’s 5-part French Broad River Series, we partnered with them and MountainTrue to take guests on an interpretive paddle through one of the busiest and most historic sections of the river. Led by the AMoH public programs director, guests explored the environmental history of the larger French Broad watershed through the specific lens of this 6 mile section – the crossroads of the river. We also enjoyed wildlife along the way including herons, cormorants, and otters!
A big thanks to our participants and partners for sharing photographs!
Guests embark in kayaks and rafts
A green heron perched on a log
Where the Swannanoa and French Broad meet
The second stop discussing the growth of industries along the river
A couple ducks joined the paddle
Learning about the flood of 1916
The railroad trestle survived the 1916 flood
A big thanks to MountainTrue who supplied boats!
Ellicott’s Rock Hike
March 18, 2023
On this chilly late-winter day, we explored the history of the tri-state border region and the 35th parallel. Contested by Cherokees and settlers, and later the states of NC, SC, and GA, the “orphan strip” and Walton County were a brief but fascinating part of WNC history. We made our way to the Chattooga River to search for the boundary-defining survey markers that finally put to rest the tensions and defined this area as part of North Carolina. Of course, we also had to discuss the Chattooga’s connection to a pervasive regional stereotype as the filming location for the film Deliverance.
A big thanks to our participants for sharing photographs!
Hikers gather by a large beech tree beside the Chattooga River
The beautiful Chattooga Wild and Scenic River
A large beech tree still living despite the massive basal rot
Spring wildflowers
more spring ephemerals
One marked survey rock by the river
Loyalists and Rebels: Mountaineers and the Battle of Kings Mountain
October 8, 2022
It was a beautiful fall day to hike a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail to Alexander’s Ford near the Rutherford/Polk County border. Led by our public programs director, guests learned about the 1780 Battle of Kings Mountain in the bigger context of divided loyalties in the WNC foothills and mountains during the American Revolutionary War. We paid particular attention to the stories of Loyalists (or those accused thereof) and their plight during and after the conflict. On the way out, we learned more about an adjacent cemetery, likely where unidentified enslaved people were buried, and Gray’s Chapel, named after a participant at Kings Mountain.
A big thanks to one of our attendees (LaBar) for sharing photographs!
The group of hikers gather by the Green River at Alexander’s Ford
Gray’s Chapel – named after a participant at King’s Mountain
The group marches down the trail where the Overmountain Men and Patrick Ferguson’s Loyalist force once tread
Hike leader Trevor Freeman discusses the plight of Loyalists after the war
Alexander’s Ford across the Green River. In 1780, this was known as McDaniel’s Ford
Cemetery near Alexander’s Ford. Likely the final resting place of unidentified enslaved people.
A group shot of the hikers
Cemetery Series: Guastavino Estate Ruins and Cemetery Tour
September 28, 2022
Our Hikes With a Historian: Cemetery Series concluded with a tour of the Raphael Guastavino estate ruins and an a nearby common cemetery on the grounds of the Christmont Assembly led by AMoH Executive Director Anne Chesky. Guests learned about the Guastavino family’s emigration from Spain to America, his renowned tile work, and the plight of his estate and working farm near Black Mountain. We also enjoyed a short hike to a nearby cemetery where at least ten local residents were buried and marked with fieldstones. We had fantastic turnout for this series and want to thank all who participated!
Guests gather in front of the ruins of the former Guastavino estate
A view of the Guastavino estate ruins
Participants learn about Guastavino’s backstory in the lodge at Christmont
The exterior of the wine cellar
Inside the cellar where wine was stored after being produced on-site
The interior of the wine cellar
The chimney beside a once active kiln where Guastavino experimented with tiles
The final resting places of several local families approximately .5 miles from the estate
Cemetery Series: Hot Springs Cemeteries
September 21, 2022
Our Hikes With a Historian: Cemetery Series continued Wednesday, Sep 21 with a tour of four cemeteries in Hot Springs, NC. We were joined by Taylor Barnhill of the Appalachian Barn Alliance and by two local residents who shared stories and great insights about the places we visited. We learned about the history of Hot Springs through the burial sites we toured, including the confinement of 2,100 German internees during the First World War and the burial/reinterment of 26 in the Odd Fellows Cemetery. We greatly appreciate the special access to several of these interesting sites!
Participants gather by the ornate Shaw grave in the Oettinger Chapel Cemetery (Private)
The group gathers to start the day
Another mausoleum in the Rumbough Cemetery (Private)
Viewing the desecrated mausoleum in the Rumbough Cemetery (Private)
Taylor Barnhill discusses the burial of Germans interned at the Hot Springs resort who died during WWI
Guests view the marker for 11 African Americans identified in the Odd Fellows Cemetery
Viewing an elaborate headstone in the Odd Fellows Cemetery
A headstone inversely cast in the Odd Fellows Cemetery
Cemetery Series: Absalom Dillingham Cemetery
September 14, 2022
In the second event in our cemetery series, guests toured the Absalom Dillingham Cemetery in Barnardsville with our public programs director. A great example of one of the earliest community cemeteries in the region, this cemetery also contains a historically Black section where individuals enslaved by neighboring families and later descendants were buried. Guests learned more about those buried here, traditions related to cemeteries, death, and burial, and about the lives of African Americans living in rural areas before and after the Civil War.
Guests browse the headstones of the cemetery.
The entrance to the historically white section of the Absalom Dillingham Cemetery.
The headstones for the cemetery namesakes Absalom and Rebecca Dillingham.
The headstone for Clarcia Flack, the first known African American buried in the historically Black section of the Dillingham Cemetery.
Guests browse the headstones and fieldstone markers of burials in the historically Black section.
Examining an area where several fieldstones denote burials in the historically Black section.
Cemetery Series: Newton Academy and South Asheville Cemeteries
September 7, 2022
Our four-part cemetery series kicked off in early September with a great turnout. Guests learned about the Newton Academy and South Asheville cemeteries’ connections to the Smith-McDowell House and the free and enslaved families who lived there. We then toured the historically Black South Asheville Cemetery. A big thanks to Dr. Ellen Pearson and David Quinn of the South Asheville Cemetery Association who discussed this cemetery and its recent restoration. the GPR and genealogical research which has identified over 2,000 burial locations, and the stories of known people buried there.
Guests gather in front of St. John A Baptist Church before touring the South Asheville Cemetery.
Dr. Ellen Pearson and David Guinn of the South Asheville Cemetery Association stand in front of the sign and historical markers at the cemetery entrance.
The headstone of George Avery, the caretaker of the South Asheville Cemetery who was once enslaved by the McDowell family.
Headstones and the unmarked depressions of unidentified burials in the cemetery.
Tour of Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School
August 6 and 20, 2022
Nearly thirty guests joined us for these two tours of the restored Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School. Built and operated with funds from Julius Rosenwald and the local community, and owing to an idea by Booker T. Washington, this school for African American children in Madison County operated from 1928-1964. After falling into disrepair, the school has been lovingly restored by alumni and local community members and now serves as a museum and educational center. Attendees also visited the nearby gravesite of Joe Anderson, a man once enslaved in Mars Hill and the namesake of the Rosenwald School. A big thanks to the Friends of the Anderson Rosenwald School who shared stories of the school and its students, as well as the restoration process!
Guests gather in the school with chairs and other details
Willa Wyatt of the school friends group shares history with guests
Exterior view of the restored schoolhouse
A plaque marking the school’s National Register listing
The nearby grave of Joe Anderson who was enslaved by the founders of Mars Hill University
Juneteenth Hike
June 19, 2022
In this special outing, WNCHA partnered with Chimney Rock State Park to lead a hike exploring the history of slavery and emancipation in WNC as well as the Hickory Nut Gorge. In this free public hike, participants learned about the development of slavery across the region as well as the self-emancipation of numerous individuals before the Civil War, including the oral tradition that the Gorge served as an Underground Railroad route. We explored how freedom came to those enslaved in WNC during the war, and the fight for rights, equality, and safety afterward. Lastly, we traced the history of Juneteenth and other emancipation celebrations from Texas to WNC.
Participants hike the Rumbling Bald Loop at Chimney Rock State Park
Rumbling Bald Hike
May 7, 2022
On this 1.5-mile hike, the group explored the 1874 rumblings underneath several mountains on the eastern end of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Led by our public programs director, we traced the media coverage of the event, the route of an investigating geologist, and the wild speculation, rumors, and stereotypes that emerged from what many believed was a volcano set to erupt. We were also permitted to see evidence of the geologic activity common to this part of WNC, exploring fissures and rock falls at “Rumbling” Bald Mountain. A big thanks to Chimney Rock State Park for their assistance!
We tackle the rock stairs on the loop trail
A view of Little Round Top, Shumont Mountain, and other peaks nearby Rumbling Bald
Big Ivy Outing
September 25, 2021
On this early-fall day, WNCHA led a tour of the Big Ivy Historical Park in Barnardsville. We climbed the restored Little Snowball Mountain lookout tower and toured restored early-1800s log cabins which once belonged to the Carson family. After a quick lunch, WNCHA public programs director Trevor Freeman also delivered an interpretive presentation to the group looking at Big Ivy in terms of Appalachian stereotypes, and exploring the competing trends of forest commons and outside land holding which are crucial to understanding this historic community. We were lucky enough to also meet the local man responsible for saving the tower and restoring it to its former glory.
Visitors climb the steps to the top of the restored Little Snowball Mountain lookout tower
Participants tour the original Carson Cabin
The mantle with a photo of one of the Carson families of Big Ivy
The later Carson dog-trot cabin
Peering out the window of the tower
Equipment used by the tower operators is on display in the restored tower
Another view of the historic Carson buildings
French Broad Paddle with Montreat College
September 11, 2021
We revived our interpretive paddle trip down one of the most historic sections of the French Broad River, paddling from the mouth of the Swannanoa River to the Woodfin Dam. This 7-mile outing passed by several bridges, many of which were destroyed during the Flood of 1916. Led by WNCHA’s public programs director, the group discussed Cherokee and early settler activities along this stretch, the Mountain Lily steamboat, industrialization, floods, pollution, and activism to protect this vital river. Montreat College’s Outdoor Recreation Studies were instrumental, providing rafts, canoes, and safety/paddle guidance.
Our group watches a train cross the historic trestle which survived the Flood of 1916.
Montreat College students provided a paddling and safety briefing before we began our trip.
The group paddles underneath the modern Amboy Rd Bridge near the mouth of the Swannanoa River.
The group paddles away from the 1910 Southern Railway trestle after discussing the Flood of 1916.
After stopping for lunch under the Pearson Bridge, guests enjoyed an wide and beautiful river, filled with the occasional fun riffle.
Buncombe Turnpike Hike
August 7, 2021
On this beautiful day, we were joined by Lauren May of the Vance Birthplace State Historic Site who interpreted the history of the pivotal Buncombe Turnpike on this 2-mile hike. We travelled along the Palmetto Trail to the NC/SC state line, where the Buncombe Turnpike began in the Saluda Gap. Trevor Freeman of WNCHA then addressed the two other famous events at this site: the 1827 Vance-Carson duel and the establishment of the Happy Land Kingdom after the Civil War. We saw plenty of flowers and mushrooms along the way.
Lauren May of Vance Birthplace State Historic Site leads the group at the first stop on the hike.
Guests crest a hill along the Palmetto Trail.
The group stops in the historic roadbed trace of the Turnpike.
An American tiger lily growing alongside the trail.
Hickory Nut Gap Hike
May 22, 2021
In this special hike, we partnered with Conserving Carolina, a local land trust, who allowed us to use a special section of their trails in the Hickory Nut Gorge leading up to the beautiful Blue Ridge Pastures. WNCHA Public Programs Director Trevor Freeman interpreted the natural and cultural history of this famous gorge, exploring Native Americans, early white settlers, slavery, tourism, livestock drovers, and the incarcerated laborers who constructed the winding road. The hike was strenuous, but the views were well worth it.
Atop a peak, the group learns about drovers roads and travel writers who passed through the Hickory Nut Gorge
Discussing the first inhabitants of the gorge as the group prepares to climb
The group takes a lunch and final stop atop Blue Ridge Pastures overlooking the Hickory Nut Gorge
RAIL Hike on the Point Lookout Greenway
Sat/Sun April 17&18, 2021
In two hikes along the Point Lookout Greenway, historian Dan Pierce and Marion Mayor Steve Little interpreted the history of the Western Carolina Railroad and the incarcerated laborers who toiled to complete the winding loops leading to the Swannanoa Tunnel. Both men are part of the RAIL Memorial Project raising funds to erect a monument to those predominantly African American laborers at nearby Andrews Geyser.
Historian Dan Pierce leads a hike along the Point Lookout Greenway
Steve Little addresses the group
Standing in front of High Ridge Tunnel
Dan Pierce points out Fire Pink and explains the origins of the name
Looking into McElroy Tunnel
DuPont Forest Hike with Danny Bernstein
March 20, 2021
Author and hiker Danny Bernstein, who literally wrote the book on DuPont State Recreational Forest, led participants on a 7-mile hike along the cutovers, creeks, waterfalls, and numerous lakes of this special place. We saw three lakes, the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls, and the abandoned airstrip as Danny discussed the people who both created and saved this popular area of public land.
Author and hiker Danny Bernstein orients us at the trailhead
Along the airstrip
Crossing the dam
Lake Julia