Blue Ridge Nature Retreats 2025
Summer Headwaters
Fungi Forays
Dates TBA
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Appalachian Wildflowers | Cloud Forests | Old Growth
Abundant Mushrooms | Fireflies and Foxfire
Join a small group of fellow nature-lovers -- led by a renowned local naturalist --
for a weekend exploring the magical summertime forests of the Blue Ridge.
Up in the headwaters of the east, outside of Asheville, NC, we will spend each day tromping through cloud forests, old growth, and rich coves of wildflowers.
The summer retreats are timed to coincide with the peak emergence of Appalachian mushrooms.
These are small events and registration will be handled over phone or email.
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For more information:
Information
Location: Celo, NC - we'll be based at the "Heart of Celo", an historic getaway on the banks of the South Toe River near Burnsville, NC.
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Timing: Thursday evening to Saturday noon or Saturday evening to Monday noon
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Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 supper. Meals will be a delicious mix of locally raised meat, garden veggies, foraged forest foods, and fresh-baked bread. Vegetarians will be accommodated; vegan, gluten-free, or other specialty diets are possible, but please ask first. David Rich of Sweet Potato Tooth is our dinner chef.
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The Guide: Tal Galton is a regionally respected naturalist who knows every nook and cranny of the Black Mountains and has been called a "mountain master" by Outside Magazine. His writing on Appalachian botany and nature can be found in Asheville's Mountain Xpress. Check out client reviews on Tripadvisor.
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Cost:
​The May Firefly retreat includes 4 meals, 2 nights of lodging, and 2 days of naturalist-led hikes (and up to two firefly walks):
$600 for a twin bed in a 2-4 person bunk room, $1000 for a single room, $1500-1600 for a couple/double (exact price depends on room choice/availability).​
Inquire about group rates or bunk room options.
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See below for *sample* retreat itinerary
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Sample Itinerary
Friday
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7-8 p.m. arrive, meet your fellow-venturers​​.
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8:30 - 10 night walk in search of foxfire and fireflies
Saturday
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8-9 a.m. breakfast​ at the lodge
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9-3 orientation to Appalachian cove forests and fungi; hike to a waterfall
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12-1 p.m. picnic lunch
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6-8 delicious farm dinner
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8-10 night walk in search of foxfire and fireflies
Sunday
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8-9 a.m. breakfast at the lodge​
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9-12 Checkout for 2-day retreat & go for a wildflower walk
Monday
(Long Weekends Only)
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8-9 a.m. breakfast at the lodge​
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10-3 explore NC's own cloud forest and its rare and endemic plants (picnic on a pinnacle)
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3-5 depart or explore the Blue Ridge Parkway or Mt Mitchell on your own
