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Waterfall Trail and Chef Prepared Meals in North Carolina Resort Town, NC- Back by Popular Demand

March 22, 2026 - March 28, 2026

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Join Southern Blue Ridge Hikers in beautiful North Carolina to help restore the Chattanooga River Trail in the Nantahala National Forest! Enjoy the modern comforts of staying in a recently restored lodge with wifi, chef prepared meals, and walking access to the quaint nearby town and local attractions. In your downtime, volunteers will have time to take a Biological Station Tour, hike in the nearby National Forest, and spend every evening gathered around the fireplace in the lodge.

The trail work will consist of rebenching the tread (cutting the trail into the hillside) with hand tools.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Register

Host

Private: Southern Blue Ridge Hikers

Accommodations

Cabin/Lodge

Hiking/Access

Volunteers will hike from the trail 20-30 minutes on fairly flat ground, including a creek crossing. The trail head is a 15-20 minute drive on hardtop to the Forest Service gate, then a 10 minute drive by 4x4.

Project Rating

Moderate

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

8

Area and Attractions

The town of Highlands, NC is a resort and retirement community located on the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It sits astride the Eastern Continental Divide at an altitude of 4,118'. The town is surrounded by the Natahala National Forest. It is renowned for its waterfalls, lush vegetation, hiking opportunities and southern charm. Amenities include fine dining, the Highlands Biological Station, workout facilities, and an indoor pool.

Accommodations Description

Lodging is in a 5 bedroom, 6.5 bath restored 1920s lodge. There are 2 king beds, 1 queen bed, 1 full bed, 5 twin beds, 2 fold out sofas, and a daybed. There is a full laundry, living room, TV room, and dining room. The lodge is next door to the Highlands Biological Station. All gear provided by host.

Travel

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) in Greenville, North Carolina is the closest airport. Airport pick up and drop off is available for volunteers. Scheduled pickup time is 3pm on March 21. Scheduled drop-off time is 11am on March 29.

Location

Nantahala National Forest
4518 Horse Cove Road, Highlands, NC 28741 United States + Google Map