Look Back, Move Forward: A Photo Reminder of Our Summer in the Southern Appalachians

The recent transition from summer to autumn has sparked some reminiscing on my part about the wonderful summer we had exploring the mountains of North Carolina. This area is a playground for the outdoor enthusiast, and Hante Adventures students and Eagle’s Nest campers took full advantage of all the Blue Ridge has to offer. As we move into a new season (and new adventures), take a few minutes to look back on our incredible experiences on the rocks, rivers, and mountains in our backyard.

A climber makes her way up a route in Linville Gorge, also known as “The Grand Canyon of North Carolina.”

Students on Hante Rocks and Rivers prepare sushi after a day of paddling on the Nantahala River. Meal prep is a favorite time for many on Eagle’s Nest wilderness trips. Some popular dishes include trail pizza, Gado-Gado, and pesto pasta.

Paddlers “shred the gnar” on the Tuckaseegee River. Hante students and campers paddled many rivers this summer, including the Nantahala, Tuckaseegee, Upper and Lower Green, French Broad, and Chattooga.

Campers take a “packs off” break to enjoy the view near Copper Ridge Bald. The Session 2 and 3 X-Craft classes backpacked over 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail this summer.

A climber rappels at sunset in the Devil’s Cellar near Table Rock. The long days of summer provided lots of opportunities for early morning and late evening adventures.

Hante Rocks and Rivers students stop to check the map on the backpacking portion of their trip. The students planned and led their route, which took them up and over 6000 ft. peaks in the Black Balsam area of Pisgah National Forest.

The Appalachian Adventure crew celebrates at the top of a long climb. These campers spent 5 days during Session 1 backpacking, climbing, and whitewater rafting.