What we’re about
Our goal is to help you explore on foot the abundance of wonderful natural places North Carolina has to offer. If you're a beginner, we'll make sure that you never hike alone (unless you want to!). We'll also teach you how to become an intrepid hiker capable of exploring wherever (the rugged Linville Gorge Wilderness, for instance) and whenever (at night!). We're aided in our efforts to get out and explore by Great Outdoor Provision Co., which provides us space for clinics and meetings, and covers the monthly fee for our Meetup site.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- GetHiking! Morning hike on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail in Western NCValdese Lakeside Park, Valdese, NC
Eager to get back to Western North Carolina to explore, but not sure where to go and what trails are open?
On Dec. 14 Valdese Parks and Recreation gives you the chance to both hike and to help a local community affected by Hurricane Helene. At 10 a.m., hike the first – and so far, only – open segment of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail. From the trailhead in Valdese Lakeside Park we will hike along Lake Rhodhiss, then upstream along McGalliard Creek over the 151-foot McGalliard Creek suspension bridge and on to the spectacular McGalliard Falls. From there, we’ll return the way we came, for a total hike of 4 miles.
This trail is hiker-friendly, with a short series of stone steps at the falls.
Then stick around to make a day of your visit by dining in one of Valdese’s downtown restaurants (with everything from Mexican and pizza to burgers made with locally grown beef), doing some holiday shopping in one of downtown’s eclectic shops, or visiting a local museum. Learn more to help you plan your day by checking out Visit Valdese here.
- Difficulty: Easy. The trail is flat, with a cinder surface and accessible by wheelchair, bike or stroller.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Estimated hike time: 2-2.5 hours
- What to wear: We will email you the day before the event advising of weather conditions for the day and how to best dress for the hike. At this time of year, though, it will be cool at the start; layers are advised.
- What to bring: Bring at least one bottle of water (1 liter), preferably two. And bring snacks.
- Rest stop: We will take a short break at the midpoint.
- Facilities at trailhead: Yes
We will meet in the parking lot at the trailhead.
About the Wilderness Gateway State Trail: The vision for the Wilderness Gateway State Trail rests on three pillars: conservation, recreation, and tourism. The trail will protect and conserve riparian and other important habitats and serve as an ecological corridor between larger tracts of natural lands. It will create pathways and walkable downtowns in more urban areas to provide safe and pleasant recreation and exercise opportunities where people live and work. Finally, by creating recreational opportunities with access to scenic wilderness and connections to multiple downtowns, the trail will attract visitors from all areas of North Carolina and beyond. For more on the trail visit the NC Trails website here.
- GetHiking! Afternoon hike on the Wilderness Gateway State Tail in Western NCMcGalliard Falls Park, Valdese , NC
Eager to get back to Western North Carolina to explore, but not sure where to go and what trails are open?
On Dec. 14 Valdese Parks and Recreation gives you the chance to both hike and to help a local community affected by Hurricane Helene. At 10 a.m., hike the first – and so far, only – open segment of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail. From the trailhead in Valdese Lakeside Park we will hike along Lake Rhodhiss, then upstream along McGalliard Creek over the 151-foot McGalliard Creek suspension bridge and on to the spectacular McGalliard Falls. From there, we’ll return the way we came, for a total hike of 4 miles.
This trail is hiker-friendly, with a short series of stone steps at the falls.
Then stick around to make a day of your visit by dining in one of Valdese’s downtown restaurants (with everything from Mexican and pizza to burgers made with locally grown beef), doing some holiday shopping in one of downtown’s eclectic shops, or visiting a local museum. Learn more to help you plan your day by checking out Visit Valdese here.
- Difficulty: Easy. The trail is flat, with a cinder surface and accessible by wheelchair, bike or stroller.
- Distance: 4 miles
- Estimated hike time: 2-2.5 hours
- What to wear: We will email you the day before the event advising of weather conditions for the day and how to best dress for the hike. At this time of year, though, it will be cool at the start; layers are advised.
- What to bring: Bring at least one bottle of water (1 liter), preferably two. And bring snacks.
- Rest stop: We will take a short break at the midpoint.
- Facilities at trailhead: Yes
We will meet in the parking lot at the trailhead.
About the Wilderness Gateway State Trail: The vision for the Wilderness Gateway State Trail rests on three pillars: conservation, recreation, and tourism. The trail will protect and conserve riparian and other important habitats and serve as an ecological corridor between larger tracts of natural lands. It will create pathways and walkable downtowns in more urban areas to provide safe and pleasant recreation and exercise opportunities where people live and work. Finally, by creating recreational opportunities with access to scenic wilderness and connections to multiple downtowns, the trail will attract visitors from all areas of North Carolina and beyond. For more on the trail visit the NC Trails website here.
- ONLINE (self-paced) Wilderness First Aid available ALL DAYS NOW until Dec 31stLink visible for attendees
In your own home, at your own leisure (anytime -- not just the date of this event): now you can learn a ton in the online portion of Disaster + Travel + Wilderness First Aid! COURSE TOPICS VIDEOS are almost exactly as MEDIC SOLO always presents them with the latest on disaster and wilderness medical science. Intermixed at several points we guide you to practice various skills.
Choose one of two ways to learn:
a) Take the self-guided course (no certification) $99.
b) Take the self-guided online course and attend a skills scenarios workshop (one day on-line) and get certified $249 (Early Bird).
Register here: https://solowfa.com/register-online-SOLO-disaster-wilderness-first-aid-course.html
In order to get certified, you will start watching our highly-rated, self-paced videos one month prior to your Skills Scenarios Workshop date and:- Practice skills at home before your Workshop date, send us photographs and our Instructors will provide you with kudos and constructive ideas.
- Pass the multiple-choice quiz and test is what verifies that you're ready for your workshop day with an instructor.
- Attend your online Skills Scenarios Workshop full day with a live instructor and a live human patient. Use a unique software which nearly replicates the in-person learning experience.
- Gain as much to more hands-on learning experience as compared to an in-person course.
- Instructors give individual live feedback to students while you perform hands-on skills in your own home.
- Graduates receive the internationally-renowned SOLO 2-year WFA Certification.
Upcoming online Skills Scenario Workshop dates:
November 17th, 2024
January 25, 2025
March 1, 2025
May 3, 2025
May 31, 2025
and June 14 2025.Sneak peek at the course:
https://www.solowfa.com/online-sample.htmEmail us at [email protected] with questions.
