Carolina Mountain Club

Hike, Save Trails, Make Friends!

Join Us!

We love to hike and work on our beloved trails, and we want you to join us. You can check us out through several hikes with us, or you can join first by clicking on the Join button on our home page. Please contact the hike leader ahead of time if you’re not a member.

Please browse our web site to see other activities you might like. We’re a non-profit with no paid staff, so we depend on volunteers to keep our club going. We would welcome your help!

Revised Covid Guidelines for CMC Members

In order to keep everyone as safe as possible, the following requirements have been set forth by the Hiking Committee:

1) All hikes are limited to 15 hikers. Contact the hike leader for reservations. If you feel sick the day of the hike, call or text your hike leader to let them know you won't be coming.

2) All hikes that involve shuttles will state so in the hike description so hikers who do not want to shuttle will know not to come on that hike.

3) Carpooling and hike shuttles will require all involved to wear masks and open windows. The person who drives the car decides whether or not he will allow the unvaccinated to ride.

4) Keep a mask handy. All visitor centers and bathrooms at visitor centers on public lands require that masks be worn. Also masks will be required in crowded areas.

Introductory Hike - Please Join Us !

Hey there Outdoor Enthusiasts!  Join Carolina Mountain Club (CMC) hike leaders for a 30-minute Zoom presentation, Hiking for Newcomers, that will take much of the guesswork out of planning and preparing for a hike. After the presentation, you will have a chance to register for one of three short, manageable beginner hikes, led by CMC.

Why CMC?

  • Carolina Mountain Club (CMC) has been leading hikes and maintaining trails since 1923. It’s the oldest and largest hiking club in WNC.
  • CMC offers several hikes a week and maintains over 400 miles of trails.
  • Hiking with CMC provides safety, support and a sense of community.  We KNOW the trails!
  • CMC Motto: Hike, Save Trails, Make Friends

If you are interested in joining us, or just want to know more information about hiking or CMC, please join us via ZOOM on Monday, October 18th at 6:00 pm or Tuesday, October 19th at 3:00 pm. During these meetings we will discuss hiking guidelines, tips for new hikers and options for our upcoming newcomer hiking schedule.  Please register following the instructions below.  

Email us your name and email address, preferred session (October 18th at 6:00 pm or October 19th 3:00 pm) and any other information you would like us to know and/or questions you may have email cmcnewhikers@gmail.com Those registered will receive a Zoom link to the selected presentation.
 

CMC Members - Your Diamond Brand Outdoors $10.00 voucher now expires on 12/31/21.  Use it or lose it! Please consider making a purchase to help this local AVL retailer in these hard times that cost more than $20.00

Diversity

Diversity

Carolina Mountain Club joined about 25 representatives from area outdoor organizations for a joint hike with Black Folks Camp Too founder Earl B. Hunter Jr. on Friday to hear about what his organization is doing to diversify the outdoors. .

  • Diversity

    Carolina Mountain Club joined about 25 representatives from area outdoor organizations for a joint hike with Black Folks Camp Too founder Earl B. Hunter Jr. on Friday to hear about what his organization is doing to diversify the outdoors. .

  • CMC on Max Patch

    Max Patch - Keeping it inviting for all

  • CMC Bridge Work

    The CMC Maintenance Team, Restoring a trail bridge for hikers.

  • Cowee Overlook

    Another great club hike!

  • Horizons

    A Horizon's club hike

  • Black Balsam to Shining Rock - Scheduled Hike

    Early morning group hike up to Shining Rock via Black Balsam along Art Loeb trail, November 2020. Greeted with the sun on an early morning hike. Photo courtesy of Sharon Smith

  • Pilot Mountain

    One of the great views of Pilot Mountain from the AT. Pilot Mountain is a great challenging hike, best done as a key swap.

  • Approaching Shining Rock on the Art Loeb

    Approaching Shining Rock on the Art Loeb, early fall morning in full sun. Delightful!! Photo by Sharon Smith

  • Jump Off Mt Kephart

    Side trail on the back side of Mt Kephart in the Smokies to 'jump off' ledge for a great view of the valley and Charlie's Bunion on the upper right of the photo. Not for the faint of heart.

  • Clawhammer Mt

    A rowdy group on a chilly wintry day on the top of Clawhammer Mountain near Club Gap after lunch break. Phone by Jim Magura

  • Schoolhouse Falls

    School House Falls in Panthertown, one of many scenic waterfalls throughout the park.