NOLI-Led Day Hike - FREE

Northeast Tennessee and the Appalachian Highlands are well known for their beauty, much of it easily accessible and only a short drive away. Among the best ways to experience this natural splendor is its expansive network of hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail is the crown jewel of these with the section traversing our region offering some of the best views in all of its 2,184 miles. But that's just scratching the surface. There are an abundance of other trails throughout the area providing miles and miles of long-range vistas, cascading waterfalls, bubbling streams and the verdant mountains that capture the intimate majesty and essence of the region.

NOLI offers regular free instructor-led day hikes to some of these gems and are open to anyone wishing to join in the fun. Hikes vary in length and difficulty, but most are in the 4-6 mile range and are mild to moderate in difficulty. Participation requires registration so that 1) we know to expect you, and 2) we limit our group size to maximize everyone's enjoyment while minimizing our footprint. Hikes will go as scheduled unless the weather is expected to be miserable, in which case we will notify you of cancellation or rescheduling. Guide has the right to modify location and distance based on weather and other conditions. Minimum age is 8 years old and minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Hikes are often added throughout the year so check back regularly to find a day and location that works for you.

Schedule for 2025:

• Apr 6, 9am-noon - Rock Creek Falls, Unicoi, TN. Join NOLI Instructor Rob Schoborg for a morning hike along Rock Creek up to Rock Creek Falls. This moderate hike is 4.9 miles round trip and includes a gradual 1,154 ft climb up to the falls with 4 small creek crossings, and a descent along the same trail back. Meet at 9 am in the parking lot by the playground dressed for hiking over rocky terrain with snacks and plenty of water. There is a $2 parking fee, so be sure to bring some cash. Rated moderate difficulty. For more information on this hike and driving directions click here. 
• May 3, 8-11am - Whitehouse Cliffs, Rocky Fork State Park, TN.  Join us at Rocky Fork State Park for a hike to Whitehouse Knob. The hike to Whitehouse Knob is a 2 mile out and back, steep trail travels below the 200-foot quartzite Whitehouse cliffs, then continues upward to a beautiful view of the park atop Whitehouse Knob. Rated as moderate to difficult due to the steepness of the trail so a good level of fitness is required.
• Jun 7, 8-10:30pm - Blue Ghost Firefly Hike on AT from USA Raft, Erwin TN. Join NOLI instructors Rob Schoborg and Michelle Duffourc for a leisurely night hike north on the AT from USA Raft to see blue ghosts (aka fireflies) and listen for owls. Total length is between 1-1.5 miles. This is one of our most popular free guided hikes. Meet at USA Raft at 8pm dressed for hiking over rocky terrain. Note: location may change due to flood recovery. Rated easy.
• Aug 23, 7-10pm - Nighttime Hike to Roan High Knob Overlook. Join NOLI instructors Rob Schoborg and Michelle Duffourc on this hike from the historic Cloudland Hotel site to the overlook on Roan High Knob to enjoy the sunset from one of the most stunning and iconic locations in the southern Appalachians. Total length is 2.8 miles with 300 feet of elevation gain. Rob will have his camp stove and make hot drinks and smores for everyone once the sun sets. We will be walking back in the dark, so a headlamp and sturdy footwear are recommended. Rated easy.
• Sep 20, 9am-noon - Appalachian Trail from Sam's Gap to First Bald, Flagpond, TN. Join NOLI instructors Rob Schoborg and Michelle Duffourc for a hike north on the Appalachian Trail from Sam’s Gap to the first bald (at mile 1.8 from I-26) and back. Total length is 3.6 miles with 890 feet of elevation gain and is rated as moderate. The balds along this section of the AT offer stunning panoramic views and should be relatively cool because of higher elevation.

Highlights:

• NOLI-led hike along one of the many exceptional trails in the Appalachian Highland Region
• Beautiful natural surroundings and vistas
• Wildlife viewing