SSwannanoa Rim Explorer TM An exclusive program of the Swannanoa Valley Museum Twelve hikes. One year. A truly unique opportunity for hikers hungry for challenge, adventure, and an in-depth understanding of the rich heritage that lies within the Swannanoa Valley. The Swannanoa Valley Museum’s exclusive Swannanoa Rim Explorer™ hiking series offers twelve hikes that will take place the third Saturday of each month of 2010. Each hike will cover a portion of the approximately 31 miles of the Swannanoa Rim, which runs from Jesse’s High Top, across Lakey Gap, over Ridgecrest and Montreat, up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and down to Cedar Cliff above Camp Rockmont. These hikes will be led by experienced hikers who are also extremely knowledgeable about the history, topography, and ownership of the land. Hikers will be issued a “Passport to the Swannanoa Rim” on their first hike, which will be validated at the completion of each segment. Special awards will go to those completing the full course the first year. There will be snow/rain makeup days, and the program is planned to extend into 2011 for those who wish to complete the course but who are unable to make it in the 2010 calendar year.

Recommended for experienced hikers, the hikes in this series will be strenuous and at times will require bushwhacking. Participation in each hike will be limited to 30 hikers plus the Museum team. The cost for each hike is $20 for Museum members, $40 for non-members. Those wishing to secure reservations on all 12 hikes may do so by paying in advance, and they will receive a 10% discount.

An orientation meeting for hikers interested in participating in the Swannanoa Rim Adventure™ hiking series will be held on Thursday, January 7 at 7 pm in the Conference Room at the Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 E. State St., Black Mountain. The first hike will be Jan. 16. Reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please call the Museum, 828-669-9566, or send an email to info@swannanoavalleymuseum.org for more information or to reserve a place on the hikes.

The Swannanoa Rim Explorer in Black Mountain will hold twelve hikes in 2010.

Jan. 7: Preview meeting as the kickoff for the Swannanoa Rim Hikes, 7 pm, Black Mountain Savings Bank.

Jan. 16: First leg of the Swannanoa Rim hikes: Jesse's High Top to NC Hwy 9.

Feb. 20: Second Swannanoa Rim hike: Sunset Mountain to NC Hwy 9.

Mar. 20: Third Swanannoa Rim hike: Sunset Mountain to I-40.

Apr. 17: Fourth Swannanoa Rim hike: I-40 through Ridgecrest to Sourwood Gap.

May 15: Fifth Swannanoa Rim hike: Sourwood Gap to Greybeard. Led by Joe S.

June 19: Sixth Swannanoa Rim hike: Black Mountain Gap to Balsam Gap. Led by Wendell.

July 17: Seventh Swannanoa Rim hike: Balsam Gap to Highway 128. Led by Joe S.

Aug. 21: Eight Swannanoa Rim hike: Glassmine Falls Overlook to Craggy Pinnacle.

Sept. 18: Ninth Swannanoa Rim hike: Balsam Gap to Glassmine Falls Overlook.

Oct. 16: Tenth Swannanoa Rim hike: Craggy Gardens to Craggy Knob & return.

Nov. 20: Eleventh Swannanoa Rim hike: White Oak Flats to Brushy Ridge & return.

Dec. 18: Final Swannanoa Rim hike: White Oak Flats to Cedar Cliff to Camp Rockmont.