north carolina - trek travel · non-biking options best suit your mood. it’s your vacation ––...

north carolina

classic

Asheville

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Bryson CityPisgah National Forest

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Welcome to your Trek Travel® adventure in

north carolina

When I look across the Souther n Appalachians , I am overwhelmed by the constancy and

age of these mounta ins . That constancy was par t of my exper ience here long before I read

about them in geology books ; i t exi s t s a s a fee l ing—of sa fety, of peace and of enchantment .

As their wel l-wor n summits and r idges fo ld away into the di s tant blue haze, those of us

lucky enough to get to know these g iants f ind them invi t ing and consuming. Whether

beckoning to be explored by bike, foot or ra f t , th i s mis ty kingdom holds long-kept secret s

and the promise of new adventures around ever y bend.

I don’t presume to expla in the source of these mounta ins ’ mag ic, but sc ient i s t s say that the

nor th-south or ientat ion of the Appalachians has had a profound ef fect on the evolut ion of

the eas ter n U.S.—that thi s a l ignment has a l lowed species to eas i ly mig rate nor th or south.

Had they la in eas t-west l ike the European Alps , they would have been g reat bar r ier s to

mig rat ion, for ming t raps that would have ensured mass ext inct ions dur ing the Ice Ages

s ince their for mat ion. So in a way, the Appalachians began their long hi s tor y of hospi ta l i ty

about 650 mi l l ion year s ago, a l lowing those who needed to come as they could, leave when

they wanted, and retur n as t ime brought them back. These ancient mounta ins s t i l l invi te

those who des i re to exper ience their peace and enchantment and we at Trek Travel are

t ru ly exci ted to share thi s specia l p lace with you.

Rebecca Fa l l s

Nor th Carol ina Tr ip Exper t

www.TrekTravel.com 3

the trek travel difference

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At Trek Travel, we’re committed to providing ultimate cycling vacation experiences to our guests by including the following unique benefits on each of our trips:

Connections to Cycling

As a Trek partner, Trek Travel has over 30 years of experience and connections in the world of professional cycling. Whether it be exclusive access to the Discovery Team, having cycling legends on our trips or simply having a surprise visit from Bob Roll during one of the Grand Tour stages—our connections get you up close and personal to the action.

Top-of-the-line Trek Bicycles and Accessories

Trek 5.2 Madone® Carbon Fiber Road Bike, Trek 7700 Hybrid Bike, helmets, racks, packs and saddle options.

Exceptional Guides

Our guides pass the highest training standards in the industry which translates into an exceptional experience and superior customer service for each and every guest on each and every trip. Every trip comes with two or three experienced guides.

Fun & Flexible Philosophy

Whether you are a leisurely rider or an avid cyclist; whether you want to ride a little or a lot; all Trek Travel trips have built-in flexibility that allows us to make each day fit you like a glove. If you want to take a morning or afternoon off, your knowledgeable Trek Travel guides can help you decide what non-biking options best suit your mood. It’s your vacation – – you decide.

Social Hour

Trek Travel hosts social hours on most evenings of our trips, giving you the opportunity to mingle and become better acquainted with your traveling companions.

In-house Travel Agent

In order to make things easy and hassle-free for our guests, we have an in-house Travel Agent to assist guests with all of their travel arrangements.

Trek Travel Guest Packet and Clothing

Each guest receives a Guest Packet filled with detailed trip-specific, regional, training and cultural information to help them prepare for their trip. Additionally, guests receive complimentary clothing.

Comfortable Trip Size

20 guests per trip capacity ensures each guest has individual support, attention and the company of their world-class guides.

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Day 1

Today’s Ride | Road to Nowhere, 20 miles Elevation Gain | 1500 ft

Your guides will meet you at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel in downtown Asheville at 10:30 a.m. From here, we’ll have a one

hour and fifteen minute shuttle to the Deep Creek Campground outside of Bryson City. On the bank of a bubbling stream with

the Great Smoky Mountains as a backdrop, we’ll get to know one another over a gourmet picnic lunch. Then we’ll spend some

time familiarizing you with the Trek bicycle you’ll be riding, making sure that you and your bike are the perfect fit. Once we’ve

filled you in on the details of the day, we’ll head out on a ride into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This route is a

fantastic warm-up ride, featuring continuous short climbs and descents, highlighted by stunning views of Lake Fontana. Our first

ride ends at a tunnel, which you’re welcome to hike through since the road terminates at the tunnel entrance. A bitter dispute

began in 1941 surrounding this uncompleted road, as conservation groups fought to stop the project that would have connected

Bryson City to Fontana through the National Park. After our refreshing, scenic jaunt, we’ll ride to the beautiful Charleston Inn

where we’ll enjoy a social hour followed by a wonderful meal in the historic Fryemont Inn dining room.

Hotel | The Charleston Inn Phone | 828.488.4644 Web | www.charlestoninn.com

Day 2

Today’s Ride | Wayah-Franklin Loop, 60 miles

| Wayah-Franklin one way, 33 miles Elevation Gain | Up to 5000 ft

Experience first-hand one of the most renowned rides in the area as we cycle along the Scenic Mountain Waters Byway. This

series of roads follows some of the most beautiful rivers and streams in western North Carolina and portions of the Mountains-to-

Sea state bike route. We’ll pass the cascades of the Nantahala River and Lake Nantahala, climbing over Wayah Gap and descending

into Franklin, North Carolina. At this point, you’re welcome to call it a day after 33 miles and take the shuttle back to the hotel,

or you may continue along the loop. The terrain becomes more rolling north of Franklin, but still quite challenging as we follow

Highway 28 back toward Bryson City. Whatever option you choose, we’ll enjoy a café lunch mid-ride in Franklin. This evening

we will gather for drinks and dinner at a local restaurant to toast the day’s achievements.

Hotel | The Charleston Inn Phone | 828.488.4644 Web | www.charlestoninn.com

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If you need to reach your guides the day the trip starts, please leave them a message at The Charleston Inn, Bryson City, 828.488.4644. You may also contact them on their cell phone, and will receive the number in

the days before your departure.


Day 3

Today’s Activity | Private guided inflatable kayak trip on the Nantahala River

| Tour of the Biltmore House and gardens

Experience the cool, fast-flowing waters of the Nantahala today as you pilot your own inflatable kayak, or ducky down the river.

Our private group will be accompanied by a local whitewater guide from the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC). Along the

way, wave to the train guests as the Great Smoky Mountains Railway passes alongside the river deep within the Nantahala Gorge.

Then prepare yourself for the challenge of Nantahala Falls, a Class III rapid located just a few hundred yards upstream from the

NOC! After this test of courage and experience of sheer fun, you’ll be on your own to enjoy an open-air lunch at Slow Joe’s Café.

With full stomachs and lingering smiles we’ll board the shuttle to Asheville, our home for the remainder of the week. Following

our arrival at the famous Biltmore Estate, you’re free to take a self-guided tour of the Biltmore House, the largest privately owned

home in the U.S. Tonight we’ll enjoy a social hour at the Rezaz Enoteca (wine library) wine bar and indulge in the scrumptious

Mediterranean cuisine of Rezaz Restaurant.

Hotel | Inn on Biltmore Estate Phone | 828.225.1613 Web | www.biltmore.com

Day 4

Today’s Ride | Mt. Pisgah Ride - 60 miles Elevation Gain | 4500 ft

| Looking Glass Rock Option - 78 miles | 4500 ft

Today we’ll explore the outstanding scenery and tackle the amazing climbs of the training mecca for cyclists from around the

country—the fabled Blue Ridge Parkway. This area serves as a second home for professional cyclists in the off-season, and you’ll

soon see why. We’ll climb to the crest of Mt. Pisgah and enjoy a warm meal and beautiful views from the dining room of the Mt.

Pisgah Inn Restaurant before embarking upon the thrilling descent back to town. If you wish to ride out further, you may ride

to a great viewing point of Looking Glass Rock, a granite monolith long regarded as a landmark of the southern Appalachians.

You’ll then have time to unwind at the inn or explore the beautiful grounds of the Biltmore Estate. Take the opportunity tonight

to try a restaurant of your choice downtown. There are so many wonderful options that you can’t make a bad decision!


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Day 5

Today’s Activities | Cat Gap Hike, 5.8 mile loop; John Rock Hike Option, 3.6 mile out-and-back

| Cradle of Forestry Ride -14 miles Elevation Gain | 2000 ft

| Blue Ridge 276 Ride - 22 miles

The options today are endless, which leaves you with a multitude of ways to spend your last full day in western North Carolina.

The morning’s hike begins at the Pisgah Fish Hatchery and Interpretive Center, operated by Western North Carolina Wildlife

Resources Commission to raise trout for stocking mountain streams. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of Looking Glass Rock from

the open face of John Rock, a granite monolith. From here you can peer down on the fish hatchery and judge the impressive

distance you covered on your hike. You’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite and can look forward to a stellar gourmet picnic

upon your return to the hatchery. For an afternoon spin, board your bike and pedal up Highway 276 past the 60-foot Looking

Glass Falls to the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Center. For even more of a challenge, take on the long option of continuing up

Highway 276 all the way to its intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway. During our last evening together, we’ll toast the week’s

excellent times, share our favorite memories and dine well at the lavish Biltmore Estate’s dining hall.


Day 6

Today’s Ride | Biltmore Estate Breakfast Loop - 8 or 15 miles Elevation Gain | 500 ft

This morning you’ll have the chance to enjoy one last spin through the beautiful grounds of the Biltmore Estate before breakfast

and checkout. We’ll say our good-byes at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel in downtown or at the Asheville Regional Airport. If

you’re planning to fly out on this day, we recommend that you schedule your flight for no earlier than 1:30 p.m.

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North Carolina Classic

Length | 6 days / 5 nights

Activity Level | Moderate-Avid / Multi-sport

Trip Start / End | Asheville, North Carolina


Trip accommodations

Hotel | The Charleston Inn | 208 Arlington Avenue, Bryson City

The beautiful Charleston Inn, located on “Schoolhouse Hill” in downtown Bryson City, has been a fixture of this quaint mountain town for many years. According to the current innkeepers, the main house was built by a local dentist in 1927. The dentist became embroiled in a malpractice lawsuit and was eventually saved from serving jail time by his attorney, Mr. McKinley Edwards. In payment for Mr. Edwards’ legal services, the home was transferred to Mr. Edwards. The 3-story building behind the main house (the Edwards Addition) was originally built in 1942 as 7 apartments to house school teachers. The property was converted to a B&B in 1998 and the apartments were renovated into 14 guest rooms. The inn gets its name from the original name of the town, as Bryson City was formerly known as Charleston, North Carolina.

Phone | 828.488.4644 Web | www.charlestoninn.com

Hotel | Inn on Biltmore Estate | Antler Hill Road, Asheville

In 1650, the first van der Bilt arrived in the United States from Holland finding success as a farmer in Staten Island. From these modest beginnings, Cornelius Vanderbilt, “The Commodore” as he became known, made a fortune in the shipping industry as the founder of the Staten Island Ferry and later, in railroads. His grandson, George Vanderbilt, took this wealth and brought it to North Carolina to build a home for his ailing mother and to create a self-sufficient estate. The result is the world famous Biltmore Estate and gardens which now houses the Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Inn on Biltmore Estate opened its’ doors in 2001. The 213-room Inn sits on Antler Hill overlooking the French Broad River.

Visitors to the Inn experience what life was like on the Vanderbilt estate as they explore the largest privately owned home in America, the Biltmore House. The 250-room chateau, which took 6 years to build, boasts 33 bedrooms, 65 fireplaces, and a 70-foot high Banquet Hall, as well as paintings by Renoir and Whistler. The gardens, landscaped by Frederick Law Olmsted of New York’s Central Park fame, cover nearly 250 acres of the property. The Winery is located on the site where the Biltmore Dairy barn once stood. The beauty of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and French Broad River make the Biltmore Estate a destination in itself.

Phone | 828.225.1613 Web | www.biltmore.com

cuisine

On your Trek Travel adventure, most meals are included in the price of the trip, including two luxury dinners and two casual restaurant or bistro dinners. One lunch and one dinner will be of the guest’s choice. This gives you the opportunity to explore the cuisine and the culture the way you would like. On these occasions, your Trek Travel guides will provide you with detailed lists of recommended dining locations. If you have any special dietary preferences, be sure that you have informed your Trek Travel Trip Consultant before you leave for your trip. We will do our best to accommodate your dietary requests.

On our North Carolina Classic trip, we’ll dine on mostly American fare such as meat, chicken, pasta and fish. We’ll also take advantage of fresh local fruits and vegetables. Rezaz in Asheville features Mediterranean-inspired meat and seafood dishes with very fresh ingredients and an impressive wine list. We’ll also enjoy a prix fix menu from the Inn on Biltmore Dining Room of American food with a contemporary twist. Vegetarian options are always available and breakfast is always served at the hotel.

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what’s included

INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE

5 nights of accommodation

Daily breakfast, 4 dinners, 4 lunches and all snacks and drinks for each day’s ride

A social hour on most evenings

The knowledge, support, and camaraderie of experienced guides

Daily route support

The use of a Trek Madone® 5.2 carbon fiber road bike or Trek 7700 FX

The use of Trek bike helmets and other gear and equipment to make your ride comfortable

Trek Travel waterbottles

Private tours and tastings

Entrance fees to all group events/activities

All luggage transfers

All transportation during the trip, including private coaches

Comprehensive trip literature and complimentary Trek merchandise

All gratuities for special events, local guides, transfers, hotels, and restaurants

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to and from the trip, transportation to the trip pick-up location, lodging before and after the trip, gratuities for Trek Travel

guides, and personal items purchased during the trip. Some meals are not included in each destination, which allows you the

opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. Your guides are happy to make recommendations should you so desire.

TIPS AND GRATUITIES

Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership

throughout the week. Trek Travel suggests 5-10% of the trip price per individual guest to be divided among your guiding team as

a tipping standard. Gratuities for all restaurants, hotels, local guides

and transportation are paid by Trek Travel.

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Should you have any questions before you depart for your trip, please feel free to

contact us at 1.866.464.8735


MEETING AND DEPARTING: TIMES AND PLACES

Meet location | Renaissance Asheville Hotel, One Thomas Wolfe Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801, 828.252.8211

On the first day of the trip your guides will meet you at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel at 10:30 a.m. We will utilize the meeting

area/patio along the right side of the hotel as you enter the front revolving door to gather our guests and their luggage. The Trek

Travel shuttle will pull alongside the hotel and we’ll load from the patio area. Once everyone has arrived we will depart for a one-

hour and fifteen minute drive to Deep Creek Campground near Bryson City, North Carolina. At the campground we’ll have a

gourmet picnic, make introductions, and do a short bike fitting. You’ll then leave from the campground for an afternoon ride.

Depart location | On the final day of the trip we will drop guests at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel in downtown Asheville

and at the Asheville Regional Airport. The Renaissance drop-off will be around 11:15 a.m., following checkout by 11:00 a.m.

The airport drop-off will occur between 11:45 a.m. and noon. If you plan to fly out of the Asheville airport on Friday, we

recommend that you schedule a flight no earlier than 1:30 p.m.

Airport information | The website for the Asheville Regional Airport is www.flyavl.com. They have an interesting page that

compares rates to/from the other airports in the area from major cities across the U.S. Flight into AVL are usually competitively

priced and this is by far the most convenient airport to utilize.

Did you know Trek Travel can help you with all of your pre- and post- trip arrangements? For assistance in booking your flights, pre- and

post-accommodations or simply to answer any questions about travel arrangements, please contact our Trek Travel Travel Agent

at 1-866-GO4-TREK. For more information on this service, please see details on page 12.

What To Do if you miss the pick-up

If you arrive late to the Renaissance Hotel pickup location and do not see a guide, you may call for a private shuttle or rent a

car to get to the first night’s accommodations, The Charleston Inn. First, please call The Charleston Inn at 828.488.4644 and leave

a message for your guides. They will be aware that

you are late and will be in contact with the hotel.

To arrange a private shuttle, call Goffin Limo at

828.232.9911. They have various types of vehicles

and are one of the only long-distance shuttle

providers in the area. The estimated cost of transfer

to Bryson City for two people and luggage is $100.

For other options, guests may see the concierge at

the Renaissance.

when & how to arrive

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Approximately one week before departure, you’ll receive an� e-mail� from� Trek� Travel� with� some� final� details,�

including the cell phone numbers of your guides in the region. You may use these numbers in the event of an

emergency, or if you arrive at the meeting point late and need to get in touch with your guides.

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your health

Trek Travel vacations are designed to introduce you to some of the world’s most spectacular places in what we believe to be the

best way possible — from the seat of a Trek bicycle. Although you don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy a Trek Travel

vacation, we do think it is important that you are in good overall health. If you have any concerns or questions about your health,

contact your physician for a complete physical before your trip.

terrain

Our trip will first take us to the small town of Bryson City, North Carolina, located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains

National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. The terrain is hilly, with several longer climbs of 5-10 miles on Day 2. The

roads tend to either tilt up or down, with little flat riding along the routes. Once in Asheville we’ll explore the famed Blue Ridge

Parkway with its long gradual climbs and beautiful vistas. We will be riding on two-lane mountain roads for the majority of the

rides.

activity level

The activity level for this trip is moderate-avid. We will be riding beautiful but challenging routes over mountain gaps. You can

expect several long rides of 60+ miles, with other rides around 20-25 miles. All rides are hilly and require extended periods of

climbing. You’ll have the daily option of riding more or fewer miles.

Cycling and Training

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Whether� you� are� a� first-time� rider� or� a� Category 2 racer, Trek Travel can connect you with the best in the industry. Simply

contact us at 1.866.464.8735.


How to Prepare

The best way to prepare for a Trek Travel adventure is to get out there and ride! However, if for some reason you cannot ride

regularly or are limited in the amount of riding you can do, it is still important that you engage in another cardiovascular activity

that suits your lifestyle like jogging, walking, swimming, or aerobics. The most important thing to remember is to maintain your

level of physical fitness and to get used to being active for consecutive days.

Preparatory training for this trip should include as much hill training as possible. The rides all involve climbing—shorter climbs

on Day 1 and long climbs on the big mileage Days 2 and 4. The long rides are between 60 and 70 miles with the shorter days

coming in around 20 miles. If you live in an area where 3+ mile climbs are available, you should train on those climbs. If you live

in an area with limited climbing, try to do repeats on the hills that you have and do trainer/spin bike workouts at relatively high

resistance/lower cadence. We’ll also take a guided trip down a Class II-III river in an inflatable kayak on Day 3 and do a 5+ mile

hike on Day 5. The hike involves several short, steep sections of trail, so you should do some hiking up hills or on an uphill setting

on the treadmill to prepare. Remember, the training you do before will help you get the most out of your trip! If you have good

overall fitness, you should be fine on these additional excursions.

As a Trek partner, we’ve been involved in the cycling industry for over 30 years and are connected to the best cycling coaches in

the industry. Whether you are a Category 2 racer or a beginner, we can connect you to a coach that will get you in tip top shape!

Simply give us a call.

Cycling and Training

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your travel arrangements

Trek Travel Travel Agent | They say the devil is in the details! Well we are a bunch of little devils here at Trek Travel—so let us

take care of your details! While you are focusing on the fun preparatory aspects of your trip—shopping, reading about the history,

training—our Trek Travel in-house travel agent can take care of your additional travel needs. For a nominal fee, our dedicated

Travel Agent can reserve your airfare, pre- and post-trip hotel accommodations, rental cars, train tickets and additional sight-seeing

activities with all the attentiveness and world-class customer service that you expect from Trek Travel. Please contact Trek Travel at

1-866-GO4-TREK for more information or to take advantage of this convenient new service that continues to define the Trek

Travel Difference in the active travel industry.

Flights | We recommend flying into Asheville Regional Airport (www.flyavl.com). Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines,

Northwest Airlines, and US Airways fly into this airport. We suggest arriving atleast one day prior to trip start so you may relax

before your week of cycling and to minimize risk of missing the pick-up for your trip start due to flight delays.

Transportation from the airport | To Renaissance Hotel and downtown Ashville. The airport has ground transportation

available. Call 828.681.0051 to arrange. The estimated cost of a one-way trip to downtown is between $25 and $40.

Driving Directions | It is approximately 20 miles from the airport to downtown. Take a left out of the airport parking lot onto

Hwy 280. At the interchange for Interstate 26, head west. Take I-240 East and take Exit 5-A, Merrimon Avenue. Go straight to

the traffic light and turn left onto Woodfin Street for one block. The hotel is on the right. If you choose to rent a vehicle and

leave it at the Renaissance Hotel, parking is available in a parking deck a few blocks from the hotel for a fee of approximately

$4-10 per day. Please call the hotel ahead of time to make arrangements for this.

travel arrangements


before & afteryour trip

accommodations

Asheville, North CarolinaThe Renaissance Asheville Hotel | One Thomas Wolfe Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801 | 828.252.8211

www.renaissancehotels.com/AVLBR

The Renaissance Asheville Hotel is conveniently located in downtown Asheville, close to the many antique stores, shops,

coffeehouses, and restaurants and a short drive from the Asheville airport. It has an indoor pool and fitness center, bar, restaurant,

and comfortable rooms with all of the amenities you would expect from a Marriott hotel.

The DoubleTree Biltmore Hotel | 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803 | 828.274.1800

www.biltmoreasheville.doubletree.com

The DoubleTree Biltmore Hotel is conveniently located only a block away from The Biltmore Village and 2 miles from downtown.

It has a beautifully landscaped garden, outdoor heated pool and whirlpool, access to jogging trails, and of course, all of the modern

conveniences of home.

Cedar Crest Victorian Inn | 674 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC 28803 | 828.252.1389 | www.cedarcrestinn.com

This beautiful Victorian mansion sits on a hill overlooking the historic Biltmore Village area. It is located just a few miles from

downtown Asheville, but the beautiful gardens of dogwood trees, rhododendrons and roses, as well as the Victorian details of twin

gables, turrets, gingerbread trim and multi-leveled verandahs may prevent you from wanting to leave the grounds! The 10 rooms

of the inn are all furnished with period antiques and unique décor. The paneled wood and stately fireplaces set the stage for a

perfect getaway.

Richmond Hill Inn | 87 Richmond Hill Drive, Asheville, NC 28806 | 888.742.4536 | www.richmondhillinn.com

This AAA Four Diamond, Four Star Mobil Travel Guide rated inn is located 3 miles northwest of downtown Asheville, sitting on

a hill overlooking the French Broad River. Built in 1889, this grand mansion was once home to ambassador and Congressman

Richard Pearson and his wife Gabrielle, the namesake of the Four Diamond restaurant on site. A popular spot for the elite, the

mansion reflects the elegance of the time with gleaming wood floors, rich wood paneled walls and stately antiques, and also

exudes friendliness and comfort. The estate opened as an inn in 1989 and the 36 rooms are gorgeously appointed with views of

amazing sculpted gardens and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

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activities

We recommend spending some extra time in scenic North Carolina, especially if you’re a fan of photography, hiking or any other

outdoor adventure sport. We’ve included a few suggestions to get you started planning the rest of your trip!

Asheville Historic Trolley Tour | 888.667.3600 | www.ashevilletrolleytours.com

See the best of the city aboard a vintage trolley. Fully narrated tour covers major points of interest. You can get off at any of the

stops and reboard the next trolley. The trolley picks up at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel (pick-up point for our trip) several

times daily.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad | 800.872.4681 | www.gsmr.com

The train passes through fertile valleys, tunnels and across river gorges and lakes. Choose from a variety of round trip excursions,

departing from depots in Dillsboro and Bryson City (about 50 minutes and 75 minutes from Asheville). For a unique dining

experience, enjoy a romantic evening aboard the Gourmet Dinner Train departing every Saturday evening. Or participate in

an entertaining and suspenseful performance aboard the Mystery Theatre Dinner Train departing on select Friday evenings

beginning May through September, with fifteen additional departures in October and November.

Grandfather Mountain | 800.468.7325 | www.grandfather.com

The highest peak in the Blue Ridge and a globally recognized nature preserve. Experience great views, the Mile High Swinging

Bridge, abundant wildlife, picnic areas and the South’s best alpine hiking trails.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial | 828.253.8304 | www.wolfememorial.com

For the literary buff in you, visit the novelist’s boyhood home and setting for Look Homeward, Angel. This historic home was

reopened in May 2004. The Visitor Center offers multi-media presentation and exhibits.

before & afteryour trip

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Trek Travel --Travel AgentDon’t you just want to focus on the fun?

Trek Travel’s in-house Travel Agent will be happy to take care of all of your pre- and

post-trip travel arrangements!


useful books

Cold Mountain by Charles Frasier | A civil war novel of love and homeland, set in the southern Appalachians. The story was

inspired by the life of Frasier’s great-great uncle, a Civil War veteran, W.P Inman.

Our Southern Highlands by Horace Kephart | This work has been called “social study, regional depiction, autobiography, and

adventure story rolled into one.” Taken from Kephart’s journals and research he compiled while living in a cabin in the Appalachians,

the book was written while Kephart was living in a boardinghouse in Bryson City and in a tent along Deep Creek in the Smoky

Mountains (location of Day 1 picnic).

Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolfe | The most famous work by Asheville-native Thomas Wolfe. His mother’s boardinghouse,

now the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, was immortalized as “Dixieland” in this epic autobiographical novel.

useful websites

www.exploreasheville.com | A great resource for activities in and around the city. It also has good information about getting around

the area.

www.westernncattractions.com | This is a comprehensive site about the region. It contains a great list of links under “Area Attractions”

and it is especially good for the Bryson City area.

www.myasheville.us | This site contains information and links about historic places in the region, local festivals and events, and

points of interest. It also mentions several locations guests will see during their Trek Travel vacation.

www.wncoutdoors.info | You will find this to be a great source for hikes and mountain bike trails. It also features beautiful local

photographs for sale. Be sure to check the “Area Info” link.

before you leave

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trip details

changing or canceling your trip

If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days before the trip start, there is a cancellation fee of $100; 61-90 days before the trip

start there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original trip price; 31-60 days before the trip start there is a cancellation fee of 50%

of the original trip price and there is no refund for canceling a trip 0-30 days before the trip start.

If you choose to change your trip more than 90 days before the trip start, you may do so with no fee. From 61-90 days, there

will be a $100 administration fee. If you choose to change trips within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy

outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip

departure date.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel a trip due to low enrollment or if we feel that the safety and quality of a trip could be

compromised. If Trek Travel cancels a trip, a full refund will be issued. If a trip must be canceled due to low enrollment, we will

make every effort to do so at least 60 days before the trip start. We recommend that you purchase airfare no sooner than 60 days

before your departure date. Under no circumstances will Trek Travel reimburse guests or be responsible for the cost of their airfare

or any cancellation or change fees that may apply. In the event of a conflict between these terms and the terms stated on Trek

Travel’s website, catalog or other publication, these terms shall prevail.

insurance

Trek Travel highly recommends Travel Insurance to assist you in the event of medical emergency, lost baggage, canceled trip, or an

other trip-related event. For your convenience, Trek Travel has created a custom travel insurance package available through Travel

Guard. Please contact a Trip Consultant for more details. You may purchase additional insurance on your own if you wish.

trip changes

Trek Travel reserves the right to make route and hotel modifications or to withdraw any tour announced without notice and

to make alterations and substitutions to the itinerary as necessary to improve the trip quality or to accommodate the comfort,

convenience, and well-being of our travelers. In this event, Trek Travel will always substitute and equal or better option.

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notes from the field

local flavor

The Southern drawl, the comfort food, and the twang of the banjo make you feel, well, at home…comfortable. Mac ‘n cheese,

greens, fried green tomatoes, biscuits and honey warm you from the inside while the relaxed and friendly nature of the locals

warm you from the outside. Speaking of warm, think sunny spring days spent cycling amidst dogwood blooms and rhododen-

drons while the smell of pine lingers in the air. In the fall, witness the burst of fall colors and bask in the golden tones of the Blue

Ridge Mountains. Still hungry for more? There’s bluegrass music, antiques and crafts, history and culture and endless outdoor

pursuits in the playground of the Great Smoky Mountains. Waterfalls, gorges, forests, fishing, cycling, rafting, kayaking, mountain

biking, relaxing ...it’s all in the gem of the south—Asheville, North Carolina.

background info

North Carolina

The Tar Heel State. The origin of this nick-name for one of the most beautiful states in the United States is clothed in mystery,

but it probably evolved from the fact that during the Colonial period, the colony’s chief exports were tar, pitch and turpentine.

The actual state name, North Carolina, is in honor of King Charles I of England, from the Latin “Carolus.”

Geography and Climate

The Appalachian mountain chain runs through the western part of the state, forming the lush landscape of the region. The Great

Smoky Mountains in southwestern North Carolina are one of the country’s top natural destinations, and visitors can enjoy 250

miles of the world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway winding through North Carolina’s mountains. Also contributing to why this state

is such a Mecca for road cyclists may be the fact that the Tar Heel State has more paved miles of road than any other state in the

United States—over 78,000 miles. For a real challenge, try the road that leads up Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the state,

and at 6,684 feet, the tallest mountain in the eastern United States.

Two-thirds of North Carolina’s mountains are covered with hardwood forests, and in autumn, the over 120 species of trees put on

a brilliant display of color. Some areas of the region see over 30 inches of snow a year, so skiing, snowboarding and other winter

sports are popular activities.

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notes from the field

background info

Agriculture and Industry

Textiles are the top industry in the state, and its presence dates back to 1813 when North Carolina’s first cotton mill was built

near Lincolnton. Today, North Carolina is the foremost textile manufacturer in the U.S., producing cotton and synthetic fabrics,

yarns, threads, knitted goods, apparel and hosiery.

The Tar Heel State is also a leader in the production of wooden furniture. Some 60% of the furniture manufactured in the U.S. is

made within a 200-mile radius of Hickory, home of a nationally known furniture outlet center and a furniture museum.

Tobacco is North Carolina’s major crop. The state’s farmers raise around 40% of the tobacco grown in the United States, making

North Carolina the country’s top producer. The state is also the nation’s leader in the production of cigarettes and other tobacco

products; about half of the nation’s cigarettes are made here.

Growing grapes for the production of wine has become an increasingly important segment of our agriculture industry. Thanks to

a mild climate and the three distinct regions of North Carolina, many varieties of grapes thrive here. Ranking tenth in the nation

in grape production, North Carolina boasts 350 vineyards and nearly 50 wineries, including America’s most visited winery at

the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. The state is also the #1 supplier of sweet potatoes in the nation and is among the country’s top

producers of peanuts, pork and turkey.

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