Past Events › Class

Celebrate the 83rd anniversary of the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Join Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park for an evening program called Smokies 101, which will cover iconic trails, day-hiking tips, and information about camping on the North Carolina side of the park. We're also donating 10% of sales to benefit projects and programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park including trail restoration, preservation of historic cabins, wildlife management, and environmental education for thousands of schoolchildren. Come…

With more than 11 million visitors in 2016 despite a ten day closure, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hardly a secret. Yet the 520,000-acre park still has many special places that are relatively little known and lightly visited. Smokies Chronicle: A Year of Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, author Ben Anderson has identified 12 such places – one for each month of the year – that in most cases don’t require an extreme amount of effort to reach. Join him…

Whether you travel to broaden your horizons, seek out new adventures, or just relax, packing light can help you shed weight — both physically and mentally — to make the most out of your journey. Join travel expert and adventure lover Hannah Myers for a free clinic exploring gear, apparel, and strategies for bringing less and experiencing more. RSVP on Facebook Well-behaved pets and kids are welcome at this free event.

Do you have a love for exploring on your motorcycle + an interest in camping? Perhaps you’ve been riding for a while, but feel under equipped to take a multi night excursion in the mountains. Maybe you’ve already been there + done that, but still have a desire to take your experience to the next level. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, this class will help ensure that you are packing properly + safely to have the best possible…

From pack fit to shoes and hiking clothes made specifically for women, it's never been a better time to hit the trail with a group of girlfriends. Learn what to bring and (more importantly) what not to bring when setting out on a day, weekend, or thru hike. This clinic will include ideas on how to lighten your pack, maintaining gear on the trail, and information on favorite area trails. Feel free to bring your pack for a "shakedown" by backpacking experts.…

A map and compass isn't always top of mind when we're used to navigating with an app, but it's a skill every outdoor enthusiast should know. Gary Eblen will teach the fundamentals in this class that's great for all skill levels. RSVP on Facebook We'll have some giveaways + discounts for all who attend. This event is free and open to the public. Kids and well-behaved pets with owner on leash are welcome.

While some species head to warmer climates during winter, there are plenty of birds that stick around through the cold WNC winter. These birds have many adaptations to stay warm during the winter months, including a high fat density. In order to maintain that, birds spend the bulk of their days searching for food, which is scarce in the winter. International birding experts Kevin Burke and Emilie Travis provide a rundown of birds you can expect to see during winter adventures…

  Yum! Feed your adventure this season with some help from our friends at Clif Bar. We'll provide the first Clif Bar and all of the decorating supplies for free. Let the kids get creative while you shop our winter sale.  Clif is passionate about food. Food that feeds and inspires the adventure in all of us. Whether you’re going on a hike, hitting the slopes, or competing in a triathlon, Clif recipes are purposefully crafted to help provide the energy…