Learn about museum’s hike series

Learn about the Swannanoa Rim Hike Series and Valley History Explorer Series during a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St. Attendees will learn about the hikes and receive advice from hikers.

Carolyn Miller, who completed both series this year, highly recommends the hikes.

“I can't think of a better way to learn the history of the region that I now call home and to meet some of the most interesting and adventurous people,” she said. “I can truly say that I have made some wonderful friendships that I will always cherish and have seen some of the most pristine landscapes that have been absolutely breathtaking.”

Another hiker, Jane Basford, has called Black Mountain home for three years. “This experience has opened up new doors for me as I realize how much more I feel a part of this wonderful community and that there is so much more I want discover in our beautiful area of Western North Carolina mountains,” she said.

The Swannanoa Valley Museum's strenuous Swannanoa Rim Explorer Hiking Series consists of 11 monthly group hikes of three to seven miles that reveal the history and geography of the Swannanoa Valley. The more moderate Valley History Explorer Hiking Series offers seven guided hikes that focus on the history of the unique communities that make up the Swannanoa Valley.

Hikers may register for a single hike or an entire series. The cost of a single Rim hike is $30 for museum members and $50 for nonmembers. The entire Rim Hike Series is $280 for members and $500 for nonmembers. A single Valley Explorer Hike is $20 for members and $30 for nonmembers. The Entire Valley Explorer Series is $140 for members and $210 for nonmembers.

Proceeds benefit the Swannanoa Valley Museum. For more, call the museum at 669-9566.