When: October 18, 2025 @ 12:00 am
Come be “out in the outdoors”!
Calling WNC’s LGBTQIA+ community! Let’s gather to share the company of nature and our fellow community members. Every other month, we come together to create a welcoming and inclusive outdoor space as we wander in the woods, connecting to each other and the natural world around us. These meetings are social gatherings with naturalist twists rather than structured guided hikes; our main goal is to enjoy our time together in the beautiful outdoors, including sharing a provided snack together! In between our chatting and laughter, we take the time to notice, appreciate, and learn about the creatures that call this place home, from the tiny beetles to the mighty trees. This safe space is open to anyone who seeks community and honors the spirit of respect and kindness that this club is built on- friends, family, and allies are welcome!
This month, we will be Out on the Parkway to enjoy the fall foliage! We will convene in Cherokee to create a carpool/caravan, then drive over to Waynesville. We’ll begin our cruise with a stop at Barbara’s Orchard to stock up on treats for the road (optional, not provided by Mainspring), then pick up the Parkway and ride it back to our cars. Along the way we’ll stop to enjoy scenic overlooks and a cup of hot apple cider; all participants are welcome to request specific stops!
Fill out the form at the bottom of the page to register. We will meet in the morning near Cherokee; exact meeting location and time will be emailed to registered attendees in the days leading up to the event. Please bring water, a warm layer, a travel mug to drink your cider from, money to spend at Barbara’s Orchard (optional), and anything else you need to be comfortable for a multi-hour car ride. Note that the main bathrooms along the way are a rest stop in Waynesville (beginning), pit toilets at Waterrock Knob (about halfway), and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center (end.)
Email Skye at [email protected] with any questions. Please leave pets at home. This event is weather-dependent.
2025 Schedule
Winter Foraging Walk: Saturday, February 8th in Franklin
Birding Walk: Saturday, April 12th in Franklin
Bog Walk: Saturday, June 14th, near Alarka
Summer Picnic and Swimming: Saturday, August 23rd in Lake Santeelah
Parkway Cruise: Saturday, October 18th near Cherokee
Waterfall Hike and Native Seed Starting: Saturday, December 6th in Bryson City
Meet your leaders
As Mainspring’s Conservation Outreach Director, Skye (she/her) inspires people to connect with their local landscape and value the conservation efforts that protect it. Integrating her experience in wildlife research with her excitement about the natural world, she strives to make science fun and accessible.
Gillian (she/her) is a queer conservation practitioner who strives to build community by connecting with others in nature and working to ensure that public lands are a welcome and safe space for all.
Please register by midnight on Thursday, October 17th to ensure you receive meeting details in time. Thank you!
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