Each year, the museum hosts one-off hikes, tours and other events showcasing parts of the Swannanoa Valley. These events explore local history, lore and geography, often providing exclusive access to precious historic trails and long-lost communities far off the beaten path. Read on to learn more and register.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. You may cancel your enrollment in the program for a full refund up to 48 hours before the program start date.
- Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the program start date will receive a full refund.
- Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the program start date will not be eligible for a refund.
- A full refund will be offered if the museum cancels the program due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Please Note:
- We strongly recommend notifying us of your cancellation in writing via email to swannanoavalleymuseum@gmail.com
- You will receive a confirmation email upon processing your cancellation request.
2024 Entire Schedule
| Event Name | Date/Time |
| Trails Less Traveled Hike: Cedar Rock Mountain | Saturday, February 3, 9:00am |
| Seven Sisters Peaks Hike | Saturday, March 2, 9:00am-5:00pm |
| Historic North Fork Valley Tour of the Asheville Watershed – East | Saturday, April 27th, 9:00am-2:30pm |
| Trails Less Traveled Hike: Big Ivy | Saturday, April 6, 8:00am-4:30pm |
| Spring Nature Ramble | Friday, April 19, 9:00am-2:00pm |
| Wildflower Hike | Monday, May 6, 9:00am-1:00pm |
| Swannanoa Valley Musical Heritage Concert | Thursday, May 23, 7:00pm-9:00pm |
| Film Screening & Presentation: The Mystery of George Masa, with Angelyn Whitmeyer | Friday, May 24, 6:00pm-8:00pm |
| Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Black Mountain | May thru December, 2:00pm-3:30pm |
| Haunted History Tours of Downtown Black Mountain | May thru November, 7:00pm-8:30pm |
| Patton Mountain House Hike | Saturday, June 1, 8:30am-3:30pm |
| Chestnut Ridge Hike | Saturday, June 22, 10:00am |
| SVM Community Yard Sale | Saturday, July 27, 8:00am-2:00pm |
| Bucket List Hike: Three Peaks | Saturday, August 3, 9:00am |
| Antiques & Collectibles Sale | Saturday, August 17, 9:00am-6:00pm |
| Whitewater Bluegrass Co. Concert, with White Horse Black Mountain | Friday, August 30, 7:00pm |
| Montreat to Mt. Mitchell Hike | Friday, September 13, 6:00am OR 8:15am |
| Mt. Mitchell Old Toll Road 4WD Caravan SOLD OUT (Waitlist available)** Cancelled due to Helene** | Saturday, September 28, 7:30am-6:30pm |
| Historic North Fork Valley Tour of the Asheville Watershed – West ** Cancelled due to Helene** | Saturday, November 2, 9:00am-2:30pm |
2024 Upcoming Event Details & Registration
May thru December: Walking Tours of Historic Downtown Black Mountain
Learn the history of Black Mountain and the Swannanoa Valley on this walking tour! Museum staff will lead attendees through historic State Street, Cherry Street and Black Mountain Avenue, relaying the history of several buildings and discussing topics including the building of the Swannanoa Tunnel and the disastrous downtown fire of 1912.
May thru November: Haunted History Tours of Downtown Black Mountain
Traveling some of Black Mountain’s most storied streets, learn about the humorous, haunting and harrowing history of the Swannanoa Valley while being visited by some of its most famous spirits. These tours will highlight local tragedies and triumphs- and the many ghosts, friendly and frustrated, born from these events.
Saturday, August 17, 9:00am-6:00pm: Antique & Collectibles Sale
Join us for our second annual Antiques & Collectibles Sale at the Monte Vista Hotel!
Vendors, showcase your unique treasures, vintage finds, and one-of-a-kind antiques to a diverse audience in the charming setting of the historic Monte Vista Hotel. Patrons, explore an array of fascinating items and uncover hidden gems while supporting the museum’s mission to preserve and celebrate the rich history of the Swannanoa Valley. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow collectors, history enthusiasts, and the local community!
Friday, August 30, 7:00pm: Whitewater Bluegrass Company Concert, with White Horse Black Mountain
Join us for an unforgettable evening at the SVM Fundraiser on August 30th at White Horse Black Mountain, featuring the captivating Whitewater Bluegrass Company. For over 40 years, they’ve enchanted audiences with their unique blend of Bluegrass, country ballads, mountain swing, rockabilly, and down-home humor, celebrating mountain culture through music, song, and dance.
Friday, September 13, 6:00am OR 8:15am: Montreat to Mt. Mitchell Hike
Join us for an historic adventure on Friday, September 13th as we will have two groups hiking from Montreat to Mt. Mitchell on the same day! One group will be hiking 24-miles out and back, while the second group will be hiking 13-miles one-way.
Saturday, September 28, 7:30am-6:30pm: Mt. Mitchell Old Toll Road 4WD Caravan
SOLD OUT – WAITLIST AVAILABLE
Join us for a thrilling adventure on this highly sought-after 4-wheel drive caravan, traversing the historic Mt. Mitchell railroad bed and Old Toll Road. Along the way, indulge in stops that unveil breathtaking panoramic views, accompanied by captivating historical presentations that bring the past to life.
Saturday, November 2, 9:00am-2:30pm: Historic North Fork Valley Tour of the Asheville Watershed- West
Join us on this exclusive historic driving tour of the west side of the Burnett Reservoir to explore part of the once thriving North Fork Valley community. The caravan will stop for participants to view the impressive chimney that was once part of a large boarding house where travelers on their way to Mt. Mitchell would stay before they began the ascent to the highest peak in eastern North America.
Past 2024 Events
Saturday, February 3rd, 9:00am: Cedar Rock Mountain Hike
Join us on our first Trails Less Traveled Hike to the spectacular views of Cedar Rock Mountain. Our route takes us by Cedar Rock Falls, Grogan Creek Falls, the Butter Gap Shelter, and the Davidson River. READ MORE AND REGISTER HERE.
Saturday, March 2nd, 9:00am-5:00pm: Seven Sisters Peaks Hike
SOLD OUT
We will be hosting a strenuous hike across the expansive range of the Seven Sisters Peaks where hikers will learn more about the history, ecology, and geography of the range while enjoying panoramic views. READ MORE AND LEARN HOW TO REGISTER HERE.
Saturday, April 27th, 9:00am-2:30pm: Historic North Fork Valley Tour of the Asheville Watershed- East
THIS EVENT WAS RESCHEDULED FROM 3/23 TO 4/27.
Join us on this exclusive historic driving tour of the east side of the Burnett Reservoir to explore part of the once thriving North Fork Valley community. READ MORE AND LEARN HOW TO REGISTER HERE
Saturday, April 6th, 8:00am-3:30pm: Trails Less Traveled – Big Ivy
Embark on an 8.2-mile hike near Barnardsville through the “frontside of the Craggies,” boasting moderate to challenging terrain and a 1,973-foot elevation gain. Explore the childhood haunts of John Buckner in Big Ivy, where settlers grazed cattle and sheep. Discover the historic Flats of Craggy, a gathering spot for youths from Barnardsville and the North Fork. READ MORE AND REGISTER HERE
Friday, April 19th, 9:00am-2:00pm: Spring Nature Ramble
Are you someone who appreciates the leisurely pace of meandering through the fields and woods, savoring the opportunity to pause and enjoy the beauty around you? If so, this hike is tailor-made for your preferences. Whether you’re a newcomer to the region or a lifelong resident, seize this exceptional chance to delve deeper into the fascinating world of flora and fauna in this extraordinary, well-preserved haven of wilderness.
Led by the deeply skilled and experienced naturalist Nora Murdock, we will explore the rarely-visited private Hemphill Estate in Black Mountain for a day of discovery and exploration. READ MORE AND REGISTER HERE
Monday, May 6th, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wildflower Hike
This spring, head outside and learn to identify both common and rare Appalachian wildflowers. Led by Joe and Mary Standaert, local historians and members of the Western Carolina Botanical Club, this hike will take a short, leisurely walk in our diverse woodlands. READ MORE AND REGISTER HERE.
Thursday, May 23, 7:00pm-9:00pm: Swannanoa Valley Musical Heritage Concert
Embark on a musical journey with the Swannanoa Valley Museum as we delve into the captivating history of the valley through enchanting songs and captivating stories! LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE.
Friday, May 24, 6:00pm-8:00pm: Film Screening & Discussion: The Mystery of George Masa, with Angelyn Whitmeyer
Join us for a screening of The Mystery of George Masa, followed by a discussion with Angelyn Whitmeyer, founder of the George Masa Photograph Database. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE.
Saturday, June 1, 8:30am-3:30pm: Patton Mountain House Hike
Explore the remnants of Patton Mountain House in the secluded Asheville Watershed with exclusive access from the museum. Follow the original path of early adventurers ascending Mt. Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail. Venture into Asheville’s restricted property along the “uncleared” segment of the trail to reach the striking ruins. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE.
Saturday, June 22, 10:00am: Chestnut Ridge Hike
Join us for a unique 4-mile loop hike on the preserved Fortune Fields property, once owned by Arthur Joe and Mary Hemphill. Currently under a life estate by Rick and Melinda Halford, the land is protected by a conservation easement, offering a historical and scenic experience. Highlights include a bear tree, Carolina Hemlocks, and the Catawba River’s headwaters at Hungry Gap.
Saturday, July 27, 8:00am-2:00pm: SVM Community Yard Sale
Join us for a fun-filled day at the Swannanoa Valley Museum’s Community Yard Sale! This event is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden treasures, find great deals, and connect with your neighbors.
Have items to sell? Reserve a spot and turn your clutter into cash while supporting the Swannanoa Valley Museum!
Saturday, August 3, 9:00am: Bucket List Hike: Three Peaks – Black Balsam, Tennant Mountain, and Sam Knob
Join us for an adventurous day bagging three of North Carolina’s 6,000-foot peaks! Starting at Black Balsam Trailhead, this challenging 8-mile hike with a 1,400-foot elevation gain will lead us over Black Balsam, Tennant Mountain, and Sam Knob—all in one day. It’s a unique opportunity to conquer these peaks in a single outing, timed perfectly during blueberry season for a tasty trailside treat.