Step outside the museum and into the past on this exclusive guided tour of Cataloochee Valley!
On October 15 from 9:00am - 6:00pm, join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for this day-long adventure. Hear stories of the past from local history expert, John Buckner. Explore historic structures like the Palmer Chapel and Cemetery that remain as a testament to the past. Enjoy your picnic lunch surrounded by Western North Carolina history, and be sure to keep your eyes open at all times for elk!
Tour Overview
Stop 1: Cataloochee Overlook
After a scenic 1.5-hour drive, the tour will stop at the first overlook. Enjoy the scenic views and a short talk by John Buckner.
Palmer Chapel
Stop 2: Preacher Hall’s Place and Lunch at Palmer House
Lunch and a historical talk on the Palmer House porch. In case of rain, the tour will use a nearby barn for shelter.
Stop 3: Palmer Chapel and Cemetery
Explore the historic chapel and cemetery (optional). Please note that the cemetery involves a steep climb.
Stop 4: Beech Grove Schoolhouse and Caldwell Place
History talks and an optional moderate 0.5-mile walk to the old Caldwell House and Barn. This area is great for spotting elk, so be sure to keep your eyes open!
What to Bring
Hiking boots and poles are strongly recommended!
BYOL&W (Bring Your Own Lunch & Water)
Rain gear (just in case)
Folding chairs or blankets for the picnic lunch
More Information
A Tour through Yesterday: Cataloochee Valley Guided Tour
Thursday, October 15 from 9:00am - 6:00pm
Carpool starts at the Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State Street, Black Mountain, NC
Would you like to be a driver for the car pool? Each car must have a Great Smoky Mountains National Park parking tag. The cost is $5 for a daily tag. You can purchase this online in advance or the museum can purchase it for you on the day of the trip.
Learn more and register in advance at https://history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org/cataloochee-valley-tour
Explore More with SVM
The Swannanoa Valley Museum offers all kinds of programming, so be sure to follow them on social media or check their website calendar regularly. We have our eye on their upcoming hike, Trails Less Traveled: Black Mountain Crest Trail and Maple Camp Bald. On October 3, the SVM is leading a challenging 10.3-mile modified loop hike with 2,100 feet of climbing. The route begins from Mt. Mitchell on the Black Mountain Crest Trail with a return via Maple Camp Bald, the Buncombe Horse Trail, and the Black Mountain Trail from Commissary Hill. You’ll cross the 6K-plus peaks of Mt. Craig, Big Tom, Balsam Cone, Cattail, Potato Hill, and of course Mt. Mitchell along the way. This is a rugged hike with some rock scrambling, but hikers will be rewarded with an adventure they will never forget! Learn more at https://history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org/stand-alone-hikes
About the Swannanoa Valley Museum
The Swannanoa Valley Museum preserves and interprets the social, cultural, and natural history of the Swannanoa Valley, a pathway to western North Carolina, by developing dynamic programs and engaging exhibitions for the education and enrichment of the community, its children, and future generations. history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org
