About Us

2026 Board Officers

Special Events

The club has quarterly combined business meetings and potluck dinners. Specialty events are also periodically planned. We are one of the largest hiking clubs attending Wilderness Wildlife Week in the Great Smoky Mountains each May, usually with over 40 members in attendance. The club has also organized hiking trips to Virginia, Mt. Mitchell, and other locations in the Southeast

In Summary: Come play, hike, and trail maintain with us!

Hiking through the seasons

Hiking throughout the year provides unique experiences during each season.

Hike Safely

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

1. 1.With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather, and your equipment before you start.
2. 2.To leave your plans. Tell someone the trails you are hiking, the gear you are taking, when you will return, and your emergency plans.
3. 3.To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
4. 4.To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
5. 5.For emergencies, even if you are headed out for just an hour. An injury, severe weather, or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don't assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
6. 6.To share the hiker code with others.

Mission

The mission of the Mountain High Hikers is to promote and facilitate hiking activities in the Southern Appalachian area and encourage involvement in the maintenance of trails and conservation of forest environments.

Origination

Mountain High Hikers originated from a course entitled "Hiking in the Blue Ridge" at the Institute for Continuing Learning, at Young Harris College in the winter of 1993. 28 folks attended the course, and that small group expanded throughout the years to over 200 members.

Most members live in Towns, Union, and Fannin counties in Georgia, and Clay and Cherokee counties in North Carolina. Most are full time residents, but some only come up for a few weeks a year.

Our Hikes

Mountain High Hikers sponsors 3 hikes every week to accommodate a variance in hiking skills. We have 2 on Tuesdays for intermediate and advanced hikers, and on Thursdays we have a Leisure hike which are shorter, less steep and go at a slower pace.

Prospective members and guests are invited to hike with us. Guidelines allow for 3 guest hikes before joining. Prospective members should attend a Thursday Leisure hike first to determine which hiking level will work best.

Please remember that hiking can be strenuous in our mountains, and that certain risks are involved. All hiking participants are required to sign an assumption of risk release. For further information, please review the Hiking Guidelines and Hike Calendar on this website.

Trail Maintenance

Club members are very active in trail maintenance. Each week work trips are scheduled alternating between NC and GA. The club is responsible for maintaining the Chunky Gal Trail, Fires Creek trail system, all of the trails leading to Brasstown Bald, Helton Creek Falls, High Shoals Falls, Cooper's Creek Hiking Trails, and the Miller Trek at Brasstown Resort. Both men and women are encouraged to attend. Our trips are on Thursdays, and can be found on the Hike Calendar