I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.
-Henry David Thoreau
About Our Memberships
Nantahala Hiking Club members are a diverse group of people with a collective passion for recreation and stewardship. At our meetings and on our hikes, you will meet families participating together, couples, and individuals, all of whom enjoy the outdoors and want to preserve its beauty and accessibility for future generations.
Members are encouraged to engage with club events, join the trail crew if you are able, and volunteer for special events. NHC’s participation in community and outreach activities provides an excellent opportunity to volunteer within the club. Members interested in trail maintenance are invited to meet at the NHC clubhouse in Franklin on Wednesdays at 8:45 am.
We are a non-profit organization with no paid staff. Board members serve on a volunteer basis and do not receive any compensation. Your membership helps support the club’s work, including providing training and equipment for our Appalachian Trail maintainers. Membership is open to everyone who shares the club’s commitment to the Appalachian Trail and is interested in the club’s activities.
Membership dues are $20 a year for an individual, $30 for a family, or $10 for a student. Beginning August 1, 2025, renewals via our online system will automatically occur annually. You may cancel your membership anytime by emailing [email protected].
The primary benefit of membership is knowing that you and thousands of others are financially supporting the long-term health and safety of the Appalachian Trail. Other benefits include an emailed newsletter, invitation to club meetings and events, access to organized hikes, and opportunities to interact with like-minded individuals seeking the benefits of nature and investing their time and energy to ensure that the trails that lead to the mountaintops are ever-clear.