By Debi Gedling
July 2025 Newsletter — Full Story
On April 28, 85 children, 5 teachers, a number of parents and I hiked the 4 miles to and from Wayah Crest to Siler Bald. Stephanie Braswell, a physical education teacher at East Franklin Elementary School, has organized these hikes for fourth graders for approximately 15 years and the Nantahala Hiking Club has assisted for over 10 of those years. Unfortunately, weather necessitated that the date of this year’s hike be changed several times and by the time it was scheduled for the final time, no one from NHC was available to participate other than me!
This hike is always so much fun! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve participated. By the time everyone assembles first thing in the morning at Wayah Crest, the children have been instructed on what to wear, what to bring, what not to bring and Leave No Trace principles. (While most of the children obviously pay attention to what they are told, there are always a couple of kids who end up hiking in clogs or bringing enough food to feed an army!)
Generally, the teachers and NHC participants act as hike leaders and each is assigned a certain number of students to keep track of. Then you’re off!
The round-trip hike, including lunch atop Siler Bald, takes around four hours. As a hike leader, you’re constantly busy. Some kids want to know about the trail or wildflowers. Some kids want to do anything but stay on the trail. Some kids ask how far they still have to go every three or four minutes. And they are all awestruck by the views. The kids are of different backgrounds, different abilities and different experiences, but Stephanie Braswell says that in her 15 years of doing these hikes every single child has made it to the top. And it is heartwarming to observe each child’s obvious pride upon doing so.
If you like to hike, enjoy being with children and have time on a weekday, I strongly urge you to participate in this event next year. Many of the children have no hiking experience and limited exposure to nature and the outdoors. This event presents a wonderful opportunity to help educate children, broaden their horizons and have some fun yourself.