WNC FIELD TRIPS
1,000 years of erosion in 1 day.
Step into a living history lesson as you explore the dramatic impact of Hurricane Helene on Western North Carolina. This powerful storm reshaped the land, leaving behind not just floods and devastation, but also incredible stories of resilience and renewal.
On this unforgettable student adventure, you’ll witness firsthand how nature can transform a region, hear inspiring accounts from those who lived through it, and gain a deeper understanding of disaster recovery efforts. Even more, your trip will make a difference—Orange Sky Travel is proud to donate a portion of proceeds from every field trip to local restoration projects.
WNC FIELD TRIP ACTIVITIES
Flood Education & Van Tour by Green River Adventures
The Green River was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene on September 27th, 2024. This event was more impactful then any storm since 1916. The most visible impacts along the Green River were seen in Saluda, NC. Student tours will include educational opportunities in this area including: Geological lessons, human experiences, historical significance, economic impacts, recovery responses, and rehabilitation efforts. Recovery efforts will take multiple years to complete, so the visual impacts and progress will be visible for an extended period of time.
The Gorge Zipline Experience
The Gorge, a thrilling tree-based zipline canopy tour in Saluda, NC, will take your breath away! Begin your experience perched on the rim of the Green River Gorge then plunge into untouched wilderness.
Author Events with Robert Beatty (Serafina Series)
Meet award winning author of the Serafina Series, Robert Beatty, and hear the fascinating story of how he penned his newest book, Sylvia Doe and the 100-Year Flood, just BEFORE Hurricane Helene.
Sylvia Doe doesn't know where she was born or the people she came from. She doesn't even know her real last name. When a hurricane causes catastrophic floods in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina where she lives, strange and wondrous things start floating down the river, including a mysterious boy with an uncertain past.
Robert Beatty is donating 100% of his earned royalties to the communities impacted by the 100-year floods caused by Hurricane Helene.
Jump Off Rock
The rock is the centerpiece of a mountaintop park which is perched on a west-facing ridge with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains. On a clear day, four states are visible – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. There are three hiking trials at Jump Off Rock, varying in length and difficulty.
Pinball Museum
The Pinball museums evoke nostalgia in chaperones and teach students the history and science behind a beloved pastime…a little, kind-hearted trash talking also helps to promote team-building through shared experiences! WNC offers two museums, the Asheville Pinball Museum and the Appalachian Pinball Museum in Hendersonville.
Mineral and Lapidary Museum
This museum is a treasure trove of geological marvels, featuring everything from raw, uncut minerals in their natural state to brilliantly polished gemstones that sparkle with perfection. And for all the fossil fanatics out there, get up close to a Tyrannosaurus rex skull, marvel at a mastodon’s tusk and teeth, and stand in awe beside a woolly mammoth leg bone!
Shopping in Downtown Hendersonville
This welcoming downtown is the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling, shopping, dining and exploring. You’ll love how historic architecture blends seamlessly with upscale, modern stores and restaurants, and will feel as though you’ve strolled right into a Hallmark movie. Not surprisingly, downtown Hendersonville has been featured in multiple movies.