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
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The Green River was heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene on September 27th, 2024. This event was beyond the scope of any storm since 1916, and exceeded that infamous storm by significant margins. The most visible impacts along the Green River were seen in Green River Cove in Saluda, NC which is accessible by primitive road. Student tours will include a myriad 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
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Steep. Fast. Beautiful! 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.
We can’t wait for you to experience The Gorge with us! – one of the Asheville and Hendersonville areas’ iconic outdoor adventures, and a huge dose of Western North Carolina fun and thrills that you won’t want to miss!
Author Events with Robert Beatty (Serafina Series)
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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
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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 Museums
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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
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Step into a world where science, history, and natural beauty collide! 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! Young explorers and curious minds alike will love uncovering the ancient secrets hidden within these prehistoric treasures.
Shopping in Downtown Hendersonville
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Hendersonville’s curvilinear Main Street is accented by sitting areas, flowering planters, sidewalk dining and public art. It’s been called one of the nation’s most attractive small-town shopping districts because of its park-like setting and extra wide sidewalks.
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.