A part of our programming since 1983, Elderhostel at The Mountain offers extraordinary opportunities to expand your physical and mental horizons and meet new friends.

What is an Adventures in Lifelong Learning program? At Elderhostel and The Mountain, we believe that learning is a lifelong pursuit that opens minds and enriches lives. The typical program offers three courses on various topics, covering a range of subjects including nature studies, Appalachian culture, music and literature, adventure programs and Appalachian theme weeks. Each week has a minimum of twenty-three hours of instruction with dynamic local area experts and exciting faculty from across the country.

What is your week like? Depending on your courses of study, you will likely have classroom sessions combined with field trips, and programs each evening. There is usually a free afternoon each week, giving you time to explore the local area waterfalls, take a hike, go to the lovely resort town of Highlands, or just sit in your rocking chair enjoying the view.

What makes Elderhostel at The Mountain special? Hostelers come from all parts of the country, bringing diverse experiences and a sense of adventure for all activities in life. That energy, combined with a beautiful natural site and a welcoming, friendly staff, creates a unique community experience.

What is Elderhostel? Elderhostel is America’s first and the world’s largest educational travel organization for adults 55 and over. This not-for-profit organization celebrates over thirty years of educational excellence providing exceptional learning adventures to nearly 170,000 older adults annually. Participants come from every walk of life to learn together, to exchange ideas, and to explore the world. Elderhostelers experience unique educational opportunities infused with the spirit of camaraderie and adventure that enrich, and enhance, their lives. Our expert instructors share stimulating information through in-depth lectures, field trips, and cultural excursions. Lively discussions with faculty and fellow participants illuminate issues and broaden horizons.

Nestled atop a granite cliff in western North Carolina, The Mountain's breathtaking views evoke a sense of wonder. Our mountaintop Retreat and Learning Center is at an elevation of over 4200-feet and straddles the Eastern Continental Divide, featuring a four-state panoramic vista, great sunsets, meteor showers, and spectacular views of the surrounding Nantahala National Forest. Rare native plant and wildlife habitats, including the only stand of ancient wind-worn dwar white oaks in the World, are just a few components of this rich and diverse ecosystem from the Appalachian Mountains and the Southern Blue Ridge escarpment.

Open year round, The Mountain offers excellent programming for all ages. Inspiration mixes with renewal as you challenge yourself to grow and learn.

The Mountain Home Page | About The Mountain | Programs

Staying at The Mountain…

Accommodations. Guests are housed either in our Lodge or our simple cabins. Each living space is heated and includes a bathroom. Elderhostel lodging is double-occupancy, with two hostelers sharing a bedroom and bathroom. There are no phones or TVs in living accommodations, but phones are available on our campus. Click here for more information about our accommodations.

Special Needs. A limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms and cabins (with specially-equipped bathrooms) are available. All primary meeting spaces are accessible.

Meeting Space. Classes and evening programs are held in various locations on the campus, including the Lodge and the Community Building. A small Library Reference Center located in the Lodge is available for reading and book check-out, as well as accessing the Internet through an onsite computer. (Most public spaces now have wireless capacity.) Paved trails connect all the meeting spaces, loding and the Dining Hall. Click here for more information about our meeting facilities.

Dining Hall. Delicious meals with both vegetarian and meat offerings are served buffet style each day in our community Dining Hall, just a short walk from the Lodge and cabins. Community Social Time is held each evening before dinner in Heritage Hall, adjacent to the Dining Hall.

Registration Information
To Register: Contact Elderhostel (11 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston MA 02111-1746) Call Toll-free: 877-426-8056 or Register Online on Elderhostel's webpage
When registration is complete, The Mountain will mail confirmation materials to you along with program information and travel details. For additional information on Elderhostel Faculty or The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center, call The Mountain's Elderhostel Line at: 828-526-5838 ext. 203
Commuters are welcome on select programs! Contact The Mountain for further details.