About us
Worship in the Wild is a hiking community for anyone who loves the outdoors and is open to exploring the deeper questions of life together. We hike local (and occasionally not‑so‑local) trails around the Asheville area on Sunday mornings at 9 AM.
We’re a diverse group who believe that nature has a way of opening us up to each other and to the questions that matter most. Every hike follows a simple rhythm: we gather and introduce ourselves, kick things off with a fun icebreaker, and hear a short introduction to the day’s discussion topic before hitting the trail. A few miles in, we pause, enjoy the scenery, and dig into the conversation together; no right answers, just honest reflection from wherever you’re coming from. Then we finish the hike, and those who want to keep the conversation going often head to lunch afterward.
We hike at a pace most reasonably active people can enjoy and do our best to keep the group together, so please reach out first if you’re unsure a hike is right for you.
Our core values are to build community, cultivate curiosity, respect every voice, and enjoy the hike, with no agenda other than the journey itself. Our conversations cover a lot of ground, from the practical to the philosophical to the deeply spiritual, and everything in between. We often draw from the Bible and other ancient writings, not to preach or convince, but because they’ve been asking the same big questions humans have always wrestled with. Every perspective at the table is welcome. No matter your background, your beliefs, or your history with church and religion, you are welcome here.
Hike lengths are typically 4 to 6 miles with moderate elevation, though we occasionally go a little longer. Leashed dogs are welcome on most hikes. For questions, email Ron at WorshipInTheWildAsheville@gmail.com.
Worship in the Wild is made possible by Covenant Community Church, which shares our heart for belonging and community.
Happy Hiking!
Upcoming events
1
Shut In Trail to Hard Times Road Loop
1610 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC, USShut In Trail to Hard Times Road Loop
Meeting Point: Parking Lot
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM
General Location: Bent Creek across Hwy 191 from entrance to Arboretum
Parking URL: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EiPL6xvwPTdPGRbk8
Parking Address: 1610 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Parking Notes: Bent Creek River Park is right next to the French Broad River on Hwy 191 (Brevard Road) across from entrance to the Arboretum.
Miles from Downtown Asheville: 9
Total Length: 4.23
Elevation Gain: 663
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate
AllTrails URL: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/shut-in-trail-from-bent-creek-river-park-out-and-back-908075e
Restrooms: Portapotties
Cell Service Availability: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Comments
The Shut-In Trail is the Mountains to Sea Trail from the Arboretum to Mt. Pisgah. We'll take it up to the Hard Times Road intersection then come back down Hard Times through the Arboretum and back to the parking lot. This is a moderately strenuous loop that should give us all a good cardio workout.A note about hornets and yellow jackets: Tis the season , and we’ve had encounters with them on recent hikes. If you have a known allergy and carry an EpiPen or other prescribed medication, please bring it with you on the hike. We're not able to provide or administer specialized allergy medication. We do keep Benadryl on hand for general reactions, but anything beyond that needs to be something you carry yourself.
Legal Disclaimer
This Worship in the Wild event involves hiking, which may be physically taxing and involve some risks to participants and their property. Neither the event host nor Worship in the Wild can assure participants' safety or eliminate all risks. Participants are responsible for their own safety, and they affirm that they have the necessary skills, physical conditioning, and equipment to safely participate in the event. Participants assume full responsibility for any injuries, damages, or losses.20 attendees
Past events
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