There are numerous hiking clubs in the region, as well as other organizations that offer guided hikes, some with historical and natural interpretation. Among them are:
- Blue Ridge Forever, a collective campaign led by 13 land conservation organizations to engage the public and raise financial resources to safeguard land and water in the Southern Blue Ridge for present and future generations. Offers guided hikes offered throughout the year.
- Carolina Mountain Club, formed in 1923, is the oldest Hiking and Trail Maintaining Club in Western NC.
- Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, offers hike almost exclusively on privately protected land that is otherwise inaccessible to the general public.
- Swannanoa Valley Museum, historians and naturalists lead monthly hikes to high, hidden and historic places.