Please visit www.elderhostel.org to learn more about Elderhostel, information about our programs and to make reservations.
We look forward to seeing you!

Taking Flight: Birds and Butterflies for Everyone May 16-21, 2010

Fundamentals for the beginning birder and intermediate challenges for avid avian enthusiasts make this an exciting birding experience. All levels are welcome at Mountain Lake - a regular site for the Virginia Society of Ornithology's annual conference - one of the best birding areas in Virginia. Enjoy and embrace an active week exploring sight and sound identification, learning how to read songbird habitat, predicting species presence. Develop new skills and sharpen old ones through background sessions and active field experiences. The program includes a bonus session on butterflies and butterfly gardening.

Stories, Songs & Walks: The Appalachian Experience July 11-16, 2010

Join our eclectic mix of storytellers, musicians, and poets as they share their traditional tales, folk wisdom, stories and poems that spring from the Appalachian experience, and music that moves the heart and touches the soul. Learn about yourself as you learn about the people and culture of this wondrous region - part of the world, yet still finding security through its deep roots in tradition and family. We will take daily walks through the Mountain Lake Conservancy to enhance our appreciation of the stories and songs of this region. See the stunning contours of this ancient landscape, enjoy the quiet solitude of its diverse forests, and sit beside its meandering streams as we study the natural history of this region.

Day Hikes along Southwest Virginia's Appalachian Trail: June 13-18, 2010 & October 3-6, 2010

Snaking through thickets of uncultivated blueberries, sweeping mountain vistas and blankets of dazzling wildflowers, more than 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail lie in Virginia, the most of any state. Undertake a five day quest to discover the best hikes along the trail. Trek to Wind Rock, Angels Rest, Kelly’s Knob and McAfee’s Knob - the No. 1- photographed lookout on the entire AT - and re-energize with picnic lunches at overlooks 4,000 feet up. The rewards of tackling challenging terrain are matched by those of expert naturalists and AT thru-hikers, who educate you on local flora and fauna, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s wildlife data-collection methods, packing tips for long-distance hikes, "leave no trace" ethics and more.

The New River Outdoor Adventure: August 22-27, 2010 - Canceled for 2010

Learn new skills with canoeing buffs and hear naturalists and other experts relate the eons-old story of one of the world’s oldest rivers. Scientists put the age of the New River between 10 and 360 million years old. Study this natural treasure’s ancient past as you experience it to the fullest. Learn to paddle a canoe and navigate Class 1 and 2 rapids. Enjoy a section of the river by raft as experts navigate and naturalists point out the interesting features of local geology, flora and fauna. Experience the river’s more thrilling side on a whitewater rafting expedition with trained professionals, and enjoy a hike to the 66-foot Cascades Waterfall in Jefferson National Forest while learning of local wildflowers and plants along the trail.

Astronomy: The Universe and Beyond October 17-22, 2010

Investigate black holes, the big bang, radio astronomy, planets, and the sun, moon, and stars. A team of scientists from two Virginia universities will help unravel the mysteries of the universe. You will be exposed to cutting edge astronomy research. Use telescopes to view the sun by day, and the stars and galaxies by night (weather permitting, of course). Far removed from city lights, Mountain Lake is an ideal location for sky watching on clear nights. Join us to learn more about our fascinating universe. All levels welcome. Enjoy the beauty above from one of the most beautiful places in Virginia!

Check out the program here...