Llama Hike
2026-04-12 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-05-02 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-05-02 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-05-09 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-05-09 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-05-10 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-05-10 13:30 - 15:00, 2026-05-23 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) and 7 more dates | Earthshine Lodge, 1600 Golden Road, Lake Toxaway, NC, 28747, United States
Enjoy a one-of-a-kind hike in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains with our friendly llamas! Hikers will learn about our famous llamas’ interesting histories and how to safely handle the animals before heading out on a hike with gorgeous mountaintop views on our private trails.
There is at least 1 to 3 lovable llamas per couple/group to share and there’s plenty of time for llama cuddles and, of course, llama selfies! This moderate hike is around 1 mile long and does require requires walking uphill. Be sure to dress appropriately and wear good walking shoes!
Cost: $45 per person (For groups 10 people and over, please ask about a group discount). Children 5 and under are free!
Availability: Reservations required.
Duration: The total experience lasts about an hour and a half
Ages: We welcome all ages on our llama hikes and children 5 and under are free. When you make your reservation, please let us know if you have anyone under that age in the notes section.
Led by: Mark English aka “The Llama Dude”
Register: https://earthshinenc.com/product/llama-hike/
*If these dates and times do not work for you, private llama hikes scheduled upon request – bring your group or family out to Earthshine Lodge and hang out with a llama. If you have a larger group, call to schedule a picnic with the llamas and have them pack in your lunch. The llamas love hosting birthday parties too!
Our Frequently Asked Questions page has more information on booking activities at Earthshine Lodge as well as our cancellation policies.

Outdoor Education - School Field Trip
2026-04-27 - 2026-04-29, 2026-05-06 - 2026-05-08, 2026-05-11 - 2026-05-15
Field trips that make learning an adventure! Bring history, science, and social studies to life with an Earthshine Outdoor Education program.

Earthshine Lodge has a legacy of providing outdoor education to school groups from all over the eastern United States. Our outdoor education experiences enhance school curriculum by providing memorable learning adventures for all types of learning environments – public, private, Montessori, Waldorf, virtual, and homeschooling groups, etc.
Interested in bringing a school group to Earthshine Lodge? Click here for more information or contact OutdoorEd@EarthshineNC.com.

Firefly Weekend (All-Inclusive Mountain Getaway)
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-25
Late May, early June marks the height of firefly season in parts of Western North Carolina, most notably the synchronous fireflies. Nature enthusiasts flock to the area to try to catch glimpses of this beautiful phenomenon. Enjoy a relaxing, all-inclusive weekend with a show put on by nature. As always, activities this weekend will include special firefly adventures such as a guided night hike to find the super special Blue Ghost Fireflies (we spotted some as year so fingers crossed we will find them again!).
Your mountain getaway is now all-inclusive so you bring your suitcase and let us take care of the rest! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the lodge main dining room to keep you fueled up for all of the on-site activities. Each day has a schedule of Earthshine favorites like blacksmithing, creek hikes, archery & tomahawk throwing, nature hikes, and yes, even llama hikes! Feel free to take part in any or all of the activities or simply enjoy time away from the hustle of every day life. Enjoy a summer-camp like atmosphere year-round and for all-ages with our all-inclusive stays.
Passionate about fireflies and want to learn more? Our Firefly Photography Retreat is another opportunity to enjoy the summer magic!
The details:

Book your stay using our online booking system
Prices are $225 per adult/ $175 per child, per night and include lodging, meals, and activities
Children under the age of 3 stay for free!
There is a two-night minimum stay

Nature Photography Retreat - Firefly Photography with Nelson Stegall
2026-06-05 - 2026-06-07
Nature Photography Retreat – Synchronous Firefly Weekend
June 5 – 7, 2026
3 days/ 2 nights
Join professional photographer, Nelson Stegall, for a unique firefly photography workshop and firefly tour. This popular weekend retreat is more than a photography workshop, it’s also a chance to view the synchronous fireflies that call this area home.
In this workshop, you’ll learn about ideal camera settings for capturing fireflies in photographs, explore lens options, and discuss creative composition choices. We’ll also apply these skills in the field, photographing fireflies in this exceptional private setting. People travel from all over the country to view the synchronous fireflies of the region and you will have your own private showing (weather and nature permitting of course!).
Have a friend or loved one who isn’t an experienced photographer? They can bring their cell phone and enjoy the magic of the fireflies, too! This is your chance to do something truly unique with your photography.
More Information and Reservations: Click here
Weekend Schedule: Click here

Book an All-Inclusive Summer Vacation Stay
2026-07-24 - 2026-08-09, 2026-09-04 - 2026-09-07
Your mountain getaway is now all-inclusive so you bring your suitcase and let us take care of the rest! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the lodge main dining room to keep you fueled up for all of the on-site activities. Each day has a schedule of Earthshine favorites like blacksmithing, creek hikes, archery & tomahawk throwing, nature hikes, and yes, even llama hikes! Feel free to take part in any or all of the activities or simply enjoy time away from the hustle of every day life. Enjoy a summer-camp like atmosphere year-round and for all-ages with our all-inclusive stays.
The details:

Book your stay using our online booking system
Prices are $225 per adult/ $175 per child, per night and include lodging, meals, and activities
Children under the age of 3 stay for free!
There is a two-night minimum stay

Leaf Lookers' Weekend (All-Inclusive Mountain Getaway)
2026-10-23 - 2026-10-25
One of our most popular All-Inclusive Mountain Getaway weekends! These mountains show off in October, offering spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in full color.
Your mountain getaway is now all-inclusive so you bring your suitcase and let us take care of the rest! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the lodge main dining room to keep you fueled up for all of the on-site activities. Each day has a schedule of Earthshine favorites like blacksmithing, creek hikes, archery & tomahawk throwing, nature hikes, and yes, even llama hikes! Feel free to take part in any or all of the activities or simply enjoy time away from the hustle of every day life. Enjoy a summer-camp like atmosphere year-round and for all-ages with our all-inclusive stays.
This weekend will be especially special with live music with Will Hartz on Friday night!
The details:

Book your stay using our online booking system
Prices are $225 per adult/ $175 per child, per night and include lodging, meals, and activities
Children under the age of 3 stay for free!
There is a two-night minimum stay

Appalachian Christmas (All-Inclusive Weekend Package)
2026-12-11 - 2026-12-13, 2026-12-18 - 2026-12-20
This is one of our favorite times of the year! There will be roaring fires in the stone fireplaces, holiday decor galore, and hot chocolate at the ready. And don’t forget the best part – brunch with Santa included! The all-inclusive weekend packages include:

Two nights at the lodge – private room with a queen bed, loft with two twin beds, balcony, private bathroom (package available for the cottage too, please call to reserve 828-862-4207)
All meals
Festive holiday Brunch with Santa on Sunday morning (Brunch includes a two hour Santa experience, champagne mimosas for the adults, and lots and lots of smiles!)
Holiday movies on the big screen (with hot chocolate and popcorn, of course!)
Holiday activities on the property (Cookie making, holiday crafts, etc.)
Hot chocolate bar both evenings (with all the trimmings!)

Book your weekend package here: https://earthshinenc.com/appalachian-christmas/

Brunch with Santa
2026-12-13 09:00 - 11:00, 2026-12-20 09:00 - 11:00
Kick off the season with a festive holiday brunch and a special visit from Santa! Savor holiday favorites (and save room for dessert!) while the kids share their wish lists and snap a few photos with Santa by the lodge’s cozy fireplace.
For adults, we’ll be pouring bubbly mimosas, and of course, everyone can enjoy a mug of rich hot chocolate!
Brunch is included for lodge guests as part of your stay. If you’re joining us just for brunch, make sure to reserve your spot—Santa’s got a busy schedule!
Reserve your spot here: https://earthshinenc.com/product/brunch-with-santa/
