2026 Excursions
Interested in leading an excursion? Please contact Cary Johnson at 704-323-9392 or [email protected]. Additional excursions will be added as leaders become available.
BEFORE SIGNING UP for any excursion (on or off campus), please carefully review the excursion description, schedule, what to wear and bring, and any payment requirements (if applicable). Taking a few minutes to read the details beforehand will help ensure you choose the excursion that best fits you and come prepared for a great experience.
ATTENTION ALL OFF-CAMPUS Excursion Groups: If you purchased the optional dinner on Saturday or Sunday, please note the dining hall hours: Saturday Dinner: 5:30–6:30 PM and Sunday Dinner: 5:00–6:00 PM. If your excursion is delayed and returns after the dining hall closes, you will need to make your own dinner arrangements. We will have dry snacks available during the evening events. Thank you for planning accordingly!
BEFORE SIGNING UP for any excursion (on or off campus), please carefully review the excursion description, schedule, what to wear and bring, and any payment requirements (if applicable). Taking a few minutes to read the details beforehand will help ensure you choose the excursion that best fits you and come prepared for a great experience.
ATTENTION ALL OFF-CAMPUS Excursion Groups: If you purchased the optional dinner on Saturday or Sunday, please note the dining hall hours: Saturday Dinner: 5:30–6:30 PM and Sunday Dinner: 5:00–6:00 PM. If your excursion is delayed and returns after the dining hall closes, you will need to make your own dinner arrangements. We will have dry snacks available during the evening events. Thank you for planning accordingly!
Saturday Excursions
Western NC Air Museum
Preserving and promoting North Carolina’s flying heritage, this unique collection celebrates the Golden Age of Aviation and the decades surrounding WWII. Step back to a time when airports had grass strips with no fences—you can walk right up and touch the airplanes. Location: 1340 E Gilbert St, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | (828) 698-2482
SIGN UP Stepps Hillcrest Orchard Apple orchard, bakery and store. Along with their pick-your-own apples, other activities include a 5-acre corn maze to explore, an apple cannon to target, a jump pad, and wagon rides. Location: 170 Stepp Orchard Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | (828)685-9083
[email protected]; 513-207-7554 SIGN UP NC Arboretum Gardens and Hike Explore the beautiful gardens and scenic trails of the North Carolina Arboretum. Enjoy colorful displays, mountain views, and fellowship as we stroll through the gardens and take a hike through this stunning Blue Ridge Mountain setting. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Location: 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 | (828) 665-2492
SIGN UP Biltmore Estate Largest privately owned residence in the USA. Once in a lifetime experience. Location: 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803 | 1-800-411-3812
SIGN UP Cherokee Valley Golf Enjoy a round of golf at the beautiful Cherokee Valley Golf Course, featuring scenic mountain views, rolling fairways, and a fun challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Golf fees are paid directly to the course. Location: 450 Cherokee Valley Way, Travelers Rest, SC 29690 | (864) 689-3585
SIGN UP Lake Lure Day Trip and Pontoon Boat Tour (FILLED) Relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Lure from the comfort of a pontoon boat. Take in stunning mountain views, peaceful waters, and the natural beauty of Western North Carolina while enjoying fellowship with friends old and new. Location: 2930 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746 | (828) 625-0077
Note: Great news! All 20 available spots for our Sunday Lake Lure Boat Tour have now been filled, and we no longer have any space available through the Labor Day Singles Retreat. If you would still like to take the boat tour, you are welcome to contact the tour company directly to make your own reservation, subject to their availability. If you choose to do so, please be sure to plan your return time carefully so you do not miss any of the Sunday evening activities at Bonclarken. You can also asked to be added to our wait list for cancellations. Chimney Rock State Park Take in breathtaking panoramic views from the top of Chimney Rock, one of North Carolina's most iconic landmarks. Whether you ride the elevator or climb the stairs (499 steps) to the summit, you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Lake Lure, Hickory Nut Gorge, and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Location: 174 Chimney Rock Park Rd., Chimney Rock, NC 28720 | 828-625-9611
SIGN UP Pisgah National Forest Day Trip and Dinner Thundering waters and mountain vistas invite quiet reflection and joyful fellowship. This excursion is designed to let you admire the Creator's canvas through some of Western North Carolina's most iconic natural landmarks.
SIGN UP Green River Tubing Tube the Green River enjoy this mellow river with occasional Class II rapids. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon floating on the Green River taking in the sights and the sounds of nature while meeting new people. Location: 5476 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773 | (828) 749-2800
SIGN UP Elijah Mountain Gem Mine Step back into the 1800s and become a prospector for the day! Mine for real gemstones and gold, discover hidden treasures, and keep everything you find. All equipment is provided—just bring your sense of adventure! Location: 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 692-6560
SIGN UP Jump Off Rock Overlook Hike and St. John in the Wilderness Church Jump Off Rock: Just five miles from downtown Hendersonville, Jump Off Rock offers breathtaking mountain views from a 3,100-foot summit. A short, level, handicap-accessible walk leads to the overlook, where you can enjoy panoramic scenery and learn about the Native American legend connected to this historic landmark. Location: 4433 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC 28739
A historic church and cemetery in Flat Rock, NC. It was the first Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina. It was built in the 1850s and is a contributing structure to Flat Rock Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Location: 1895 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC
SIGN UP On Campus Excursions
Prayer Bracelets
Create a beautiful prayer bracelet while enjoying fellowship with others. Location: #22 on the map, The Young Lodge / Mike & Lib Patrick Room
SIGN UP Fishing at the Lake Fishing is permitted at the lake during daylight hours. Guests are welcome to fish at any time from sunrise to sunset. Please bring your own fishing equipment and be considerate of others enjoying the lake area.
Bonclarken Swimming Pool Enjoy an afternoon swim and relax by the pool.
SIGN UP |
Sunday Excursions
Western NC Air Museum
Preserving and promoting North Carolina’s flying heritage, this unique collection celebrates the Golden Age of Aviation and the decades surrounding WWII. Step back to a time when airports had grass strips with no fences—you can walk right up and touch the airplanes. Location: 1340 Gilbert Street, Shelby, NC 28152 | (828) 698-2482
SIGN UP Carl Sandburg Home and Big Glassy Mountain Overlook Trail Located at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, this is a moderate gravel trail (4 miles round trip) with benches along the way. Location: 81 Carl Sandburg Lane, Flat Rock, NC 28731 | 828 693-4178
SIGN UP Lake Lure Day Trip and Pontoon Boat Tour (FILLED) Relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Lure from the comfort of a pontoon boat. Take in stunning mountain views, peaceful waters, and the natural beauty of Western North Carolina while enjoying fellowship with friends old and new. Location: 2930 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746 | (828) 625-0077
Note: Great news! All 20 available spots for our Sunday Lake Lure Boat Tour have now been filled, and we no longer have any space available through the Labor Day Singles Retreat. If you would still like to take the boat tour, you are welcome to contact the tour company directly to make your own reservation, subject to their availability. If you choose to do so, please be sure to plan your return time carefully so you do not miss any of the Sunday evening activities at Bonclarken. You can also asked to be added to our wait list for cancellations. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine Step back into the 1800s and become a prospector for the day! Mine for real gemstones and gold, discover hidden treasures, and keep everything you find. All equipment is provided—just bring your sense of adventure! Location: 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 692-6560
SIGN UP Green River Tubing Tube the Green River enjoy this mellow river with occasional Class II rapids. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon floating on the Green River taking in the sights and the sounds of nature while meeting new people. Location: 5476 Green River Cove Rd, Saluda, NC 28773 | (828) 749-2800
SIGN UP Jump Off Rock Overlook Hike and St. John in the Wilderness Church Jump Off Rock: Just five miles from downtown Hendersonville, Jump Off Rock offers breathtaking mountain views from a 3,100-foot summit. A short, level, handicap-accessible walk leads to the overlook, where you can enjoy panoramic scenery and learn about the Native American legend connected to this historic landmark. Location: 4433 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC 28739
A historic church and cemetery in Flat Rock, NC. It was the first Episcopal Church in Western North Carolina. It was built in the 1850s and is a contributing structure to Flat Rock Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Location: 1895 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC
SIGN UP On Campus Excursions
Shell Painting
Fellowship and laughter while creating your own artwork—no experience needed! You will get two shells to paint (or more depending on sign ups). Darlene will guide you step-by-step. These are samples of her designs. Location: #22 on the map, The Young Lodge / Mike & Lib Patrick Room
SIGN UP Volleyball Join us at the sand pit for some action. Guys this is not Top Gun, keep those shirts on.
SIGN UP Kayaking, Canoe and Paddleboats on the Lake Enjoy an afternoon of fun on the lake! Life jackets will be provided. Feel free to bring your own kayak, canoe, etc. and relax on the water during this scheduled activity time. Lifeguards will be present to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
SIGN UP Fishing at the Lake Fishing is permitted at the lake during daylight hours. Guests are welcome to fish at any time from sunrise to sunset. Please bring your own fishing equipment and be considerate of others enjoying the lake area.
Bonclarken Swimming Pool Enjoy an afternoon swim or relax by the pool.
 Kim Rich
An amazing and adventurous weekend spent learning, growing and exploring the gift of singleness. I arrived nervous and uncertain and left with a confident and grateful heart. Fun Christian fellowship, worship and praise that has continued well beyond the retreat.
— Kim Rich, Destin, FL |
Local Places You Can Visit On Your Own or/Friends
http://www.hendersonville.com/attractions/
80th NC Apple Festival & Street Fair
Hendersonville’s famous Apple Festival returns with food, live music, crafts, a car show, vendors and more.
Location: Downtown Hendersonville
Cost: Free to walk around; parking fees will vary
Appalachian Pinball & Arcade Museum with 80+ vintage games.
Location: 538 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Cost: $13 wristband (unlimited play + entry)
Gorge Zipline
Steep. Fast. Beautiful! The Gorge, a thrilling tree-based zipline canopy tour in Saluda, NC, will take your breath away! Begin your experience perched on the rim of the Green River Gorge, then plunge into untouched wilderness. Descend 1,100 vertical feet in elevation as you zipline from tree-top to tree-top on 11 ziplines, traverse an epically beautiful sky-bridge, and conquer 3 huge rappels. All this adventure is held within a stunning old-growth forest, overlooking 18,000 acres of protected Green River Gamelands.
Location: 166 Honey Bee Dr., Saluda, NC
Cost: Varies depending on the package
Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County
The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County was established in 1997 and houses exhibits from North Carolina, including minerals, Indian artifacts, a dinosaur egg nest, fossils, fluorescent minerals, gems, and faceted minerals. The Museum's specialty is Geodes, sold, cracked, and/or displayed, plus a large skeletal replica of a T. rex dinosaur head. Open Saturday only.
Location: 400 N. Main St, Hendersonville
Cost: Free, Handicap Accessible
Art Galleries
There are several art galleries in the Flat Rock and Hendersonville area, plus many more outside the area.
Hendersonville’s famous Apple Festival returns with food, live music, crafts, a car show, vendors and more.
Location: Downtown Hendersonville
Cost: Free to walk around; parking fees will vary
Appalachian Pinball & Arcade Museum with 80+ vintage games.
Location: 538 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Cost: $13 wristband (unlimited play + entry)
Gorge Zipline
Steep. Fast. Beautiful! The Gorge, a thrilling tree-based zipline canopy tour in Saluda, NC, will take your breath away! Begin your experience perched on the rim of the Green River Gorge, then plunge into untouched wilderness. Descend 1,100 vertical feet in elevation as you zipline from tree-top to tree-top on 11 ziplines, traverse an epically beautiful sky-bridge, and conquer 3 huge rappels. All this adventure is held within a stunning old-growth forest, overlooking 18,000 acres of protected Green River Gamelands.
Location: 166 Honey Bee Dr., Saluda, NC
Cost: Varies depending on the package
Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County
The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County was established in 1997 and houses exhibits from North Carolina, including minerals, Indian artifacts, a dinosaur egg nest, fossils, fluorescent minerals, gems, and faceted minerals. The Museum's specialty is Geodes, sold, cracked, and/or displayed, plus a large skeletal replica of a T. rex dinosaur head. Open Saturday only.
Location: 400 N. Main St, Hendersonville
Cost: Free, Handicap Accessible
Art Galleries
There are several art galleries in the Flat Rock and Hendersonville area, plus many more outside the area.
On-Campus:
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"I'm grateful for Kris and the Singles Network Ministries for providing a way for single adults to be able to get together through different events throughout the year both here in the U.S and abroad. These events provide a way to meet other Christian singles, make new friends, and to serve each other through prayer and fellowship. I look forward each year to the Singles Labor Day retreat in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. I'm also grateful that Kris continues to follow God's calling for her and I know that this ministry will continue to grow and prosper. Looking forward to this year's labor day retreat!"
—Cricket Chasteen, Raleigh, NC |
Outdoor Pool: The pool is a central hub of activity during the summer. Guests of all ages enjoy the opportunity to swim and relax. Pool Saturday 1:00-5:00 pm and Sunday, 2:00-5:00 pm.
Hammocking: You are welcome to bring your hammock and hang it at various locations across campus. Bonclarken Lake: Enjoy walking around it, but due to limited staff this season, the kayaks, paddleboats and canoes are only available on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 pm. Athletic Fields/Courts: Available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. The athletic fields provide ample space for all kinds of outdoor activities and field games, including volleyball, soccer, and tennis. Disc Golf Course: Bonclarken’s 18-hole disc golf course travels through wooded areas, open fields, and across streams. As a great, low-impact activity, the course is very popular with all ages. Birding: Bonclarken offers a variety of habitats, including creeks, meadows, marshland, and wooded areas, to observe birds and other wildlife. Click here for area birding information Gift Shop: A visit to the Bonclarken Gift Shop is a special trip indeed! Souvenirs and Bonclarken apparel items are available, as well as unique handmade items and gifts donated to Bonclarken by Women Ministries groups from Associate Reformed Presbyterian churches. Hours: 11:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturday only. |
