UUFH Fall Retreat at The Mountain
October 24-26 2025
The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center
- The Basics - What? How? When? Where? Why?
- Options and Offerings - Gatherings and Activities
- Halloween Party - Costume Contest, Potluck
- Photo Highlights - Photos of the 2024 Mt. Retreat
Why: Because being in community at The Mountain is restful, restorative, and soooo much fun!
When: Friday, October 24th - Sunday, October 26th
How: You're already registered, so now you just need to get there!
Where: 3872 Dillard Road (Highway 106), Highlands, NC 28741
REMINDER: You can arrive and check in after 3:00pm at the office. See map for location by clicking here. At the office, they will give you your room assignment and other information. Social hour starts at 5pm in The Commons and is sponsored by The Mountain. The Commons area is in the same building as The Dining Hall.
Look for the Sign: There will be a small sign that welcomes you to The Mountain Retreat and Learning Center that turns onto Little Scaly Rd. Turn left onto the rather bumpy road that will take you up to the Mountain. The main office where you check in will be on your right near a parking lot.
Upon arrival, please check in at the office.
There will be a packet of information for you, and someone will be there to answer your questions.
The office is on the right side of the road at the end of the parking lot. Bedding and towels are included so you don’t need to pack any bedding or bath towels.
Schedule of Events
UUFH is offering activities, and we are invited to join activities offered by the UU of Columbia as well. If you prefer, you may just relax and enjoy the beauty and serenity of this sacred place.
FRIDAY
3:00 PM---Check-in begins officially (Office)
5:00 PM---Social Hour sponsored by The Mountain and orientation by staff. (Commons)
5:30 PM -- Mini tour of The Mountain for parents with kids (starts at the Commons)
6:00 PM---Dinner/Orientation (Dining Hall)
7:00 PM---Overview of activities and sing-along with JoAnn Miner (Tree House)
SATURDAY
8:00 AM --Breakfast (Dining Hall)
9:00 AM -- Sign up for activities of your choice.
9 :00 AM -- Meditation with Rev. George (Tree House)
10:30 AM --Yoga. Please bring a mat. (Tree House)
12:00 PM--Lunch (Dining Hall)
1:30 PM -- History of The Mountain - Beverly Cree (Tree House)
3:00 PM --Intro to Forest Bathing - Rev. George (Amphitheatre)
4:30 PM -- Bubbles (Deck of the Lodge)
6:00 PM --Dinner (Dining Hall)
7:30 -- Bonfire and S'mores (Fire pit outside the Tree House)
8PM -- Halloween Party and Costume Contest (Great Room of the Lodge)
Columbia UU options include:
6:30 AM -- Meditation (Library)
12:30 -- Poetry Open Mic (on the Deck after lunch)
2:30 -- Trail Hike, Plant Identification Walk (Details TBA)
7:30 -- Joint Halloween Party with UUFH (Great Room of the Lodge)
SUNDAY
8:00 am---Breakfast / Pack up*
10:30 AM---Worship Service (Tree House)
12:00 PM---Lunch (Dining Hall)
*Note: Please strip your bed. Put all linens and towels inside the pillowcase, and then set it outside your door. Try to have your room vacated by 9 AM. Another group is checking in on Sunday afternoon, and housekeeping needs time to prepare for them.
Bonfire and Halloween Party with a Costume Contest
After dinner on Saturday night, there is a bonfire with s'mores at the fire ring near the Tree House followed by a potluck Halloween party and costume contest in the great room of the Lodge!
The bonfire and Halloween party are collaborations with the UU of Columbia and for many, the highlight of the fall retreat! You are invited to bring a snack or something to drink, costume-up and gather in the great room of the Lodge for some slightly spooky but mostly just hilarious good times!
