The Wilderness Trail Board is so grateful for all those who have stepped up in leadership roles as the ministry has been in transition with the absence of an Executive Director since the Fall of 2024. We want to first thank First United Methodist Church of Waynesville for keeping the summer program, fundraising, communications, and finances of the ministry going through this time. The dedication of the church staff is truly appreciated; we want to give special thanks Anna Belle Lamar and Brooks Wilson We also extend a HUGE thank you to Kara Sither who led the ministry last summer!! We would also like to thank the WT Director Search Committee who worked so well in the decision making in the leadership roles. Those members are: Sarah Blackburn, Pam Moore, Morgan Plemmons, and Rob Blackburn. We would like to thank all of the donors, youth directors, junior staff, and hikers for their continued support and commitment to the ministry of Wilderness Trail. Last but not least, thank you to the Summer Staff of 2025 and 2026 who have stepped up in so many ways during this transition!!!

We are so grateful for the Wilderness Trail Family!!!

We are so excited to announce that starting in August, Jeremiah Stanton-Rich will begin work as the new Executive Director!!

Below is a bio of Jeremiah to introduce him to the Wilderness Trail for those who have not had the pleasure of meeting him over the years.

We are so grateful for the Wilderness Trail Family!!!

We are so excited to announce that starting in August, Jeremiah Stanton-Rich will begin work as the new Executive Director!!

Below is a bio of Jeremiah to introduce him to the Wilderness Trail for those who have not had the pleasure of meeting him over the years.

After graduating from Appalachian State University in 2016 with a degree in Sociology, Jeremiah spent almost a decade working with local non-profit Mountain Alliance helping high school students find adventure and service opportunities outside. In fall 2023 he returned to App State with the Office of Rural Promise where he currently works supporting students in their postsecondary dreams. While working at the university, he also completed a Master’s degree in Experiential and Outdoor Education at Western Carolina University. 

After college, Jeremiah moved to Todd, NC to live in an intentional living community where he met Caitlin, his future partner. They have now been married for 6 years! They enjoy hiking and backpacking together with their dog Dougie, climbing, and paddling out on water. 

Wilderness Trail has been a cornerstone in Jeremiah’s life since his first hike in 2006. As an awkward middle schooler, he struggled on blistered feet to complete his first hike with First United Methodist Church Waynesville and has been hooked ever since. Since then he has held many Wilderness Trail titles including hiker, trail blazer, staff, assistant director, and board member. Jeremiah has seen Wilderness Trail through a lot of holy grounds and little foxes over the last many years. He remains committed to the challenge of this new position and the opportunity to bring hikers and adults into God’s outdoor playground.