About Us
Meet the founders…
Foothills Little Explorers was founded in March 2023 by Carley Smith and Cassidy Harrison. Two moms on a mission to preserve their children’s childhood, explore the area they live in, and meet like-minded families.
Carley, originally from San Jose, CA, graduated from San Jose State University with a bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development with a Preparation for Teaching. She taught 2nd-4th grade for 5 years in San Jose, CA and Morganton, NC before resigning to become a stay-at-home mom. Carley moved back to her husband’s hometown of Morganton, NC in July 2018.
Cassidy, originally from Marietta, Georgia, graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Collaborative Teacher Special Education. She taught grades 3-5 in New Orleans, Louisiana for 8 years before resigning to become a stay-at-home mom. Cassidy relocated to Morganton, NC with her husband and two boys in May 2022.
How It All Began…
Foothills Little Explorers began as a simple passion project — a free family hiking and adventure group created to bring families together in the outdoors. Every Friday morning, we explored the beauty of Western North Carolina by hiking trails, chasing waterfalls, climbing mountains, and building community through shared adventures in nature. After two incredible years of exploring alongside local families, we felt inspired to create something even more meaningful for children in our community: a nature school rooted in curiosity, connection, and outdoor learning.
The Start of Nature School…
Through a wonderful partnership with Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, we were given the opportunity to establish a forest classroom where children could learn immersed in the natural world. We began our very first year Fall 2024, holding classes two days a week in a beautiful open field, where children spent their days digging, exploring, creating, and learning outdoors.
In Spring 2025, we transitioned deeper into the forest as we prepared for our first Nature Summer Camps filled with hiking, trail exploration, and hands-on outdoor learning experiences.
By Fall 2025, we launched our first full year of preschool education fully immersed in nature, welcoming children four days a week into the forest classroom.
A Community Built In Nature…
What started as a small hiking group has grown into a thriving outdoor learning community filled with wonderfully creative, adventurous, and curious children. We are incredibly grateful for the families who have trusted us along the way, and we continue to grow while welcoming new families into the beautiful world of outdoor education.