Since 1986, a small group of Zen Buddhists have been practicing together in the Great Smoky Mountains. Nantahala Gorge Sitting Group meets on Wednesday nights at 7:15 p.m., either at the Lakeview Lodge (in the warmer months) or the Nantahala Village Lodge (in winter). Meetings begin with thirty minutes of silent sitting meditation; practitioners bring their own cushions and face the wall. Next the group discusses whatever aspects of meditation or Buddhism the members bring up. Discussion may last anywhere from five to twenty-five minutes. Whatever time is left before 8:15 p.m. is spent in further silent meditation, and the group disbands with a few formal bows. First Wednesdays of the month follow a slightly different schedule, with twenty minutes of sitting meditation, twenty minutes of walking meditation, and twenty more minutes of sitting meditation. There is no liturgy of any kind at these gatherings.

The group has four members, three or four of whom show up each session. All are European-American women ranging from their forties to late sixties. Despite the small size of the group, it has show remarkable coherence, gathering every week for sixteen years. Newcomers are welcome, but the group barely advertises itself, which keeps the membership low.