Join us for guided whitewater rafting near Asheville on the French Broad, Watauga, and Nolichucky Rivers. No experience is required and there is a professional guide in every raft. We also offer guided caving trips. Visit our website for discounts!

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A Sense of Humor is a "humor boutique" featuring fresh and witty merchandise for the home, office, and general everyday elimination of global grumpiness. We celebrate the unusual, the whacky, and the subversive nature of humor, and want to help you celebrate your own unique style of humor. We're a family-run, mostly family-friendly, and dog-friendly store that operates in the heart of downtown Asheville. Our list of fans grows daily. Come see why.

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Approximately 300 miles of this Maine-to-Georgia primitive hiking trail spans North Carolina. Voted most popular outdoor destination by Blue Ridge Outdoors and favorite long distance trail by Backpacker Magazine.

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More than 50 parks offering golf, swimming, tennis, skateboarding, roller hockey, climbing wall, nature center, playgrounds, basketball, community centers, ballfields, picnic shelters, trails and much more.

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The Asheville Urban Trail has often been called Asheville's "museum without walls." Started by a small group of citizens interested in helping revitalize downtown, the Urban Trail consists of thirty stations of bronze sculpture around downtown. Each station has a plaque illuminating some of the very interesting history of downtown's development and the various notable people who once lived here. Mostly local artists helped to create the whimsical bronze sculptures and other art works that are found at each station. The tour is a 1.7 mile walk that begins and ends at Pack Place and takes about two hours to complete in its entirety. Groups can arrange to schedule a tour guide by contacting Christy Ammerman at the Asheville Area Arts Council 10 days to 2 weeks in advance of their desired tour date. Guide-led group tours are $5/adult and $2/child. Additionally, walking guides and maps are available for self-guided tours free of charge at Pack Place and the Asheville Area Arts Council.

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Closest whitewater rafting outfitter to Asheville, 22 miles northwest, Blue Heron Whitewater offers a variety of trips on the French Broad River. Choose the trip that fits your group and schedule. Half-day trips enjoy 5 miles, class II-III rapids, minimum age is 8. Full day trips enjoy 8 miles, a fresh, deli-style lunch and a class IV rapid, minimum age is 8. Families with younger children can choose the Float Trip, minimum age is 4. When water levels permit, the adventurous may opt to paddle inflatable kayaks, or guide their own raft. Blue Heron guides share the best rapid routes they know, and in the pools between, the human and natural history of this ancient river corridor. We provide the river-related gear, including splash jacket and pants, and wetsuits in cool weather, no extra charge. High quality experience, competitively priced. A fun rafting trip engages you with the mountains. When you are on the river you are no longer a spectator!

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This 10-acre nonprofit nature preserve (next to UNCA) is dedicated to preserving and displaying the native flora of the Southern Appalachians. Garden-themed gift shop. Donations welcome.

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Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services (BCPG&R) operates four recreation parks, five river parks, one indoor and five outdoor pool's. Parks include: Lake Julian Park - fishing, boat rental and a boat launch, sand volleyball and horseshoes. The Sports Park - seven soccer fields, six-hole disc golf course, bocce ball courts, a walking trail and a sand volleyball court. Charles D. Owen Park - baseball fields, basketball courts, two fishing lakes and an official North Carolina Birding Trail. Hominy Valley Park - baseball fields, basketball courts, sand volleyball, a pool and tennis courts. In addition, parks have picnic tables, grills, playgrounds and restrooms. The river parks - picnic tables, grills and boat launches for small watercraft. No restrooms at the river parks. BCPG&R sponsors special community events throughout the year and provides high-quality programming for all ages.

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One of NC's newest state parks, Chimney Rock brings the best of the mountains together in one place. Stand atop the 315 ft. Chimney Rock and see amazing 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Carolina Piedmont. With unique hiking trails, the Park has something for everyone from the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 discovery stations along the way to the more adventurous Four Seasons trail which climbs more than 400 ft. Be sure to hike the Hickory Nut Falls trail - the reward is the 404 ft. falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the East. Chimney Rock also offers guided rock climbing lessons for beginner to advanced climbers. The Old Rock Cafe and Sky Lounge Deli offer tasty sandwiches and snacks to get you fueled up for your hike. Souvenirs of your trip can be picked up at Cliff Dwellers or the Sky Lounge Gift Shop. The Park offers discounts for groups, and is pet friendly.

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A discovery packed nature and science emporium. Full selection of binoculars and telescopes. Hiking guides, packs and hats, nature books and toys. Adjacent gallery features the world's best wildlife artists.

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Riding into many acres of countryside in beautiful Madison County, NC.

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We are a professional transportation and shuttle servicing the beautiful and historic downtown area of Asheville. EcoTrips drivers will provide personal customer service and commentary, delivering our passengers in state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly style. The sleek and open design of these EcoTrips' Global Electric Motorcars will enhance the visitor's sightseeing experience. The emission-free nature of this shuttle with protect the beauty and air-quality of our city. The innovation of this type of transportation will again stamp Asheville as a city of progress and opportunity. Global Electric Motorcars are a product of Daimler/Chrysler Company and meet local, state, and national safety standards.

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Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on Asheville's own French Broad River. Just 30 minutes (24 miles) from Asheville. A guide in every raft guaranteed! Five-mile and nine-mile whitewater trips or calm water rentals available. Only whitewater company in the Southeast that uses Biodiesel in all of our diesel vehicles. Family owned and operated.

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Offering visitors easy access to its towering peaks, Grandfather Mountain is one of the most biologically diverse mountains and in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. Feel the rush when you cross the Swinging Bridge; marvel at 360-degree views from one-mile above sea level; photograph bears, otters, cougars, eagles and deer in natural habitats; hike rugged back-country trails or stroll gentle nature paths; eat in our restaurant or take your order out to one of many scenic picnic areas; chat with our entertaining, knowledgeable staff and let us help you find your own perfect mountain adventure.

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The Spa at The Grove Park Inn Resort is more than 40,000 sq. ft. in size, 15,000 of which are amenities for you to enjoy before and after your treatment. Consider yourself cordially invited to use our mineral pools with their soothing underwater music and nearby waterfall pools. Enjoy exhilarating contrast pools, a lap pool, an inhalation room, sauna and a eucalyptus-infused steam room. Sip herbal teas and savor refreshments in our separate Men's and Women's Relaxation Lounges. And remember to pause and drink in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains with their own ethereal, soothing effect.

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Named for the hot mineral springs located there, the town is just 40 minutes north of Asheville at the junction of the French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail. Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, Hot Springs is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure, healing and relaxation, a romantic getaway or family vacation.

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Raft with a company that does one river very, very well! Discover the nature and beauty that the Pisgah National Forest has to offer by rafting with us down the French Broad River. See sights only accessible by water as you experience the excitement of rushing whitewater or gently float along a calm water section of the river. Huck Finn offers full-day and half-day guided whitewater rafting trips (minimum age 8) as well as calm water float trips (minimum age 4). Package deals include rafting and horseback riding or rafting and a massage. Group rates start with 10 people and we offer specially designed trips for groups, including boy/girl scout troops. Huck Finn is located in Hot Springs which is a small town nestled in the mountains only 45 minutes from Asheville. Dining, shopping, the Appalachian Trail and hot springs are located just outside our door. We look forward to taking you down the river and our most important trip is yours!

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A recreational paradise! Whitewater rafting, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, mountain biking, horseback riding, hot mineral springs and skiing.

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Enjoy the glide of Asheville's only downtown Segway Tour. Starting at the Asheville Visitor Center, you will receive training followed by a 2 to 2.5 hour tour of downtown including the Grove Arcade, the Asheville Urban Trail and parts of the Montford Historic District.

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Home to 15 USA Canoe/Kayak Olympians and rated the "#1 Vacation with a Splash" by Good Morning America and National Geographic Adventure, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) is both a legend and a leader in the outdoor industry. NOC rafts seven of the East's best whitewater rivers including four rivers near Asheville: the French Broad, the Nantahala, the Nolichucky and the Pigeon. Full of splashy waves and Blue Ridge vistas, these rivers are the best way to experience Western North Carolina's mountain beauty with your family or group! Interested in picking up exciting new skills on your vacation? NOC's Paddling School, named "the nation's premier paddling school" by The New York Times, can introduce whitewater kayaking to anyone in as little as one day. Also offering fly-fishing, bike rentals, lake tours, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, three restaurants, a riverside pub and the famous NOC Outfitter's Store, NOC has been Western North Carolina's adventure headquarters since 1972.

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434-acre public garden in south Asheville with 65-acres of cultivated gardens including the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, 10 miles of forested trails, Garden tours, Segway® Tours, Art Walk, Nature Activities for kids, rotating science, art and cultural history exhibits, a Cafe and gift shops.

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Pura Vida Adventures offers guided rock climbing, canyoneering, biking, hiking, paddling, and waterfall trips in the mountains of North Carolina. Programs for beginner to advanced "Come Experience the Good Life" with us.

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Explore the high country on horse back or in a horse-drawn covered wagon, several trails from which to choose. Our Big Belgium Horses make quite a show. The 200 yr.old Long Pine Gem (garnet) Mine cave is our most popular ride. Pack a lunch and bring the camera! No age or weight limits. Everyone rides!

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An outdoor Japanese style hot tub retreat, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shoji Spa is just 10 minutes east of downtown Asheville, a favorite vacation area for the sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and cultural explorers. The Asheville Chamber has awarded us the 2008 Over-The-Top Customer Service Award and the Sky High Growth Small Business Award. We are Asheville's one and only outdoor hot tub destination spa. The perfect romantic getaway in Asheville. Experience breathtaking views, the cedar sauna and invigorating cold plunge, luxury showers, robes, sandals, towels and herbal tea. Receive a massage by one of our 26 world class massage therapist. Specializing in couples massage.

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The king of swimming holes in the mountains near Asheville, this 60 foot natural water slide down a well-worn slab of rock was providing summertime entertainment long before water slides became standard fare.

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Stuart Nye has made quality jewelry by hand using nature's designs in sterling silver, copper and brass since 1933. Watch the craftsmen at work and see samples of the jewelry, which is for sale next door at Craft Guilds.

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"Unto These Hills" retells Cherokee history from the Cherokee perspective. The popular, family friendly play traces the Cherokee people over a period of several hundred years, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears and ending in the present day where Cherokee people, much like the new script that was unveiled in 2008, continue to rewrite their place in the world. The story comes to life with live music, ritual dance and authentic Cherokee costumes in the 2,100-seat, newly renovated mountainside amphitheater under the stars. Since its debut in 1950, more than 5 million visitors have attended the memorable drama.

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Thirty-eight years of rafting experience offering family, group, high adventure trips and team building on five Southeastern rivers - the Chatooga, the Nantahala, the Ocoee, the Pigeon and the Cheoah. Wildwater Rafting offers the best whitewater fun in the Asheville area with unparalleled attention to detail both on and off the water. Wildwater aso offers our exclusive Quality Service Guarantee! In addition to great whitewater adventures, join Wildwater for scenic Jeep and train excursions combined with your rafting trip or elevate your vacation on Western NC newest adventure, Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours, located across from Wildwater's Nantahala River location. Wildwater's unique Raft & Rail, Rails & Trails, or Float & Fly packages provide the ultimate in Western NC outdoor adventure. Wildwater is a family owned and operated business focused on providing a unique vacation experience and helping create memories and family traditions that will last a lifetime. We hope you will join us.

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The WNC Nature Center is 40 acres of animals in their native habitats. It provides an opportunity to learn, to touch and to know our rich natural heritage through educational and interactive exhibits.

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