Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Adventures

Blue Ridge Mountains are an ideal adventure travel destination 

Rafting
Winter Sports
Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
Great Smoky Mountains
Great Smokies
Park
Parks
Flowers
Gardens
scenic drive
Scenic Drives
Cycling in the Blue Ridge
Cycling
Golf
Slideshow
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding

Outdoor recreation and outdoor adventures are seemingly endless in the Western North Carolina mountains, the outdoor playground of the Southeast. Acclaimed by numerous magazines as a top outdoor adventure destination, visitors enjoy whitewater rafting, mountain biking, hiking and experiencing the highest peaks in the entire Eastern U.S.

See the Outdoor Adventure Picture Slideshow

What adventure seekers will find in the Asheville area: natural waterslides, rollercoaster-like mountain bike trails, and stunning vistas that will take your breath away faster than a Ferris wheel. Whether you’re into extreme sports or soft adventure, the mountains surrounding Asheville offer endless adventures. Outside magazine consistently ranks Asheville among its top destinations for outdoor recreation and adventures.

List of Outdoor Adventures and Recreation:

There are 74 Things To Do in Asheville listed on this page.

1-866-USA-Raft

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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Phone number and address:

866-813-5210

13490 US Highway 25/70
Marshall, NC 28753

Acme Motorcycle Ltd.

A "welcome center," clubhouse, and shop of wonders for the riding community, Acme Motorcycles is located six miles east of the Blue Ridge Parkway on US 74 in Fairview, NC. Acme is a friendly place to tap local knowledge of the scenic, winding roads that make WNC famous. For self-guided rides, we offer mapped directions. We have gear available too – Scorpion Helmets, Held Gloves and Olympia Jackets – all chosen for a high standard of protection and comfort. Acme is the essential starting point for your best riding ever. Come visit, the coffee pot is on.

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Phone number and address:

828-628-0058

1508 Charlotte Highway
Fairview, NC 28730

Altamont Anglers Fly Fishing Guides

With seventeen-plus years in the fly fishing guide business in Asheville, Altamont Anglers' experienced staff guide fishing enthusiasts to the finest trout and smallmouth bass fishing found in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Phone number and address:

828-252-9266

30 Caledonia Road
Asheville, NC 28803

Appalachian Mountain Institute

Appalachian Mountain Institute provides you with a fun and exciting outdoor adventure on the cliffs of North Carolina. AMI climbing guides are happy to work with beginning climbers and advanced climbers to provide you with a unique rock climbing experience. AMI will provide you with the climbing gear you need and the knowledge and skills necessary to have a safe fun experience. Whether you are looking for introductory climbing experience or want to climb a NC classic multipitch climbing such as "Looking Glass Rock, the Nose" AMI climbing guides can take you there. AMI can work with groups, families, or individuals of all ages. Rock climbing opportunities abound year round in North Carolina. Call 828-553-6323 or visit Black Dome Mountain Sports (828-251-2001) 140 Tunnel Road, Asheville to reserve your trip today.

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Phone number and address:

77 Rhododendron Dr.
Brevard, NC 28712

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

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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Phone number and address:

828-254-3708

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Regional Office
160-A Zillicoa St.
Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Drifters

Asheville Drifters is a year-round fly-fishing guide service offering float and wade fishing trips for trophy trout and smallmouth bass. Our trips include: transportation, all equipment, quality instruction, gourmet-hot shore lunch, and a guarantee that you will have one of the finest fly fishing guides in the Southeast.

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Phone number and address:

828-215-7379

5 Buckingham Court
Asheville, NC 28803

Asheville Drum Circle

The Asheville Drum Circle is an 8-year tradition and the coming-together of local citizens to dance and play music. Bring a percussive instrument, and you can play too!

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Phone number and address:

Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Hot Air Balloons, LLC

Located in Candler, NC six miles west of Asheville. We fly across the Hominy Valley amidst the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Cold Mtn., Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Mitchell loom in the background ...it will take your breath away!

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Phone number and address:

828-667-9943

P.O. Box 2319
Candler, NC 28715-2319

Asheville Outdoor Center/Southern Waterways

Calm water float trips on the French Broad River through the Biltmore property, in Asheville. Canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes. Family fun adventure. Minimum child weight requirement is 35 pounds. Beautiful riverside facilities. Asheville's only riverside GEM Mining!!! Bicycle rentals, and guided interpretive float trips. Check our Web site for complete details. All of these ingredients make for a great day at the Asheville Outdoor Center for corporate retreats/meetings, team building, family reunions, parties, receptions large or small. Our location is just 10 minutes from downtown Asheville and Historic Biltmore Village with easy interstate access.

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Phone number and address:

828-232-1970

521 Amboy Road
Asheville, NC 28806

Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts

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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Phone number and address:

828-259-5800

70 Court Plaza
4th Floor
Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Tourists Baseball Club

The Asheville Tourists are a single-A minor league baseball team that competes in the 16-team South Atlantic League. The Tourists are currently affiliated with the major league team, Colorado Rockies.

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Phone number and address:

828-258-0428

30 Buchanan Field
Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Urban Trail

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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Phone number and address:

828-258-0710

Downtown Asheville
Asheville, NC 28801

Beach at Lake Lure

Float on an inner tube, picnic in the shade, or just catch some rays at this beach in the mountains. Enjoy the Water Works with water slides and other soaking-wet fun.

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Phone number and address:

828-625-1373

2724 Memorial Highway
Lake Lure, NC 28746

Biltmore

Discover the wonders of Biltmore™ in Asheville. Begin with the breathtaking beauty of 250-room Biltmore House — America's largest home® — and century-old gardens. Explore our 8,000-acre backyard through a variety of activities from horseback riding to rafting. Please your palate at our award-winning winery and restaurants, then browse our shops for unique items inspired by George Vanderbilt's estate. Finally, savor the long-lasting benefits of a luxurious getaway at our four-star inn.

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Phone number and address:

828-225-1333

One Approach Road
Asheville, NC 28803

BioWheels

BioWheels is your complete bicycle outfitter. Bicycle rentals are available for mountain bikes, road bikes and hybrid bikes, and BioWheels is your resource for self-guided tour routes, maps and guidebooks for bicycle rides on the area forest lands, on the Blue Ridge Parkway and around downtown Asheville. BioWheels offers full-service bicycle repairs for all models and sales for new bikes and accessories. BioWheels is the exclusive dealer in WNC for 14 lines of bikes featuring road bikes, mountain bikes, commuter & touring bikes and kids bikes from Cannondale, Cervelo, Jamis, Scott, Bianchi, GT, Schwinn, Look, Niner, Spot Brand, Ellsworth, Independent Fabrication, Maverick, Breezer. Everyone on staff is a bicycle enthusiast with an incredible wealth of knowledge & experience. BioWheels operates in downtown Asheville in the city's first commercial "green" building - look for the solar panels on the roof. Enjoy your ride!

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Phone number and address:

828-236-2453

81 Coxe Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Black Bear Adventures

We offer the most comprehensive selection of bicycle tours in the south. From our 1/2-day trips to multi-day vacations with emphasis on the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding areas.

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Phone number and address:

828-894-2071

3215 Skyuka Mountain Road
Columbus, NC 28722

Blue Heron Whitewater

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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Phone number and address:

828-450-4663

35 Little Pine Road
Marshall, NC 28753

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

The 25 western most counties and Qualla Boundary in North Carolina comprise the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. In designating this region as a National Heritage Area in 2003, Congress recognized that the cultural and natural resources of the Blue Ridge Mountains have played a significant role in the history of the United States and the State of North Carolina. Some of the defining landscapes include the deepest gorge in the Eastern U.S., Linville Gorge; the oldest river in North America, the New River; the most visited National Park lands in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway; the highest mountain east of the Rockies, Mt. Mitchell; the ancestral home of the Cherokee, and America's largest home, Biltmore.

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Phone number and address:

828-298-5330

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 384
Asheville, NC 28803

Blue Ridge Parkway

Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. "America's Favorite Drive" winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. Don't miss the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2010. The Parkway incorporates several recreation areas, some exceeding 6,000 acres. These parks within the Parkway have visitor centers, camp grounds, picnic areas, trails and, in many instances, concessionaire-operated lodges, restaurants, and other facilities. The Parkway intersects Asheville at US 25, US 70 and US 74, and NC 191. The Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304) is an engineering marvel that wraps around Grandfather Mountain. Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center, the NC Arboretum, and the Folk Art Center.

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Phone number and address:

828-298-0398

199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center

Located just outside Asheville, NC, at Parkway Milepost 384. This environmentally designed "green" building features two visitor information desks, museum quality exhibits, a 22-foot "I-Wall" interactive Parkway map, and a dramatic 25-minute movie about the Parkway and the unique culture and heritage of the Blue Ridge Parkway. A great spot to help plan your trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Phone number and address:

828-298-5330

Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 384
Asheville, NC 28803

Botanical Gardens at Asheville

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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Phone number and address:

828-252-5190

151 W. T. Weaver Boulevard
Asheville, NC 28804

Buncombe County Parks, Greenways & Recreation Services

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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Phone number and address:

828-250-4260

Various locations in the Asheville area
Asheville, NC 28801

Cherokee Excursions

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is operating day excursions leaving from Asheville hotels for a day trip to Cherokee highlighting the cultural attractions. A maximum of 14 excursion guests will be transported by a van driver. Participating hotels include: Crowne Plaza Resort phone 800-733-3211, Holiday Inn Biltmore West phone 800-678-2161, SpringHill Suites by Marriott phone 828-253-4666, and Courtyard by Marriott phone 828-281-0041.

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Phone number and address:

828-712-3595

Various Hotels
Asheville, NC 28801

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

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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Phone number and address:

828-625-9611

Chimney Rock Scenic Rd.
Lake Lure, NC 28746

ClimbMax Climbing Center and Guide Service

Rock climbing is fun! Looking for an activity for the entire family? Try your hand at rock climbing. ClimbMax Climbing Center, in downtown Asheville, is a full service indoor climbing facility with guided outdoor tours available. ClimbMax has activities for groups of all ages and sizes, from birthday parties to corporate programs and is great fun for kids.

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Phone number and address:

828-252-9996

43 Wall Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Cold Mountain

From Asheville, drive south along the Parkway past Mt. Pisgah and Wagon Road Gap to Milepost 412. Visitors strategically placing themselves next to the National Park Service sign to capture the mountain in the distance.

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Phone number and address:

Blue Ridge Parkway - Milepost 412
Clayton, NC 27520

Country Boy Trail Rides

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

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Phone number and address:

828-649-9428

1571 Highway 213
Marshall, NC 28753

Cradle of Forestry

Home of the first forestry school in America, this historic site offers guided walks, historic buildings, living history interpreters, outdoor fun, antique equipment, an old logging train, and the Forest Discovery Center.

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Phone number and address:

828-877-3130

US 276
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Craggy Gardens

Craggy Gardens is covered with purple rhododendron and other late-blooming wildflowers in June and July, and is blanketed in spectacular fall color in the autumn. Take along a picnic lunch to enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air.

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Phone number and address:

828-298-0398

Milepost 364.6
Blue Ridge Parkway, NC 28778

Crowne Plaza Resort Tennis & Golf Course

A challenging nine-hole golf course on 125-acres and located only one mile from downtown Asheville. Driving/practice range and 20 indoor and outdoor tennis courts ranging from hard to clay surfaces are available for an additional cost. Restaurant, lounge and pro shop are on-site. The Athletic Club along with a salon, fitness and spinning room, message/relaxation rooms, kid's cardio facility and childcare area are due to be complete in early spring, 2010.

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Phone number and address:

828-253-5874

One Resort Drive
Asheville, NC 28806

Curtis Wright Outfitters, Fly Shop & Guide Service

Let our professional guides and staff assist you with planning your next fly fishing trip to the Asheville area. We will help you locate and land your next Western North Carolina trout or smallmouth bass. From our three retail shops, Curtis Wright Outfitters offers outdoor apparel, fly fishing gear and apparel, fly fishing education for all experience levels, and destination fly fishing travel packages. The Asheville area has over 3000 miles of streams and rivers within 90 miles of the downtown area. If you are passionate about fly fishing, interested in learning more about the sport, wanting to book a grouse or quail hunt, or just wanting to look at some cool pictures, visit any of our three locations or visit our Web site. Enjoy your visit to this great area...

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Phone number and address:

828-274-3471

5 All Souls Crescent
Historic Biltmore Village
Asheville, NC 28803

Diamond Brand Outdoors

Diamond Brand Outdoors has been Western North Carolina's premier outdoor outfitter for over 45 years and offers a wide selection of clothing, equipment and supplies for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, paddling, climbing and running.

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Phone number and address:

828-684-6262

2623 Hendersonville Road
Arden, NC 28704

English Mountain Llama Treks

Enjoy guided llama trekking through the Great Smoky Mountains and let a llama carry your lunch or gear.

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Phone number and address:

828-622-9686

767 Little Creek Road
Hot Springs, NC 28743

Farms, Gardens, and Countryside Trails of Western North Carolina Guidebook

A guide to find everything that is handmade, cool, funky, beautiful, relaxing, breathtaking, outrageous, scenic, historical, spiritual, natural, & downright artistically amazing in the mountains of Western North Carolina.

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Phone number and address:

828-252-0121

HandMade in America
PO Box 2089
Asheville, NC 28802

Food Lion Skate Park

The Food Lion Skate Park offers a safe, challenging, and attractive skate park facility for skateboarders of all ages. The Skate Park offers daily skating and local, regional and national competitions. The Skate Park also offers summer camps and clinics at reasonable rates.

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Phone number and address:

828-225-7184

3 Cherry Street
Historic Montford District
Asheville, NC 28801

Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School

Offers rock climbing and ice climbing trips tailoring to individuals, families, groups, beginners and climbing skills courses for experienced climbers seeking to expand their skills and knowledge.

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Phone number and address:

3228 Asheville Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

French Broad Rafting Expeditions

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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Phone number and address:

828-649-0486

9800 U.S. Hwy. 25/70, Bypass
Marshall, NC 28753

Ghost & Haunt Tour of Asheville

Step into the world of the unknown with the Ghost & Haunt Tour of Asheville for a hair-raising 90-minute tour into the spirit realm of this mountain town. Join us for a leisurely stroll and search along the shadowy streets. Be sure to bring your digital camera, as we promise that you will get paranormal pictures. This tour covers less than a mile.

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Phone number and address:

828-355-5855

Departs from the Haywood Park Hotel
1 Battery Park Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Ghost Hunters of Asheville

Ghost Hunters of Asheville offer paranormal enthusiasts three separate ghost tours to hunt spirits in Asheville's supernatural world. These 90-minute tours cover different aspects of historic, haunted Asheville. Our exclusive interactive downtown tour uses ghost-hunting equipment and guarantees paranormal photographs. Historic Montford District's architectural beauty and stunning landscapes serve as backdrop for hunting ghostly specters. Riverside Cemetery beckons to those who dare enter and commingle with the ghosts of eras past. Our superior customer service includes free use of ghost-hunting equipment, no minimum number of guests required for tour, smaller tour sizes for more personal attention and one-hour pre-tour cancellation policy. Call to reserve your special spot today! We look forward to sharing our ghost hunting adventures with you.

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Phone number and address:

828-779-4868

Tour departs from the Haywood Park Hotel, 1 Battery Park Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Ghost Town In The Sky

Step back into the Wild West at Ghost Town in the Sky. Surrounded with breathtaking views in a beautiful mountain setting, Ghost Town is a timeless, family theme park located in the heart of Western North Carolina.

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Phone number and address:

828-926-1140

16 Fie Top Road
Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Go Blue Ridge Card

The Go Blue Ridge Card is an all-access pass that includes admission to 30 of Western North Carolina's most popular attractions. Pay just ONE LOW PRICE for the pass and visit as many attractions as you want, while saving up to 35% or more compared to the cost of buying individual tickets at each location. Enjoy such top attractions as Biltmore; Chimney Rock State Park; Grandfather Mountain; whitewater rafting; Cherokee; Linville Caverns; and Tweetsie Railroad – these and 20 other attractions are all included in the single cost of your Go Blue Ridge Card. With everything you need already loaded onto your Card, you can focus your trip on collecting memories instead of credit card receipts. Available online at or purchase locally in Asheville at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce at 36 Mortford Avenue and at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Milepost 384 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Phone number and address:

800-887-9103

Card available at various locations across Western North Carolina.
Asheville, NC 28801

Grandfather Mountain

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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Phone number and address:

828-733-4337

US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305
Linville, NC 28646

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This year the nation's most popular park celebrates 75 years as the 'people's park'. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park extends 70 miles along the North Carolina/Tennessee border and contains over 500,000 acres of protected forest. The Mountain Farm Museum is a display of historic farm buildings on US 441 North.

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Phone number and address:

828-497-1904

Oconaluftee Visitor Center
US 441
Cherokee, NC 28719

Gryphon Bikes of Maggie Valley

Gryphon Bikes offers motorcycle rentals of new and late model Harley Davidsons by the day or longer. There is no better way to experience the Great Smoky Mountains or the ribbon of highway that is the Blue Ridge Parkway!

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Phone number and address:

828-926-4400

871 Soco Road
Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Headwaters Outfitters

Located 9 miles west of Brevard on the pristine Headwaters of the French Broad we offer a varity of outdoor adventures. Trips include self-guided canoeing, canoe-camping, kayaking, tubing trips and guided fly fishing trips.

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Phone number and address:

828-877-3106

25 Parkway Road
Rosman, NC 28772

Hot Springs

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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Phone number and address:

US Highway 25/70
Hot Springs, NC 28743

Huck Finn Rafting Adventures

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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Phone number and address:

800-303-7238

158 Bridge Street
Hot Springs, NC 28743

Hunter Banks Company

Established in 1985, Hunter Banks Co is WNC's original fly fishing specialty store and offers gear, guide trips, on-stream instruction and more. It's the institution for anglers who appreciate the region's best trout fishing.

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Phone number and address:

828-252-3005

29 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Lake Lure Tours

Step aboard and discover one of the most spectacular lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Daily and hourly tours, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises. Or, rent a boat from the marina and explore the lake on your own.

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Phone number and address:

828-625-1373

2930 Memorial Highway
Lake Lure, NC 28746

Lake Powhattan

Lake Powhattan, in the Bent Creek area of the Pisgah National Forest, offers the perfect place for a swim after a hike or mountain bike ride along the trails.

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Phone number and address:

Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Linville Caverns

These natural limestone caverns feature stalactite and stalagmite formations and an underground stream. Home to blind rainbow trout and eastern pipistrelle bats. Facilities include a gift shop.

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Phone number and address:

828-756-4171

Hwy 221
Marion, NC 28752

Looking Glass Rock

Looking Glass Rock, less than an hour from Asheville, is probably the best-known rock climbing area in the state. It offers friction and face climbing of a 500-foot rocky face mountain. No permit required.

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Phone number and address:

828-877-3265

Pisgah Ranger District
US 276
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Mast General Store

Restored to its 1940s heyday, this grand downtown emporium features clothing, comfort footwear, traditional housewares, toys and over 500 old-fashioned candies. You'll also find an outdoor department brimming with travel and outdoor gear for all seasons. Step back in time at locations along main streets in Boone, Hendersonville and Waynesville and the original store in historic Valle Crucis.

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Phone number and address:

828-232-1883

15 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

McCormick Field

McCormick Field is home to the Asheville Tourists professional baseball club. This single A team is an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies organization. ESPN.com has named Asheville's McCormick Field as part of the website's "10 quintessential road tours that capture the best of the majors and minors."

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Phone number and address:

828-259-5800

30 Buchanan Place
Asheville, NC 28801

Mount Mitchell State Park

There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. In the crest of the Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. The 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the most tranquil moments you'll ever experience.

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Phone number and address:

828-675-4611

2388 State Highway 128
Burnsville, NC 28714

Moving Sidewalk Tours

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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Phone number and address:

828-776-8687

Asheville Visitor Center
36 Montford Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours

Come out to experience Western North Carolina's newest adventure, Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours. The first of it's kind in the Asheville area, this three hour tour includes 11 zipline experiences and five sky bridges over 22 acres of scenic vistas. Your experience is not only an adventure but an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and plants and wildlife that make Western NC so unique. You will reach elevations of over 80 feet as you glide through the trees with gradual elevation change. This experience is not a "drop and stop" adventure but more like soaring at birdseye view through grand white oaks, blooming frazier magnolias, flame azaleas, thick mountain laurel and rhododendron. Learn and see the plight of the Hemlock and efforts being taken to save this majestic tree in danger of disappearing in the region. Canopy Rangers escort each small group throughout the tour to share knowledge and monitor your ride. Active participation in your adventure experience is required.

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Phone number and address:

Highway 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713

Nantahala Outdoor Center

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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Phone number and address:

828-488-2175

13077 Highway 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713

National Forests in Western North Carolina

Much of Western North Carolina is covered by national forest, making it a hiker's paradise. For maps or information on great places to hike, call the National Forest Service.

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Phone number and address:

828-257-4200

Mountains of Western North Carolina
Asheville, NC 28802

North Carolina Arboretum

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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Phone number and address:

828-665-2492

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Asheville, NC 28806

Old Pressley Sapphire Mine

Located in Haywood County, near Canton, the Old Pressley Sapphire Mine is one of the oldest operating mines in western North Carolina. Made famous by the discovery of the 1445-carat "Star of the Carolinas," the mine contains abundant quantities of precious minerals for rock collecting.

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Phone number and address:

828-648-6320

240 Pressley Mine Road
Canton, NC 28716

Orchard at Altapass

Unspoiled family fun! Enjoy free local music Wednesday through Sunday,art and craft demos, butterfly and herb garden tours, storytelling, hayrides, apples in season, fudge, and other goodies.

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Phone number and address:

828-765-9531

1025 Orchard Road
Milepost 328.3 on The Blue Ridge Parkway
Spruce Pine, NC 28777

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education

We've got the fun and the fish! Tour our exhibits! Walk our trails! Feed the fish! Operated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural world of a mountain cove forest. Located at the states largest trout hatchery, feed brook, brown and rainbow trout which are raised from eggs and then released in local streams and rivers. Enjoy our wildlife garden, our award-winning film, and the NC WILD store. Wildlife education programs are also available for the public and groups. Located 10 minutes from Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest.

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Phone number and address:

828-877-4423

1401 Fish Hatchery Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Pura Vida Adventures LLC

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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Phone number and address:

772-579-0005

152 Hendersonville Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

R.O. Franks Aviation Company

R.O. Franks Aviation Company is a hot air balloon company located in the historic Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville. We specialize in private champagne flights over downtown Asheville. Addison Brown is a third generation, FAA licensed commercial LTA pilot with 14 years of incident free pilot experience. Flights over downtown offer spectacular views of Mt. Mitchell, Mt. Pisgah, the French Broad River, Biltmore, and downtowns cherished art deco landmarks! Please inquire about romantic flights for two or our group discount for four.

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Phone number and address:

828-242-5275

One Page Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides

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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Phone number and address:

828-649-3464

1459 Caney Fork Road
Marshall, NC 28753

Sliding Rock – A Natural Water Slide

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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Phone number and address:

828-877-3265

Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Smoky Mountain Jet Boats

Hold on to the safety rails as your skilled driver cruises and spins the 12-passenger boat 360 degrees, all against the backdrop of Fontana Lake. Suitable for all ages - no age or weight minimum for the jet boat ride. Combination hike and ride trips are also available. Choose from a variety of hike lengths - from a 45-minute hike to the standard 90 minute hike - or conquer the "extreme hike" of 12 miles from Clingman's Dome all the way down to the lake (6-8 hrs. of hiking). The combo trips all all-inclusive - guided hiking, picnicking, swimming and thrilling jet boat ride. Call or check out the Web site for more information.

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Phone number and address:

828-488-0522

22 Needmore Road
Bryson City, NC 28713

Tweetsie Railroad

As North Carolina's original family theme park, Tweetsie Railroad is a unique attraction that allows children and families to explore their imaginations and a whole lot more. Be a cowboy, cowgirl, indian or an engineer. Shop along Main Street, pan for gold or visit the Deer Park. Tweetsie has amusement rides for all ages and live entertainment throughout the park. And of course, hop aboard our historic steam-powered train for a fun-filled three-mile Wild West journey through the scenic mountains.

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Phone number and address:

828-264-9061

300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane
US 321
Blowing Rock, NC 28605

Up-Close Outfitters

Up-Close Outfitters is the premier source to fishing Western Norht Carolina lakes and streams. They provide guided lake fishing for smallmouth, largemouth, trophy lake trout, walleye, and striped bass. Our highland reseviors and steep canyons, most often borded by national forest, make for some of the most beautiful scenery to enhance your experience. We run to Lake Fontana, Jocassee, Keowee, and James whicha are all within an hour of Hendersonville and Asheville. For the fly fisherman, we offer 12 years experience in wade fishing the head waters of the pisgah and large rivers like the Davidson. We are also the only permited guide service to hunt in national forest for turkey and deer. Let Up-Close Outfitters help you with your next outdoor adventure.

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Phone number and address:

828-273-0286

15 Lazy Boy Lane
lot b8
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Western North Carolina Farmers Market

The Market offers retail & wholesale buildings, deli, restaurant, garden center, and features fresh fruits & vegetables, jams, cheese, bakery items, honey, homemade fudge, hand-made crafts, flowers, plants, & Christmas trees.

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Phone number and address:

828-253-1691

570 Brevard Road
Asheville, NC 28806

Wildwater Ltd. Rafting

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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Phone number and address:

800-451-9972

10345 Highway 19 West
Bryson City, NC 28713

WNC Nature Center

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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Phone number and address:

828-298-5600

75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Closest to Asheville. Family oriented ski area offering 54 acres of skiable terrain, 15 runs with two double lifts, quad lift, two surface lifts, snowboarding, snow tubing and 100 percent snow making capabilities.

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Phone number and address:

828-689-4111

578 Valley View Circle
Mars Hill, NC 28754