Great Outdoors

Scenic vistas, stunning waterfalls, and fresh mountain air are perfect ingredients for outdoor adventures near Asheville, N.C. Discover the trails, rivers and wildlife of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounds Asheville, North Carolina, and there's no better way to experience the majesty of the mountains than outdoor adventure. With more than a million acres of protected wilderness, there are plenty of places to hike, bike, fish and paddle.

Choose hiking trails that lead mountaintops or favorite waterfalls. Enjoy mountain biking along secluded backcountry trails, fishing in cool mountain streams or kayaking along the French Broad River. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see native wildflowers or to visit Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Plan your vacation to discover all the outside things to do near Asheville.

Explore the Great Outdoors

A Beginner's Guide to Asheville's Great Outdoors

A Beginner's Guide to Asheville's Great Outdoors

New to Asheville’s great outdoors? You’re in luck! The Asheville area is located in one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse areas of the country, with endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. While Western North Carolina… read more

Asheville Hiking Guide: The Trail Starts Here

Asheville Hiking Guide: The Trail Starts Here

Choose Your Own Hiking Adventure in Asheville, N.C. Thousands of miles of trails twist, meander, dip and climb through the peaks and valleys around Asheville. In this world-class hiking destination, you can take your pick from peaceful hikes along… read more

Thrills for Everyone: A Zipline Guide to Asheville

Thrills for Everyone: A Zipline Guide to Asheville

Find Your Perfect Zipline Tour in Asheville Take in the sites of Asheville from a new perspective – by soaring hundreds of feet above the ground. From strictly tree-based courses to courses fit for little ones, here’s a guide to the… read more

Taking the Trail Less Traveled

Taking the Trail Less Traveled

On your next visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains, take the trails less traveled! While certain trails seem to get all the love, there are other exciting trails (often starting in the same area) that are overlooked. Set your trip apart by exploring… read more

Scenic Drives for Any Season

Scenic Drives for Any Season

There’s Always Something Around the Bend in Asheville You don’t have to travel far from Asheville to become immersed in natural beauty. The topography of the Blue Ridge Mountains lends itself to some of the best scenic drives and… read more

Get Hooked on Guided Fishing Expeditions

Get Hooked on Guided Fishing Expeditions

Trout, smallmouth bass, and great scenery abound The phrase “gone fishing” typically means goofing off, avoiding responsibility, or just dozing in the shade. Not so for a dedicated group of Asheville-based outdoor guides. For these… read more

8 Places to Bird Watch in Asheville, N.C.

8 Places to Bird Watch in Asheville, N.C.

Bring your binoculars to these birding havens Whether you’re a casual bird watcher or you’re collecting sightings for your Life List, Asheville is a birder’s paradise. Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Great Blue Herons and… read more

The Most Popular Mountain Biking in WNC

The Most Popular Mountain Biking in WNC

Urban riding to deep wilderness: Where to go mountain biking in Asheville Asheville is quickly becoming a mecca for mountain bikers throughout the entire country who want to experience the deep, lush forests, while bombing their way over trails that… read more

An Evening with the Elk

An Evening with the Elk

Pack a Picnic for Cataloochee Valley A quick trip to the gorgeous Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains offers big rewards. The biggest is getting a close-up view of the majestic elk that weigh up to 900 pounds, making them the largest… read more

11 Waterfalls Near Asheville, NC

11 Waterfalls Near Asheville, NC

Waterfalls for All Occasions With hundreds of beautiful cascades near Asheville, where do you begin? Here’s a quick sampler to get you started. These 10 locations represent a diverse range of options, so there’s something for everyone.… read more

Climb, Soar and Paddle Around Asheville With a Little Help from Local Guides

Climb, Soar and Paddle Around Asheville With a Little Help from Local Guides

Expand Your Comfort Zone With Asheville’s Professional Adventurers Adventure is exciting but you might not know where to start. Asheville guides understand! They're here to help you scale cliffs, navigate rapids, seek out the… read more