As the weather grows cooler, the brisk mountain air paints the leaves of the forest trees in brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. Given Asheville's climate and the variety of elevations nearby, Asheville enjoys one of the longest and most … read more
The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville are home to thousands of beautiful cascades . While most are in remote areas or require a hike to see, here are half a dozen waterfalls that you can easily enjoy from the road. And they are all free to … read more
Less than an hour’s drive south of Asheville between Hendersonville and Brevard, drop-dead gorgeous DuPont State Recreational Forest is a wonderful day trip if you enjoy waterfalls, easy trail access, and beautiful scenery—and who … read more
The Pisgah National Forest is home to mile-high peaks, countless waterfalls, rushing rivers, endless trails and rich forests covering a mind-boggling half million acres. This vast preserve reaches north and west of Asheville and includes the first … read more
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. Tallest: Upper … read more
Adventure can be intimidating. Asheville guides understand. They're here to help you scale cliffs, navigate rapids, seek out the hard-to-find, scenic waterfalls that attracted you to the region in the first place. These are just a few of the … read more
The scenery at Chimney Rock State Park possesses a magnetic draw for tourists and locals alike. Over the years, artists, writers and filmmakers taken inspiration from the towering granite monolith and take-your-breath-away rock overhangs and … read more
While you’ll find many beautiful rivers, lakes and waterfalls to see in the mountains, we suggest doing more than looking. Experience them first-hand with a big variety of options. From high adventure water thrills to leisurely boat rides, … read more
The beauty of Asheville’s mountain scenery is timeless, except for this year when it turns 100 years old. 2016 marks a century since the creation of the National Park Service, NC State Parks and Pisgah National Forest. Cradled in the Blue … read more
Dupont State Forest is the best place to discover why Brevard and Transylvania County is called “The Land of the Waterfalls.” Get a sampler of some of the area’s wonderful waterfalls with a (mostly) easy hike to Hooker Falls, … read more
The Horsepasture River thunders down a 125-foot drop spraying up a mist that creates rainbows that sparkle in the sunlight. This magical sight can be seen at Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park , one of the best Western North Carolina waterfall hikes. … read more
Fans of The Hunger Games and Last of the Mohicans were introduced to Bridal Veil Falls in Dupont State Forest on the silver screen. Hikers can easily take in the view, too, with this easy, scenic stroll through the woods. With plenty of exposed rock … read more
This enchanting trail in Pisgah National Forest is an ideal introduction to hiking for families with younger kids. An easy .7 mile trail with wooden bridges, steps and boardwalks ends in a 50-foot plunge waterfall over a dramatic rock ledge. Kids … read more
Pisgah National Forest is a world-class hiking destination. Among the 400+ miles of trails in the Pisgah Ranger District (there are two other districts in the 500,000-acre forest, too), the hike to John Rock is a ranger favorite. With forested … read more
With so many waterfalls in the Brevard area, Daniel Ridge Falls (a 150-foot cascade on Lanning Branch that’s also called Tom Spring Falls and less frequently, Jackson Falls) is often overlooked. Take advantage of its relative obscurity to have … read more
Waterfalls, rhododendron, fall color, summer blueberry picking and high-elevation meadows and forests: there’s a reason just about everyone who hikes near Asheville has been to Graveyard Fields. This family-friendly hike off the Blue Ridge … read more
Asheville is an outdoor lover’s paradise, in large measure because of its many scenic hiking trails. Enthusiasts come from far and wide to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy what … read more
Catawba Falls is relatively close to downtown Asheville (just 25 miles away) and offers stunning beauty thanks to a series of cascades that, together, are 100 feet tall. The U.S. Forest Service recently has made the easy-to-moderate trail even more … read more
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