Outdoor Stories

59 Stories Posts
Three women running across a bridge in West Asheville

A Local’s Guide to Running in Asheville, NC

Running routes, events, group runs and local shops await! Pack your running shoes if you’re coming to Asheville because we have a ton of great running routes, events, group runs and more waiting for you. The two of us have been runners for over 20 years and we’re excited to share some of our favorite places to run in Asheville, North Carolina! There are a surprising number of running

Looking Glass Falls

Best Fall Hikes Near Asheville, N.C.

Imagine hearing the leaves crunch under your feet as you feast your eyes on the golds, oranges and reds of autumn that surround you. The iconic trails of the Asheville area can be explored during any season but many of these trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains offer a truly special experience in the fall. There are few better ways to soak in the colors of fall foliage than with a

Tags

Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock Natural Waterslide

Feel the rush of sliding down a 60-foot all-natural water slide in the heart of gorgeous Pisgah National Forest! The appropriately named Sliding Rock is an experience unlike any other and it’s one of the most exciting ways to cool off in the warmer weather months. People of all ages lineup to take the plunge down the sloping rock face waterfall on their way to landing into an 8-foot-deep

GSMNP Sunset

Day Trip: Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Discover the Smokies by Trail, Train or Tube To walk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to follow in the footsteps of the Cherokee Indians; living on this land for more than 14,000 years. Because of the great efforts of many, today the 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP) is protected forever. And today all of us can stand atop Clingman’s Dome and see the same

Alan Muskat - No Taste Like Home

Wild Food Foraging Adventures in Asheville

Explore the local “find dining” scene Ask local chefs and mixologists about the inspiration for their signature dishes and drinks, and they will tell stories about searching for patches of chickweed, chanterelles, sassafras, violets and dandelions in the forests and parks. The bounty of wild edibles has led chefs out of the kitchen and into nature to forage for fresh, local

Photo of the Day: Mount Mitchell

Mt. Mitchell

At 6,684, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. At its summit you'll find a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding Appalachian landscape, filled with mountains and valleys. Experience the gradual change in plant life as you ascend this epic mountain. Mount Mitchell State Park offers several different hiking options, a short loop (less than a mile), a

North Carolina Arboretum

12 Family-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Winter in Asheville

There’s plenty to do for the whole crew, indoors or out Avoid the crowds that come with fall, spring and summer, and enjoy Asheville with your family at the coolest time of the year. Games and Interactive Museums With more than 30 pinball machines and over a dozen classic video games in the “Arcave,” there’s enough nostalgic button pushing at the Asheville Pinball

Ice Climbing in Winter

Winter Sports and Activities in Asheville, N.C.

Outdoor Winter Adventures Close to Downtown Asheville Asheville sits just below the highest peaks in the eastern United States. With high-elevation mountain peaks and a robust adventure culture, Asheville makes a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Whether you're planning a ski vacation, snowboarding excursion, snow tubing outing or winter wonderland hike,

Navitat Zipline

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 best zipline experiences in Asheville. Go Far, Go Fast If you’re looking for a heart-pounding thrill, grab a friend and head out on the