Stories with National & State Parks

25 Stories Posts
Biltmore at Sunset

50 Things to Do in Asheville, NC

If you’re looking for things to do in Asheville, then consider this list your primer to the many activities available in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or perhaps well acquainted with the flair of this Southern Appalachian getaway, here are 50 ideas to help you see, do, and explore the best Asheville has to offer. Ver la versión en

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

Winter Hiking Outdoors

5 Great Winter Hikes Near Asheville

Warm Up On These Top Winter Hiking Trails Taking a winter hike offers many advantages: refreshing temperatures, less-trafficked trails and even better views thanks to leafless trees and our famous deep blue skies. Here are five great winter hikes that are easy to reach from Asheville: Bearwallow Mountain Trail Less than 20 miles from downtown Asheville is a short hike that rewards with 360-degree

Mountain Biking at Mt. Mitchell

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 weave past waterfalls, scenic views, wildlife and natural beauty. An experimental forest and some trails that are slick No, you won't find any mad

High Falls

A Day Trip to DuPont

“Hunger Games” setting offers amazing waterfalls, lakes, and trails 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 doesn’t? Some 84 miles of well-marked and maintained trails offer easy

Sun setting over mountain vista with catawba rhodoendrons blooming in foreground

7 Great Places to View Wildflowers in Asheville

The lush forests and temperate weather of Asheville's mountains create a special kaleidoscope of flowering plants. And many of them cannot be found anywhere else in the world! For an interactive look at what flowers are blooming when, see our Asheville wildflower bloom schedule. Here are some of my favorite spots for eye-popping blossoming beauties. Don’t forget your camera. Biltmore One

Craggy Gardens Hiking

Hiking Craggy Gardens

Blue Ridge Heaven Just Miles From Town Even after 14 years of living in Asheville, just a glimpse of the Blue Ridge Mountains casts a spell on me. It looks so far away but ahh…it is not. Just a short drive from downtown and I’ll be at Craggy Gardens (Craggy for short) and a soaring 5,892 foot elevation. This is the locals’ favorite spot to head for the hills and get in

Couple road biking on BRP

How To: Road Biking Adventures in Asheville

A Guide to the Top Road Bike Routes Around Town Riverside Drive Riverside Drive features a bike lane for road cyclists and is a great option for a flat ride along the French Broad River without going too far outside of downtown Asheville. A common place to start for a ride on Riverside Drive is in the River Arts District where you can check out the array of artist studios, showrooms and art

Couple hiking at waterfall

Great Ideas for First Time Hikers

Take the Easy Path to Mountain Beauty 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 nature has to offer. Whether you are beginner or simply want an easy nature jaunt suitable for the entire family,

Looking Glass Rock with wildflowers

Doing Pisgah Perfectly

A Fun-Filled Day in Pisgah National Forest 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 tract of land purchased under the Weeks Act of 1911 that led to the creation of national forests in the