The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a scenic drive. You could call the Parkway the country’s greatest hiking trail head. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers easy access to all kinds of hiking adventures, from short walks to day-long treks. In the Asheville area, the Blue Ridge Parkway is your base camp for hiking to 6,000-foot mountaintops, exploring refreshing waterfalls or taking a leisurely
2018 Santa on the Chimney Dates: December 1 and December 8 Before traveling the world to climb down chimneys and deliver presents on Christmas, Santa practices in the Asheville area on one of the biggest chimneys of all! The first two Saturdays in December mark Santa on the Chimney , a tradition that gives you and your family the opportunity to watch Santa rappel down the 315-foot granite
A beautiful historic district in Asheville transforms during the holidays, transporting you back in time to the days of Charles Dickens and A Christmas Carol . On the first weekend of December, Historic Biltmore Village takes on new life as a quaint Victorian town for the Old World Dickens in the Village Festival . Biltmore Village is a unique shopping and dining destination in Asheville, located
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 hike. Asheville
A walk in the clouds in the Black Mountains Hike from the highest peak east of the Mississippi River (Mount Mitchell, 6684 feet) to the second highest one (Mount Craig, 6647 feet). On the ridge line of these giants of the Black Mountains, you might find yourself above the clouds. You'll begin the hike in Mount Mitchell State Park, one of the first state parks in the U.S. (established in
How to safely view the best waterfalls near Asheville, N.C. The Asheville area is home to hundreds of waterfalls , including some of the most picturesque waterfalls in the country. Exploring these natural wonders can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences you have during your visit! But, we at Explore Asheville want you to make sure it’s a memorable experience for all the
Fall is a truly special time to visit Asheville. Not only can you experience fall in Asheville with stunning leaves and special events but also with the mountain harvest . In addition to many working farms in Asheville , the city is less than a half hour drive from one of the country's best apple growing areas, Hendersonville, N.C. Hendersonville hosts the North Carolina Apple Festival each
Asheville, N.C., in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains , is known for having one of the longest and most colorful fall foliage seasons in the world. Thanks to a large variation in elevation and unmatched biodiversity in the Asheville area, that long color season extends from late September (at the highest locations like Grandfather Mountain and Mount Mitchell ) to early November (lower elevation
An introduction to Hickory Nut Gap Steep wooded slopes, mountain creeks, open fields and long-range views: this trail has a little bit of every type of terrain that you'd find in the Hickory Nut Gap area. Since the trail is new (completed in 2014) and not well known, you’re unlikely to have to share the payoff view at the summit with other hikers. What To Expect From the parking area,
Western North Carolina's newest trail offers challenges and rewards The Wildcat Rock Trail features a waterfall, long-range views, caves and wildflowers. Completed in 2017, the three-mile (each way) trail is the result of years of conservation efforts between a local couple and several conservation groups. The trail itself is the brainchild of Conserving Carolinas trails coordinator Peter
Roam the Roan Highlands on this unforgettable section of the AT Considered one of the most scenic areas on the entire Appalachian Trail, this section starting from Carver’s Gap (elevation 5,512) takes you across three spectacular unique grassy hilltops (known as "balds") with unimpeded views. If you arrive in mid-to-late June, you’ll catch the rhododendron bloom, one of
This classic hike near Western Carolina University delivers a workout Looking for a challenge? Dramatic views await at The Pinnacle, a rock outcropping that sits at elevation 5,008 feet. When you reach the summit, you'll see the town of Sylva below, with the Smokies in the distance and the Plott Balsam mountain range in the foreground. You’ll get a serious workout on this
Popular, easily accessible trail with picnic potential If traveling from downtown Asheville, you can be stepping on the Lookout Trail in Montreat in about 25 minutes and, after a brisk hike, stepping off it under an hour later. Rock outcroppings near the peak make for perfect picnicking, and the horizon is dotted with the peaks of the Seven Sisters of the Black Mountains. Fall color is spectacular
An idyllic (and flat) hike in the woods for the true nature lover Nature lovers flock to the Pink Beds Loop Trail in Pisgah National Forest. The sounds of the rushing creeks and bird song add a peaceful, unhurried feeling to the atmosphere. Evidence of wildlife—such as the beaver dams seen on the ponds—is all around on this winding woodland trail. Uncommon in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Three wonderful waterfalls on one Great Smoky Mountains National Park hike Deep Creek is one of the most beloved areas in the Smokies, known for offering the opportunity to see three beautiful waterfalls. Take a 5-mile loop hike to see them all or craft a shorter hike. Deep Creek is also known for its popular tubing sections -- one of which passes directly in front of one of the waterfalls! The
Intriguing name, spectacular sunsets From the parking area at Devil’s Courthouse Blue Ridge Parkway , you can see your destination above you: an imposing rock outcropping that dares you to climb it. Rise to the challenge: from atop this edifice, you’ll have the world at your feet, with views to the north, south and west. After all, the summit of Devil's Courthouse is at 5,720
An off-the-beaten path gem with an easy or challenging approach Tucked away in the beautiful Big Ivy area of Pisgah National Forest, the 70-foot Douglas Falls offers the rare opportunity to walk behind a waterfall. The waterfall drops from an overhanging cliff and features an impressive rock wall in the background. You won’t get to Douglas Falls by accident. But you’ll be glad you
A Blue Ridge Parkway classic, this is a local favorite When you think of views from the Blue Ridge Parkway , chances are these are the kinds of views that come to mind: the unimpeded, long-range vistas from Black Balsam Knob. Surrounded by wilderness, this tree-free ‘bald’ is an easy, family-friendly hike, ideal for picnicking or blueberry picking. Appalachian “balds”
Zach King is known as a video magician who is in a league of his own. His digital tricks have been dazzling people around the world, gaining him millions of fans. It’s no wonder this video magician was drawn to Asheville, where you can find magical moments at nearly every turn. That’s just what Zach King discovered on his adventures in town. See for yourself by watching the
We asked our fans to share their favorite Asheville outdoor experiences and we received thousands of nominations , highlighting the many outdoor adventures at your fingertips when visiting. The responses were submitted to us as part of our Asheville Ultimate Top 8 Getaway Giveaway in early 2018. We asked that our fans not only nominate their favorite but tell us why they chose that adventure.
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