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Looking for a guided sightseeing tour, escorted trip or customized hands-on activity during your vacation to experience Asheville and the surrounding North Carolina mountain area? Make the most of your time and let an experienced local guide direct you. From biking to beer, you'll find a big variety to choose from. Some are definitely a little quirky, and all make for great memories. Other adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains include wellness, food, wildflowers, elk, waterfalls, photography, yoga, hiking, fireflies, escape room and more! Feature photo by Asheville Wellness Tours

Asheville & Western NC Guided Tours & Activities

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Asheville by Foot Walking Tours

Take a guided walking tour through downtown Asheville and discover its rich and fascinating history, whether it’s your first time or your tenth time visiting! These walking tours highlight Asheville’s rich history, unique culture, and stunning architecture. Explore historic neighborhoods, downtown architecture, murals, and more on their four tour options. Tours are $30/adult and run 1.5 - 2… read more

Adventure Center of Asheville, Outdoor Family Fun!

Family adventures for ages 4 and over: Climb our Treetops Adventure Park with over 70 challenge elements with 7 different aerial trails, zip our Kid Zip park (ages 4-10), or Asheville Zipline Canopy Tours (ages 8+), or ride Kolo Bike Park.  Open all year and just minutes from downtown Asheville.

Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours

 See the city’s scenic beauty and historic landmarks atop some of Asheville’s highly acclaimed rooftop bars! This fun guided tour in the heart of the city offers fascinating stories and photos from the city’s past while you sample cocktails (or mocktails) at three rooftop bars. Rooftop sunset tours, too. Tours are rain or shine, with covered and heated areas, including fire pits for year-round… read more

Hike Bike Kayak Asheville

Offering hiking and kayaking tours throughout Western NC, lead by a certified Blue Ridge and WNC naturalist. Tours include exploring the French Broad River and many lakes around Asheville, scenic… read more

Offering hiking and kayaking tours throughout Western NC, lead by a certified Blue Ridge and WNC naturalist. Tours include exploring the French Broad River and many lakes around Asheville, scenic hiking with waterfalls, wildflowers, and stunning views. They also offer bike rentals. Even snowshoe walking tours! Groups are small, no more than 4 unless a group of 5 or 6 books together.

Juniper - Itinerary Planning

Summer, a WNC native, can help you plan your getaway to Hendersonville, Asheville, Brevard, and surrounding areas. She crafts personalized itineraries that will save you time, help you discover… read more

Summer, a WNC native, can help you plan your getaway to Hendersonville, Asheville, Brevard, and surrounding areas. She crafts personalized itineraries that will save you time, help you discover local gems, and allow you to be more present for your getaway. You won’t need to spend hours searching for your next restaurant, hike, or activity—she will do the work for you—and it will be in the palm…

Asheville Art Museum

Explore an outstanding collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and discover the richness of Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history at the Asheville Art Museum. … read more

Explore an outstanding collection of American art of the 20th and 21st centuries and discover the richness of Western North Carolina’s unique artistic history at the Asheville Art Museum. Established by artists and incorporated in 1948, the museum is committed to being a vital force in community and individual development and providing lifelong opportunities for education and enrichment…

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from… read more

Take a scenic train ride on excursions along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, over the mountains, across valleys and through tunnels. Choose from a variety of train adventures departing from Bryson City. Many special event train rides including beer, wine and Polar Express.

Walk With Me Tours

Offering private and customizable tours of downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, the River Arts District, and auto tours along the Blue Ridge Parkway with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains… read more

Offering private and customizable tours of downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, the River Arts District, and auto tours along the Blue Ridge Parkway with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They also offer private guided hikes to waterfalls and stunning views. Tours include comfortable transportation, complimentary water, Gatorade, and snacks.

LaZoom Tours

Take the most fun city tour ever in a bright purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits, and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville's history, current… read more

Take the most fun city tour ever in a bright purple bus full of laughter! Through captivating stories, comedy skits, and an enthralling musical soundscape, experience Asheville's history, current culture, and counterculture with their 90-minute interactive bus tours that depart from downtown. Haunted and beer tours, too!

Wai Mauna SUP Tours

Enjoy a variety of private guided paddleboard tours on the French Broad River in Asheville and Brevard! They also offer paddleboard rentals, river shuttles, and paddleboard delivery to any lake… read more

Enjoy a variety of private guided paddleboard tours on the French Broad River in Asheville and Brevard! They also offer paddleboard rentals, river shuttles, and paddleboard delivery to any lake home in Western North Carolina. The season runs from April- October 31.

Hood Huggers

Learn about Asheville’s rich African-American history through this interactive driving or walking tour that tells a powerful story of resilience. Created by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne… read more

Learn about Asheville’s rich African-American history through this interactive driving or walking tour that tells a powerful story of resilience. Created by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne Barton, Hood Tours also creates opportunities for grassroots economic development, community green spaces, and initiatives that benefit Black communities in Asheville. 

Asheville Wellness Tours

Add rejuvenation and relaxation to your next Asheville adventure. Choose from an eclectic menu of lighthearted experiences, including yoga hiking, forest bathing, tarot readings, massage, goat… read more

Add rejuvenation and relaxation to your next Asheville adventure. Choose from an eclectic menu of lighthearted experiences, including yoga hiking, forest bathing, tarot readings, massage, goat yoga, and more, to build your own custom mini-retreat. Asheville Wellness Tours specializes in girls getaways, corporate retreats, and wedding day wellness with a goal to help you connect more deeply to…

Southern Appalachian Anglers

Take a full-service, guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville. You can enjoy the Appalachian Mountains by boating and/or wading in North Carolina's stream-fed lakes and rivers.… read more

Take a full-service, guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville. You can enjoy the Appalachian Mountains by boating and/or wading in North Carolina's stream-fed lakes and rivers. Professional fishing guides ensure exciting fishing on the best pristine rivers in WNC.

Nature For My Soul: Blue Ghost Firefly Tours, Asheville

Experience the magical display of blue ghost fireflies — only found in a handful of spots in the eastern United States, including Buncombe County. Led by an experienced… read more

Experience the magical display of blue ghost fireflies — only found in a handful of spots in the eastern United States, including Buncombe County. Led by an experienced guide, take a short walk to an "enchanted forest" where you’ll sit in a chair and wait for darkness. As the last light fades, you’ll begin to see the first fireflies, their light trails moving slowly…

Grovewood Village

Discover a hidden gem rich with art and history adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. This site is home to Grovewood Gallery, an outdoor sculpture garden, two museums, and Eldr restaurant. 111… read more

Discover a hidden gem rich with art and history adjacent to The Omni Grove Park Inn. This site is home to Grovewood Gallery, an outdoor sculpture garden, two museums, and Eldr restaurant. 111 Grovewood Rd. Free on-site parking.

 

Bryson City Outdoors

This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals, a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Their craft… read more

This well-equipped outdoor store in downtown Bryson City has everything for your adventure. Services include kayak, paddleboard and gear rentals, a hiker shuttle, and guided tours! Their craft beer taproom & bottle shop has 10 rotating brews on tap with an additional 200+ bottles and cans to go.

Sandy Bee Mine Honey Co

Join Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company for a buzzing afternoon, where you… read more

Join Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company for a buzzing afternoon, where you will learn to taste honey like an expert and become a beekeeper for the day! Honey Tastings and apiary tours are offered at partner locations in Buncombe, Henderson, and Polk counties. Each location…

BREW-ed Brewery & History Walking Tours

Take the only brewery tour in Asheville led by a certified beer expert! Learn how beer is made and how to taste it. Get special access to Asheville's breweries and learn the stories behind the… read more

Take the only brewery tour in Asheville led by a certified beer expert! Learn how beer is made and how to taste it. Get special access to Asheville's breweries and learn the stories behind the pints. On the short walks between breweries, your guide will share stories of the early days of Asheville.

Blue Ridge Hiking Company

Expert guides offer a wide array of hiking excursions, including outfitting gear. In addition to group hikes, they can also customize a trip just for you. Experience sunsets, waterfalls and high… read more

Expert guides offer a wide array of hiking excursions, including outfitting gear. In addition to group hikes, they can also customize a trip just for you. Experience sunsets, waterfalls and high peaks at a variety of locations including the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, DuPont State Forest, Pisgah National Forest and more. 

The Flying Bike - Electric Bike Tours & Rentals

See Asheville the best way possible - by electric bike! The Flying Bike provides unforgettable tours and rentals on their Pedego electric bikes. Join them on a tour and see Asheville’s noteworthy… read more

See Asheville the best way possible - by electric bike! The Flying Bike provides unforgettable tours and rentals on their Pedego electric bikes. Join them on a tour and see Asheville’s noteworthy architectural gems, take in the stunning mountain scenery from carefully chosen viewpoints, and hear the stories behind Asheville’s best historic sites.

Asheville Hiking Tours

Hike gorgeous mountaintops and visit 5-star waterfalls! TripAdvisor ranks Asheville Hiking Tours as one of Asheville's top tour companies! Offering COVID-safe activities. Your guides are expert… read more

Hike gorgeous mountaintops and visit 5-star waterfalls! TripAdvisor ranks Asheville Hiking Tours as one of Asheville's top tour companies! Offering COVID-safe activities. Your guides are expert naturalists and locals, showing you the hidden gems of Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Tour Options: 2-hr, 1/2-day, Full Day, and Private Tours.

Tumblestone Waterfall Tours

Get picked up at your accommodation in the Asheville area for a guided, half-day waterfall excursion that will take you to three impressive waterfalls in two protected forests. Plus, ride on a… read more

Get picked up at your accommodation in the Asheville area for a guided, half-day waterfall excursion that will take you to three impressive waterfalls in two protected forests. Plus, ride on a very scenic portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Licensed & Insured. 

Wild Food Foraging Tours

Take a "forage to table" tour with No Taste Like Home and play with your food. Our area is a Garden of Eden with over 300 wild edibles. During a guided tour, gather wild mushrooms, plants, and… read more

Take a "forage to table" tour with No Taste Like Home and play with your food. Our area is a Garden of Eden with over 300 wild edibles. During a guided tour, gather wild mushrooms, plants, and other “extreme cuisine.” Then a chef transforms your finds into a delicious meal. 

ACA Adventure Mountain Off Road Tours

Adventure Mountain Off Road Tours is the WNC region's only “You Drive” off-road adventure! Professional guides lead tours through heavily wooded steep slope trails, over rock beds, and through… read more

Adventure Mountain Off Road Tours is the WNC region's only “You Drive” off-road adventure! Professional guides lead tours through heavily wooded steep slope trails, over rock beds, and through troughs and turns climbing about 1,400 feet to panoramic ridgeline views of Mount Mitchell, Craggy Pinnacle area, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Balsam Mountains.

Adventure Mountain is 220…

Juniper - Itinerary Planning

Summer, a WNC native, can help you plan your family reunion or family vacation in Western North Carolina. She crafts custom group itineraries that will save you time, help you discover local gems… read more

Summer, a WNC native, can help you plan your family reunion or family vacation in Western North Carolina. She crafts custom group itineraries that will save you time, help you discover local gems, and allow you to make the most of your weekend away. You won’t need to spend hours searching for the best group restaurant, hike, or activities—she will do the work for you—and every member of your…

Vagabond Vistas Photo Tours

Will you be visiting Asheville and the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains this year? Not sure where to go for the best photos, or how to best capture them? Make reservations for private photo… read more

Will you be visiting Asheville and the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains this year? Not sure where to go for the best photos, or how to best capture them? Make reservations for private photo tours and personal instruction.

Guided Walking Tours

History at Hand offers tours to Downtown history and architecture, Montford architecture, Riverside Cemetery and more. All walking tours are given by appointment. Tours must be booked in advance… read more

History at Hand offers tours to Downtown history and architecture, Montford architecture, Riverside Cemetery and more. All walking tours are given by appointment. Tours must be booked in advance.

Asheville Urban Photo Tours

Explore Asheville’s urban art and city landscapes on this fun walking tour learning the best photo spots and how to capture them. Each tour is 1 hour and you’ll receive professionally edited… read more

Explore Asheville’s urban art and city landscapes on this fun walking tour learning the best photo spots and how to capture them. Each tour is 1 hour and you’ll receive professionally edited photos of your tour. They’re perfect for family vacations and reunions, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, corporate groups, girl’s trips, and more. 

Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking

We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can even… read more

We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. Find professional companies that provide rafting guides, so no experience is necessary. You can even learn how to kayak in the rapids or paddleboard on a lake.

Tips for Tours & Experiences

  • Book well in advance to get the time slot you want. 
  • Ask lots of questions so you know to expect - especially what to wear and bring along. 
  • We are lucky to be surrounded by Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and many other state parks and forests. However, these vast areas can be overwhelming and many of the best spots to visit are not well marked. So an investment in a hiking, biking or wildlife guide is usually well worth it. 
  • Ask about cancellation policies, including bad weather policy.

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