Asheville 100 Outdoors Things to Do & Mountain Attractions |
| Also see: Top 20 Romantic Outings | Indoor Attractions | Top 15 Best NC Mountain Views | NC Mountain Conservancy & Protection Groups | Outdoor Survival Skills Workshops | NOC Wilderness Survival School |
Looking for things to do in the western North Carolina mountains near Asheville? The breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounds Asheville. Come enjoy the great outdoors, including hiking the many trails and discovering beautiful waterfalls. Use our 100+ full page guides with plenty of photos of attractions in the beautiful North Carolina mountains.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
Take Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge and reach elevations of 5,000+. Our mile-by-mile guide of the Parkway covers the 193-mile section near Asheville. So many things to do along one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
See our Blue Ridge Parkway Guide. |
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50 Best NC Mountain Hikes
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are pristine in national forests or parks. We feature the easy hikes for both the beginners as well as more challenging hikes.
See our guides to the Top 50 Hikes. |
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25 Best NC Waterfalls
Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full descriptions for each with plenty of photos!
See our guides to the Top 25 Waterfalls.
See Waterfall Drives & Maps |
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Madison County
Hike the Appalachian Trial at Max Patch or Lover's Leap, soak in natural hot springs, go horseback riding, raft down whitewater rapids, ski, bike, fish, camp and explore the unspoiled mountains just north of Asheville.
See 19 ways to enjoy the outdoors in Madison County. |
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Explore the most visited national park in the country! With 520,976 acres to explore, where do you begin? See our top places and hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains to visit near Asheville. Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville.
See our 20-Page Great Smoky Mountains Guide. |
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Navitat Canopy Adventures
Experience the zipline canopy tour called “one of the best in the nation!” in USA TODAY. Just 20 minutes from Asheville, Navitat is a world-class eco-adventure owned and operated by industry leaders.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Chimney Rock
See breathtaking 75-mile views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The park also features a magnificent 404-foot waterfall and hiking trails. Shopping and dining located at the park entrance.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Outdoors at Biltmore Estate
Play outdoors at the estate with flat water river rafting, hiking, gardens, trail rides on horseback, woodland and river path biking, and carriage rides.
See our Biltmore Outdoors & Hiking Guide. |
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Shoji Hot Tub Retreat, Asheville
Soak away your stress in a private hot tub, invigorating cold plunge and dry cedar sauna. Enjoy slate showers, exotic herbal body products, a Japanese yukata, sandals, towels and complimentary Shoji tea. After your soak, totally relax with a customized massage with one of Shoji's twenty-five licensed massage therapists.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Mount Mitchell
Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This state park has a observation tower, plenty of hiking, and a restaurant. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures there. Open all year round (except snowy days in the winter).
See our Mount Mitchell Guide. |
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Wildwater Ltd. Whitewater Rafting
Exceptional quality, safety, and personal service since 1971. Their Raft and Rail Excursion on the Nantahala combines a morning scenic train ride with an afternoon introduction to rafting. See our guides to their adventures on the Nantahala River and Pigeon River.
Go to their Web site. |
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Electro Bike Tours of Asheville
Discover the highlights of Asheville on a guided pedal assist electric bike tour. Imagine pedaling a bike uphill with a boost; headwinds, hills, and sweaty rides are things of the past. Wind through historic downtown and nearby neighborhoods, cruise up hills with a smile, and enjoy an unforgettable tour!
Click here to visit their Web site |
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Nantahala Outdoor Center
Rated "the #1 vacation with a splash" by Good Morning America, NOC's Nantahala River campus offers rafting, zip lines, hiking, biking, fishing and more for the whole family. Outposts on French Broad, Pigeon, and Nolichucky -- with their main outpost on the Nantahala.
Go to their Web site.
Read more about Whitewater Rafting. See our NOC Guide. |
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Pigeon River Adventure Center
Enjoy outdoors exploration with whitewater rafting, zip line canopy tours or Jeep tours in the Great Smoky Mountains. Or do all three without moving your car with their "Triple Adventure!"
Read more about Pigeon River Adventure Center. |
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Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures
This mountain bike guide service specializes in professionally guided trips in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest, near Brevard. They offer self-supported guided trips customized to individual tastes and ability levels. Half, full, and multi-day trips include a snack and lunch. They create rides focusing on downhills, single-track, or climbing, and even night rides. Experienced and trustworthy guides take all the hassles out of your planning and show you a fun experience.
Let the locals show you the best Pisgah has to offer.
Click here to visit their Web site |
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Nantahala Gorge Canopy Zip Line Tour
Take an exciting Zip Line tour in the Great Smoky Mountains. The 3-hour zip line flight is powered by gravity and a gradual 3 percent elevation change. The 1/2 mile air time Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour takes you through multiple ecosystems.
Click here to visit their Web site.
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Ski & Snowboard
Hit the slopes for plenty of winter of fun. Since we have the highest mountains east of the Rockies, you will find plenty of snow, either natural or man-made for sking, snowboarding and freestyle terrain.
See our NC Ski Resort Guide. |
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Asheville Zip Line Canopy Tours
Take the first "in city" canopy tour. Ride ten zip lines, walk across three sky bridges and enjoy views of downtown Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from the course.
Read more about Asheville Canopy Tours. |
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Asheville Treetops Adventure Park
Play in the trees with 50 elements from 12 to 45 feet above the forest floor that include climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges -- all anchored to more than 30 trees. Near downtown Asheville, next to Asheville Canopy Tours.
Read more about Asheville Treetops Adventure Park. |
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North Carolina Arboretum
Stroll through a variety of gardens, on peaceful hiking trails, and don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit. Many special events during the year.
See our NC Arboretum Guide. |
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Hot Springs, North Carolina
Hot Springs is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure, healing and relaxation, or a quiet romantic getaway in a charming mountain village, about 35 miles north of Asheville. Soak in the springs, hike the Appalachian Trail, and enjoy rafting, tubing down the river, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and more.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Blue Heron Whitewater
Enjoy rafting trips (or inflatable kayaks) and calm water float trips on the French Broad River with a fantastic combination of white water rapids, swimming holes, beautiful scenery, history and wildlife near Asheville. Excellent, fun-loving guides and all the appropriate river equipment insure a great time, while experiencing the North Carolina mountains by river.
Go to their Web site.
Read more about Whitewater Rafting. |
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Sliding Rock
Slide down this very popular natural waterslide in the Pisgah National Forest, near Brevard. The 60-foot smooth rock waterfall empties into a pool of chilly water. Also find other great swimming spots in the North Carolina mountains.
See our Swimming Holes & Sliding Rock Guide.
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Asheville Urban Trail
This outdoors museum is a self-guided, 1.7-mile walking tour of 30 sculptures that depict the history of downtown Asheville.
Read more about the Urban Trail. |
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Fall Color Show
The Asheville area has one of longest lasting fall color shows in the country. Fall foliage begins to change in the highest elevations in early October and finishes in the lowest valleys in early November. See a week-by-week color prediction.
See our Fall Color Guide. |
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Outdoor Festivals & Events
Enjoy the many outdoor street festivals, art fairs and other events. Most are free, and you can find one about every weekend during the Spring, Summer and Fall in Asheville and the surrounding mountain towns.
See our Top Spring Festivals, Top Summer Festivals, Top Fall Events, Art Events |
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Beech Mountain Biking & Hiking
Hike and bike in the highest town in Eastern America and enjoy cool temperatures all summer long.
See our Beech Mountain Hiking & Biking Guide |
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Grandfather Mountain
Discover nature on a different level at this rugged mountain with endless vistas, great hiking, and wildlife habitats. Walk across the famous swinging bridge. Located 75 miles north of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Read more about Grandfather Mountain. |
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Farmers Markets & Local Farms
Take home some local farm-fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, flowers and plants. The big Western NC Farmers Market is open every day: See our WNC Farmer's Market Guide.
Also, tour historic and working farms and find more Local Food and Tailgate Markets.
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Botanical Gardens at Asheville
This 10-acre garden near the University of North Carolina in Asheville features Southern Appalachian plants, and includes peaceful hiking trails in the middle of the city. Free.
See our Guide to the Botanical Gardens. |
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Cradle of Forestry
Travel back in time with historic cabins, crafters, old logging equipment, guided tours, movie, food and shopping. Home of the first forestry school (opened in 1898) in America. In Pisgah National Forest. Open mid April through October.
Go to our Cradle of Forestry Guide . |
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WNC Nature Center: Learn about the area's natural resources, see animals in their native habitats, and view various exhibits on this 40-acre site. Open daily. Read more about the WNC Nature Center.
Lake Lure Tours: Take a guided hourly, twilight, and dinner cruises on spectacular Lake Lure. Or just splash around on the beach! See our Lake Lure Guide.
Fly Fishing: Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes, and classes especially for ladies. See our Fishing Guide.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy scenic horseback trail rides in the Asheville area with miles of trails, experienced guides, and gentle horses. For the more experience riders, there are hundreds of miles to explore. See our Horseback Riding & Trails Guide.
Mountain Biking: So many options, especially for mountain bikes! See our Mountain Biking Guide.
Smoky Mountain Jet Boats: Take a thrilling ride on scenic Lake Fontana as well as combination trips, such as hike and jet boat ride trip that encompasses everything that’s great about Western North Carolina-hiking, picnicking, swimming, and thrilling jet boat ride. See our Fontana Lake guide.
Guided Walking Tours: History at Hand offers four tours in 2013. In addition to Downtown history and architecture, they have a new Family Store Tour, a history of Jewish Asheville from 1880-1990 relating to downtown, discovering remnants of Asheville’s Jewish businesses still visible today and stories collected from family members. Other tours include Montford architecture and history and Riverside Cemetery. All walking tours are given by appointment. Tours must be booked in advance.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Download PDF 16-page Guide to the National Forests in North Carolina
Enjoy the great things to do outdoors near Asheville and the western North Carolina mountains! |
