Asheville 100 Outdoors Things to Do & Mountain Attractions |
| Also see: Top 20 Romantic Outings | Indoor Attractions | ABC: Asheville Most Beautiful |
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.
Winter Outdoors: NC Ski Resorts | Winter Hiking | First Snow Photos | Mt. Mitchell Winter Hike |
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Beech Mountain
Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern America (5,506 feet) and an ideal vacation spot to enjoy the great outdoors. With an average snowfall of 84 inches, it's a wonderland for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding. Their Stay & Ski Package includes a romantic midweek stay-and-ski getaway with two nights of cozy lodging and a day on the slopes of Beech Mountain Resort, all for just $99 per person, plus tax. Sunday-Thursday, minimum of two people.
Read more about Beech Mountain & Ski Package. |
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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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40 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 40 Hikes. |
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20 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 20 Waterfalls. |
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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 Park
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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Nantahala Outdoor Center
Rated "the #1 vacation with a splash" by Good Morning America, NOC's Nantahala River campus offers rafting, 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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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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Asheville Hot Air Balloons
Soar with the oldest and largest hot air balloon company in Western North Carolina. Float across the Hominy Valley as you stand in awe viewing the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. What passengers say: “Amazing! Thrilling Ride! Great Pilot and Crew!” Bring your camera! Don’t miss this photo opportunity.
Click here to visit their Web site. |
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Asheville 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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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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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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| 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.
WNC Farmers Market: Stop by for area farm-fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, flowers, and ornamental plants.
Open daily, no admission, 5 miles south of downtown at exit 47 on I-40.
Read more about Local Food and Tailgate Markets.
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. Open mid April through October. Read more about Cradle of Forestry.
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. Read more about the Botanical Gardens.
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: Step back in time to glimpse the history of Asheville. Come along on a walking architecture/history tour of Montford or Riverside Cemetery Tour. All walking tours are given by appointment. Tours must be booked in advance. Click here to go to their website.
Download PDF 16-page 2011 Guide to the National Forests in North Carolina
Enjoy the great things to do outdoors near Asheville and the western North Carolina mountains! |
