| 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. Located 6 miles from downtown near exit 8 on I-240.
Read more about the WNC Nature Center.
Lake Lure Tours: They conduct guided hourly, twilight, and dinner cruises on spectacular Lake Lure. Bring along a bottle of wine and get cozy during their special two-hour full moon and meteor shower nighttime cruises.
Open Friday-Sunday in March & daily April through mid December, 27 miles SE of downtown Asheville.
Click here to visit their Web site.
Grandfather Mountain: Discover nature on a different level at this rugged mountain with endless vistas, great hiking, and wildlife habitats. Located 75 miles north of Asheville. Read more about Grandfather Mountain.
Mount Mitchell: Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. This state park has a observation tower, plenty of hiking, and a restaurant. Be prepared for much cooler temperatures there. See our Mount Mitchell Guide and our Hikes & Walks Guide.
Open year round, located 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Fly Fishing with Hunter Banks: This full service fly shop has guide and instructional services to suit the needs of the individual angler, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes, and classes especially for ladies.
Montford Avenue at exit 4C on I-240, ½ mile from downtown Asheville.
Click here to visit their Web site.
Black Bear Adventures Bicycle Tours: Discover hidden waterfalls, secret swimming holes and other Appalachian treasures on a guided bicycle tour.
Daily tours April - October, tours for all ability levels, 27 miles from downtown Asheville.
Click here to visit their Web site.
Old Pressley Sapphire Mine: This mine contains abundant quantities of sapphires, moonstones, zircon, and other precious minerals in sufficient quantity to make rock collecting both pleasurable and profitable.
Open daily 9-5. Located near exit 33 off I-40, 20 miles west of downtown, near Canton.
Click here to visit their Web site.
Mountain Biking: See our Mountain Biking Guide.
Climbmax: No matter what the weather, you can go rock climbing in this indoor climbing gym downtown. It's great fun for two with no experience needed. They also have a large outdoor climbing wall.
Closed Mondays, open afternoon and evenings. 43 Wall Street.
Click here to visit their Web site.
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.
Admission, Open daily 9-5, mid April through October. Located 41 miles southwest of Asheville on U.S. 276, south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 412.
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.
Free, Open daily dawn to dusk, two miles from downtown on WT Weaver Blvd near Broadway Street.
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.
Various trips and prices. 70 miles southwest of Asheville near Bryson City.
Click here to visit their Web site.
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 2009 Guide to the National Forests in North Carolina
Enjoy the great Asheville outdoors! |
