Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer an ideal setting for a family reunion getaway. With access to mountain perks like hiking trails, rivers, lakes, ski resorts, national parks, swimming holes, waterfalls, and unique places to stay, planning your family reunion in and around Asheville gives you plenty of options. (Photo above: The Horse Shoe Farm

Also, find plenty of large group vacation rentals that are designed to host the whole family, making it easier for you to begin planning your next family reunion to Asheville. These rentals have all the perks for a fun time like game rooms, fire pits, hot tubs, volleyball courts, mountain views, and more. You'll find large group rentals all over Western NC in a variety of settings including lakes, snowy mountaintops, woodland cabins, riverside retreats, and even downtown rentals. 

Downtown Asheville offers its own variety of things to do from local breweries, one of a kind dining for delicious family meals, Biltmore Estate, and more. Don't forget the Blue Ridge Parkway (which runs through Asheville) with instant access to scenic winding roads with Appalachian highlights like Pisgah Forest, waterfalls, overlooks, and plenty of hiking. See our top Blue Ridge Parkway hikes for ideas! Looking for ways to explore the outdoors with less of a "hike?" Find our guides for Accessible Hiking Trails and Easy-to-See & Roadside Waterfalls for those in your family that aren't interested in an all-day hike. 

Start planning with featured lodging and group activity ideas below.

Featured Lodging

      

The Horse Shoe Farm, Hendersonville

The Horse Shoe Farm is an 85+ acre riverfront estate located minutes from downtown Asheville, Hendersonville, and the airport. Offering high-end nightly accommodations, the Farm is perfect for… read more

Outland Great Smoky Mountains Chalet & Suites

Enjoy the ultimate vacation rental situated on a private 22-acre estate with multiple hiking trails and direct views to the top of Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the GSMNP. Perfect for a… read more

Blue Ridge Mountain Lodge

Beautiful mountain lodge with 11 bedrooms (with TVs), 4 full bathrooms, and 3 half baths. Fully stocked kitchen, bar, large living room, TV room, game room, sitting room, and large sunroom that… read more

Group Activities

Waterfalls Top 60

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… read more

18 Scenic Drives

See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville. Lots of opportunities for stops along the way. 

300 Things to Do

See our master list of places to see and things to do in the western North Carolina mountains, including Asheville and our many small towns. 

Top 8 Zip Line Canopy Tours

Fly above the trees and experience the mountains' natural beauty from a bird's perspective. See our favorite zip line canopy courses to enjoy in the Asheville area of the North Carolina Blue Ridge… read more

Hendersonville Wine Country

Visit six award-winning wineries on a 10-mile scenic drive just east of Hendersonville in apple country. Each has both indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful views, live music, and more.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Top 30 in NC

Explore the most visited national park in the country! See our top places and things to do in the Great Smoky Mountains on the North Carolina side near Asheville. Four entrances to the Park are… read more

Top Restaurants in & near Asheville

From casual to sophisticated, there are many restaurants for all tastes, with flavors from around the world. Plus, find many more award-winning chefs throughout the mountains. See our top picks… read more

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

6 Mountain Beaches near Asheville

Hit the beach on pristine, cool mountain lakes in the NC mountains near Asheville, complete with sandy shores, lifeguards and plenty of summer fun in the water.

Best 75 Mountain Hikes

There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and… read more

Lake Lure

There's a lot happening in this lake town! In addition to a beach to keep cool on hot summer's day, there's a wonderful Town Center Walkway that connects the beach to the beautiful Flowering Bridge. Take a boat tour of the lake or bring your mountain bike for their new trail system at Buffalo Creek Park.

Adventure Center of Asheville: Outdoor Family Fun!

Open all year and just five minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from Biltmore, ride 11 zip lines from treetop platforms and adventure towers. Walk three sky bridges amidst 150-year old trees.… read more

Flat Rock Playhouse

See a fabulous professional show at the State Theatre of North Carolina, about 30 miles south of Asheville, with an eight-month season of plays including Broadway musicals, comedy and drama.

Biltmore

Touring America’s Largest Home is easily the number one indoor attraction in Western North Carolina. Experience the beauty of Biltmore House and its century-old gardens where the Vanderbilt family… read more

Nantahala Outdoor Center

NOC's big Nantahala River campus offers rafting, zip lines, treetop adventures, paddleboards, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing and more for the entire family. It's like Disneyland for lovers of… read more

Top Guided Tours & Experiences

Take a guided tour for sightseeing, art, wildlife, history, food, beer, waterfalls, wellness and more in Asheville and western North Carolina. See our list of favorites.

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

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