70 Outdoor Things to Do Near Asheville

Drive the 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.

This state recreational forest is the ultimate playground for outdoor adventures. Hike, mountain bike and horseback ride many trails to see many waterfalls. Plus, picnic on mountaintops and swim at Hooker Falls. Visitor center, free admission.

Experience the zipline canopy tour called “one of the best in the nation!” in USA Today. Just 20 minutes from Asheville, Navitat has two very different courses with the longest zip line at 3,600 feet long.

Hike, bike and golf in the highest town in Eastern America and enjoy cool temperatures all summer long. Their 20-mile trail system is open year-round.  

Tucked away a mile from downtown is an outdoor lover's playground. Fly on 11 ziplines through old growth trees from towers with skyline and mountain views. Test your skills in a treetop playground. Climb trees or mountain bike. Plus, bring the kids for the first-ever Kid Zip course. See our feature.

Get away to a remote cozy cabin or cottage, a unique vacation rental downtown or with mountain views, or find a big house for a family or friends group getaway in and near Asheville and Biltmore.

Daytime admission to Biltmore not only gets you access to America’s largest home but also the opportunity to explore the estate’s 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain beauty. Discover Biltmore’s rustic side with an array of outdoor adventures like biking, hiking, Segway tours, horseback riding, fly fishing, sporting clays and more.

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).

Kayak, paddleboard, raft or tube down the French Broad River in Asheville through the Biltmore Estate. And rent a bike or mine for gems. Just five miles from downtown.

Find some of the most spectacular scenery with many hike along the rim to peaks like Table Rock, Hawksbill and Shortoff. And don't forget Linville Falls!

Watch horse jumping competitions with the best riders in the country at this amazing new world-class equestrian resort south of Asheville. Free admission to many events.

This mountain bike guide service specializes in professionally guided trips in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest near Brevard, customized to individual tastes and ability levels. Half, full, and multi-day trips include a snack and lunch. Experienced and trustworthy guides create rides focusing on downhills, single-track, or climbing.

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.

With four rivers (French Broad, Pigeon, Nantahala, and Nolichucky) for rafting and kayaking in the mountains. 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.

Stroll through a variety of gardens and on peaceful woodland trails. Don't miss their impressive bonsai garden exhibit and many special events during the year.

Fly above the trees and experience the mountain's natural beauty from a bird's perspective. See our favorite zip line canopy courses to enjoy in the Asheville area in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. No experience is needed. Canopy guides provide all instruction and assistance. So it's fun for all fitness levels!

Talk a "walk in the woods" at the most scenic sections of the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail near Asheville, high in the North Carolina mountains. See our favorite six day hikes for all fitness levels.

Walk across the beautiful Flowering Bridge that is now home to thousands of blooming plants, sun on the beech or take a boat ride across the lake.

(1.7 mile loop, easy) This outdoors museum is a self-guided walking tour on the sidewalks of downtown Asheville to 30 sculptures that depict local history.

Take a full-service guided fly fishing or bass fishing trip near Asheville, while enjoying the Appalachian Mountains by boat and/or wading on North Carolina's stream-fed lakes and rivers. Professional fishing guides ensure exciting fishing on many lakes (Watauga, Fontana, Apalachia, Glenville, James, Santeelah) and rivers (Davidson, Watauga, French Broad, Wilsons Creek, South Toe and Cane).

Enjoy plenty of fishing spots, whether novice or experienced. Full- and half-day guided trips, tying classes, and classes especially for ladies.

Get out early to sample local farm-fruits, vegetables, pastries, jams, jellies, and more. The big Western NC Farmers Market is open every day. Many tailgate markets on Saturday morning.

The most popular river for whitewater rafting and kayaking is about 12 miles west of Bryson City in the beautiful Nantahala River Gorge. Site of the freestyle kayaking world championships, find class II and III rapids along with calm sections perfect for a dip. Fun for all ages 7 and over with no experience necessary. Choose from nine outfitters, all offering a variety of options.

Scenic mountain beauty and pleasant climate provide a magnificent setting with lush fairways, sprawling bent grass greens, cool breezes and a gently undulating terrain.

The largest national forest in North Carolina (531,286 acres), covers much of the western tip of the state. Find a wealth of outdoor activities and plenty of scenic views, hiking trails and waterfalls.

This beautiful lake town near the Great Smoky Mountains is home to trails, boat tours, golf, gardens, and a big variety of lodging options including lakefront hotels and cabin rentals for a Methodist church retreat.

This state park has a wide beach with a nice pavilion with changing rooms, open for swimming May-September. Also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing and more.

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.

Find mountain biking heaven in the Nantahala National Forest with 40 miles of trails overlooking Fontana Lake, located near Bryson City with bike rentals and supplies.

See our Top 15 Scenic Drives and take a windshield tour with many stops along the way on many national and state scenic byways throughout the mountains.

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Or walk the Appalachian Trail across the highest dam east of the Rockies.

There are plenty of outdoor adventures for children of all ages, including a special KidZip, educational trails, nature centers and more.

With our great diversity of terrain, climates and plantlife, birds of many varieties love our mountains and many state and national parks with protected land. See our favorite birding locations near Asheville and get tips from birding expert Simon Thompson.