(1.5-mile loop, easy) Hike the top of the highest summit along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the cool forest. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 431.

(2.4 miles round-trip, strenuous) Hike to the summit (6,292 ft.) of the 16th highest mountain in the eastern United States. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.

(2.8 miles roundtrip, moderate) Hike back in time as you discover the rock foundations of Rattlesnake Lodge, an early 1900s family retreat. The hike is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Asheville. You can extend the hike since it is part of…

(1.5 to 3 miles, moderate) For one of the best panoramic mountain views in western North Carolina, hike the 3/4-mile Craggy Pinnacle Trail to the observation area. Also hike the Craggy Gardens Trail between the picnic area and visitor center…

(Up to 9 miles round-trip, moderate) Our favorite quick hike at Mount Mitchell is the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig, a two-mile round-trip hike. Continue on the Deep Gap Trail for another 3.5 miles. For a more challenging hike, take the 5.5-mile Mt…

(3/4 mile loop, easy) Take a loop hike through the dense, aromatic fir forest high atop on the summit of Mt. Mitchell. Great place for a cool walk on a hot summer day.

(1 mile roundtrip, moderate) Get a close up view of the historic fire lookout tower visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway - with views Mt. Mitchell from its staircase. Parkway Milepost 350.

Dive into bee life with a seasoned beekeeper: you’ll don a beekeeper’s suit, explore the…

Learn about Asheville’s rich African-American history through this interactive driving or walking tour that tells a powerful story of resilience. Created by artist, poet, and visionary DeWayne Barton, Hood Tours also creates opportunities for…

Offering private and customizable tours of downtown Asheville, Biltmore Village, the River Arts District, and auto tours along the Blue Ridge Parkway with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. They also offer private guided hikes to…

Jackson County, located about 45 miles west of Asheville, is home to two Certified Forest Therapy Trails—the only certified trails in Western North Carolina…

It's snuggle season! The winter months of December, January, and February are the most serene of the year in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. So it's the perfect time for a North Carolina mountain romantic getaway, including a…

Discover winter wellness getaways in scenic Jackson County, NC — from certified forest therapy trails and peaceful snowy landscapes to spas, retreats, and cozy lodging in Cashiers, Sylva, Dillsboro, and surrounding small towns, perfect for…

Weddings deserve a beautiful and unique location. Choose from a variety of luxury vacation homes with unique locations for a personalized wedding experience. With an abundance of settings including outdoor, lakes, ponds, mountain, rustic and more…

See Asheville the best way possible - by electric bike! The Flying Bike provides unforgettable tours and rentals on their Pedego electric bikes. Join them on a tour and see Asheville’s noteworthy architectural gems, take in the stunning…

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 Bryson City. Many special event train rides…

Enjoy live music by local musicians surrounded by gardens and mountain vistas at The North Carolina Arboretum. Bring a blanket and spend the day with mountain music and spring blooms.

Stop by the Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard for a tour and a flight of beer in the Tasty Weasel Tap Room. Founded in Lyons, Colorado in 1998, Oskar Blues was the first American craft brewery to can beer. Located in an industrial park a few miles…

Families can groove to nature-themed music at this interactive concert in Grandfather Mountain's Williams Outdoor Learning Space. Enjoy lively performances, eco-themed songs, and hands-on activities teaching children about conservation. This fun-…