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Hundreds of hiking trails are just a short drive from Asheville. For an easy, family-friendly hike , try Laurel River Trail or the slightly more challenging hike to Bridal Veils Falls. Hikers in reasonably good shape can retrace President and Mrs. With elevation changes, creek crossings, and sometimes rocky terrain, the trails surrounding Asheville have become a mecca for mountain bikers. You can pack your own equipment , including your mountain bike, or rent one from local guides, like The Bike Farm in Pisgah National Forest.

Asheville attracts cyclists who can easily access the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway , one of the nation’s most beautiful drives , or test themselves on the mile Elk Mountain Scenic Highway. But the area has plenty of tamer cycling options, too. Whether you set out on an epic cycling trip or an easy ride through the city, the Stash Neck Pouch is perfect for storing your ID, debit card, and other essentials while you ride.

The French Broad River —the third oldest river in the world , according to geologists—runs through Asheville, past Biltmore Estate, and continues south until it splits into three forks near the South Carolina border.

Several companies offer half-day and full-day whitewater rafting trips, including French Broad Adventures in Asheville. Not up for rapids? Find a wealth of outdoor activities and plenty of scenic views, hiking trails and waterfalls. For a fascinating stroll through history, head to this sprawling cemetery near downtown Asheville, with 87 acres of rolling hills and flower gardens.

The cemetery dates to and holds more than 13, burials and 9, monuments. Find the best spots to see them along the high passes of the Blue Ridge Parkway and special events to learn more about them. 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.

We are lucky enough to have six rivers near Asheville that are good for rafting and kayaking. 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. Drive to the top of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This state park has an observation tower, plenty of hiking and a restaurant.

Be prepared for much cooler temperatures at the top. Open year-round except snowy days in the winter. With more than miles of public hiking trails, including the highest trails in the eastern United States, Burnsville has been called the Hiking Capital of Western North Carolina.

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. Bike, jog and walk the 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. This tiny town of residents is perhaps best known for its hot mineral springs.

Located north of Asheville at the junction of the Appalachian Trail goes right through downtown and the French Broad River. Hike from town up to Lover’s Leap for a great view of the town. Read and see more! Find the best places to tube down a river on a hot summer day, including the French Broad River through Asheville, Deep Creek in the Smoky Mountains and Green River Gorge – with rentals and shuttle services.

Find our top glamping locations near Asheville. This combination of glamour and camping satisfies both the city slicker and nature lover. Arrive to a fully set up mountain campsite in our Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, no assembly or equipment required. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, enjoy fishing, boating, camping and swimming in this beautiful lake. Drive or walk across the highest dam east of the Rockies and stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about it.

Our favorite is High Shoals Falls 2. Combine several trails for a much longer hike. Sleep under the stars in our national parks, forests or a campground.

Or stay in a hostel. 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. Traveling with your dog? See our Pet-Friendly Guide to Asheville and the North Carolina mountains that includes lodging, hiking, Biltmore, kennels, dog parks and more.

The park also features the highest waterfall in an NC State Park and hiking trails. Shopping and dining located at the park entrance. Hit the slopes for plenty of winter of fun. Since we have the highest mountains in eastern America, you will find plenty of snow, either natural or man-made, for sking and snowboarding. Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge to see breathtaking vistas.

Our mile-by-mile guide of the Parkway covers the mile section near Asheville. Along the way, plan to stop to visit the Folk Art Center or discover one of the other fun things to do along one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Explore the most visited national park in the country! Four entrances to the Park are within 60 miles of downtown Asheville. Take a “walk in the woods” in the most scenic sections of the 2,mile Appalachian Trail near Asheville, high in the North Carolina mountains.

Read on to find 10 outdoor activities to do in Asheville. Never heard of bellyaking? This sport takes kayaking and flips it quite literally as paddlers lay on their bellies and use their arms—many opt to also use webbed flow gloves—and paddle face-first on rivers, lakes, and even oceans as bellyak rental locations continue to pop up in ocean towns. Not ready to try bellyaking? Learners should check out the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which also offers canoeing and paddleboarding.

Hiking may just be the most popular outdoor activity to do in Asheville thanks to thousands of trails for every ability level. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and look for trailheads peeking out behind milepost markers, go on a waterfall hunt, or be rewarded atop summits with incredible sunsets. Many areas are dog-friendly and offer primitive camping as well, and two famous long hikes, the 1,mile Mountains-to-Sea and 2,mile Appalachian Trail, can also be accessed from Asheville.

Road biking and mountain biking are big deals in Asheville. Many bikers utilizing the Blue Ridge Parkways to get their road miles in, while others take advantage of the paved river path at the Biltmore Estate.

For these … read more. Urban riding to deep wilderness: Where to go mountain biking in Asheville Asheville is quickly becoming a mecca for mountain bikers throughout the entire country who want to experience the deep, lush forests, while bombing their way over trails that … read more. The biggest is getting a close-up view of the majestic elk that weigh up to pounds, making them the largest … read more.

Waterfalls for All Occasions With hundreds of beautiful cascades near Asheville, where do you begin? Asheville guides understand! They’re here to help you scale cliffs, navigate rapids, seek out the … read more. Great Outdoors Scenic vistas, stunning waterfalls, and fresh mountain air are perfect ingredients for outdoor adventures near Asheville, N. Scenic Drives. Hike Finder Tool. Explore the Great Outdoors. The Most Popular Mountain Biking in WNC Urban riding to deep wilderness: Where to go mountain biking in Asheville Asheville is quickly becoming a mecca for mountain bikers throughout the entire country who want to experience the deep, lush forests, while bombing their way over trails that … read more.

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Outdoor asheville activities.

 
You can always find beautiful outdoor activities in and around Asheville, like scenic mountain views, waterfalls, hiking, biking, rivers and fishing. Hike the Appalachian Trail at Max Patch or Lover’s Leap, soak in natural hot springs, go horseback riding, raft down whitewater rapids, ski, bike, fish, camp.

Unforgettable Outdoor Adventures In Asheville | .