Outdoor Recreation and Outdoor Adventures
Blue Ridge Mountains are an ideal adventure travel destination
See the Outdoor Adventure Picture Slideshow
What adventure seekers will find in the Asheville area: natural waterslides, rollercoaster-like mountain bike trails, and stunning vistas that will take your breath away faster than a Ferris wheel. Whether you’re into extreme sports or soft adventure, the mountains surrounding Asheville offer endless adventures. Outside magazine consistently ranks Asheville among its top destinations for outdoor recreation and adventures.
List of Outdoor Adventures and Recreation:
There are 39 Things To Do in Asheville listed on this page.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
 | Approximately 300 miles of this Maine-to-Georgia primitive hiking trail spans North Carolina. Voted most popular outdoor destination by Blue Ridge Outdoors and favorite long distance trail by Backpacker Magazine. |  828-254-3708 Appalachian Trail Conservancy Regional Office |
Asheville Hot Air Balloons, LLC
| Located in Candler, NC six miles west of Asheville. We fly across the Hominy Valley amidst the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Cold Mtn., Mt. Pisgah and Mt. Mitchell loom in the background ...it will take your breath away! | 828-667-9943 P.O. Box 2319 |
Asheville Parks and Recreation
| More than 50 parks offering golf, swimming, tennis, skateboarding, roller hockey, climbing wall, nature center, playgrounds, basketball, community centers, ballfields, picnic shelters, trails and much more. | 828-259-5800 70 Court Plaza |
Beach at Lake Lure
| Float on an inner tube, picnic in the shade, or just catch some rays at this beach in the mountains. Enjoy the Water Works with water slides and other soaking-wet fun. | 828-625-1373 2724 Memorial Highway |
Biltmore
| Explore the wonders of Biltmore in Asheville for a day or a week. Discover America’s largest home, magnificent gardens, award-winning winery, great shopping and delicious dining and a four-diamond escape at our inn. | 828-225-1333 One Approach Road |
BioWheels Bicycle Outfitter
| Bicycle rentals for mountain bikes, road bikes and cruiser bikes. Self-guided tour routes, maps and guidebooks are available for bicycle rides on the area forest lands, on the Blue Ridge Parkway and around downtown Asheville. | 828-236-2453 81 Coxe Avenue |
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
| Covering 25 counties in an effort to protect, preserve, interpret, and develop the unique natural, historical, and cultural resources of Western North Carolina for the benefit of present and future generations. | 828-298-5330 195 Hemphill Knob Road |
Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center
| The center highlights the cultural heritage of the Blue Ridge Mountains through the “I-wall,” an interactive map showing points of interest nearby, a 28-minute film about the region’s culture and other interactive displays. | 828-298-5330 Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 384 |
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
| This 10-acre nonprofit nature preserve (next to UNCA) is dedicated to preserving and displaying the native flora of the Southern Appalachians. Garden-themed gift shop. Donations welcome. | 828-252-5190 151 W. T. Weaver Boulevard |
Buncombe County Parks & Recreation
| Visit one of our many parks or recreation facilities, because it is our pleasure to provide the best recreation possible for you. We strive to offer special events, programs and facilities that can be enjoyed by all. | 828-250-4260 Various locations throughout Asheville/Buncombe County |
Cataloochee Ski Area
| Great skiing only 35 miles west of Asheville! 100% snowmaking, 14 lighted slopes, 5 lifts with 3 moving carpet lifts; six lanes of snowtubing fun. Over 2,000 sets of shaped ski and snowboard rentals. PSIA school instruction. | 828-926-0285 1080 Ski Lodge Road |
Chimney Rock Park
| An elevator inside the mountain or a network of trails leads to 75-mile views of the Blue Ridge, 404-foot waterfall and fun animal sculptures. Family and pet friendly. Rock climbing, special events, group activities, dining. | 828-625-9611 US Highway 64/74A |
ClimbMax Climbing Center and Guide Service
| ClimbMax Climbing Center, in downtown Asheville, is a full service indoor climbing facility with guided outdoor tours available. ClimbMax has activities for groups of all ages and sizes, from birthday parties to corporate. | 828-252-9996 43 Wall Street |
Cold Mountain
| From Asheville, drive south along the Parkway past Mt. Pisgah and Wagon Road Gap to Milepost 412. Visitors strategically placing themselves next to the National Park Service sign to capture the mountain in the distance. | Blue Ridge Parkway - Milepost 412 |
Curtis Wright Outfitters
| Wade for native appalachian brook trout or float for wily smallmouth bass. Visit one of our three area stores in Asheville’s Biltmore Village, Weaverville, and Saluda. Full and 1/2 day trips available. | 828-274-3471 5 All Souls Crescent |
Diamond Brand Outdoors
| Diamond Brand Outdoors is Western North Carolina's oldest outdoor outfitter and offers a wide selection of clothing, equipment and supplies for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and camping. | 828-684-6262 2623 Hendersonville Road |
English Mountain Llama Treks
| Enjoy guided llama trekking through the Great Smoky Mountains and let a llama carry your lunch or gear. | 828-622-9686 767 Little Creek Road |
Farms, Gardens, and Countryside Trails of Western North Carolina Guidebook
| From a well-kept garden at the end of a long, gravel drive, to fresh picked produce...Find more than 500 listings of farms, orchards, garden art, restaurants, and historic inns. Tuck this book under your arm and hit the road! | 828-252-0121 HandMade in America |
Fox Mountain Guides and Climbing School
| Offers rock climbing and ice climbing trips tailoring to individuals, families, groups, beginners and climbing skills courses for experienced climbers seeking to expand their skills and knowledge. | 3228 Asheville Highway |
French Broad Rafting Expeditions
| Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on Asheville's own French Broad River. Just 30 miles from Asheville. A guide in every raft guaranteed! Five-mile & nine-mile whitewater trips or calm water rentals available. | 828-649-0486 9800 U.S. Hwy. 25/70, Bypass |
Go Blue Ridge Card
| Go Blue Ridge Card is a multi-attraction pass that gives you access to over 25 of Western North Carolina's most popular attractions and adventures, at the best value. Create your own experience based on what you want to do. | 800-887-9103 Card available at various locations across Western North Carolina |
Grandfather Mountain
| The highest peak in the Blue Ridge and a globally recognized nature preserve. Endless vistas, Mile High Swinging Bridge, bears, cougars, otters and eagles in natural habitats, picnicking and great hiking trails. | 828-733-4337 US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305 |
Hot Springs
| Named for the hot mineral springs located there, the town is just 40 minutes north of Asheville at the junction of the French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail. Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, Hot Springs is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure, healing and relaxation, a romantic getaway or family vacation. | US Highway 25/70 |
Huck Finn Rafting Adventures
| Guided whitewater rafting (min age 8) and calm water float trips (min age 4). Group rates, package deals, scout trips and more. A great day trip only 45 minutes from Asheville in Hot Springs. Our most important trip is yours. | 828-622-9645 158 Bridge Street |
Hunter Banks Company
| Established in 1985, Hunter Banks Co is WNC’s original fly fishing specialty store and offers gear, guide trips, on-stream instruction and more. It's the institution for anglers who appreciate the region's best trout fishing. | 828-252-3005 29 Montford Avenue |
Lake Lure Tours
| Step aboard and discover one of the most spectacular lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Daily and hourly tours, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises. Or, rent a boat from the marina and explore the lake on your own. | 828-625-1373 2930 Memorial Highway |
Moving Sidewalk Tours
| Enjoy the glide of Asheville's only downtown Segway Tour. Starting at the Asheville Visitor Center, you will receive training followed by a 2 to 2.5 hour tour of downtown, including the Grove Arcade and the Urban Trail. | 828-776-8687 Asheville Visitor Center |
Nantahala Outdoor Center
| NOC has been home to 15 canoe and kayak Olympians and rated “#1 Vacation with a Splash” by Good Morning America and National Geographic Adventure. Raft with us on the French Broad, Nantahala, Pigeon, and Nolichucky. | 828-488-2175 13077 Highway 19 West |
North Carolina Arboretum
| 434-acre public garden in south Asheville. 65 acres of cultivated gardens including Bonsai Exhibition Garden, 10 miles of forested trails, Garden tours, Segway® Tours, Art Walk, Nature Activities for kids, Café and gift shops | 828-665-2492 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way |
Orchard at Altapass
| Unspoiled family fun! Enjoy free local music Wednesday through Sunday,art and craft demos, butterfly and herb garden tours, storytelling, hayrides, apples in season, fudge, and other goodies. | 828-765-9531 1025 Orchard Road |
Pura Vida Adventures LLC
| Pura Vida Adventures offers guided rock climbing, canyoneering, biking, hiking, paddling, and waterfall trips in the mountains of North Carolina. Programs for beginner to advanced “Come Experience the Good Life” with us. | 772-579-0005 1150 Asheville Highway |
Sliding Rock – A Natural Water Slide
| The king of swimming holes in the mountains near Asheville, this 60 foot natural water slide down a well-worn slab of rock was providing summertime entertainment long before water slides became standard fare. | 828-877-3265 Pisgah National Forest |
Smoky Mountain Jet Boats
| Hold on to the safety rails as your skilled driver cruises and spins the 12-passenger boat 360-degrees, all against the backdrop of Fontana Lake. Combination hike and jet boat trips are also available. Suitable for all ages. | 828-488-0522 22 Needmore Road |
Southern Waterways
| Calm water float trips on the French Broad River through Biltmore Estate property. Canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes. Family fun adventure. Minimum child weight requirement is 35 pounds. Beautiful riverside facilities. | 828-232-1970 521 Amboy Road |
Tweetsie Railroad
| This Wild West theme park features a three-mile steam-powered train ride through the scenic North Carolina mountains. Shopping, live entertainment, amusement park rides, a petting zoo and special events throughout the season. | 828-264-9061 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane |
Wildwater Ltd. Rafting
| 37 years experience; family, group,& high adventure trips; team building; 5 SE rivers; offering the best whitewater fun in the Asheville area with unparalleled attention to detail on & off the water. Quality Service Guarantee | 800-451-9972 10345 Highway 19 West |
WNC Nature Center
| The WNC Nature Center is 40 acres of animals in their native habitats. It provides an opportunity to learn, to touch and to know our rich natural heritage through educational and interactive exhibits. | 828-298-5600 75 Gashes Creek Road |
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
| Closest to Asheville. Family oriented ski area offering 54 acres of skiable terrain, 15 runs with two double lifts, quad lift, two surface lifts, snowboarding, snow tubing and 100 percent snow making capabilities. | 828-689-4111 578 Valley View Circle |
Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace State Historic Site
| This 1830s reconstructed mountain farmstead is where North Carolina's Civil War Governor, Zebulon B. Vance, was born. | 828-645-6706 911 Reems Creek Road |