Outdoor Activities

Acclaimed by numerous magazines as a top outdoor adventure destination – from hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and zip-lining – there’s so much to see and do in Asheville. 

• Take a scenic drive or tour: The Blue Ridge Parkway is America’s favorite drive for a reason and Asheville has several spots where you can easily access it. If you prefer to go with a guide, book a personalized tour led by a certified Blue Ridge Parkway and WNC naturalist where you’ll have an opportunity to bike, hike or kayak. 
• Zipline from the treetops or mountaintops: The Adventure Center of Asheville is just 5 minutes from downtown where kids and adults can have fun zipping, biking or navigating an elevated obstacle course. Navitat offers a thrilling treetop, mountaintop or night-time zip. RTV tours are also an option here. 
• Learn to flyfish: From mountain streams to quiet fishing holes, fly fishing is a great way to relax and soak in nature. Let a local guide introduce you to the art of fly fishing. 
• Take a hike: This is where Asheville really shines. There are so many amazing hikes to choose from, but here are the top 10 favorites from Asheville Trails. They’re all located within 40 miles of Asheville. 
• Book a farm tour: For those who are curious about where a good deal of our local food comes from, this is a fun way to enjoy a day outdoors. The Farm Heritage Trail gives you a map for a self-guided tour or you can book a tour with Edible Asheville. 
• Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park: An hour’s journey west of Asheville, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known for its biodiversity with more plant and animal species than in any other National Park. Lucky visitors may spot elk, bears or other animals in their natural habitat. A simulated community showcases the lives of pioneers in our mountains.

Get up close to waterfalls: Southwest of Asheville, the DuPont State Forest is home to several awe-inspiring waterfalls which can be visited with a short hike. And, Chimney Rock Park, 25 miles southeast of Asheville is named for the large rock at its summit. Here cinema enthusiasts will find the 404-foot waterfall featured in the movie “Last of the Mohicans.” Romantic Asheville features 60 waterfall favorites!

Your Asheville bed and breakfast hosts will be glad to put you in touch with just the adventure you seek. These sites provide additional information to assist with planning your Asheville outdoor adventure: 

• Hike WNC
• Nantahala Outdoor Center
• Explore Asheville
• Romantic Asheville
• Land of Waterfalls