Top Asheville Outdoor Activities

As featured in Southern Living Magazine and MSN News, discover the authentic beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway with a naturalist guide to show you the best vistas, photo spots, and waterfalls that make Asheville famous. This intimate, small-group tour makes it easy to get to know your experienced, expert guide and learn more about the region. -Learn about the area’s history, plants, and wildlife from your naturalist guide -Visit famous waterfalls and ones that most tourists miss -See the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s expansive mountain views

Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to three scenic waterfalls from Asheville. Take in views of the mountains as you tour the classic road in a comfortable van and hear stories about the area’s natural history and culture from your local guide. Watch for blooming laurels and rhododendron as you walk the easy to moderate trails through lush oak and hickory forests. Enjoy light refreshments along the way with plenty of time to relax by the falls before returning to Asheville.

As featured in Southern Living Magazine and MSN News, discover the authentic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a naturalist guide to show you the best vistas, trails and waterfalls that make Asheville famous. On a Covid-safe, family-friendly and even dog-friendly excursion, we will visit the highlights of our National Forests in just a few hours. Food foraging and fascinating stories shared on all our tours!

Take time for yourself, breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains! Enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop with stunning views plus an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure! PRIVATE OPTION: Want a private yoga hike? Contact us to schedule your hike any day of the week. NEW! Sunset yoga hikes now available daily for private groups of 4+. Contact us for details. WANT MORE? Add a massage at your vacation rental, farm-to-table cooking class, group tarot reading, or one of dozens of other uniquely Asheville experiences to your day for a full, balanced adventure. Visit our website for details and options.

It can be hard to find something fun and different for your kids to do while in the Asheville area. Travel outside the city just 30 minutes to Hendersonville’s Elijah Mountain Gem Mine. Guarantee your visit for the whole family by booking ahead, and choose from multiple packages to find which one is best for your budget.

On these Private Waterfall Tours, you will get to enjoy the falls up close and with ease. We specializes in taking tours to hidden gems and locally-known waterfalls, uncluttered by foot traffic and crowds.

Discover Asheville’s noteworthy landmarks and architectural gems while covering plenty of ground. This 2.5-hour tour by electric bike lets you safely navigate Asheville’s hilly terrain. Follow your guide through city streets, greenways, and picturesque neighborhoods. At carefully chosen viewpoints, you’ll stop to hear the stories behind historical sites. Numbers are limited to seven riders per tour to ensure personalized attention.

Explore the historic French Broad River in Asheville on a stand-up paddleboard during this guided, 2.5-hour, small-group tour. Float through the city’s calm, downtown waterway and learn about the history of the region while participating in one of Asheville’s most popular activities. Paddleboarding experience is helpful but not necessary. All equipment — paddleboard, paddle, personal flotation device, leash, river booties and dry bag — are included.

Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

Follow your guide on a 45-minute horseback riding adventure at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Choose from a variety of departure times, and ride the beautiful Fern Forest Trail, traveling through a dense forest on relatively flat terrain at 4,000 feet. This gentle trail, situated in the Nantahala National Forest, is suitable for all skill levels. Guided safety training plus a ‘test drive’ and helmet (mandatory for those under 18) are provided.

Semi-Private guided tour with certified naturalist kayaking through the city of Asheville on the serene French Broad River. Includes peak-a-boo views of the Biltmore Mansion and Estate.

Discover the scenic views, mountain trails, wildlife, and plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a local guide to lead the way. With so much to see in the region, nature lovers can get overwhelmed deciding where to go and what attractions to prioritize. By traveling with a guide you don’t have to worry about the logistics and can rest assured you don’t miss any of the highlights.

The guides from Ventures Birding Tours are friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We will take our time exploring and pointing out the local bird life. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just trying out this fascinating hobby for the first time, you will be promised an interesting time.

Your guide is a certified naturalist who is knowledgeable of the flora and fauna of the area. You will learn tree and flower identifications as well as any wildlife you may see during your activity.

The greatest family experience in Asheville! Our Private Family Waterfall Tour allows you to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls around Asheville! Our guides are permitted, licensed and trained to make sure your family is safe and has the greatest possible experience! AND we donate 10% of every dollar we make to help end human trafficking.

Your guide is a certified naturalist who is knowledgeable of the flora and fauna of the area. You will learn tree and flower identifications as well as any wildlife you may see during your activity.

Cycle to five of Asheville’s most popular microbreweries, enjoying a drink (or two) at each location. You’ll be riding a state-of-the-art e-bike, so the hills won’t be a problem. In addition to soaking up the local vibe and great scenery, you’ll sample some of the best craft brews in town. If you like beer and bikes, you'll love this tour.

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

Solve clues, complete challenges, and race against competing teams while checking out top Asheville sights on this self-guided Asheville scavenger hunt. Follow the guide on your smartphone to reach historical attractions, outdoor art, and essential Asheville sights, all with your self-chosen team of two to five people. Because this tour is all from your phone, you can complete it on your own schedule.

We’ll work directly with you to create a custom, private tour that is perfect for you and your photography interests. Together we'll pick locations that fit your interests and your desired amount of hiking, from a couple of miles to no hiking at all. This is ideal for travelers looking to go off the beaten path. And we pick you up! We offer small, private tours that focus on helping you capture better photos. Our tours take you to the most breathtaking locations across the Blue Ridge Mountains that only the locals know about. Our award-winning photographers know the Blue Ridge Mountains better than anyone else in the area! We are currently open and taking safety precautions for our guests! Visit our website to learn how we're handling COVID.

You will get to see an amazing Asheville sunset from our favorite "secret" spots. Our founder grew up in Asheville and has found the greatest places to catch a sunrise!

For a relaxing outdoor adventure that's perfect for the whole family, you can soak up the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains with this New River tubing excursion. Rent a tube, head to the river, and glide in the gentle waters on your relaxed ride. You can bring drinks to pack in a cooler tube, carry goodies for a picnic, or just sit back and soak up the sunshine.

Join us for a waterfall hiking tour and see some of the Western NC's famous waterfalls! Your guide will meet you at our downtown Asheville location then drive you to the trailhead. You'll enjoy a 3-5 mile hike, featuring one or more waterfalls (depending on the location). Our tours are designed for beginner to intermediate hikers, but are beautiful enough that even the most seasoned hiker will have a great time! Your hike could be in Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your guide will select the best hike for the day based on factors like weather, trail conditions, and participant fitness level. All of our guides have extensive hiking and backpacking experience, and all hold CPR and Wilderness First Aid (or higher) medical certifications. Minimum of 2 hikers required for tour to operate.

Excite Your Senses' as we stroll down the concrete drive and I explain the importance and management of productive pastures. The ranch manages the pastures with a rotational grazing system, so keep your eye out for the herd. We want visitors to experience the sights and smells of the farm while discussing the cattles health, and nutrient requirements There are many photo opportunities. In addition, you will see many conservation practices used to protect the farms resources, water quality and environment. ​ Buses, RV's and pets are welcome. Farm Lodge, RV Ranch and a picnic area are available with plenty of parking. Shop at our Farm Store and consider grilling out while you relax in our picnic area enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains. (fees apply)

This walk is a unique way to practice social distancing and self care in the nurturing forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The walk takes place on a private preserve where you can truly unplug, unwind, and reconnect with yourself, your loved ones, and our wild world without distraction. Forest Bathing is the simple practice of walking slowly through the forest, connecting with the environment with all senses. I invite you to breathe deep and pause long enough to notice the gentle breeze on your skin, the sounds of the forest, and your busy mind relaxing its pace. Studies show that time in nature offers physical, emotional, and spiritual benefits that linger even after you've left the trail behind. A guided forest therapy walk is a unique avenue to unlocking these benefits. Hope to see you on the trail soon!

Clearcut by loggers over 100 years ago, these high mountain peaks offer some of the best views in all of Pisgah National Forest. The Plott Balsams, Black Mountains, and even Mount Mitchell can be seen from their summits. Along the way, we'll offer a brief history lesson to how the area came to be.

Every guide on our team has developed an intimate knowledge of our national forest and can offer you an in-depth history to all the areas we run in. Originally owned by George Vanderbilt, Pisgah National Forest is the oldest of its kind in the eastern United States and holds deep historical relevance among several generations. Though different than a hiking tour, our running tours accommodate any pace - even if you may consider yours more of a hike. It's also expected that we will stop several times for photos along the way.

Pisgah National Forest is the oldest of its kind in the eastern US. With over 500,000 acres and 1,600 miles of trail, some of the best overlooks and waterfalls are often overlooked. We will meet at Ecusta Brewing, then you will follow me to the trailhead, a ~30 minute scenic drive including a bit of dirt road. 2-wheel drive vehicles will have no problem, the road is well-maintained. Starting at the trailhead, we will run a ~7 mile loop with 1,400' of vertical. The run parallels a beautiful mountain stream with several cascades, then climbs its way up to one of the best overlooks in the forest - Slate Rock. Towering over the Pink Beds Valley, the overlook includes views of nearby Pilot Rock and the distant high peaks of the Great Balsam Range. I would argue that the views are far better than John Rock, Cedar Rock, or even Looking Glass Rock. Its limited popularity is due mostly to its remoteness and difficulty to navigate due to several unmarked trails along the way.

Every guide on our team has developed an intimate knowledge of our national forest and can offer you an in-depth history to all the areas we run in. Originally owned by George Vanderbilt, Pisgah National Forest is the oldest of its kind in the eastern United States and holds deep historical relevance among several generations. What makes us different than other tour companies is our selection of local guides who are all able to lead this 30-mile trip on a moment's notice. We pride ourselves in only utilizing top-notch trail and ultra runners with extensive knowledge and expertise in the sport.

We've gone the extra mile to find the most beautiful hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our goal is to provide memorable experiences that offer opportunities to connect to nature, solitude, and a sense of being in the wild. Our trips are built for those who don't mind moving their legs or getting an early start. Because we like to hike and strive to find solitude, our hikes start a bit early and may cover an extra mile. One of the best parts of our hikes is that we get you back to Asheville in time for a well-earned lunch (and/or beer) and a full day to experience the town. Come join us in the mountains, build memories and share the adventure!

On these Private Mountaintop Tours, you will get to enjoy breathtaking views on top of some of the most beautiful mountains in Asheville. We specializes in taking tours to hidden gems and locally-known areas, uncluttered by foot traffic and crowds.

Lead by a certified naturalist, the Lake James kayak tour is a half day tour spent on a serene lake beneath blue skies. Along the way your guide will point out the flora and fauna of the area along with some history.

This is a certified naturalist led kayak tour around Lake Lure, located in the North Carolina Mountains. A serene lake and blue sky...what could be better? Your guide will also point out local flora and fauna and talk to you about the history of the area. Feel free to jump in and swim!

Beginning at the North Carolina Arboretum, we'll take you on a run through beautiful forests, seasonal wildflowers, and fresh mountain streams. We'll pass exhibits of short-leaf pine, eastern hemlock, red cedar, and even an assortment of native azaleas, among others. As we run, we'll share a brief history of how the nearby Biltmore Estate was crucial in the founding of Pisgah National Forest, and ultimately the cornerstone for sustainable logging across the country. The arboretum offers an assortment of trail and gravel roads, and we will pick a loop within everyone's ability. Novice and experienced runners are both welcome! The route will range from 3 to 5 miles, never more than an hour. Afterward, the Bent Creek Bistro within the Arboretum offers seasonal brunch and dinner options plus coffee, beer, and wine. Start times may be coordinated with seasonal events such as peak leaf colors, Christmas light exhibits, or specific wildflower blooms.

Operation City Quest of Asheville is a great way to see the city in a fun way! You'll use an app on your phone to submit photos of items you find around the city. For every photo you submit, you'll get points. You'll be able to see your score on the rankings after compared to all who have played across the country. All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come out and explore with us in Asheville

Crazy Dash of Asheville is a great way to see the city in a fun way! You'll use an app on your phone to submit photos of items you find around the city. For every photo you submit, you'll get points. You'll be able to see your score on the rankings after compared to all who have played across the country. All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come out and explore with us in Asheville.

This Private Running Tour will give you a look at Asheville from a local's perspective and will give you a great workout. Our guides live and breathe Asheville and we love showing off this unique mountain town. Our guides are trained to ensure you have a great run. We will adjust our distance and pace to whatever is best for you.

Enjoy the sensation of floating and feel the weight of daily life float away. Sink into the gentle sounds of water lapping against your board as you breathe with the ripples. Soak up the wild perspective of standing in the middle of a wide open waterway and allow rejuvenation in. It’s empowering, invigorating, centering…and fun! We’ll see you on the water!

Leave the from Highlands, Franklin. or Sylva for a beautiful guided waterfall adventure for a whirlwind tour to The North Carolina Highlands. This tour offers waterfalls, cliffs, quaint towns, BBQ, and adventure! You will also have your very own personal photographer!

Traveling by electric bike is the perfect way to experience Asheville. You'll never have to find a parking spot, and you'll be able to get around town quickly and in style! Our electric bikes are an eco-friendly way to explore all Asheville has to offer. Free delivery and pickup is available within Asheville city limits.