Top Asheville Outdoor Activities

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paddle 7 miles (11 km) with a private guide on the picturesque French Broad River. You’ll pass by Asheville’s massive Biltmore Estate and hear about its history. Learn stand-up paddleboarding tips and techniques from your SUP instructor and keep an eye out for native wildlife like turtles, herons, otters, and osprey. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise during a morning or afternoon.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Experience a scenic and memorable guided horseback riding adventure at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Choose from a wide variety of departure times, then ride the beautiful Flame Azalea Trail, traveling through hardwood and white pine forests, plus open meadows with majestic, elevated views of the all-American Blue Ridge Parkway. Get to know the horses in advance. Guided safety training plus a ‘test drive’ and helmet (mandatory for those under 18) are provided.

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!

During our half day hiking tours, you and your guide will check out one of our favorite hikes in the Asheville area! Hikes are easy to moderate, and average 3 to 5 miles. We typically feature a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway (ex: Mt Pisgah, Black Balsam Knob, Rattlesnake Lodge, Hawkbill, etc) on Saturdays and the Appalachian Trail (ex: Max Patch, Rich Mountain Firetower, Lovers Leap, etc) on Sundays. Transportation and snacks are included, and our group size is limited to 5 guests to ensure an intimate experience for everyone. Blue Ridge Hiking Company has been in business for 13 years; we believe the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life. We have a team of professional guides with a variety of different backgrounds who have a wealth of knowledge on local fora, fauna, and history of the area. Minimum of 2 hikers required for tour to operate.

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)