Top Asheville Outdoor Activities - page 2

Live out your *Dirty Dancing* dreams with this kayak tour of the famed Lake Lure. Following your naturalist guide, you’ll explore these blue waters under a blue sky, getting to know the local flora, fauna, and more. When you’re ready, feel free to jump in for a swim—and have the time of your life.

Join our Flying Bike guides for an e-bike ride through the renowned River Arts District (RAD) of Asheville. You’ll meet local artists and get a front-row seat to watch them practice their craft. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and will take you off the beaten path, guiding you down bike lanes and bike greenways along the banks of the gently flowing French Broad River. Our first stop will be at The Marquee, an enormous art marketplace of curated vendors from around the region and beyond. Our second stop is at Small Batch Glass, where we will learn about all the steps involved in creating a handmade glass piece. Before returning to our shop, we will make one last stop at New Belgium Brewery where guests can purchase a thirst-quenching pint and a tasty meal from a food truck. *Please note that food and drinks are not included in the cost of the tour but can be purchased separately.

Skip the usual walking tours for this small-group interactive scavenger hunt in downtown Asheville. Download the scavenger hunt app and explore the town’s historical gems, flourishing neighborhoods, and latest attractions while taking on fun challenges. Snap pictures, race against the clock, and put your navigation skills to the test as you wander at your own pace. No reservations, no tour guides, and fun for all ages

Love hiking and coffee? You've found the right place. We are all about sharing great coffee and conversation outdoors. We have 300+ waterfalls around Brevard, so it can be hard to choose which ones to see on your visit, so will make it easy - We’ll visit three of the most beautiful falls along a 3.5 mile loop. The terrain is mostly even, gravel trail with two steep sections (about 70 yards) that will get your heart pumping, but the views are worth the climbs. Here's our plan. 1. You will meet your guide at The Hooker Falls parking area in DuPont State Forest, and hike to Hooker Falls. Here we'll break to brew and share coffee together. You'll learn how to make coffee in the woods including how to filter water from the waterfall. 2. We'll head to Triple Falls. It's up a steep climb but we will take our time and the view is totally worth it. 3. After some pictures of Triple Falls, we'll keep hiking on to High Falls, a stunning end to our adventure.

With the Blue Ridge Mountains in its backyard, Asheville is a favorite spot for outdoor lovers. Whether you’re hiking the trails or taking it easy, take an afternoon to explore Asheville’s city streets with this fun scavenger hunt. Wander through a mix of historic architecture and vibrant art murals as you track down items. This app-based game lets you earn points by completing a variety of tasks that will leave your group laughing and loving Asheville’s charming city.

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.

Discover the natural beauty that lies just outside of Asheville by booking a guided hike. This private experience can be tailored to your needs and preferences, whether you want a challenging adventure or an easy-going walk. Depending on where you go, your tour may include waterfalls, mountain views, or biodiverse forests.

Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains with an expert local guide by your side with this small-group experience. You'll meet your guide and fellow hikers in Asheville and then caravan up to your trailhead. You'll then set off on a three-to-five-mile hike through the woods, while your guide tells you about the region's flora and fauna, stopping for some snacks and refreshments before heading back to your car.

This tour heads southwest over the Pisgah National Forest and its iconic peak, Looking Glass Rock, in this scenic forest, and nature tour. Looking Glass Rock is one of many sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Marvel at the lush forests and mountainous terrain of the Pisgah National Forest as you fly over on your return to the airport. Weight Limit 300lbs Per Seat and 550 Pounds Per Flight

Sharpen your photography skills with a custom half-day photo tour from Asheville. Get picked up at your hotel and meet your guide for a private photography-focused tour. Personalize the itinerary according to your interests and set out for a trip into the Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn new techniques from a professional photographer and bring home stellar photographs.

North Carolina’s highlands have miles of quiet trails, scenic overlooks, and tranquil backdrops perfect for photo sessions. Join this tour to see everything from quaint towns to stunning cliffs surrounding the Asheville area. Your guide will zoom you through the highlands, passing by landmarks like the Cullasaja River Gorge and the town of Dillard. You’ll stop for photos at Looking Glass Falls and Whiteside Mountain, as well as walk the Cliffside Lake and Trail.

Learn and experience what most people walk right by on the trail! The unique temperate rainforest ecosystem of the southern Blue Ridge Mountains is home to a stunning variety of biodiversity in the form of fascinating and beautiful plants and animals. Get to know the secrets of millipedes, salamanders, fish, insects, trees, and edible and medicinal plants with eye-level, hands-on introductions. This is a great way for kids and adults alike to bring science lessons alive in a very real and meaningful way.

Come and enjoy a beautiful and relaxing section of the French Broad River with friends and family. Each tube rental also includes unlimited shuttle trips to the put-in location. The float takes about one hour and ends back near the parking area.

The Japanese art of shinrin yoku—or forest bathing—fits perfectly into the forests outside of Asheville. On this guided nature walk, your certified forest therapy guide will take you across the land, inviting you to slow down and recharge, to notice, to let in the peace of the trail. End with a tea ceremony and snacks, taking stock of your senses and the connection you feel to the natural world.

Gather your friends and family for an incredible GUIDED ECO, ELK, UTV / SxS wilderness adventure in The Great Smoky Mountains Wilderness. You start out at Scenic Tours and Rentals and head up the mountain to the ridgeline trails. At a mile high the air is cool and fresh. The views are awing as we gaze 20 miles across the lush deep valleys and soaring mountains deep into GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS. You may operate the unit or a driver will be provided if requested at the time of booking as you explore 30 miles of dirt and gravel trails, cross babbling brooks, and pristine rivers, and view roaring waterfalls.  ELK, BEAR, TURKEY, RAPTORS, and other WILDLIFE are commonly encountered along the way. Learn of the re-introduction of the ELK, their life cycles, struggles & bright future! here in the Smokies.   This adventure is both educational, historical, and cultural as your guide shares with you early Cherokee, Appalachian history legends, and lore.   

The Asheville scavenger hunt players will use an app to find objects around the city to collect points, and complete fun challenges for points. Players will be able to see their score live on the app rankings. All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come and explore with us in Asheville.

Get ready to check off a bucket list item! Experience the wonder of helicopter flight on this exciting 12-mile journey that takes off from Asheville Regional Airport. This First Flight experience will fly near Lake Julian offering distant panoramic views of what the area has to offer including The Smoky Mountains, Pisgah National Forest, and Downtown Asheville.

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.

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of nature on our Waterfall Tour. Traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest as we unveil the hidden treasures of this picturesque region. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of 5-6 natural wonders, each a testament to water's raw power and tranquility. Along the way, treat your senses to panoramic views of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, a backdrop that adds to the enchantment of your experience. This tour offers small hikes for all ages, making it an ideal adventure for young children and seniors. While enjoying the walks, relish the chance to cool off in crystal-clear waters and experience the thrill of a natural water slide that leads to a refreshing pool below. Whether seeking serene moments, adventurous hikes, or captivating vistas, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the great outdoors.

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.

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.

Asheville’s outdoors are picture-perfect playgrounds for kids and adults alike, which makes it a great destination for a scavenger hunt. No matter if you need a break in between breweries on an adults-only getaway or if the kids want a fun challenge that doesn’t involve hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, this fun scavenger hunt lets you experience Asheville’s outdoor bliss while staying close to the best sites in the city.

With more than 150 miles of shoreline—and resting at the base of the spectacular Linville Gorge— Lake James is a kayaker’s delight. With a guide, it’s even better: On this half-day adventure, you’ll explore with a naturalist, learning all about this region’s flora, fauna, natural history, and more. One of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, you’ll get grade-A time with Mother Nature, guaranteed.