Top Activities on the Ground in Asheville

One of the most biodiverse spots in the nation, the Blue Ridge Parkway shouldn’t just be driven—it deserves to be seen on foot, with a naturalist leading the way. With your guide at the helm, you and your small group will hike to gorgeous waterfalls, up to panoramic mountain views, and through the technicolor meadows, hills, and valleys that make Asheville and the Pisgah National Forest so beloved.

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.

Asheville is known for its fantastic views of the Appalachian mountains. On this half-day tour, take a scenic bike ride along Blue Ridge Parkway with easy aboard an electric bike. First, bike through quaint Asheville communities before ascending Patton Mountain, with ease. Take in the views before descending and grabbing a drink at a historic hotel.

Explore Asheville beyond city limits during this sunset e-bike ride. Meet your guide in North Asheville and get fitted for an e-bike, then set out for a scenic ride in the mountains surrounding Asheville. During this small-group tour, climb up to a scenic overlook (with the assistance of the powerful e-bike battery) and keep an eye out for wildlife, which is known for being active this time of day. Complete the experience with a visit to a local brewery.

Maximize time in Downtown Asheville with a sightseeing tour led by a local guide. Learn about Asheville's history and culture during a city stroll that includes breweries, distilleries, cafes, and historic sites. See popular landmarks like the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Grove Arcade, and the Leaf Global Arts Center. Taste local beer and spirits during brewery and distillery visits. In lieu of a tour ticket, tip your guide whatever amount you find fair.

Maximize time in Asheville with a guided walking tour focused on the city’s history, architecture, and culture. Meet your guide for a sightseeing tour including top landmarks like the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Grove Arcade, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Get to know the unique city of Asheville from the perspective of a local.

Take a spooky stroll through the streets of downtown Asheville on this ghost walking tour. Led by an expert local guide, learn about the area’s hair-raising tales and dark history, like the woman who haunts the Omni Grove Park Inn, the body entombed in the wall of the Basilica of St. Lawrence and much more. It's a fascinating, spine-tingling adventure.

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.

Asheville’s reputation as one of the top cities for brews in the Southeast is well-deserved, but the huge number of breweries to choose from can be intimidating for visitors. Discover which breweries are worth the hype on this Asheville brewery tour, which takes you to craft breweries with behind-the-scene access and ample pours at each. Unlike other Asheville brewery tours, this one is led by a certified cicerone, a recognized expert when it comes to beer.

Discover the spooky side of Asheville with this small-group nighttime walking tour. Meet your guide for a city stroll focused on Asheville's haunted and paranormally active locations. Hear stories about local history as you walk past landmarks including the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Battery Park Hotel, and Pack's Tavern. Choose between two different tour lengths depending on your needs and interests.

Cycle to three of Asheville’s most popular microbreweries, enjoying a drink at the first 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.

Get out of town for a half-day hike up to scenic waterfalls with this small-group hiking experience for up to four people. Your certified naturalist guide will lead you and your group on a challenging hike up to beautiful waterfalls, teaching you how to identify local plant life along the way.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This small-group tour from Nashville starts out with a hike through the forest. At the summit, you'll stretch out your (provided) mat, soak up the views, and unwind as you move through a mountaintop yoga class, which is appropriate for all levels.

Go hiking in the outskirts of Asheville with a naturalist guide on this small-group tour. You and your small group of fellow hikers will head out into the hills, where you'll learn how to ID local flowers and trees. If you're lucky, you may even spot some wildlife along the way.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.