Asheville Hiking & Waterfalls

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13077 West Highway 19, Bryson City, NC, USA

Explore Western North Carolina’s great outdoors with Nantahala Outdoor Center. The nation’s largest outdoor recreation company, NOC has led outdoor adventures since 1972 and earned recognition as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure. Over a million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 120 different river and land-based itineraries! Learn to kayak at NOC’s world-renowned Paddling School, or test the latest outdoor gear and shop at retail stores in Asheville, Gatlinburg, and Nantahala. Book a trip on one of seven rivers in the Southeast, or fly through the skies on the Nantahala Mountaintop Zip Line Adventure!

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U.S. 276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768, USA
(828) 877-3265(828) 877-3265

A perennial favorite way to beat the summer heat in the Asheville area is riding down the chilly waters of Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest. The natural waterslide is complete with 55-60 degree water for a refreshing time. Plus, many waterfalls are located nearby.

Feel the rush of sliding down a 60-foot all-natural water slide in the heart of gorgeous Pisgah National Forest! The appropriately named Sliding Rock is an experience unlike any other and it’s one of the most exciting ways to cool off in the warmer weather months.

People of all ages lineup to take the plunge down the sloping rock face waterfall on their way to landing into an 8-foot-deep pool of water. Given that the water is about 50-60 degrees during the season, it’s sure to be a refreshing adventure! If sliding isn’t your thing, there are two observation decks where you can experience the fun from a safe distance.

The best time to slide is between Memorial Day and Labor Day when lifeguards are on duty and the on-site bathroom/changing rooms are open. There is a fee of just $4 per person  to enter the recreation area. Credit card is the preferred method of payment but cash and check are also accepted.

2021 Hours
While you can slide year-round during daylight hours, lifeguards are on duty and changing rooms/restrooms are open 10 AM-6 PM on these dates:

  • April 4-May 17: Saturdays and Sundays
  • May 22-September 30: 7 days a week
  • October 1-31: Saturdays and Sundays
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U.S. 221 & Linville Avenue, Linville, NC 28646, USA

Offering visitors easy access to its towering peaks, Grandfather Mountain is one of the most biologically diverse mountains and in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. Feel the rush when you cross the Swinging Bridge; marvel at 360-degree views from one-mile above sea level; photograph bears, otters, cougars, eagles and deer in natural habitats; hike rugged back-country trails or stroll gentle nature paths; eat in our restaurant or take your order out to one of many scenic picnic areas; chat with our entertaining, knowledgeable staff and let us help you find your own perfect mountain adventure.

A carefully tended wilderness preserve, Grandfather Mountain is home to many rare North American wildflowers and to displays of such naturalized plants as native azaleas, rhododendrons, mosses and lichens, heathers, and other beautiful species. Parts of the mountain are steep and rocky, but much is accessible to anyone: an excellent nature center, dramatic mountain vistas, and wildlife habitat areas.

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Join us on our unique day hikes in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. We offer mindfulness and meditation day hikes where you can disconnect from screens, slow down, and enjoy the gorgeous mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Our guides are highly experienced in both wilderness guiding and meditative practices. We lead group Mindfulness Hikes every Tuesday-Friday from 9a-1p.

Not into meditation? No problem. We also offer private day hikes that suit what you’d like to see and do on your trip. For our group hikes, once you book with us you’ll receive detailed directions of where to meet us at the trail head. Before our hike we’ll spend 10-20 minutes giving you an overview of mindfulness practices and then hit the trail! We’ll take you to local spots leaving the crowds behind, making sure to point out local flora and fauna along the way. You’ll be shocked how much you notice once you slow down and become more attuned to your senses.

Around noon we’ll find a beautiful spot to break for lunch and enjoy a healthy lunch from a local Asheville eatery. After lunch we’ll spend time swimming, taking in a beautiful view, or admiring a waterfall, all while engaging our 5 senses. Give yourself the opportunity and time to go inward and be fully present on this unique trip.

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The mission of Pura Vida Adventures (est.2006) is to offer personal trips to families, friends, and small groups which focus on exploration, discovery, and adventure. Regardless of age or ability level we have a trip that will quench your thirst for adventure and provide you an opportunity to “experience the good life.” Pura Vida offers guided waterfall rappelling climbing, canyoneering, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, waterfall tours, adventure race instruction, and paddling trips. Our guides also provide you with an opportunity to see the North Carolina mountains through any variety of these activities over one day or a series of days.and waterfall Pura Vida Adventures was the first company to offer commercial canyoneering and waterfall rappelling east of the Mississsippi River, in addition we are the only company east of the Mississippi that is accredited by the American Canyoneering Association. Over the past 10 years we have trained hundreds of aspiring canyoneers and canyoneering guides.

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100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, USA

The North Carolina Arboretum’s 434-acre campus is nestled off the Blue Ridge Parkway minutes from downtown Asheville and offers beautiful gardens and natural areas, including the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, garden tours, nature activities for families, changing science, art and cultural history exhibits, an on-site bistro and gift shop.

Daytime admission into the Arboretum is free; however, a $16 parking fee applies for personal vehicles. To view full listing of parking fees and hours, click here.

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19929 U.S. 221, Marion, NC, USA

Explore the amazing work of nature on the “inside” of a mountain. North Carolina’s only show caverns features stalactite and stalagmite formations, an underground stream with native trout, hibernating bats, amazing mineral colors, the Bottomless Pool, and total darkness. The guided tour educates you on caverns ecosystems, geological history, and local history of the area. Gift shop located on premises.

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