Outdoor Recreation in Asheville, North Carolina is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and mild climate, the city offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, peaceful hikes, or water-based fun, Asheville has something for everyone. Get ready to embrace nature’s playground and explore the outdoor recreation opportunities that await you in Asheville.
Asheville’s unparalleled natural beauty and diverse landscapes make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures, peaceful hikes, or water-based fun, the city offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities. From hiking the scenic trails to cycling the winding roads, from whitewater rafting to rock climbing, Asheville has something for everyone. So, pack your gear, lace up your boots, and get ready to embrace nature’s playground in Asheville.
Up-Close Outfitters, LLC specializes in 1/2 and full-day guided fishing trips to some of the top bass and trout waters in the North Carolina and South Carolina area. Our fishing guide service has chosen the foremost lakes in the region, such as lake Hartwell fishing for huge striped bass, lake Jocassee fishing for record-breaking trout and lake Fontana fishing for some of the best walleye and smallmouth bass action the Southeast has to offer. Our team of professional full time fishing guides specializes in finding those giant brown trout and largemouth bass we have all been fishing for over the years. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Asheville NC, we are centralized to travel to South Carolina and western North Carolina. Up-Close Outfitters also takes pride in the art of fly fishing in the Blue Ridge , Appalachian , & Great Smoky mountains of North Carolina for wild brook trout and stubborn rainbows.
Guided float fishing on the French Broad River North Carolina’s premier smallmouth bass fishery.
Found ‘Em Fishing was born out of passion. We love the outdoors, plain and simple. We find our serenity there, and we want to share that. Through education and consciousness, we are out there to protect the beautiful waterways in WNC. There is a special bond between self and nature that almost can’t be explained out there. A peace that so many have forgotten in their daily lives. For us, there is something meditative about smooth paddle strokes through water, come with us, you’ll see.
Cataloochee Ski Area, located high in the mountains of Western North Carolina is the home of “Great Skiing in the Great Smokies!” One of the first areas in the region to open each season, Cataloochee is committed to making your skiing and snowboarding experience the best it can be by utilizing one the most advanced snowmaking systems in the Southeast. With 100% snowmaking on 18 slopes and trails including the Cat Cage Terrain Park, 3 aerial lifts and 2 moving carpet lifts, and over 4,000 sets of snowsports equipment, the Cataloochee experience offers something everyone.
We feature a PSIA and AASI member Ski and Snowboard School with instruction for all ages and abilities, and offer our HEAD Kids Adventure Center with ski and snowboard programs for kids ages 4-12 and a variety of terrain for beginners to experts alike. With our new Terrain-Based Learning programs, you will learn quicker and easier than ever before. Group and corporate meeting space is available. In the lodge, a fireplace and cozy atmosphere await you along with our on-mountain restaurant offering three ala carte meals daily and a lounge with full ABC permits. Round out your day on the mountain with a visit to The Shop at Cataloochee, featuring signature gifts and apparel. Down the hill in Maggie Valley, we offer Tube World, a snowtubing hill with up to 12 lanes of tubing fun!
Cataloochee Ski and Sports, our rental and clothing shop in Maggie Valley allows you to rent your ski or snowboard equipment at a discounted rate, purchase your lift ticket and get everything you need for a day on the slopes. Bib, jacket and helmet rentals are also available at the shop as well. Best of all, you can pick up everything you need the night before and be ready to go straight to the snow on the day you plan to ski or snowboard with no waiting! The sports shop sells goggles, gloves, hats, sunglasses and other accessories to complete your visit. Cataloochee is located only 35 miles west of Asheville with easy four lane access.
Your closest resort to Asheville for winter time fun for all ages! The Wolf peaks at an elevation of 4700 feet and sits in the shadow of Big Bald Mountain. We offer 54 acres of skiable terrain, 100% snowmaking capability, 15 lighted runs with 1 double lift, 1 quad lift, and 2 surface lifts. Learn to ski or snowboard with our skilled and personable Snow Sports School instructors. Once you get your balance enjoy 4 easy trails to practice on and explore. Looking for a little more adventure? The Wolf has some of the most challenging terrain in the Southeast! Test yourself on one of our 2 black diamond runs. After a day of skiing or boarding relax in a rocking chair by a roaring fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Even better, stay with us in one of our townhomes on the mountain. Enjoy the best on-mountain rates while soaking in the scenery. Take some time out to play in the snow at our lift-assisted snowtubing location. Please visit our website for information on group specials and incentives such as complimentary lessons!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether this is your first time off-road or you have advanced experience, experiences expose you to elements and terrain to increase your off-road knowledge and ability. Experiences cover the basics of expedition-style driving and are customized to fit your skill and comfort level. Off-road obstacles such as steep ascents, descents, side tilts, log crossings, and rock crawls offer an exciting and memorable off-road adventure. Up to three participants may ride in each vehicle.
HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE (COVID-19)
Land Rover Experience Centers will resume operations and safely offer a range of physically distanced drive experiences from August 1, 2020.
We want to assure you that every precaution is being taken to protect the health and safety of our guests and local staff. In prioritizing health, safety, while still creating a day to remember, Land Rover Experience has implemented the following actions:
- All guests will be required to undergo a temperature check and wear a face mask upon arrival and when outside their vehicle. Additional PPE equipment (gloves and hand sanitizer) will be provided complementary – or feel free to bring your own.
- All vehicles will be sanitized before every experience.
- Guests and staff will be physically distanced in separate vehicles. Instructors will coach guests and marshal the course via two way radios.
- Food and beverages will be boxed or pre-packaged and served in an open area while respecting social distancing.
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.
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!
