Outdoor Activities - Articles, Content and Blogs
UNC Asheville Kellogg Center
The UNCA Kellogg Center is located between the intersection of South Rugby Road and Broyles Road in Hendersonville, just shy of Horseshoe. The conference center plays host to different musical and aesthetic art events throughout the year. The property the center lies on contains forest and field trails, graced by natural and man made art, allowing its visitors to be visually and physically enlightened, at no cost. Read more...
Winter Sports Movie Night! Featuring Warren Miller's Off the Grid
Get ready to tear up the slopes with Diamond Brand's Winter Sports Movie Night featuring the film Off the Grid by Warren Miller. Read more...
Evergreen Community Charter School Gets RiverLinked!
RiverLink visited Evergreen Community Charter School this week to teach the first graders about today's water quality issues. The students expressed their feelings about the river through our River of Words and Art lesson, which is tied to RiverLink's Earth Day Art Contest. The annual contest takes place in the spring, and details will be announced as they are solidified. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 11/11/2009
The river is up very high again due to Hurricane Ida. No sane person would try and fish this week; the flows rival the grand canyon now! Caution is advised to those around the river as it is dangerous to all but experienced hands at whitewater now. It will be a week or so before levels are right for fishing. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 11/4/2009
The river has been too high to effectively fish this week. However, the water has gotten chilly, as I can attest to first hand from kayaking this week. Levels should be good to fish by the weekend, and clarity is good. So, fishing will be best in the afternoons on sunny days from here on out. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 10/21/2009
The French Broad is still fishing great! River is at medium flow and very clear. Smallmouth are into the fall fattening-up period, meaning that if one can time it right the bite is outstanding. The early bite seems to be weak but it improves as the day warms up. Read more...
Buy a Fish Save the French Broad
Save the French Broad 2009 has kicked off with over 25 area bars, restaurants, and businesses participating to sell fish. RiverLink is working with Sweetwater Brewery to Save the French Broad. Dozens of bars, restaurants and businesses are selling paper fish that say: I gave of my liver to save the river. This campaign is designed to raise awareness about the health of the French Broad River and to raise money so RiverLink can continue to build parks, greenways, conduct water quality monitor, and stream cleanups. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 09/09/2009
Cooler days are here and the fishing has changed somewhat with the weather, starting the fall pattern. The river continues to flow at medium-low levels, about 600 cfs, which are great for fishing. Trips are catching about 60 smallmouth per day. Most of these are still smaller guys but we are seeing more large fish, to the 18 inch range, now that temperatures are cooler. Read more...
Fishin' On the French Broad with Chris of Whitewater Sportsman
I hadn't been fishin' in nearly ten years. I had just completed a very difficult RN BSN program. Chris pushed us off the bank of the French Broad, and as soon as we hit the current relaxation washed over me like a gentle wave. My tackle had been prepared for me. I was told to cast into lines of turbulence after the rocks jutting out of the water. Fifteen minutes in and I had my first fish. Read more...
Chimney Rock Park and Rutherford County Arts Council announce 'Music on the Mountain: Songs from the Southern Highlands'
Chimney Rock Park and Rutherford County Arts Council today announced a joint event to be held Saturday, August 15 from 3-6pm on the Meadows at Chimney Rock. There is no additional cost with park admission which is $14 for adults and $6 for children ages six to 15. Read more...
Registration Still Open for 2009 Chamber Classic Presented by Asheville Elevator
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that registration is still open for the 2009 Chamber Classic Golf Tournament presented by Asheville Elevator. The Chamber Classic will take place on August 17th at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa with both morning and afternoon flights available. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 07/31/2009
Afternoon rains have been staining the river, effecting the fishing. The smallmouth bite has been strong when runoff from construction areas isnt putting mud in the water. Read more...
Rockin' RiverFest at French Broad River Park
Start making your "yacht" for this year's Rockin' RiverFest, a free day long festival sponsored by Asheville Radio Group and RiverLink at French Broad River Park featuring the ever popular raft race, music competition featuring local bands, kids parade, live performances, local food and beverages, corn hole, frisbee golf, kayak demonstrations and much more! Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 06/24/2009
The French Broad is fishing great; water clarity has improved greatly and the smallmouth are very active. River flows are under 2 feet and have stabilized. Activity seems best in the mid-mornings and mid-afternoons; try to avoid noonday heat for best results. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 6/17/2009
Daily rains continue to push the french broad river flow up over 2 feet and stain the river to varying degrees. The smallmouth bite continues to be very strong when river clarity allows. Generally, if you can see 1-2 feet into the water the bite will be strong; if you cannot see anything under the surface fishing will be very difficult, if not impossible. Read more...
MPAC's 4th of July Block Party in Weaverville
MPAC presents the 4th of July Block Party as a continuance of Weaverville's 15 year old celebration with average attendance of 31,000. This is going to be a fabulous event that also doubles as a fund / awareness raiser for a few organizations including the North Buncombe High School Band Boosters. Highlights are headlining music act - Jen and the Juice, a Firecracker 5K race, Asheville Aerial Arts, The Blue Ridge Roller Girls, Asheville Puppetry Alliance, and a variety of performers and of course... fireworks! Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 5/27/2009
'The river is running high and dingy from all the rain this week,' said guide Chris Manderson. Flows should be back to normal this weekend. Smallmouth bass are in their summer patterns, so crankbaits and spinners are recommend for best results. Use bright colors in dingy water. Read more...
Paddlin the Nolichucky for a Cause
The Nolichucky River is one of the crown jewels of the region. Its crystal clear headwaters start at the base of the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi and flow through a gorge with some of the best whitewater in the Southeast, a stretch so scenic it has been considered for listing on the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers list. But the river is under threat. There has been a 45% increase in the amount of state listed impaired streams since 2006. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 5/20/2009
The river is again rebounding well from all the rains last week. While stained, it is clear enough for quality fishing now and should stay that way for the weekend. The spawn is wrapping up and smallmouth are active again now. Summertime patterns should be used now, with smaller lures and more natural colors being the most effective. Read more...
Parkway Opens at Craggy Gardens May 15th
Parkway Opens One-Lane Traffic on May 15, 2009, Through Craggy Gardens Area. Blue Ridge Parkway officials are pleased to announce the opening of the Craggy Gardens Area to alternating one-lane traffic beginning on May 15, 2009. The Parkway detour between US 70 at Milepost 382.5 and NC Route 226 at Milepost 330.9/Gillespie Gap will be discontinued. However, retaining wall reconstruction will continue until the estimated completion in mid-June when this section of Parkway will be fully opened for two-lane visitor traffic. Read more...
RiverLink and NOC Whitewater Film Fest
RiverLink and the Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) Outpost on the Nolichucky River are hosting a white water film festival to showcase the adventure whitewater films from professional kayakers and filmmakers at Rapid Transit Video. Additional clips about the Nolichucky River and global water quality issues will also be shown. Read more...
RiverLink Volunteer Info Session May 13
Come learn how you can make a difference in making the French Broad River watershed a healthier place to live, work and play at our next Volunteer Information Session on Wednesday May 13th at 10am and 5pm at our offices. Take this opportunity to learn what we do at RiverLink and how you can help us. Read more...
French Broad River Fins & Gills Classic Fishing Tournament - Get out your Fishing Poles!
Get out your fishing poles and start practicing your casting for the French Broad River Fins & Gills Classic Fishing Tournament on May 9th! Sponsored by Clear Channel Radio of Asheville and Asheville Outdoor Center, this event will benefit RiverLink to further its mission to protect and restore the French Broad River and its watershed as a place to live, work and play! Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 5/5/2009
Fishing this week has been outstanding. Trips averaged about 60 fish per trip, including a few in the 18" trophy range per trip. Smallmouth are still heavy and fat with eggs, so catch and release recommended for another 2 weeks or so, until mid-may. The bite has been earlier recently, with mid-morning (9-11) now the best time. Summertime patterns, like small crankbaits in minnow, have been effective. Try bright colors and lures with rattles to combat the slight stain daily afternoon showers have given the river. Read more...
Paddlin the Nolichucky Kick-off Event & Overnight Camping Trip
RiverLink's Riverkeeper, with the help of Altamont Environmental, is kicking off the Paddlin' the Nolichucky event on May 23rd from 11 am - 1 pm at Riverside Park in Spruce Pine, NC. This ground breaking trip is a two week monitoring, education, and outreach trip, starting on the North Toe River in Spruce Pine and finishing at the mouth of French Broad River, 140 miles down stream. Read more...
French Broad River Camps
Please help us spread the word about this summer opportunity for rising 3rd-8th graders. RiverLink excited to announce the second annual French Broad River Camps that will focus on Environmental Education, River Recreation, and Service Learning with the French Broad River as our classroom! Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 4/22/2009
The river is rebounding nicely from all the rain this week. By the weekend it should be primo. Smallmouth are still pre-spawn and egg heavy, so from now until mid-May is the best time to catch a really big fish. Catch and release recommended Thru mid-May. Read more...
8 Chances to Win Great Outdoor Gear
Buying just one $10 raffle ticket in the Save the French Broad River Raffle gets you 8 chances to win some great outdoor gear while supporting RiverLink to clean up the French Broad River! Sponsored by Asheville Adventure Guide, the raffle will have a monthly drawing from May 2009 through December 2009. Read more...
French Broad River Cleanup and Concert April 25 in Brevard, NC
RiverLink and Duck Pond Pottery of Brevard, NC will host a stream cleanup of the French Broad River where it flows along Greenville Highway (Hwy 276) just a few miles outside of Brevard. We will leave from Hap Simpson Riverfront Park and go out in canoes to remove trash from the river. Following the cleanup, join us for a potluck and evening of local music and art through the Duck Pond at Dusk summer concert series. Read more...
Paddlin the Nolichucky
Paddlin the Nolichucky is a two week monitoring, education, and outreach trip, starting on the North Toe River in Spruce Pine, NC and finishing at the mouth of French Broad River, 140 miles down stream. This paddling trip is design to monitor the water quality of the river, but to also educate the public about the challenges facing the river and highlight the river as a world class recreation destination. Read more...
French Broad River Fishing Report - 4/8/2009
The river is clear and fishing great. Weekend outlook very good with warm days coming. Smallmouth still hitting on jigs and crankbaits fished slowly in slack water. from now to early may is the best time to catch a really big smallmouth as fish are pre-spawn and egg heavy. Read more...
A Relaxing Day on the River
Even if you have never gone fishing, or don't particularly enjoy fishing, you really can't beat the beauty and relaxation of a guided float fishing trip on the French Broad River. Read more...
