Asheville Outdoor Activities Guide


The mountains of Western North Carolina, surrounding Asheville, can only be described as an outdoors enthusiasts dream. WNC boasts world class mountain biking and road cycling, all categories of whitewater for rafting and kayaking, andthousands of acres of state and national forest to hike and camp in. Hard core rock hounds will bask in the unparallel mineralogical diversity of these mountains, light tackle anglers will find enough trophy rainbow trout and smallmouth bass to satisfy their hearts desire, and Western NC is even home to a burgeoning disc golf community. These unique mountains also draw motorcyclists, rock climbers, golf enthusiasts, and skateboarders from all over the Southeast and beyond.

Tourists and locals looking for spectacular vistas don't have to go far to find what they are looking for. With the Blue Ridge Parkway snaking through Asheville, and the "waterfalls country" of Transylvania County only an hour away, there are more than enough beautiful views and photography opportunities to fill a lifetime.

To begin exploring the abundance of outdoor activities found in Western North Carolina simply click on one of the images below. You will soon realize why Asheville has become known as one of the absolute best cities on the east coast, if not the entire country, for outdoor sports and recreation. What are you waiting for? Start exploring the outdoor activities of Asheville today!

Blue Ridge Parkway Information Hiking, Backpacking and Camping Guide Rock Climbing Skiing and Snowboarding in the Asheville Area
Golf Courses in Western North Carolina Waterfalls Scenic Views and Overlooks Guide to Trout and Bass Fishing
Whitewater Kayaking and Rafting Motorcycle Riding Disc Golf Gem and Mineral Mining
Mountain Biking Road Cycling Hot Air Ballooning Skateboarding in Asheville

Outdoor Activities Calendar

Dr. Entomo's Palace of Exotic Wonders
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. Noon - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free, after parking fees.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Dr. Entomo's Palace of Exotic Wonders
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. Noon - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free, after parking fees.

Carolinas Dahlia Society Tuber Sale and NC Chrysanthemum Society Plant Sale
North Carolina Arboretum
9 am - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Tour de Falls
DuPont State Forest
9 am - 3 pm
828-749-1585
$10 donation.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Spring Along the French Broad River
Headwaters Outfitters
9:30 am
828-877-3106
$50.00 per person

Dr. Entomo's Palace of Exotic Wonders
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. Noon - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free, after parking fees.

Tour de Falls
DuPont State Forest
9 am - 3 pm
828-749-1585
$10 donation.

''Warbler Walk'' Guided Bird Walk
Chimney Rock Park
9 am - 12 pm
800-277-9611
$19; $3 for Annual Passholders; $8 for ages 6-15; free for Grady’s Kids Club Members

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Girls at Play Women's Weekend
Nantahala Outdoor Center
8 am - 5 pm
800.232.7238
Free

Blue Ridge Hydrangea Society Annual Plant Sale
New Odyssey School
9 am - 5 pm
Not Listed
www.ncarboretum.org/

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

''Mountain Top Trek'' Guided Hike
Chimney Rock Park
Call for Details
800-277-9611
Call for Details.

Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend
Grandfather Mountain
Call for Details.
828-733-4326
Included with park admission.

Biltmore and Kiwanis 15k - 5k Classic
Biltmore Estate
7:15 am - 10 am
1-800-543-2961
15K - $30 until May 3rd, $35 thereafter, 5K - $25 until May 3rd, $30 thereafter. Spectator Ticket - $15 until May 3rd, $20 thereafter.

Girls at Play Women's Weekend
Nantahala Outdoor Center
8 am - 5 pm
800.232.7238
Free

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Weekend
Grandfather Mountain
Call for Details.
828-733-4326
Included with park admission.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Spring Along the French Broad River
Headwaters Outfitters
9:30 am
828-877-3106
$50.00 per person

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Spring Along the French Broad River
Headwaters Outfitters
9:30 am
828-877-3106
$50.00 per person

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Kaleidoscope - Contemporary Landscape Sculpture Exhibit
North Carolina Arboretum
Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 - 5 pm
828-665-2492
Free after parking.

Wildwater Rafting
866-699-2403
Wildwater Rafting
Professional and Well Trained
High Quality Experiences Since 1971
Four Rafting Outposts around WNC
www.wildwaterrafting.com 
Fox Mountain Guides
888-284-8433
Fox Mountain Guides
The Southeast's only AMGA
Accredited Climbing School.
Tailored programs for all levels.
www.foxmountainguides.com 
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Asheville and Western North Carolina Outdoor Activities
Black Dome Mountain Sports
828-251-2001
Black Dome Mountain Sports
C'mon in and See the New Toys...
Super Sweet Specials
Two Convenient Asheville Locations
www.blackdome.com 
Diamond Brand Outdoors
800-459-6262
Diamond Brand Outdoors
Outdoor Gear Outfitters and
Discount Camping Supplies.
2007 Best of WNC.
www.diamondbrand.com