Welcome to the Asheville Adventure Guide’s Local Picks section. Below you will find information on the best local outdoor adventure hand picked by the folks that know it best-Asheville locals!
Local: Karen Cragnolin, RiverLink
Pick: French Broad River Park
The French Broad River Park is 4.5 miles of greenway that runs alongside the French Broad River and offers a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to get out and ride their bikes, run, walk, relax, you name it, there’s something for everyone to do out there. It’s an important part of the Asheville community. It’s a place where everyone comes together and the park serves as a melting pot for all the different types of people who call Asheville home. What I love most about the park is that it’s right in the middle of the city, but you’re walking right along the river, and it’s possible for people to get out and find their own little piece of the natural environment to enjoy. In the future, we hope to connect the entire French Broad River with a greenway from Transylvania County to Hot Springs that will allow people to get outside and enjoy the natural environment of the Appalachian Mountains in a way that never would have been possible.
Local: Charles Conner, Nantahala Outdoor Center
Pick: French Broad River
The French Broad is a really interesting river for me, because it isn’t necessarily the best river for whitewater, it’s not the best float trip for a family, it’s not a “best trip” for any specific category, but as a whole it is a really solid combination of all of the aspects that make for a great day on the river. The water is warm, the scenery is really beautiful, the rapids are definitely big enough to satisfy the adventure side of paddling, but they are also playful enough that you can fall out and it’s not a big deal. It’s has a lot of great spot to swim around, it has a few big rocks to jump off of, great picnic spots; it’s got everything you’d want on a river. An interesting aspect is that it is purportedly the 3rd oldest river in the world, which makes for some really interesting geography that’s evident in the scenic landscapes along the river. A big bonus is that it’s close enough to Asheville that you can head back into town and grab dinner and a beer from some of the incredible restaurants and breweries. All in all, the French Broad is a great adventure for folks looking to get out and enjoy an incredible river.
Local: Thomas Grey, Mast General Store
Pick: Looking Glass Loop
The Looking Glass Loop is a really nice hike for people who just want to go on a fairly short day hike. For me, I love the trail because it’s such a good workout. You can run it, or just do a brief hike that shoots straight up the mountain. The whole loop only takes about an hour to an hour and a half. It’s also nice because when you get up to the top you can have a nice picnic, take in the beautiful view from the summit, and then take a nice, easy jaunt back down. If you still want to explore more after this hike, there are some other great trails in the area. My other favorite is to hike up past the fish hatchery along the river to John’s Rock. It’s just a beautiful area that I would recommend to everyone.
Local: Stuart Cowles, Climbmax
Pick: Table Rock
Table Rock is one of my favorite crags in the area. It’s just such a great climbing area. It has a nice variety of routes - a bunch of moderates, and even some harder routes - and the best part is that it is flat out beautiful. When you climb out there you get to experience a really unique experience because of the exposure. I like the accessible nature of the area, the beauty, and the climbing out there, one of the finest sections of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail runs through there; all of those factors combine to help me say that Table Rock is one of my favorite climbing areas in the state. My favorite climb at the area is unequivocally the North Ridge. It’s a multi-pitch route that has some exposure unlike any other route there. Right off the bat, within the first couple feet of the starting point, everything drops away as you move onto the climb and the feeling is just amazing. I like it specifically because you get the real alpine feeling of big exposure on the first pitch and some great climbing. Moving through the second pitch toward the summit involves some challenging route finding that takes you through some really neat features, some blocky roofs that bring the climber up to a true summit. You can do it in either two or three pitches, depending on how you climb it. The route was first climbed in 1970 by Bob Gillespie and Bob Mitchell, which shows the history of the area. The North Ridge is one of the most prominent features on Table Rock and is one of favorite climbs to guide and climb. It’s just spectacular because of the beauty, the great holds, the good protection the climb offers and a really unique summit experience that has some of the best views around.
Local: Russ Towers, Second Gear
Pick: Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is great because it isn’t too busy, traffic wise, it has great views and great climbing. What I like about the climbs is that they are steep, but not so steep that they destroy your legs. Most of them are fairly gradual, which is nice for road riding. Another great aspect of the Parkway is that it is accessible from a lot of different areas in Asheville, which allows you to link up a bunch of different roads and sections to make for some really nice rides. And the best part about being close to town is that you can hit up a big, hearty breakfast at Sunny Point Cafe in W. Asheville after a nice morning ride.
Local: Heather Martin, Asheville Amusement Center
Pick: Sam Knob Summit
My favorite adventure is finding a stream I haven’t seen before at the foot of a mountain and scrambling up it to the top. There’s nothing else that compares to boulder hopping up a steep creek with the beautiful scenery all around. When it comes to more traditional hikes, I like the Sam Knob Summit trail. It’s a great hike, with a nice climb, and a big reward when you make it to the top. Afterward, my favorite place to eat is Tupelo Honey downtown. If it’s a Friday night in the summer, one of the “must see” things in Asheville is to go to Pritchard Park and watch the drum circle. It’s
one of the things I love most about living in Asheville.
Local: Norm Blair, Jus Running
Pick: Shut In Ridge
Well, as a runner, my favorite run is the run that I’m on. But one of my favorite go-to runs is running the Shut In Ridge Trail. I like to start where the Parkway crosses Bent Creek Forest near the Arboretum and link up with the Shut In ridge trail. The trail is great because there are some great climbs and fast descents, but the best part is that it feels like you’re out in the middle of nowhere, but you’re really running in the midst of Asheville. The trail is single-track, which is a bit slower than running on a double track, but it’s more technical and challenging so it’s not at all boring. Single track keeps you on your toes. If you lose your focus and don’t pay attention, you’ll be flat on your face in no
time. When you’re running Shut In Ridge, you’ve got to keep your concentration and focus on every step, and that’s what I love about running out there.
Local: Dave Donnell, Asheville Outdoor Center
Pick: French Broad River
I’d have to say my favorite pick would be the Bent Creek to Asheville Outdoor Center. It’s a seven mile stretch that goes through the Biltmore property. It’s a really pretty stretch that’s easy to do. Its one of those places where it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but you’re really in the middle of Asheville. This stretch of river runs through the 8000 acres of the Biltmore Estate and you do see the Biltmore Mansion from the river, which is a highlight for a lot of people, but for me, the best part is the extreme quiet that you can find out there. Because it is wandering through Biltmore’s backyard, there’s nothing out there. If you really want to get away from it, that’s a great place to do it. If you just want to get out there and relax, just chill and float, then this is the section you need to do.
Green’s Lick (Bent Creek, Mountain Bike)
// 6 Comments » // Asheville Biking
With 2.5 miles of advanced single-track that drops 800 feet in a constant barrage of high berms, rolling whoop-dedos, and big jumps, Green’s Lick is a local favorite. For about a two hour ride we like Deer Lake Lodge, left on Wolf Branch, right on 479E, left on Ingles Field Gap, at Five Points straight to North Boundary to Green’s Lick. Bomb Green’s Lick down, right on 479C and left on Lower Sidehill to get back to the parking lot.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E and get off on Exit 2, NC 191. Turn left and head south on NC 191 for 2 miles. Turn right at the stoplight onto Bent Creek Ranch Road about 2 miles. We like the parking lot off 479 (dirt road) just past the Hardtimes trailhead parking.
Magic Cycles
// 1 Comment » // Boone Adventure Directory, Boone Biking Directory
Magic Cycles (est. 1993) is a locally owned and operated, full service bicycle retailer and repair shop located in beautiful downtown Boone, North Carolina. We are the area’s premier bike shop for discriminating riders. Whether you’re a beginner and just getting started or a pro looking to shave grams of weight or seconds off your time, we have a professionally trained staff to take care of your needs. We are committed to providing you with the best bike shop experience imaginable.
www.magiccycles.com / 828-265-2211 / 140 S. Depot St. Boone, NC
Zaloo’s Canoes
// 1 Comment » // Boone Adventure Directory, Boone Family Directory, Boone Perfect Weekend Directory, Boone River Directory
Zaloo’s Canoes is located on the South Fork of the New River and specializes in canoe, kayak, and tubing trips. Zaloo’s Canoes is the oldest and friendliest outfitter in the Blue Ridge Mountains with a prime riverside location just 4 miles from Jefferson, NC. Thirty one miles of river below Zaloo’s is part of the New River State Park with three campgrounds that make for great two to five day canoe and kayak camping trips.
www.zaloos.com / 800-535-4027 / 3874 NC Hwy 16 South Jefferson, NC
Grand Prize Package - March 2011 Drawing
// No Comments » // Grand Prize
NEMO Go Go Tent
TOTAL VALUE: $808
1 NEMO Go Go Tent
1 High Gear Axio Max Moss Altimeter Watch
1 Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
1 Earthsports Design Fanny Pack
1 Ex Officio Men’s Trip’r™ Macro Plaid Short Sleeve Shirt
Watershed Largo Tote
Earthsports Design Fanny Pack
1 Ex Officio Go-To Sleeveless Dress
1 Ex Officio Give-N-Go® Underwear
1 Watershed ZipDry Largo Tote
1 Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide Book
1 RiverLink Gift Package
ENO's DoubleNest Hammock
July Prize Package - July 1, 2010 Drawing
// No Comments » // June Drawing
Axio Mini
TOTAL VALUE $538
1 High Gear Axi0 Mini White Altimeter Watch
1 Earthsports Design Fanny Pack
1 Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide Book
2 Climbmax Bouldering Packages
1 RiverLink Gift Package
2 Day Passes from Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
1 Entry to the Sunset Stampede Running Race
2 Night Stay at the Hampton Inn-Brevard
1 Year of the Perfect Christmas Book from Mitchell County
July Winner Leah Smith
August Prize Package - August 14, 2010 Drawing
// 1 Comment » // July Drawing
Ex Officio Go-To® Sleeveless Dress
TOTAL VALUE $512
1 Eagles Nest Outfitters DoubleNest Hammock
1 Ex Officio Women’s Go-To® Sleeveless Dress
2 Nantahala Outdoor Center Rafting Passes
1 Earthsports Design Fanny Pack
1 $25 Gift Card from Mast General Store
1 Kleen Kanteen Water Bottle from Mast General Store
1 Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide Book
1 RiverLink Gift Package
2 person Hannah Ford River Adventure Gift Certificates from Headwaters Outfitters
1 Appalachian Amusement Center Gift Package
2 Climbmax Bouldering Packages
3 Day Passes from Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
August Winner Coty Ferguson and “Boss”
September Prize Package - September 2010 Drawing
// No Comments » // September Drawing
TOTAL VALUE $572
1 Eagles Nest Outfitters Doublenest Hammock
1 Ex Officio Give-N-Go® Underwear
1 Weekend Pass to October LEAF event
$100 Jus Running Gift Certificate
2 Entries to 2011 Sunset Stampede
2 Climbmax Bouldering Packages
lobz Primaloft Ear Warmers
Sof Sole Antifriction Socks
Polar Max Women’s Pants + Long Sleeve Base Layer
Polar Max Men’s Long Sleeve Base Layer
RLX Polo Sport Women’s Steamin Shorts
Riverlink Gift Package
October Prize Package - October 2010 Drawing
// No Comments » // October Drawing
TOTAL VALUE: $599
1 Cerro Torre Motier Hydration Pack
1 Vaude Waterproof Biking Pannier
1 Eagles Nest Outfitters Doublenest Hammock
RLX Polo Sport Backpack
RLX Polo Sport Women’s Pants
Sof Sole Hiking Insole
Sof Sole Antifriction Socks
Nuun Bottle and Hydration Tablets
lobz Primaloft Ear Warmers
Swix Ski Hat
Polar Max Women’s Long Sleeve Base Layer
Marmot Camping Cup
2 Climbmax Bouldering Packages
2 passes to the October Southern Highland Craft Guild Craft Fair
Riverlink Gift Package
Cedar Rock Trail (Dupont State Forest, Mountain Bike)
// 3 Comments » // Asheville Biking
Short but sweet, the 1.5-mile Cedar Rock Trail features a steep climb up eastern slickrock (large slabs of granite) topping out with killer views of Dupont State Forest. Take Big Rock trail from the top of the mountain for a fast, technical downhill over slickrock and single-track. We recommend a loop that includes Corn Mills Shoal to the Little River Trail to Cedar Rock Trail to Big Rock Trail. This loop is about 3 miles. Dupont has many trails so we highly recommend downloading a map from the site below or stopping at a local outdoor store to buy a map.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-26 E to Exit 40, and take NC 280 toward Pisgah Forest. Turn left (east) on US 64 and go 3.7 miles to the Texaco station in Penrose. Turn right on Crab Creek Rd. and continue 4.3 miles. Turn south 5.3 miles on DuPont Road that turns into Staton Road. Go past the Hooker Falls and Buck Forest Access Areas to a left at the end of Staton Road on Cascade Lakes Road. The Corn Mills Shoals Access Area is 0.8 miles on the right.
BRP to Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Parkway South, Road Ride, MP 388 to MP 417)
// No Comments » // Asheville Biking
Blue Ridge Parkway
Roughly 27 miles of steady climbing on one of the most famous roads in America. You’ll pass several impressive overlooks, pedal through a handful of tunnels, and cap off the ride with a view of Looking Glass Rock, a towering dome of granite deep in Pisgah National Forest. Turn around and enjoy the downhill back to town.
Directions from Asheville: Head south out of Asheville on McDowell St./US 25 S. This turns in to US 25 S/Hendersonville Rd. just past the Biltmore Estate. Follow this all the way to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once on the Parkway, park anywhere and head south.
Town Mountain Hill Climb (City, Road Ride)
// 1 Comment » // Asheville Biking
A classic road ride with a 1500-foot climb up Town Mountain that begins on the edge of downtown. The twisty ride features cityscape and mountain views. Hook it up with the Blue Ridge Parkway (north) and descend the steep Elk Mountain for a 30+ mile “in town” ride.
Directions from Asheville: This ride is downtown off College St. right before you hit the Beaucatcher Tunnel which is east of town. Town Mountain Rd. is a left turn off College St. as you head east. The best bet for parking is any of the businesses on College St.
Explorer/Lower Sidehill Loop (Bent Creek, Mountain Bike)
// 1 Comment » // Asheville Biking
This intermediate 6.5-mile loop traverses some of Bent Creek’s most diverse terrain and features creek crossings, optional log rides, diverse woodlands & wildlife clearings with tremendous mountain vistas. After the ride be sure to cool off in Lake Powhatan.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E and get off on Exit 2, NC 191. Turn left and head south on NC 191 for 2 miles. Turn right at the stoplight onto Bent Creek Ranch Road about 2 miles. We like the parking lot off 479 (dirt road) just past the Hardtimes trailhead parking.
Choose Your Asheville Adventure
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