Asheville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, rock climb, kayak, and indulge in delicious meals. Here’s a sample itinerary for the perfect weekend in Asheville:
Day 1:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Early Girl Eatery, a local favorite known for its delicious farm-to-table cuisine. After breakfast, head to Chimney Rock State Park, just a short drive from Asheville. Take a challenging hike to the top of Chimney Rock for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After your hike, cool off with a refreshing kayak trip down the French Broad River. Several local outfitters offer guided tours and rentals, so you can easily explore the river at your own pace.
In the evening, head to Rhubarb, a farm-to-table restaurant that specializes in locally sourced ingredients and creative cuisine. Enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine as you soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2:
Start your day early and head to Looking Glass Rock, a popular rock climbing destination just outside of Asheville. With its challenging routes and stunning views, Looking Glass Rock is a must-visit for any rock climbing enthusiast. If you’re new to the sport, there are several local guides and outfitters who can provide instruction and gear rentals.
After your climb, head to nearby Slick Rock Falls for a refreshing swim in the cool mountain waters. This stunning waterfall is a hidden gem that is perfect for a relaxing afternoon dip.
In the evening, head to The Bull and Beggar, a cozy restaurant that serves up delicious seafood and French-inspired cuisine. Enjoy a glass of wine and a delicious meal as you unwind after a day of outdoor adventure.
Day 3:
Start your day with a hike in Pisgah National Forest, which offers miles of stunning hiking trails that wind through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls. Some of the best hikes in the area include the Triple Falls Trail and the Graveyard Fields Loop.
After your hike, head to the charming town of Black Mountain for a delicious lunch at My Father’s Pizza, which serves up mouth-watering pizza and other Italian favorites.
In the afternoon, head back to Asheville and explore the River Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood filled with galleries, studios, and shops. Grab a coffee at Summit Coffee Co. and browse the local art and crafts.
Wrap up your weekend with dinner at Cúrate, a Spanish tapas restaurant that has been named one of the best restaurants in the country. Enjoy a variety of small plates and delicious cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere.
With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant food and drink scene, and abundance of outdoor adventure, Asheville is the perfect destination for anyone who loves to hike, rock climb, kayak, and indulge in delicious meals.
Other Outdoor Adventure Ideas In Asheville
Explore the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay
Carrier Park and the French Broad River Park are the jewels of the 17-mile Wilma Dykeman RiverWay. At these two conjoined parks along Amboy Road, you can run or skate the paved greenways, fish from the piers, or pedal Asheville’s velodrome. Also be sure to check out the bocce fields, the dog park, volleyball and basketball courts, and softball fields.
Directions: Take I-240 W to Exit 1-B (Farmers Market, Hwy. 191). Turn left at the light and pass over I-240. Turn left at the very next light (I-240 E/ I-26 W) and stay in the right lane. Take Exit 1-C (Amboy Rd.). There are two parking areas along Amboy Rd.—Carrier Park is the first on your right; the French Broad River Park will be on your left a few miles down Amboy.
Mountain Bike the Biltmore Estate
Few people know the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate houses several miles of sweet singletrack and doubletrack open to mountain bikes. A separate Bike Pass gets you access to the system of overlapping loops through picturesque terrain ideal for beginner and intermediate riders. Pick up your Bike Pass at the Welcome Center when you enter the Estate.
Directions: Head south on McDowell St./US 25 S for 1.3 miles. Turn right on Approach Rd. into the Biltmore Estate.
Go Climbing
If you are looking to do some climbing at one of the best known climbing establishments in Asheville, head over to Climbmax Climbing Center. Head indoors to test your moves on over 4000 square feet of climbing space. If you want to feel the sunshine while climbing take a lap on their 40 foot outdoor climbing wall. The good thing about this climbing gym is that it has a challenge for all types of climbers—beginners, advanced, kids, adults, etc. Also, be sure to ask for Asheville’s own climbing guru—Stuart Cowles.
Directions: This is located in the heart of downtown on 43 Wall St.; one block over from the Grove Arcade.
Play Richmond Hill Disc Golf Course
This heavily wooded course was designed with abundant elevation changes. With its lengthy 6,093 feet, this full 18 hole course is arguably one of the most challenging and exciting woods courses in the country. Installed in 2001, this course was designed with the serious player in mind. The primary tee box placement is set for the advanced/professional player, although many holes contain alternate/amateur tee box placements. In 2009, look for work to begin on a hiking and mountain bike trail system.
Directions: Take Broadway St. from downtown, turn left onto Riverside Dr., right onto Pearson Bridge Rd., right onto Richmond Hill Dr. to parking area.
Fish the French Broad
RiverLink operates 10 public access points along the French Broad River in Buncombe County. Drop a line at the Bent Creek River Park just south of town or the Hominy Creek River Park in West Asheville. Or head up Riverside Drive and paddle the class II rapids of the Ledges Whitewater Park.
Directions: Since there are 10 public access points we suggest going to riverlink.org for more info. To hit the Hominy Creek River Park head south on McDowell St./US 25 S for 1.7 miles. Merge on to I-40 W for 3.5 miles. Take Exit 47 for NC 191 towards West Asheville for .2 miles. Turn right at Brevard Rd./NC 191 for .3 miles. Turn right onto Hominy Creek Rd.—the park will be on your left.
