Audubon Swamp Garden (Magnolia Plantation and Gardens): By the time most visitors to Magnolia Plantation have walked the ornate gardens, navigated the topiary maze, and played in the petting zoo, they breeze by the Audubon Swamp Garden on their way out the gate. But the 60-acre...
Edisto Beach State Park (Edisto Island): Perhaps S.C.’s finest coastal state park, trails at Edisto include a 1.7 mile walk to Spanish Mount, a Native American shell mound dated to 2,000 B.C. Half-mile loops circle the maritime forest and marshland, where deer, osprey, and bobcat abound...
Hike To Crabtree Falls: Hikers and waterfall lovers wanting a moderate to strenous hike should add the beautiful 2.5-mile Crabtree Falls hike to their list. This is a fairly difficult hike with some sections featuring steep inclines and rocky terrain. Generally speaking, most hikers...
Wilson Creek Trails: Part of the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest, the Wilson Creek area is a destination unto itself for outdoor adventure sports. With fantastic vistas, ridges more than 4000 feet high, whitewater rapids and trails that travel to spectacular waterfalls, Wilson Creek...
Bent Creek Mountain Bike Trails: Over 30 miles of mountain bike trails make Bent Creek the go-to spot for Asheville locals looking to get in some fun, flowy miles during the work week or on weekends. Whether looking for long gravel routes for training or seeking out steep technical...
Deep Creek Trail (Bryson City): This is a great place to walk, run or mountain bike near Bryson City. Head off up the level road grade along the wide, green, and pristine Deep Creek. Soon the sound of the stream rises to a higher pitch and as you amble up to 5 benches on the riverside...
I’on Swamp Trail (Francis Marion National Forest): This easy, 2 mile loop follows the abandoned rice-field dykes along the remnants of Witheywood Plantation. The narrow causeways pass through bald cypress wetlands and swamp, providing close sightings of alligators and a multitude of...
Canoe the Sequatchie (Sequatchie Valley): About 30 miles north of Chattanooga is the gentle Sequatchie River. The river winds southward through the valley, criss-crossed by old bridges and lined with hardwood stands. For a gentle float with plenty of opportunities to get wet, we suggest...
Explorer Loop & Lower Sidehill (Bent Creek Mountain Biking Trails): 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. The...
Town Mountain Road Ride (Asheville Cycling Routes): 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...
Kitsuma Mountain Bike Trail: Kitsuma in the Pisgah National Forest is one of the more “famous” mountain bike trails in the Asheville area. So famous in fact Litespeed named one of their bikes after this trail. The suggested ride is a 10-mile loop with close to 2,200 feet of elevation...
The Waterfalls of DuPont (Cedar Rock): When it comes to outdoor recreation in the Brevard area, there are few things more enticing than going to explore one of the many beautiful waterfalls found in the region. In fact, there are few places anywhere with more amazing waterfalls...
Panthertown Fly Fishing: Wild streams like Courthouse Creek or the streams of Panthertown Valley offer some of the best native Southern Appalachian Brook trout fishing in the region. The fish are small in size, but their beautiful colors more than make up for it. These small streams often...
Loop Through a Historic Sea Island (Wadmalaw Island):Just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, the agrarian island of Wadmalaw still exists much as it has for a century. Liberia Rd. (SC 68) allows bicyclists to ride a 9.8 mile loop, or continue down Bears Bluff Rd. another 4.3 miles to...
Ride Between Civil War Battlefields (James Island): Not much remains of Fort Lamar on James Island, site of the Battle of Secessionville, save a few earthen mounds and an excellent views. Begin at the fort and pedal back towards Folly Rd. Take a left on Old Military Rd. and follow to...
Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail (Francis Marion National Forest): Revolutionary War General Francis Marion earned his “Swamp Fox” nickname by attacking British soldiers and then retreating into the wetlands and coastal pine forests. Mountain bikers can follow in his footsteps...
Upper Creek Falls: Known as one of the most unique and popular swimming holes in the area, Upper Creek Falls is a must for all explorers who like the thrill of natural waterslides. The trail begins on the left side of the parking lot and descends into the gorge by way of a series of...
Blowing Rock Boulders: First tapped for their bouldering potential in 1985 by Joey Henson, the Blowing Rock Bouldering Area features a wide-range of problems from V0 to v10. With flat landings, incredible rock quality, a beautiful forest setting, and more than enough problems for the...
Run the West Ashley Greenway (West Ashley): Paralleling Highway 17 but far enough away to escape the noise, this 10.5 mile hard-packed dirt path begins at the Ashley River and continues to the Stono River at John’s Island. You’ll pass through neighborhoods and parks as the route...
Climb the Ravenel Bridge and Boat Back (Downtown Charleston): With its 575 feet of elevation gain, the Ravenel Bridge is the closest thing to running up a mountain in the Lowcountry. The annual Cooper River Bridge Run is among the nation’s premiere races, but runners can enjoy the...
Some quality fishing can be found right in downtown Chattanooga. Fishing around the docks and the Rip Rap can produce some quality bass. For canoe and kayak access, head to Coolidge Park to launch your boat underneath the Market St. Bridge. Directions from Chattanooga: From I-24, take 27...
Intrepid fisherman looking for a fun morning should plan on fishing below the Chickamauga Dam on the shoals behind Chattanooga State and expect to catch a mixed bag of Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and an assortment of other species. Both fly and conventional tackle may...
Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail (Francis Marion National Forest): The Palmetto Trail, signature project of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, crosses the state from the mountains to the sea with the Awendaw Passage its coastal terminus. The 7 mile Awendaw Passage passes through...
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Tennessee River: Paddlers looking to get in a great workout while having a blast can rent a stand up paddle board before heading out on a variety of adventures near Chattanooga. The primitive, secluded beaches of Edward’s Island make for a great afternoon...
Experience a Real Lowcountry Swamp (Harleyville): When most people think of the Lowcountry they think of beaches. That beach mentality often keeps folks from participating in an authentic and rewarding swamp experience. Located in Four Holes Swamp and off the beaten path, the Audubon...
Biking Around Lake Moultrie (Lake Moultrie): For 26 miles, the Palmetto Trail skirts the banks of Lake Moultrie following a wide dike that’s often immediately along the shore. The packed dirt trail is flat which allows for a great family ride for all levels of riders. The final 3 miles at...
Ferry Ride to Bull Island (Awendaw): This adventure combines all the best of what Charleston has to offer—a pristine coastal wilderness, a beautiful ferry ride, and a “boneyard” beach. Bull Island is part of the 66,267 acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge which was established in...
Explore a Waterfront Park (Charleston): Boasting epic views of the harbor, downtown, and the area’s longest pier at 1,250 feet, the Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park is an ideal family friendly destination. The 22-acre park is cast in the shadow of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and includes a...
Marrington Plantation Mountain Bike Trail (Goose Creek): Hardcore mountain bicyclists will forever rag on any trail 20 miles from the Carolina coast, but don’t be mistaken — Marrington is a legitimate ride. Although the 12-mile perimeter loop never drops or rises more than 20 feet at...
Anyone who visits Grandfather Mountain discovers a place that inspires awe through natural wonders. You’ll never experience the same mountain twice: today you might come face-to-face with an owl, another day you may see rare wildflowers in bloom. Just talk to one of our naturalists to...
Paddle The Rocky Broad River: Western North Carolina’s Rocky Broad is a river that gets up and goes, making up in spirited decent for what it lacks in length. An awesome challenge for all levels of whitewater kayaking. The Rocky Broad River water is clean...
Clear Creek Trail | South Mountains State Park: The two-mile-long Clear Creek Trail is the only trail on the western side of the park at present. This “out and back” trail starts at the Clear Creek Dam and ascends into the Clear Creek Watershed for a quiet, reflective retreat into nature...
107 Boulders | Western Carolina University: The 107 Boulders are located just a short drive from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and make for a fun local climbing spot about 20 minutes from the college campus at Western Carolina University. The boulders get their name from...
Hike Shortoff Mountain In Linville Gorge: The Linville Gorge is formed by the Jonas Ridge on the east and Linville Mountain on the west and is bisected by the Linville River which drops 2,000 feet into the valleys below. The result of this incredible elevation change is a rugged area...
Catawba River Fishing (Morganton): The tailrace below Lake James flows east to the Atlantic Ocean and is the only Special Regulated Trout Waters in NC which requires a special trout fishing license. The Catawba River in Burke County offers universally accessible piers, canoe, and...
Catawba River Paddling: Below Linville Dam on Lake James, the Catawba River flows through scenic woodlands, around islands, and over a series of small and exciting rapids until it reaches the nearby town of Morganton. The river features beautiful scenery with clean, cold and clear...
Paddle Lake Lure: There are several options available for access to the lake. You can purchase a daily, weekly, monthly or annual boat permit through the Town of Lake Lure. Launches for boats, kayaks and canoes are located at Washburn Marina and behind the ABC Liquor Store on...
Hike Chimney Rock: Chimney Rock is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in North Carolina. With its wide range of outdoor experiences, this is a great family-friendly destination for those seeking the best of the mountains in one place. The Park features five unique hiking...
Run Into the Sunset (Folly Beach): There’s hardly a better spot near Charleston to watch the day end then from the county park at the southernmost end of Folly Beach. The final mile of sand on the island is undeveloped, and rounds off into a spit that overlooks the Stono River...
Navigate the Trails at James Island County Park (James Island): This 640 acre public gem is five minutes from downtown and includes 5 miles of paved trails for running and biking. They wind around a lake, through woodlands, and along the banks of the Stono River and salt marsh...
Cross the Largest Cable-Stay Bridge in the U.S. (Downtown Charleston): Forget the horse-drawn carriages: Charleston is best viewed by bicycle. Park at the Visitors’ Center on Meeting St., then head over to King St. and pedal north 1 mile to Huger St. Turn left, then turn right on...
Conquer the Isle of Palms Connector (Mt. Pleasant): At close to 2.25 miles long, the IOP Connector Bridge crosses the Intercoastal Waterway and connects the Isle of Palms with Mt. Pleasant. The deceptive climb up to the crest of the bridge rewards you with outstanding views of the...
Fish The Hiawassee River: The trophy section of the Hiwassee River is located between the Appalachian Dam and Reliance, TN. Fly fishing standard May Fly hatches with dry flies in the spring, and fishing with nymphs year-round, produce Rainbow and Brown Trout. In the summer, anglers...
Fly Fish Sewanee: If you’re willing to drive a little ways, you can fish some of the best trout water in the southeast. Enjoy a scenic drive through the quaint towns of Cowan and Winchester to Tim’s Ford Dam. Fishing is strong throughout the year here, offering anglers ample opportunity...
Fish Racoon Mountain (Chattanooga): Anglers with power boats may choose to launch at Raccoon Mountain, the same launch site used by the Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic. This section of the river is located in the heart of the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge and offers some excellent fishing...
Curtis Creek Boulders (Old Fort, Pisgah National Forest): A nice collection of conglomerate boulders located just a short drive from Asheville make for a good destination when looking for some new rock to play on. The largest boulder features some fun moderates, while satellite...
Corner Rock Boulder (Big Ivy Wilderness, Barndardsville): Big, steep and concentrated: this boulder is like a little crag of problems. Perched above a creek in the majestic Pisgah National Forest this boulder is a true gem. Generally speaking, the boulder has a few warm-ups in the V2 to...
Stony Bald Boulders (Blue Ridge Parkway): The Stony Bald Boulders are on the south face of Stony Bald, NC at over 4000′ and up the hill from the Shut-in Ridge trail. The area is somewhat developed for bouldering, but still has opportunities for further development with a few projects...
Nolichucky River – Class II, III, IV: Passing through remote wilderness, the Nolichucky combines the best of both for adventure and nature lovers. The free-flowing river runs strongest in the spring, traveling through a remote gorge on the full-day paddle. Challenge the Nolichucky’s...
Fly Fishing In Valle Crucis: Fishing in the small town of Valle Crucis is a great option that is close to Boone and good for a fun afternoon of fly fishing for mostly stocked trout that include a good mix of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. The clear, swift flowing water of the Watauga...
Bearwallow Mountain (Asheville): The hike up Bearwallow Mountain is a strenuous two-mile round trip hike with over 500 feet in elevation gain. The mostly grassy summit of Bearwallow Mountain stands at 4,232 feet above sea level and is the highest peak in the Bearwallow Highlands Range...
Are you ready to take the family on an adventure they won’t soon forget? If so, check out a few of our picks for best family adventures in the Boone area. We’ve got everything from ziplining to nature hikes to picnics by a beautiful river. What more can you ask for? Valle...
The French Broad River offers all of the aspects that make for a great day on the river. The water is warm and the huge boulders and rugged terrain create a spectacular backdrop. The rapids are definitely big enough to satisfy the adventure side of paddling, but they are also...
True to its name, the French Broad River winds boldly along the southern edge of this Recreation Zone. In the heart of the zone lies Paint Creek, where fishing, wading, and picnicking are popular activities. Water-based opportunities also include driving along scenic Brush Creek or warm...
The easiest of the park’s nature trails make nice walks. The Spruce-Fir Self-Guiding Nature Trail is a half-mile wander through a mossy, high elevation Canadian Zone forest at the park’s highest elevations. It’s very level and easy, but you will need to stride along sections of single...
For a longer but still gradual walk, Big Creek is great as an out and back waterfall hike of 4 miles. Take a left up the gated road just back from the picnic area parking. The old railroad grade rises easily its entire length along one of the park’s most scenic streams. At 1.4 miles...
This 2-mile greenway style path between Gatlinburg and the Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great walk, run or bike ride. The path winds along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River beside Newfound Gap Road. It passes under the Gatlinburg Bypass and crosses the river at one point. You’ll...
One of the park’s best walks combines two separate experiences. The 1.5-mile ORT leads from the Mountain Farm Museum, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, to the town of Cherokee–or from Cherokee to the farm. Hiking either way (or out and back for a 3-mile trip) offers a major dose of...
Float the Lower Pigeon (N 35.8191, W -83.1568): Downstream of the river’s typical rafting section, the Pigeon’s calmer stretches offer perfect introductory whitewater for children as young as three years old. In between mild Class I and II rapids, calm stretches allow for swimming and...
Paddle Fontana Lake: With 240 miles of shoreline, 90 percent of which is owned and protected by the National Park Service or US Forest Service, Fontana Lake is a fantastic place for flat-water paddling. Portions of the 29-mile lake offer unobstructed views of the Smoky’s highest peak...
With your hands as your paddles, there’s no way to get closer to the water than tubing. Tube rental companies border Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering rides to put-ins or easy directions to the one-mile walk upstream. Deep Creek offers two sections — the narrower whitewater of...
With its higher center of gravity, canoeing whitewater can seem more daunting than kayaking or rafting, but it was in canoes that the first adventurers took on the Smoky Mountains’ rapids. Whether you try out the newer sit-in-the-center solo whitewater canoes or a traditional two-seater...
Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & Van Hook Glade Campground Van Hook Glade Campground is approximately four miles from the heart of Highlands, NC in Nantahala National Forest and very close to Franklin, NC. This small, secluded campground is directly across the street from the...
South Mountains State Park: Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the piedmont. The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall...
Richmond Hill Park (Mountain Biking, Disc Golf, Dog Friendly): Located just minutes from downtown Asheville, Richmond Hill Park offers disc golfers and mountain bikers in Asheville an easy opportunity to get outdoors and into the woods. The park offers more than three miles (with plans to...
Ready to kick back, relax and take in the scenic beauty of the mountains from the seat of your boat? If the answer is yes, then the Biltmore Estate section of the French Broad River Paddle Trail may be just what you’re after. When it comes to a relaxing summer adventure...
When thinking of the lazy days of summer, who can resist bobbing down the river on an inner tube? The Brevard area has a couple of great options for some floatin’ fun either on the French Broad River with a trip through Headwater Outfitters or on the Davidson River with rental tubes...
Sliding Rock in Brevard is an incredible adventure that is consistently ranked as one of the best swimming holes in the U.S. and, as a result, draws big crowds during summer months. We can’t blame them though, as the sloping waterfall creates a natural waterslide that is a lot...
Wilson Creek Fly Fishing: Because of Wilson Creek Wild & Scenic Area’s fantastic vistas from ridges more than 4000 feet high, numerous whitewater rapids and trails that travel to spectacular waterfalls, fly fishing Wilson Creek is hard to beat. The Wilson Creek watershed is a must-do...
Float The Holston | Smallmouth Fishing: The Holston Proper is a smallmouth fishery that offers anglers year round opportunities. Spring, summer, and fall are the primary fishing seasons, but there are numerous respectable fishing days throughout the winter. It is one of the most varied...
New River Smallmouth Fishing: Considered one of the oldest rivers in the world, second only to the Nile, the New River flows north from Watauga County. The confluence of the North and South Forks in Ashe County transforms the New River into a larger, floatable river––giving anglers...
Nolichucky River Smallmouth Fishing: From its origin in North Carolina at the confluence of the Toe and Cane Rivers, the “Chucky”, as the locals call it, comes out of the rugged mountains into the quiet town of Erwin, Tennessee. Our trips begin from here and work their way down river...
Just west of Fontana Lake, this isolated stream is a wilderness gem that includes backcountry campsites not far from Highway 28. A medium-width stream, much of its waters were swallowed by the damming of Fontana Lake, and it’s now much shorter than its name entails. Hike along the trail...
Despite paralleling Newfound Gap Road and being known as one of the best fishing streams in the mountains, it’s relatively easy to find a place to yourself along the Little River’s West Prong. Loaded with rainbow and brook trout, anglers find easy access downstream of the Chimneys Picnic...
Located in the Greenbriar section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Little Pigeon River boasts perhaps the most beautiful fishing locale in the Smokies. A medium-large stream, rainbow trout make up the majority of the fish you’ll find here. Easily accessible from Gatlinburg...
Tucked beneath the towering summit of Shortoff Mountain and the Linville Gorge, Lake James State Park offers visitors a number of outdoor adventure opportunities. With more than 150 miles of mostly wooded, scenic shoreline, the lake is a great destination for fishing, paddling and boating...
Nowhere Boulders | Brevard: This small bouldering area features a handful of short, but fun climbs and is worth a quick stop when in the Brevard area if you’re looking for some easy to moderate boulder problems to play on when in the area. There are a few boulders located just off...
Whitewater Falls Hiking: Whitewater Falls is believed by many to be the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and is measured at 411′ in height. The multi-tiered waterfall is easily accessible by car and provides a quarter mile walkway to an overlook. Additional...
10 Outdoor Adventures In Hendersonville Presented By Jump Off Rock: For a fun and easy adventure close to town, we like Jump Off Rock: a scenic overlook that provides a panoramic view of rollingpastures and the distant mountain ranges of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah National Forest. There...
Transylvania County and the Brevard, North Carolina area is known as the Land of Waterfalls and can claim over 200 waterfalls within the county thanks in large part because it is one of the rainiest places in all of Western North Carolina. All of that water pouring down off the...
Boone fly fishing consists of beautiful mountain streams brimming with wild and stocked trout. With delayed harvest trout fishing options, wild trout waters and great places to take a guided float trip for fishing, the High Country is home to some of the Southeast’s best fly fishing...
Craggy Pinnacle Hike (Blue Ridge Parkway): Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, this is a moderate hike of around 1.4 miles total roundtrip. The hike begins at Craggy Dome parking area and heads up through changing scenery and a series of gnarled trees on a beautiful...
Buffalo Creek Park Mountain Biking: This 200-acre park offers the first opportunity for a mountain experience that will challenge your fitness and offer great views and varied terrain. This trail is the first loop at Buffalo Creek Park and provides a strong shot of climbing without harsh...
The Pinnacle Mountain Climb outside of Saluda is arguably the toughest climb in the area and is part of a 17-mile section of road that can be accessed via Pinnacle Mountain Road not far from Flat Rock. The first climb is up to SkyTop Orchard, but that is a false summit. After travelling...
Pearson’s Falls | Saluda Adventures Pearson’s Falls is one of Saluda’s best adventures. The area gets its name thanks to the 90-foot-tall Pearson’s Falls, but there is far more to see than just the falls. The 268-acre wildlife and bird sanctuary of Pearson’s Falls...
Rainbow Falls Hiking Trail (Gorges State Park): The stunning and unique Rainbow Falls gets its name due to the beautiful rainbow that forms on sunny days as a result of the spray from the 60-foot waterfall. Rainbow Falls is accessed through Gorges State Park and is just a short drive...
The mountains of North Carolina are blessed with an abundance of water and, in turn, a high concentration of beautiful waterfalls. With around 500 North Carolina waterfalls spread through the region, those in search of a tumbling cascade should certainly have no trouble finding one. But...
Hike Max Patch: Take in the most beautiful view on the AT in Madison County. On Max Patch, you are at 4,629 feet and, on a clear day, have a 360- degree panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains to the south and a glimpse of Mt. Mitchell to the east. If you have...
If you are looking for a high-adventure, heart-pumping whitewater experience, this is it! One of the steepest commercially-run sections of whitewater in the Southeast, the Upper Green consists of continuous class II and III rapids and two class IV’s. Green River Adventures is the only...
This 16.3-mile trail starts near N.C. Arboretum, and follows a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. With tough climbs and the long one-way mileage, most users opt for an out and back option, going whichever distance suits them. If you have a way to leave a vehicle, then there are plenty...
This trailhead is super close to the entrance to the forest, making it ideal for those short on time. At the back of the parking lot, take a left to head up away from the road for this almost 4 mile loop. The first section is an old road bed, and after short distance, Black Mountain Trail...
Running Moore Cove Falls Trail: Moore Cove Trail is a good Brevard running adventure that is suitable for the entire family. The first 150 feet of the trail are moderate, but the grade becomes easy for the remainder of the run. You will cross the creek three more times on good footbridges...
Running The Brevard Greenway: For those that prefer to pound the pavement rather than hit the trails, the Brevard Greenway is a great community asset. At just under 5 miles of trails, all but a small portion heading into Pisgah National Forest are paved. It’s easily accessible from...
Sycamore Cove Running Trail Loop: This trail – essentially a loop – is a nice run with a variety of vegetation types and scenery. The trail initially follows Starnes Branch amidst large hemlock trees. After crossing the branch, the trail becomes moderate in difficulty and...
For local trail runners, North Slope is something of a legacy. A favorite for it’s ease of access and perfect 3.7 mile loop, the North Slope trail begins and ends in the Davidson River Campground. This location also makes it a popular hike among campground guests, so during the high...
Dupont State Forest Trail Running: The 10,000 acre Dupont State Forest is the holy grail for runners that enjoy waterfalls along the trail. In Dupont, there are enough trail variations to keep all levels of adventurers excited even after multiple miles ran. Triple Falls, Hooker Falls...
Turkey Pen Hiking Loop: If you’re really up for a challenging loop, then this hike won’t disappoint – and it’s certainly not for the novice hiker. The initial climb out of the parking lot on Turkey Pen Trail heads straight up Sharpy Mountain for approximately 2 to...
A good mix or road bed and trail – Cove Creek is suitable for the novice hiker, yet even the avid outdoor’s person will enjoy the territory. Plus, if 2.5 miles round trip it’s too lax of a hiking journey, then be sure to sit and slide down the rock in the frigid river to...
Panthertown Valley Hiking Trails: Also known as the “Yosemite of the East”, Panthertown Valley is a rugged slice of approximately 6,300 acres that includes the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River, the East Fork of the Little Tennessee River, and numerous creeks and waterfalls...