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...
If you enjoy tough, steep climbs and seldom-used trails, then check out Vineyard Gap at the Turkey Pen access to Pisgah. At just over 4.5 miles round trip, this is an out-and-back hike to a quiet section of the South Fork of Mills River. At the top of Forge Mountain, there are some pretty...
John Rock Hiking Trail: If you’re looking for killer views, then John Rock is the hike to take. There are a couple of trail approach options, either the long way (about 6 miles) or the shorter way (about 4 miles), but either way you’ll be rewarded with views of Looking Glass...
Coontree Gap Hiking Loop: For a challenging 3.7 mile loop with nice elevation changes and varying micro- environments, Coontree Loop is a great hike to check out. The trail begins across the road from the well known Coontree Picnic Area – where there is super fun rock to jump off...
Bennett Gap Hiking Trail: The 2.9-mile-long trail requires a car switch if you want to avoid backtracking. Most begin from Bennett Gap and travel downhill. This trail is mainly a ridgetop trail and affords nice views of the Pisgah Ledge, Looking Glass Rock, the Avery Creek valley, and...
Dupont State Forest: In Transylvania County, the place known as the Land of Waterfalls thanks to its high concentration of beautiful waterfalls, few places are as spectacular as DuPont State Forest. Few places in North Carolina offer the opportunity to view towering waterfalls...
Cradle of Forestry in America Heritage Site: The Cradle of Forestry in America is a 6,500 acre historic site within the Pisgah National Forest. Congress set the Cradle aside to commemorate the beginning of forest conservation in the United States. The Cradle of Forestry tells the story of...
A lesser known gem, Holmes Educational State Forest is located just over the Henderson County line from Transylvania County – about 2 minutes past the road to DuPont State Recreational Forest. This little 240 acre beauty is home to the “Talking Trees Trail” – a...
Courthouse Creek Fly Fishing: Beginning as a series of cold springs below Devil’s Courthouse, Courthouse Creek tumbles down the mountain to form the headwaters of the North Fork French Broad. Its crystal clear waters are chock full of wild rainbows in the 5- to 10-inch range...
Little River Fly Fishing: Located in DuPont State Forest in eastern Transylvania County, the Little River is the most recent stream in our area to be designated Delayed Harvest (which is catch-and-release from October through May.) In season, the state stocks 3,425 fish along just 1.8...
Avery Creek Fly Fishing: Avery Creek is a small tributary of the Davidson near Brevard that is a critical spawning ground for rainbows and browns. It is classified as a Wild Trout stream, which has no closed season and allows a limited amount of harvest (though we recommend you practice...
Looking Glass Creek Fly Fishing: Starting high on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this major tributary of the Davidson is paralleled by Hwy. 276 as it drops steeply through the Pisgah Ranger District. The half-mile stretch below Looking Glass Falls receives the most attention from fly anglers...
North Fork French Broad Fly Fishing: The North Fork is a wide-open stream well suited for fly fishing. Like its sister to the west, the North Fork runs through a deep, rocky gorge, plunging over several major waterfalls on its way to the mainstream of the French Broad River near...
Davidson River Dog-Friendly Trail: Take Fido out for a hike along the scenic Davidson River Trail that passes through beautiful hardwood forests near the Cradle of Forestry. There are miles of trails that run alongside the river. On most days trout can be seen swimming around in the pools...
Trace Ridge Dog-Friendly Trail: At about 5 miles round trip, Trace Ridge Trail climbs from the Mills River area up to the Beaver Dam Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views from the Parkway are well worth the journey. For those that are wanting to cut the distance in half, there...
Avery Creek Dog-Friendly Trail: This moderate hike offers a great opportunity for you and your pet to get out and explore Pisgah National Forest and see one of the roughly 200 waterfalls found near Brevard in Transylvania County. Avery Creek Falls is a great swimming hole and the cool...
Bradley Branch Dog Friendly Trail: Bradley Branch Trail is just over 5 miles, one way, with the other end at the Turkey Pen access to Pisgah National Forest. This is a great trail to do an out-and-back on, at whatever distance suits you. Or, if you’re able to leave a car at the...
Laurel Mountain Dog-Friendly Trail: Laurel Mountain Trail is for those that like a hike with higher mileage and a steep climb, and have a way to leave a car at one end. Leave a car at the Pisgah Inn off the Blue Ridge Parkway, and begin off of Yellow Gap Road in the North Mills River...
Price Lake Running Loop: The 2.7 mile Price Lake Loop within Julian Price Memorial Park takes runners around one of the most pristine mountain lakes in the High Country. The trail heads around the lake through dense forests and crosses over a series of small creeks via wooden boardwalks...
Boone Greenway Running Trails: With over 10 miles of mixed terrain in a variety of settings, the Greenway Trail provides the perfect opportunity for an afternoon adventure. The area features a wide range of trails that consist of a combination of winding paved roads and gentle gravel...
Moses Cone Park Running Trails: With over 25 miles of carriage roads weaving around an expansive area, the Moses Cone Park running trails are a great destination for runners who want to cover a lot of ground. From the Moses Cone Manor House, runners can opt to go through a tunnel beneath...
Boone Fork Trail Running: For those seeking a challenge, the 5 mile Boone Fork Trail is one of the High Country’s most stimulating and challenging running experiences. The difficulties of running this trail are legendary, making it a challenge best suited for only the most...
Wilson Creek Gorge: When it comes to natural beauty, the Wilson Creek Gorge is unparalleled in regards to its bountiful supply of deep swimming holes, waterfalls, and long-range views of one of the most cherished wilderness areas in the High Country. The area is renowned for its...
Watauga River Paddling: The Watauga has a long-standing and well-regarded reputation for high-quality whitewater. Though today much more difficult runs have been established and tamed, the Watauga remains no slouch and demands respect regardless of water level. There are a variety of pin...
Located just a short drive from Linville, North Carolina, Linville Falls is featured several different drops that begin in a twin set of upper falls before moving down a small gorge, and culminating in a high-volume 45-foot drop. According to wikipedia.com, Linville Falls has the highest...
New River Adventure Camping: The New River was dedicated as a National Scenic River in 1976, and for good reason – this gentle river is home to a vibrant ecosystem and flows through the pastoral landscape of gently rolling hills and rugged mountains. With 32 miles of river to...