Grandfather Mountain Profile Trail: The Grandaddy of all High Country hikes is this 7-mile round-trip trek to Calloway Peak, 5,646 ft. The views from the summit or nearby Watauga View are astounding and reach from the mountains to the Piedmont. Campsites are available for backpackers. The...
Mt. Jefferson State Park Hiking Trails: Mount Jefferson rises abruptly to more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding landscape, serving as a landmark for area motorists. Acquaint yourself with this mighty peak by viewing it first from the Mount Jefferson Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway...
This spectacular waterfall hike in downtown Blowing Rock follows New Year’s Creek past homes and into a wild chasm. The top of The Cascades is 0.8 miles (a 1.6 roundtrip). You can also see this waterfall from below on your way to the main observation deck atop Glen Burney Falls, at...
New River State Park Hiking Trails: Rugged hillsides, pastoral meadows and farmlands surround what is believed to be one of the oldest rivers in North America the New River. Its waters are slow and placid. Its banks are fertile and covered with wildflowers. Dedicated as a National Scenic...
Beacon Heights Hiking Trails: Beacon Heights on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Linville): This nearly 1-mile, easy to moderate hike puts you in the middle of the big picture with awesome views of Grandfather Mountain, and the dizzying drop to the Carolina Piedmont below. Cross the road behind...
Elk Knob State Park is one of the newest additions to the North Carolina State Parks System. Currently, it is in an interim development stage with a park office/contact station, a maintenance facility, picnic area, parking areas, a trail to the summit of Elk Knob, and backcountry camping...
Stone Mountain State Park Hiking Trails: Stone Mountain State Park is not immediately visible upon entering the park that bears its name, but this magnificent 600-foot granite dome is well worth the wait. Sunlight and shadows dance across a broad tapestry of stone. White-tailed deer...
Watauga County Dog Park: It’s a fact of life-most parks require that dogs be leashed. But the Watauga Humane Society’s Dog Park is the perfect place to let your dog run. This scenic three-and-a-half acre fenced meadow includes an airy hilltop where Fido can feel all the...
Green Knob Dog Friendly Trail: This little traveled 2.1-mile Green Knob Trail loop winds from a pond and stream to high meadows with great views. The variety of terrain on this trail has everything from lakeshore swim potential (starting or ending), a nice stream for drinks half way to...
Moses Cone Dog-Friendly Trails: With over 25 miles of carriage roads weaving around an expansive area, the Moses Cone Manor is a prime destination for runners who want to cover a lot of ground. From the Manor House, runners can opt to go through a tunnel beneath the Parkway and make a...
Boone Greenway Dog Friendly Trails: A beautiful paved walk meandering several miles along the New River, crossing a covered bridge, and several other stone and wooden bridges. Landscaped, with flowers, birds, butterflies, picnic tables and lovely park benches for resting. The Greenway...
Linville River Picnic Area: If your idea of a relaxing afternoon involves grilling out beside a fast moving stream brimming with hungry trout, then the Linville River Picnic Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway is your spot. The area features a wide range of different grills at various...
Valle Crucis Community Park: A 22 acre park just behind the landmark, nearly 130-year-old Mast General Store, is a family-friendly hotspot. There’s great birding in the park that includes a small wetland pond and gurgling stretch of the Watauga River. Take the easy, paved...
Mt. Jefferson State Park: West Jefferson is a small town with a lot of character just a short drive from Boone. The nearby Mt. Jefferson State Park provides visitors with a great opportunity to drive up and check out the view from one of the highest mountains in the area (4,684 ft.)...
For those looking to experience a taste of what the Linville Gorge has to offer, we have two recommendations on short hikes that end in great views. Get started by heading to Linville Falls, which can be accessed by a moderately steep 1-mile hike to the top of the two-tiered Linville...
Table Rock Climbing: When it comes to adventure climbing, the Linville Gorge ranks near the top. The rugged setting, tough approaches, and miles of towering cliff line offer climbers a chance to get out and explore the possibilities. For those more interested in easy approaches and fun...
Shiprock Rock Climbing: The crown jewel of the High Country is the phenomenal trad climbing area of Shiprock. Located on the northeastern flank of Grandfather Mountain, Shiprock offers climbers incredible views of Grandfather Mountain and the Pisgah Forest below. The area features...
Perfect for those interested in learning how to climb, or those looking to get in a quick workout in town, the Footsloggers climbing tower offers a great variety of routes for all skill levels. Rock Dimensions guide service offers a “Tower to Rock” day that allows participants...
Though the name might lead you to think otherwise, the Dump (aka Warpin’ Endorphin) is one of the most revered sport climbing spots in the area. With roadside access, a plethora of hard routes, and a handful of moderates, the area has been known to draw a crowd. The crag gets midday...
Some of the High Country’s best rock lies just below Grandfather Mountain on US 221. Over 20 different bouldering areas and crags offer everything from fun, moderate boulder problems like West Texas (v2) to rarely repeated climbs like Ishmael (5.13c). For bouldering, we like parking...
Blue Ridge Parkway Ride – Boone: Cycling in the High Country is known for its steep climbs, fast descents, and incredible vistas in between. The Hwy 221/Blue Ridge Parkway 50 mile loop is a quintessential High Country ride that provides cyclists with fast corners, a mix of great...
The Dark Mountain Trail is part of an ever-expanding trail system found at the W. Kerr Scott Reservoir. With huge berms, fast descents, and moderate climbs, the 7.5 mile Dark Mountain Trail rips around the mountainous terrain near Kerr Scott Lake. Other trails that should be on...
Beech Mountain is quickly becoming ground zero for some of the best riding in North Carolina. Mountain bikers can ride a lift to the top of Beech Mountain and bomb it down some of the steepest downhill trails in the Eastern U.S. For those not quite ready to let it rip on the steeps, the...
Valle Crucis To Beech Mtn Ride: Since Lance Armstrong’s return to Beech Mountain in 1995 as part of his training and recovery from cancer, this area has seen a marked increase in visitors hoping to take part in this legendary and inspirational ride. This 23-mile ride makes a...
Part run, part steep hike, the Lover’s Leap Loop follows the Appalachian Trail from downtown Hot Springs, along the French Broad River, and climbs the ridge to Lover’s Leap rock overlooking the river and the surrounding mountains. Take Lover’s Leap Trail back down the...
The Laurel Creek Trail, located within Pisgah National Forest near Hot Springs, is a moderate hike that traverses a beautiful forest alongside Big Laurel Creek and offers great access to some nice swimming holes. The mostly flat hike winds through the steep river gorge beside the river...
The tranquil and clear waters of Lake Julian with the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond make an excellent paddling location for those looking to get out for some flatwater exercise. The Asheville Rowing Club makes use of the lake and their members can frequently be seen gliding across the...
The Nolichucky River Gorge winds through steep-walled canyons and remotethickly-forested mountains. The Noli is one of the best whitewater rafting runs in the Southeast and is said to be one of the most technicalbigwater runs in the South, demanding the coordinated efforts of the...
The Pigeon River is home to some of the most beautiful and exciting whitewater rafting in western North Carolina. The river features a number of great Class III and Class IV rivers along both the Upper and Lower sections of the river. This 5-mile run offers a number of big water Class 3...
The Nantahala Gorge: Enjoyed by canoeists, kayakers and rafters alike, the Nantahala River is one of the most popular rivers in the U.S. Paddlers will enjoy 8 miles of Class II-III whitewater flowing through the Nantahala Gorge, an area revered by the Cherokee Indians. The word Nantahala...
Just on the outskirts of Hendersonville lies the rugged and lesser-known Green River Gamelands. This 10,000-acre tract of land has a primary purpose of wildlife conservation and management, and it’s also home to the well know Green River – which is a favorite playground among...
This 6-mile loop uses old Forest Service roadbeds and does offer patchy views of the Asheville skyline and the Biltmore Estate along the way. Head out at the bottom of the parking lot, and head left to follow the river. You’ll pass through the gate into the Arboretum property...
The Laurel River Trail, located within Pisgah National Forest near Hot Springs, is a moderate hike that traverses a beautiful forest alongside Big Laurel Creek. The mostly flat hike has typical Pisgah terrain like rocks and roots as it winds through the steep river gorge beside the...
Clocking in at 3.3 miles, the Explorer Loop is perfect for a quick after-work exercise session, or a leisurely stroll with the family. Mostly following old roadbeds, this route only has a few steep sections – and the rewards are getting to explore the lower section of the Bent Creek...
For a short little jaunt with some spectacular views of the town of Hot Springs, the French Broad River, and the surrounding mountains, Lover’s Leap hike is a perfect option. At 1.6 miles round trip, you’ll even get to say that you hiked on part of the Appalachian Trail. From...
This is an easy loop for the family – and kids are sure to love circling the lake. This loop is roadbeds, and it’s mostly flat and easy. When you get close to the lake, there are even picnic tables, perfect for enjoying a lakeside lunch. Looking for something a little longer...
A steep hike with rewarding views, Mt. Pisgah is located up off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 3-mile round-trip hike is to the 5,721′ summit of Mt. Pisgah, which includes 360-degree views, a nice wooden observation platform, and the intrigue of exploring the underside of the mountain...
Art Loeb Hiking Trail: With just over 30 miles of incredible hiking, the Art Loeb Trail is renowned as one of the most beautiful and difficult hikes of its length in the state. The trail is named for Art Loeb, an avid hiker and activist from the Carolina Mountain Club who had a fond...
Laurel River Family Friendly Trail: Walk Laurel River trail in Hot Springs. For 3.6 miles, the Laurel River trail follows the picturesque stream of the same name, offering families a flat but scenic hike that ends at a ghost town where the Laurel meets the French Broad. The Laurel River...
Explore Lake Lure (Chimney Rock): Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the warm waters of Lake Lure, a mountain lake nestled in the heart of Hickory Nut Gorge. Rocky domes and green peaks surround the family-friendly lake on all sides. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the Lake Lure...
Smoky Mountain Adventure Center: Asheville’s newest climbing gym features a 34-foot high climbing wall that is the first permanent climbing wall in the up and coming River Arts District in Asheville and is the only lead climbing wall in Asheville. The new adventure center also...
Challenge your skills on the Davidson. Named as one of Trout Unlimited’s “Top 100 Trout Streams in America” the Davidson is a very productive freestone river that supports trophy-class fish over 20 inches. About 14 miles of the river, from its headwaters to Avery Creek...
The North Mills River area is one of the most popular fishing areas in the Asheville area for a reason. This river is conveniently located to Asheville, has easy access and fishes very well throughout the year. The lower section near the campground and picnic area is the most popular and...
Shut-In Ridge Dog-Friendly Trail: 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...
Sliding Rock Falls | Brevard Waterfalls Guide: Sliding Rock Falls is one of western North Carolina’s most popular attractions. The 60-foot-long Sliding Rock Falls in Pisgah National Forest draws thousands of visitors each week to take a trip down the smooth rock slide on Looking...
Looking Glass Falls | Brevard Waterfalls Guide: One of the most popular and highly visited waterfalls in North Carolina, Looking Glass Falls, which takes its name from nearby Looking Glass Rock, is a 60 foot tall cascade located only a few hundred feet from U.S. 276. Looking Glass Falls...
Moore Cove Falls | Brevard Waterfalls Guide: This hike is understandably one of the more popular in Pisgah. A short hike (just under 1.5 miles round trip) on a well-marked trail provides access to this 50-foot waterfall. Suitable for young kids and less experienced hikers, the trail has...
Looking for a great way to spend some family time in the great outdoors or perhaps a quick weekend getaway? Try canoe camping on the French Broad River with Headwaters Outfitters. A canoe camping trip with Headwaters Outfitters on the scenic French Broad River is the perfect way to get...
Upper Davidson River Brevard Whitewater Paddling: When it comes to whitewater paddling, Brevard is hard to beat. As one of the Eastern U.S. only temperate rainforests, as well as over 500,000 acres of protected forests full of creeks, rivers and waterfalls, it’s easy to see why...
The Lake Julian Disc Golf Course offers a nice mix of holes mostly located in beautiful mixed hardwood forests near Lake Julian. The tight fairways make for numerous challenges, especially considering the dense terrain found just off the fairway on many of the holes. While not too...
The Fletcher Park Disc Golf is a mostly open layout that occupies half of a 60-acre park. Several of the holes curve into the woods along Cane Creek. Additional hazards include a large wetland that is in play on #4, 8, and 9. Directions from Asheville: From downtown Take US-25...
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...
When conditions are right, aspiring ice climbers will find some of the lower 48’s best ice in western NC. From top-roping short pitches to multi-pitch adventures, Whitesides Mountain offers a full, world-class package. For smaller climbs, head out along the Blue Ridge Parkway or...
Trace Ridge Trail (Mills River Mountain Biking): Trace Ridge Trail is one of the most exciting and continuous stretches of ridgeline riding around. The 3.1-mile ride drops 1,300-feet through the Pisgah National Forest in the North Mills River Recreation area and offers up great...
Kolo Bike Park features about 4 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trail on rolling terrain designed for all levels of rider to experience the park’s signature flow just minutes from downtown Asheville. Whether your flow is taking it easy or something that pushes your edge...
Sycamore Cove Loop | Brevard Mountain Biking: From the parking area at the bottom of Black Mountain Trail, start up the chunky gravel and stay right to begin climbing up Thrift Cove. After some steep punchy climbing veer right onto Grassy Road Trail. Intersecting...
For years, the Linville Gorge has been heralded as one of the crown jewels of the High Country. The incredible vistas of the distant rocky escarpments, steep ridges and the ancient river gorge have been drawing adventurers to the area for centuries. These days, the Linville Gorge is...
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park: One of Asheville’s newest attractions is comprised of 60 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park just minutes from downtown Asheville. Canopy...
Yancey Ridge Trail (Wilson Creek): If you’re looking for a challenging mountain biking ride with some fun climbing and technical descents, look no further than Yancey Ridge. This is a good loop through the Wilson Creek Area of Pisgah National Forest and begins with a...
Established in 2002, this 18 hole course offers disc golfers a beautiful setting among its wide open and long holes. The course features great views of the surrounding mountains, including nearby Cedar Rock and Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest. Because of the wide-open...
Julian Price Campground: Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, the Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it’s for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has...
Davidson River Campground | Brevard: Davidson River Recreation Area offers camping and outdoor activities for the whole family. The campground boasts several loops of shaded campsites, as well as access to hiking trails, fishing spots, waterfalls and several nearby attractions within...
About Wolf Ridge: Wolf Ridge has become one of the southeast’s most popular resorts, offering a big mountain experience that’s family friendly and easily accessible. Located just a half hour from downtown Asheville and only five miles from Interstate 26, the resort holds something for...
Ashe County Disc Golf | Boone Area When it comes to disc golf in the High Country, the Ashe County Park course set a new standard for mountain disc golfing. Tucked away on the backside of Phoenix Mountain in a multi-use park in the heart of some of the area’s most pristine, rugged...
Grandmother Mountain Bouldering (Boone Bouldering Guide): The hidden gem of the High Country and one of the area’s premier bouldering locations year-round thanks to its cool high elevation climate is Grandmother Mountain. First tapped for its climbing potential in the mid- to late...
When it comes to an adrenaline-packed outdoor adventure, North Carolina whitewater paddling is hard to beat. The top choices for North Carolina whitewater paddling include classic rivers like the Nantahala, the French Broad River, the Pigeon River and nearby rivers such as the Ocoee and...
Beech Mountain Resort, located in the High Country of North Carolina, has a peak elevation of 5,506 feet, making it the highest ski resort in the Eastern United States. Since 1967, Beech offers the total winter package, with day and night skiing, ice skating, and a mile-high...