Looking for inspiration for a new bike ride, hike, climbing spot, running trail or paddling trip? Look no further… The Adventure Collective’s outdoor adventure guides to Asheville, Boone, Brevard, Charleston, Chattanooga and The Smokies has an adventure for everyone. Explore our recommendations below or hone in on a specific category or destination in the sidebar links.
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...