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.
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...