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 to take in a little history, check out some trails, and see some animals then the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is for you. Established in 1670 on the Ashley River by English settlers, Charles Towne Landing helped establish Charleston as one of the first...
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 Center at Francis Beidler Forest includes a 1.75-mile...
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 any great family ride for all levels of riders. The final 3 miles at the trail’s western end passes through a...
It’s evident just on the drive out to Wadmalaw’s Cherry Point Landing that you’re in for a scenic treat with this paddle. From the landing, head right past the sleepy, historic village of Rockville into Bohicket Creek. You’ll soon reach the open waters of the Edisto River and Botany Bay...
This winding blackwater creek is one of the Lowcountry’s finest places to paddle. From Still Landing, canoes and kayaks can head either direction through the cypress/tupelo stands that line the creek. Warblers, kites, and wildlife are abundant. If you have a second car to drop, it’s a 5...
The Charleston peninsula harbors a fantastic but infrequently used kayak throw-in at Brittlebank Park’s floating dock. From there it’s just a quick half-mile paddle upriver to the creek that leads to Charles Towne Landing, where the Lowcountry’s first settlers arrived in 1670. Look for...
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 White Point Landing and the confluence of the Wadmalaw...
Hooking and reeling in a 50+ pound fish is an incomparable thrill, especially when the experience comes after rousing yourself at 3 a.m. for a two-and-a-half-hour boat ride out to the Gulf Stream. Charleston’s marinas offer a host of offshore guides and charters. Trolling attracts...
Electric utility Santee Cooper built Lakes Marion and Moultrie in the 1940s to generate power, but sixty years later, they’re best known for that project’s welcome byproduct-fish. From bass to crappie, the lakes have historically produced national record catches. Catfish take the prize...
The grassy marshland that lines the West Ashley and James Island side of Charleston harbor is rife with sea trout and redfish. A kayak’s silence and stealth allow anglers a closer approach to their prey than in a motorized craft. Focus on the mouths of small feeder creeks opening up into...
With the recent opening of Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park, fishermen have new access to the waters of Charleston Harbor. The remnants of the infamously narrow bridge over the Cooper River have been repurposed as a fishing pier, and trout, redfish, and sheepshead are all fair game. Bring the...
The former Coast Guard station on the north end of Folly Beach is a favorite local escape with a maritime forest and empty beaches. Set up shop for a day of casting into the surf right where the island turns toward Morris Island and its iconic lighthouse rising from the waves. Fish shrimp...
The Palmetto Trail, a 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 maritime forests of pine and palmetto and is arguably the northernmost...
Hike to a Waterfall: Asheville is home to several stunning waterfalls that are accessible via hiking trails. Some of the most popular include Looking Glass Falls, Catawba Falls, and Triple Falls. These hikes range in difficulty, from easy hikes suitable for families to more challenging...
Asheville is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike, rock climb, kayak, and indulge in delicious meals. Here’s a sample itinerary for the perfect weekend in Asheville: Day 1: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Early Girl Eatery, a local favorite known for its...
Catch a Sunrise The best way to start your Chattanooga Perfect Weekend is to take in some great views atop Lookout Mountain. Your best bets are Rock City’s seven state panoramic view or the Mountain Beautiful Trail (see Hiking Adventures) will take you around the cliffs of Lookout...
Mullins Cove Loop (Cumberland Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest) A 10.5-mile loop that will take runners around the east and west rim of Prentice Cooper. Be prepared for tight and technical hiking trails that seem to have a constant change in elevation. After enduring miles of...
Big Daddy Run (Lookout Mountain) This area has many different trails to choose from, ranging from gradual gravel roads to steep technical hiking trails. Runners can choose the Guild Trail for an easier gravel road run, or opt for the extremely challenging “Big Daddy” run. The Big Daddy...
Coolidge Park (Riverfront Area) Coolidge Park lies on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga. The park offers multiple grass fields, a giant fountain for kids of all ages to play in, a climbing wall, and a carousel with hand carved animals. Above the middle of the park...
A great place to go for a run in downtown Chattanooga. A paved, 7 mile pathway that will take runners from downtown Chattanooga, along the Tennessee River, to the Chickamauga Dam. After working up an appetite, check out the Boathouse Restaurant located on the River Walk about 3 miles from...