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.
Located within 20 minutes of downtown Chattanooga, the North Chickamauga Creek Pocket Wilderness is centered around a ten-mile-long gorge. There are 10 miles of hiking trails that are perfect for taking your canine friend on a walk. On a hot day, the North Chickamauga Creek makes for a...
Savage Gulf is a 15,590-acre natural area known for its canyons and gorges. This 5 mile loop that starts at the Ranger Station offers several creek crossings, mostly shaded trails, and nice overlooks. At mile 1.5, a side trail leads to Savage Falls Overlook. At 2 miles, the trail leads...
A 46-mile road ride that climbs Suck Creek Mountain and Signal Mountain. In between climbs you will get to enjoy the scenic views of Sequatchie Valley and see why so many locals refer to Sequatchie Valley as “God’s Country”. For an added adventure, take the W-Road off of Signal Mountain...
This 5,500 acre National Military Park offers a great place for cyclists to ride as well as learn some history about the Civil War. The best place to park and ride is from the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor’s Center. Plan your attack by picking up a map at the Visitor’s Center. Want to...
From 3+ mile climbs to rolling trails by the beautiful Ocoee River, the Tanasi Trail system has it all. Be sure to check out the Brush Creek trail located just east of the Ocoee Whitewater Center. If one day of riding at the Tanasi Trail system isn’t enough for you, then be sure to pitch...
An intermediate trail that will send riders twisting and shouting for 5.6 miles around the shores of Chickamauga Lake. The Booker T. Trails are a great place for beginners and families but don’t worry advanced riders, this trail has plenty of tight, quick corners to keep it interesting...
Features over 17.5 miles of single-track filled with beautiful views of the Tennessee River Gorge and Chattanooga. Trails range from easy to advanced and offer everything from fun rolling terrain to serious rock gardens that will challenge the most seasoned rider. For a must-ride trail...
That Capers Island exists as an undeveloped, public island is one of the Lowcountry’s greatest natural assets. Just 15 miles from downtown Charleston, the night sky on Capers’ boneyard beach is darker (and the stars more vibrant) than on any of the populated islands it neighbors. Although...
The myriad of tidal creeks, running behind Folly Island, are a fine place to explore by kayak, and it’s only a quick 15-minute ride from downtown Charleston. From the Folly landing head left to the mouth of the Stono River (about 2 miles). The island blocking the inlet’s mouth between...
As the world’s longest free-flowing blackwater river, the Edisto is a natural treasure. With its 300+ miles of waterways, long-distance paddlers can float from narrow, winding swamp to open, coastal marshland. The river’s blackwater is caused by the tannins in the leaves of the cypress...
Welcome to the Charleston Adventure Guide’s Perfect Weekend section. Below you will find information on things to do in Charleston, SC including nightlife, attractions, and outdoor adventure. Head to the Ravenel Bridge We suggest kicking off your Perfect Weekend by heading to Charleston’s...
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 Waterway and Isle of Palms. We suggest starting this run at...
With plenty of trails to choose from, Raccoon Mountain makes for a great place to take your dog on an adventure. For a nice loop with some killer views, we suggest hitting the Split Rock Trail to the Tennessee River Gorge Trail. There is not much water on this trail so load up at Laurel...
Although it’s hardly consistent year-round, Folly Beach is arguably the best break in S.C., if not the most popular. Surfers come out of the woodwork on big days to ride the popular Washout break, known by that name because of hurricanes’ propensity to cut a new creek through the island...
Before surfboards evolved into the tiny daggers they are today, most were hefty planks. Stand-up paddleboarding takes that history a step further, adding enough girth and buoyancy to the board to allow a person to stand upright and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. The...
Graveyard Fields Hiking Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway): A moderate 3.2-mile out and back hike through a high alpine valley with two picturesque waterfalls. Start the hike at the lower end of the parking area. To access Second Falls, hike down the steep paved path and cross the river...
Skinny Dip Falls: This three-tiered waterfall along the Yellowstone Prong drops a total of 30 feet through a rocky bend in an ice-cold mountain stream. Perched on the edge of the tallest falls is a rock that juts over a deep plunge pool. While we can’t say that the waterfalls are...
Grandmother Mountain Boulders (Linville): First discovered for their bouldering potential in the mid-1990s, the Grandmother Mountain area near Boone, NC now hosts more than 400 problems and some of the best stone in the entire Southeast, all in a stunningly beautiful and cool sub-alpine...
Warren Wilson Running Trails: The numerous hiking and running trails at Warren Wilson College are some of our personal favorites. The area is home to miles of great singletrack that carves through rolling meadows and beautiful forests seemingly endless options for exploration. One of our...
Roan Mountain Hiking Trails: The Appalachian Trail, the nation’s longest marked footpath at 2,178 miles, has numerous access points near Asheville. We like the rugged Roan Mountain section near Bakersville. From the Carver’s Gap (5,500 feet) parking area we recommend heading...