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.
Explorer Loop & Lower Sidehill (Bent Creek Mountain Biking Trails): This intermediate 6.5-mile loop traverses some of Bent Creek’s most diverse terrain and features creek crossings, optional log rides, diverse woodlands & wildlife clearings with tremendous mountain vistas. The...
Town Mountain Road Ride (Asheville Cycling Routes): A classic road ride with a 1500-foot climb up Town Mountain that begins on the edge of downtown. The twisty ride features cityscape and mountain views. Hook it up with the Blue Ridge Parkway (north) and descend the steep Elk Mountain for...
Kitsuma Mountain Bike Trail: Kitsuma in the Pisgah National Forest is one of the more “famous” mountain bike trails in the Asheville area. So famous in fact Litespeed named one of their bikes after this trail. The suggested ride is a 10-mile loop with close to 2,200 feet of elevation...
The Waterfalls of DuPont (Cedar Rock): When it comes to outdoor recreation in the Brevard area, there are few things more enticing than going to explore one of the many beautiful waterfalls found in the region. In fact, there are few places anywhere with more amazing waterfalls...
Panthertown Fly Fishing: Wild streams like Courthouse Creek or the streams of Panthertown Valley offer some of the best native Southern Appalachian Brook trout fishing in the region. The fish are small in size, but their beautiful colors more than make up for it. These small streams often...
Loop Through a Historic Sea Island (Wadmalaw Island):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...
Ride Between Civil War Battlefields (James Island): Not much remains of Fort Lamar on James Island, site of the Battle of Secessionville, save a few earthen mounds and an excellent views. Begin at the fort and pedal back towards Folly Rd. Take a left on Old Military Rd. and follow to...
Swamp Fox Passage of the Palmetto Trail (Francis Marion National Forest): Revolutionary War General Francis Marion earned his “Swamp Fox” nickname by attacking British soldiers and then retreating into the wetlands and coastal pine forests. Mountain bikers can follow in his footsteps...
Upper Creek Falls: Known as one of the most unique and popular swimming holes in the area, Upper Creek Falls is a must for all explorers who like the thrill of natural waterslides. The trail begins on the left side of the parking lot and descends into the gorge by way of a series of...
Blowing Rock Boulders: First tapped for their bouldering potential in 1985 by Joey Henson, the Blowing Rock Bouldering Area features a wide-range of problems from V0 to v10. With flat landings, incredible rock quality, a beautiful forest setting, and more than enough problems for the...
Run the West Ashley Greenway (West Ashley): Paralleling Highway 17 but far enough away to escape the noise, this 10.5 mile hard-packed dirt path begins at the Ashley River and continues to the Stono River at John’s Island. You’ll pass through neighborhoods and parks as the route...
Climb the Ravenel Bridge and Boat Back (Downtown Charleston): With its 575 feet of elevation gain, the Ravenel Bridge is the closest thing to running up a mountain in the Lowcountry. The annual Cooper River Bridge Run is among the nation’s premiere races, but runners can enjoy the...
Some quality fishing can be found right in downtown Chattanooga. Fishing around the docks and the Rip Rap can produce some quality bass. For canoe and kayak access, head to Coolidge Park to launch your boat underneath the Market St. Bridge. Directions from Chattanooga: From I-24, take 27...
Intrepid fisherman looking for a fun morning should plan on fishing below the Chickamauga Dam on the shoals behind Chattanooga State and expect to catch a mixed bag of Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass and an assortment of other species. Both fly and conventional tackle may...
Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail (Francis Marion National Forest): The Palmetto Trail, 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...
Stand Up Paddle Boarding on the Tennessee River: Paddlers looking to get in a great workout while having a blast can rent a stand up paddle board before heading out on a variety of adventures near Chattanooga. The primitive, secluded beaches of Edward’s Island make for a great afternoon...
Experience a Real Lowcountry Swamp (Harleyville): 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...
Biking Around Lake Moultrie (Lake Moultrie): 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 a great family ride for all levels of riders. The final 3 miles at...
Ferry Ride to Bull Island (Awendaw): This adventure combines all the best of what Charleston has to offer—a pristine coastal wilderness, a beautiful ferry ride, and a “boneyard” beach. Bull Island is part of the 66,267 acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge which was established in...
Explore a Waterfront Park (Charleston): Boasting epic views of the harbor, downtown, and the area’s longest pier at 1,250 feet, the Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park is an ideal family friendly destination. The 22-acre park is cast in the shadow of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge and includes a...