The Adventure Collective
Local. Outdoor. Adventure.
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 at the boardwalk before veering right after the upper viewing platform to reach the bottom of the waterfall. If you want to take a longer hike, venture back up to the viewing platform...
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 amazing compared to some of the larger cascades...
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 favorites is the River Trail that runs parallel to the Swannanoa River with lots...
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 northeast towards the Grassy Ridge section which includes the longest stretch of grassy bald in the Appalachian Mountains....
Deep Gap Hiking Trail (Asheville): In just 4.5 miles, Deep Gap Trail crosses four 6,000-foot peaks while taking hikers across rocky out croppings and through spruce-fir forests. This trail takes you down Mt. Mitchell and up to the peak of Mt. Craig. Also, don’t forget your binoculars because this is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the Winter Wren and Blackburnian Warbler. Directions from Asheville: Head north on the Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 388 to the...
The Southern Appalachian Loop Trail measures over 350 miles in length. First pieced together by Matt Kirk, the SALT, is currently 99.4 percent complete. With the exception of a sliver of undeveloped land on the state line between North Carolina and South Carolina in Transylvania County, it’s already open to the public for hiking. As a loop, you can...
Blue Ridge Parkway Ride (Brevard): Climb US 276 through the Cradle of Forestry to gain scenic views of the expansive Pisgah National Forest and the site where forestry first began in the U.S. Head South to gain views of Looking Glass Rock, a towering dome of granite deep in Pisgah National Forest. For those with strong legs, we recommend making...
Tuckaseegee River Fly Fishing: Looking for a fun time fly fishing? We recommend heading west from Asheville to tussle with a trout on The Tuck. Located near Western Carolina University, the Tuckaseegee is a tailrace formed by two dam-fed forks. From the Hwy 107 bridge at Love Field to the Dillsboro dam, the Tuck is regulated as Delayed Harvest,...
Hook A Smallmouth On The French Broad (Asheville): Float for smallmouth through the Biltmore Estate. For those who want to play Huck Finn for a day, float by raft or drift boat through the Biltmore Estate is the way to go. Drift past forests and vineyards, casting crease flies and poppers to feisty smallmouth bass that lurk along the rocky shoals. A few musky are caught every year throwing big streamers with wire leaders, but the phenomenal smallie fishing...
Mountain Biking At Lake James (Paddy’s Creek Bike Trails): Taking a mountain bike ride on the extensive trail system at Lake James State Park is a great way to enjoy the outdoors at your own pace. Around 15 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails are now open at the nearby Paddy’s Creek Area on Lake James, which encompasses more than 30 miles...
Raft The Ocoee: While not technically a western North Carolina river, the Ocoee River’s close proximity to the mountains of North Carolina make it a top trip for those looking to sample some of the southeast’s finest whitewater. The dam-released whitewater of the Ocoee River offers southeastern whitewater enthusiasts the opportunity to sample reliable whitewater even during the hottest...
Alexander Bike Park (Asheville): Located adjacent to the French Broad River about 15 minutes north of town, this seldom used mountain bike park offers a variety of sweet singletrack for you and your pooch. Combine the two loops for an intermediate ride of an hour and a half. There is not much water along the trail so either bring...
Historic Montford Road Run (Asheville): Starting from the northern edge of downtown, the historic neighborhood of Montford is packed with century-old arts and crafts architecture as well as the Riverside Cemetery, a popular running destination with car-free paths passing by the gravesites of Asheville’s most prominent citizens, including Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. If you head straight down Montford Ave. be sure to check out some side streets to get a real feel for Asheville living. Directions from Asheville:...
North Mills River Dog Friendly Recreation Area: The vast Mills River area is part of Pisgah National Forest opposite Bent Creek just across the Pisgah Ridge. We like this area for the many camping options and rivers to explore. A great option in the area is to head up to the Trace Ridge trailhead which gives you access to...
The Sam Knob Summit Hiking Trail is considered one of the “Best Hikes In Asheville.” This 2.2-mile out and back hike starts at 5,800 feet in elevation and ascends through a “Canadian” ecosystem of evergreen forests and expansive meadows until it reaches the double peak of Sam Knob at 6,050 feet. Many say the 360-degree view from this 6,000-foot...
Greenslick Mountain Bike Trail: With 2.5 miles of technical single-track that drops 800 feet in a constant barrage of high berms, rolling whoop-dedos, and big jumps, Green’s Lick is a local favorite and one of the most popular mountain bike rides in Asheville. If you’re looking for a fun ride of around two hours that takes in one of...
Max Patch Hiking Trail (Asheville): For those in great hiking shape who want a wonderful Appalachian Trail day hiking experience, this is a perfect route to take. At approximately 20 miles in distance with a couple of shelters along the way to Hot Springs, this is a popular section for backpackers. But, for those that enjoy long mileage days, it sure makes for a great day hike too! If you can’t run your own shuttle to Max Patch, then Bluff...
Elk Mountain Scenic Parkway (Asheville Road Cycling): The quintessential road ride for Asheville cyclists is the Elk Mountain Scenic Highway and it definitely packs a punch. This challenging ride begins with a steep, leg-crushing climb up Elk Mountain Scenic Highway before mellowing out as the road passes through a beautiful pastoral area with great views of the valley below....
Looking Glass Rock Trail (Brevard): Looking Glass Rock’s stone face is one of the more recognizable landmarks from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The shear face is a popular climbing spot while the trail to the summit rewards hikers with stunning views. This moderately difficult hike climbs 1700 feet in 3 miles and is well marked with yellow blazes. As...
Hook A Hawg On The Cherokee Reservation: Ready to hook up with a hawg on the fly rod? We recommend heading to the Oconaluftee. While most mountain trout average 9″ – 10″, on the heavily stocked Oconaluftee trout are measured in pounds, not inches. A 2.2-mile stretch near the Blue Ridge Parkway offers catch-and-release fishing for hatchery-raised brook, brown,...
Coontree Picnic Area & Swimming Hole: One of Brevard’s best swimming hole and a great place to stop for a picnic in Pisgah National Forest is found at the Coontree Recreation Area in Pisgah National Forest, located just outside of Brevard on US 276. While there are a lot of nice swimming holes and sliding rocks on Davidson River to explore, we recommend this family friendly spot due to safe access to the river, the nice picnic spots and flush toilets...
Catch a “Grand Slam” on the East Fork: Once a closely guarded secret, this roadside stream near Rosman has emerged as the region’s most popular Delayed Harvest stream. The state stocks 17,735 trout along 4.75 miles of East Fork Rd. downstream of the Glady Fork. Catch-and-release regulations apply from October to June. All streamside land is private, so please respect...
