Welcome to The Adventure Collective’s Asheville Adventure Guide. Our guide to the best outdoor adventures near Asheville has just enough info to get you inspired to hit the trail and find a new 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Ride The Blue Ridge Parkway (Asheville Cycling – Road Rides): On the Blue Ridge Parkway there is roughly 27 miles of steady climbing on one of the most famous roads in America make this one of the best Asheville road rides for cyclists looking to experience the beauty and challenge...
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...
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...
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...
Mountains To Sea Running Trail (Asheville): The MST parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway on the edge of Asheville, offering trail runners easy access to extensive forest runs. From the Folk Art Center, head north for a steady climb up to the Haw Creek Overlook, or head south for an easier out...
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...
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...
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 cresting the...