Archive - United States

Paddling Shem Creek

Paddle Shem Creek & Crab Bank Island Preserve

Paddle Shem Creek Around Crab Bank Island Preserve (Mt. Pleasant): An easy paddle out Shem Creek and around Crab Bank Island in the Charleston Harbor with great views of Fort Sumter, Ravenel Bridge, Patriot’s Point, and Sullivan’s Island. Crab Bank Island is home to thousands of nesting...

Caw Caw Interpretive Center Charleston

Caw Caw Interpretive Park

Caw Caw County Park (Ravenel): Once the site of several working rice plantations carved into a cypress swamp, Caw Caw now boasts 6 miles of raised trails through the watery landscape. Alligators, deer, and otters abound, and bald eagles, kites, and a host of waterfowl are commonly present...

Moore Cove Falls

Moore Cove Falls Trail: Looking for a short and sweet adventure in Pisgah? Look no further than Moore Cove Falls trail! This hike is understandably one of the more popular in the area, and for good reason. With a well-marked trail that’s just under 1.5 miles round trip, this...

Blue Ridge Parkway Cycling Brevard

Blue Ridge Parkway Ride (Brevard)

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...

Southern Appalachian Loop Trail

Southern Appalachian Loop Trail

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...

Oconaluftee River Fly Fishing

Oconaluftee River Fly Fishing

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...

Explore Lake James

Explore Lake James: Large lakes with expansive mountain views are hard to come by in the Asheville area. However, just 40 miles east is the 6500 acre Lake James with 150 miles of shoreline and sweet views of the Black Mountain Range and the nearby Linville Gorge. Your best bet for...

Graybeard Trail

Montreat Hiking Trails (Asheville)

Montreat Trails: The trail system above Montreat College boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails on 2500 pristine acres. With so many trails to choose from we suggest stopping at the Montreat Conference Center to pick up a trail map or view it online by clicking the image below. A suggested...

Charleston Magnolia Plantation

Audobon Swamp Garden

Audubon Swamp Garden (Magnolia Plantation and Gardens): By the time most visitors to Magnolia Plantation have walked the ornate gardens, navigated the topiary maze, and played in the petting zoo, they breeze by the Audubon Swamp Garden on their way out the gate. But the 60-acre...

Hike to Crabtree Falls

Hike To Crabtree Falls

Hike To Crabtree Falls: Hikers and waterfall lovers wanting a moderate to strenous hike should add the beautiful 2.5-mile Crabtree Falls hike to their list. This is a fairly difficult hike with some sections featuring steep inclines and rocky terrain. Generally speaking, most hikers...

Wilson Creek Trails

Wilson Creek Trails

Wilson Creek Trails: Part of the 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest, the Wilson Creek area is a destination unto itself for outdoor adventure sports. With fantastic vistas, ridges more than 4000 feet high, whitewater rapids and trails that travel to spectacular waterfalls, Wilson Creek...

Bent Creek

Bent Creek Mountain Bike Trails

Bent Creek Mountain Bike Trails: Over 30 miles of mountain bike trails make Bent Creek the go-to spot for Asheville locals looking to get in some fun, flowy miles during the work week or on weekends. Whether looking for long gravel routes for training or seeking out steep technical...

I'on Swamp Trail Francis Marion Forest

I’on Swamp Trail

I’on Swamp Trail (Francis Marion National Forest): This easy, 2 mile loop follows the abandoned rice-field dykes along the remnants of Witheywood Plantation. The narrow causeways pass through bald cypress wetlands and swamp, providing close sightings of alligators and a multitude of...

Foster Falls Sequatchie River

Canoe The Sequatchie

Canoe the Sequatchie (Sequatchie Valley): About 30 miles north of Chattanooga is the gentle Sequatchie River. The river winds southward through the valley, criss-crossed by old bridges and lined with hardwood stands. For a gentle float with plenty of opportunities to get wet, we suggest...

River & Paddling Adventures

The Waterfalls of DuPont

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...

School House Falls Pantertown

Panthertown Fly Fishing

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...

Wadmalaw Island

Ride Wadmalaw Island

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...

James Island Biking

James Island Biking

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 Trail

Ride The Swamp Fox Passage

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

Upper Creek Falls

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...

Run The West Ashley Trail

Run the West Ashley Greenway

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...

Run Ravenal Bridge

Run the Ravenel Bridge

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...

Fish Downtown Chattanooga

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...

Hike The Palmetto Trail

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...

Chattanooga Paddling Adventures

Paddle The Tennessee (Chattanooga)

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...

Francis Beidler Forest Charleston

Explore A Low Country Swamp

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...

Lake Moultrie

Bike Lake Moultrie

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...

Take A Charleston Ferry Ride

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...

Ride Marrington Plantation

Marrington Plantation Mountain Bike Trail (Goose Creek): Hardcore mountain bicyclists will forever rag on any trail 20 miles from the Carolina coast, but don’t be mistaken — Marrington is a legitimate ride. Although the 12-mile perimeter loop never drops or rises more than 20 feet at...

Paddle The Catawba

Paddle The Catawba

Catawba River Paddling: Below Linville Dam on Lake James, the Catawba River flows through scenic woodlands, around islands, and over a series of small and exciting rapids until it reaches the nearby town of Morganton. The river features beautiful scenery with clean, cold and clear...

Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park

Hike Chimney Rock: Chimney Rock is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in North Carolina. With its wide range of outdoor experiences, this is a great family-friendly destination for those seeking the best of the mountains in one place. The Park features five unique hiking...

Run Folly Beach

Run Folly Beach

Run Into the Sunset (Folly Beach): There’s hardly a better spot near Charleston to watch the day end then from the county park at the southernmost end of Folly Beach. The final mile of sand on the island is undeveloped, and rounds off into a spit that overlooks the Stono River...

Run James Island

Run James Island

Navigate the Trails at James Island County Park (James Island): This 640 acre public gem is five minutes from downtown and includes 5 miles of paved trails for running and biking. They wind around a lake, through woodlands, and along the banks of the Stono River and salt marsh...

Bike The Ravenal Bridge Charleston

Bike Ravenel Bridge

Cross the Largest Cable-Stay Bridge in the U.S. (Downtown Charleston): Forget the horse-drawn carriages: Charleston is best viewed by bicycle. Park at the Visitors’ Center on Meeting St., then head over to King St. and pedal north 1 mile to Huger St. Turn left, then turn right on...

Isle of Palms

Run the Isle of Palms Connector

Conquer the Isle of Palms Connector (Mt. Pleasant): 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...

Hiawassee River Fishing

Catch Hiwassee River Stripers

Fish The Hiawassee River: The trophy section of the Hiwassee River is located between the Appalachian Dam and Reliance, TN. Fly fishing standard May Fly hatches with dry flies in the spring, and fishing with nymphs year-round, produce Rainbow and Brown Trout. In the summer, anglers...

Sewannee Fly Fishing

Fly Fish Sewanee

Fly Fish Sewanee: If you’re willing to drive a little ways, you can fish some of the best trout water in the southeast. Enjoy a scenic drive through the quaint towns of Cowan and Winchester to Tim’s Ford Dam. Fishing is strong throughout the year here, offering anglers ample opportunity...

Raccoon Mountain

Fish Racoon Mountain (Chattanooga)

Fish Racoon Mountain (Chattanooga): Anglers with power boats may choose to launch at Raccoon Mountain, the same launch site used by the Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic. This section of the river is located in the heart of the beautiful Tennessee River Gorge and offers some excellent fishing...

Fishing In Valle Crucis

Fly Fishing In Valle Crucis: Fishing in the small town of Valle Crucis is a great option that is close to Boone and good for a fun afternoon of fly fishing for mostly stocked trout that include a good mix of Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. The clear, swift flowing water of the Watauga...

Big Creek Trail Smokies

Big Creek Trail | Smoky Mountains Hiking

For a longer but still gradual walk, Big Creek is great as an out and back waterfall hike of 4 miles. Take a left up the gated road just back from the picnic area parking. The old railroad grade rises easily its entire length along one of the park’s most scenic streams. At 1.4 miles...

Gatlinburg Trail

This 2-mile greenway style path between Gatlinburg and the Sugarlands Visitor Center is a great walk, run or bike ride. The path winds along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River beside Newfound Gap Road. It passes under the Gatlinburg Bypass and crosses the river at one point. You’ll...

oconaluftee trail

Oconaluftee River Trail | Smoky Mountains Hiking

One of the park’s best walks combines two separate experiences. The 1.5-mile ORT leads from the Mountain Farm Museum, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, to the town of Cherokee–or from Cherokee to the farm. Hiking either way (or out and back for a 3-mile trip) offers a major dose of...

Paddling Adventures

Float The Lower Pigeon River

Float the Lower Pigeon (N 35.8191, W -83.1568): Downstream of the river’s typical rafting section, the Pigeon’s calmer stretches offer perfect introductory whitewater for children as young as three years old. In between mild Class I and II rapids, calm stretches allow for swimming and...

Paddle Fontana Lake | Canoe + Kayak Guide

Paddle Fontana Lake: With 240 miles of shoreline, 90 percent of which is owned and protected by the National Park Service or US Forest Service, Fontana Lake is a fantastic place for flat-water paddling. Portions of the 29-mile lake offer unobstructed views of the Smoky’s highest peak...

Tube Deep Creek In The Smokies

Tube Deep Creek In The Smokies

With your hands as your paddles, there’s no way to get closer to the water than tubing. Tube rental companies border Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering rides to put-ins or easy directions to the one-mile walk upstream. Deep Creek offers two sections — the narrower whitewater of...

Van Hook Glade Campground

Van Hook Glade Campground

Cliffside Lake Recreation Area & Van Hook Glade Campground Van Hook Glade Campground is approximately four miles from the heart of Highlands, NC in Nantahala National Forest and very close to Franklin, NC. This small, secluded campground is directly across the street from the...

South Mountains State Park

South Mountains State Park

South Mountains State Park: Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the piedmont. The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall...

Pet Friendly Adventures

Richmond Hill Park

Richmond Hill Park (Mountain Biking, Disc Golf, Dog Friendly): Located just minutes from downtown Asheville, Richmond Hill Park offers disc golfers and mountain bikers in Asheville an easy opportunity to get outdoors and into the woods. The park offers more than three miles (with plans to...

Pisgah Forest River Tubing

Pisgah Forest River Tubing

When thinking of the lazy days of summer, who can resist bobbing down the river on an inner tube? The Brevard area has a couple of great options for some floatin’ fun either on the French Broad River with a trip through Headwater Outfitters or on the Davidson River with rental tubes...

Sliding Rock in Brevard

Sliding Rock in Brevard

Sliding Rock in Brevard is an incredible adventure that is consistently ranked as one of the best swimming holes in the U.S. and, as a result, draws big crowds during summer months. We can’t blame them though, as the sloping waterfall creates a natural waterslide that is a lot...

Wilson Creek Fly Fishing

Wilson Creek Fly Fishing

Wilson Creek Fly Fishing: Because of Wilson Creek Wild & Scenic Area’s fantastic vistas from ridges more than 4000 feet high, numerous whitewater rapids and trails that travel to spectacular waterfalls, fly fishing Wilson Creek is hard to beat. The Wilson Creek watershed is a must-do...

New River Smallmouth Fishing

New River Smallmouth Fishing

New River Smallmouth Fishing: Considered one of the oldest rivers in the world, second only to the Nile, the New River flows north from Watauga County.  The confluence of the North and South Forks in Ashe County transforms the New River into a larger, floatable river––giving anglers...

Twentymile Creek Fishing

Twentymile Creek Fishing

Just west of Fontana Lake, this isolated stream is a wilderness gem that includes backcountry campsites not far from Highway 28. A medium-width stream, much of its waters were swallowed by the damming of Fontana Lake, and it’s now much shorter than its name entails. Hike along the trail...

West Prong Little River Fishing

West Prong Little River Fishing

Despite paralleling Newfound Gap Road and being known as one of the best fishing streams in the mountains, it’s relatively easy to find a place to yourself along the Little River’s West Prong. Loaded with rainbow and brook trout, anglers find easy access downstream of the Chimneys Picnic...

Middle Prong Pigeon River Fishing

Middle Prong Pigeon River Fishing

Located in the Greenbriar section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Little Pigeon River boasts perhaps the most beautiful fishing locale in the Smokies. A medium-large stream, rainbow trout make up the majority of the fish you’ll find here. Easily accessible from Gatlinburg...

Lake James State Park

Lake James State Park Camping

Tucked beneath the towering summit of Shortoff Mountain and the Linville Gorge, Lake James State Park offers visitors a number of outdoor adventure opportunities. With more than 150 miles of mostly wooded, scenic shoreline, the lake is a great destination for fishing, paddling and boating...

Nowhere Boulders | Brevard

Nowhere Boulders | Brevard: This small bouldering area features a handful of short, but fun climbs and is worth a quick stop when in the Brevard area if you’re looking for some easy to moderate boulder problems to play on when in the area. There are a few boulders located just off...

Whitewater Falls

Whitewater Falls Hiking

Whitewater Falls Hiking: Whitewater Falls is believed by many to be the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and is measured at 411′ in height. The multi-tiered waterfall is easily accessible by car and provides a quarter mile walkway to an overlook. Additional...

Craggie Pinnacle Hike

Craggy Pinnacle Blue Ridge Parkway

Craggy Pinnacle Hike (Blue Ridge Parkway): Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, this is a moderate hike of around 1.4 miles total roundtrip. The hike begins at Craggy Dome parking area and heads up through changing scenery and a series of gnarled trees on a beautiful...

Buffalo Creek Mountain Biking

Buffalo Creek Mountain Biking

Buffalo Creek Park Mountain Biking: This 200-acre park offers the first opportunity for a mountain experience that will challenge your fitness and offer great views and varied terrain. This trail is the first loop at Buffalo Creek Park and provides a strong shot of climbing without harsh...