Nestled in the heart of Tennessee’s Prentice Cooper State Forest lies one of the best climbing destinations in the Southeast: the Tennessee Wall, also known as T-Wall. With its stunning views, challenging climbs, and world-class reputation, T-Wall is a must-visit destination for any...
(N 35.6031, W -83.4494): From Newfound Gap, Clingmans Dome Road is a 14 mile roundtrip ride on a gradually rising road with great views. The Cherokee Orchard Loop Road (3 miles) and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (8 miles) are other choice scenic roads. From Cherokee, the Big Cove...
(N 35.6542, W – 83.5804): For 2.3 miles, the Little River Trail rises gradually as an old railroad bed past extensive evidence of early logging and park residents. It’s a pretty stream run, for an almost 5-mile round trip. There are nice views of Huskey Branch Falls at the top. To...
Deep Creek (N 35.4644, W -83.4338): If you’re seeking an overnight fishing adventure, head past the tubers on Deep Creek to the more remote upper waters. Numerous campsites dot the river between 4 and 6 miles from the trailhead at Highway 441. Once there, you’ll likely have a healthy mix...
Old Santee Canal Park boasts an impressive museum, visitor center, and a boardwalk through the swampy area along the Cooper River. They also maintain the Santee Canal, built in the late 18th century to transport crops between the uplands and Charleston. Today, the canal is a fine place to...
Among Charleston’s beaches, Kiawah’s Beachwalker County Park has the least restrictive dog rules. They’re allowed year-round, all day long, as long as they’re leashed. It’s also one of the Lowcountry’s most beautiful and fragile beaches. Walk to the end of Capt. Sam’s Spit for a panoramic...
If you are looking to take in a little history, check out some trails, and see some animals then the Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site is for you. Established in 1670 on the Ashley River by English settlers, Charles Towne Landing helped establish Charleston as one of the first...
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 any great family ride for all levels of riders. The final 3 miles at the trail’s western end passes through a...
The grassy marshland that lines the West Ashley and James Island side of Charleston harbor is rife with sea trout and redfish. A kayak’s silence and stealth allow anglers a closer approach to their prey than in a motorized craft. Focus on the mouths of small feeder creeks opening up into...
The Palmetto Trail, a 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 maritime forests of pine and palmetto and is arguably the northernmost...
Hike to a Waterfall: Asheville is home to several stunning waterfalls that are accessible via hiking trails. Some of the most popular include Looking Glass Falls, Catawba Falls, and Triple Falls. These hikes range in difficulty, from easy hikes suitable for families to more challenging...
Catch a Sunrise The best way to start your Chattanooga Perfect Weekend is to take in some great views atop Lookout Mountain. Your best bets are Rock City’s seven state panoramic view or the Mountain Beautiful Trail (see Hiking Adventures) will take you around the cliffs of Lookout...
Mullins Cove Loop (Cumberland Trail, Prentice Cooper State Forest) A 10.5-mile loop that will take runners around the east and west rim of Prentice Cooper. Be prepared for tight and technical hiking trails that seem to have a constant change in elevation. After enduring miles of...
The Blueway is a 50-mile stretch of the Tennessee River from the Chickamauga Dam to the Nickajack Dam. The real payoff of this journey is that it takes you through the Tennessee River Gorge-” The Tennessee Grand Canyon.” The Gorge section encompasses 27,000 acres and 26 miles of the river...
Once again, a very literal trail name! A great hiking trail that takes hikers up to the cliffs of Lookout Mountain and then follows the cliffs around the nose of Lookout Mountain. This trail is quite steep at first, but once to the cliffs, the trail flattens out. Definitely worth the hard...
You’re willing to drive a little way, 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 to catch Brown and...
Centrally located, the Chew Chew Canine Park offers a place for dogs to run and play. Features a few obstacles to add some excitement for the canines. Directions from Chattanooga: Take I-24 to the Broad St./US-11 exit. Keep right at the fork in the exit ramp and follow signs for N. Broad...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Are you an adventure seeker looking for a new way to explore the great outdoors? Look no further than M2S Bikes, an Asheville-based business that specializes in electric bikes. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. They provide a boost of power...
Looking Glass Rock Trail (Brevard): Looking Glass Rock’s stone face is one of the more recognizable landmarks from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The sheer face is a popular climbing spot while the trail to the summit rewards hikers with stunning views. This moderately difficult hike...
Ledges Whitewater River Park (Asheville): When it comes to whitewater paddling, the Asheville area is known as one of the top destinations in the east. For local paddlers looking to hone their skills, the Ledges Whitewater Park has long been a fun destination for a short session on the...
Rumbling Bald Rock Climbing & Bouldering: In 2008, the state parks system acquired a tract of land for Chimney Rock State Park that assures public access to this climbing wonderland. The mountain’s cliffs are known for their ultra-classic crack climbing, thin face...
Cedar Rock Trad Climbing (Pisgah National Forest): With a vast difficulty range that accommodates all skill levels and over two dozen varied climbs, Cedar Rock is a popular yet typically uncrowded climbing spot. The dome’s main wall features classic climbs like Cedar Pie and Toads R...
Ridgeline Mountain Biking Trail: This incredible trail is as close to riding a roller coaster on two wheels as you can get! Start at Lake Imaging Parking area in Dupont State Forest and head through the gate up the forest road. Take the second left up Jim Branch Trail and get your...
Clingmans Dome – Easy to Moderate (N 35.5545, W -83.4950): Clingmans Dome is the highest peak in the Smokies and Tennessee–6,642 feet. The view is astounding when the weather’s good. Start early–later in the day the parking area gets crowded and the air gets hazier. A few 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...
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...
Clear Creek Trail | South Mountains State Park: The two-mile-long Clear Creek Trail is the only trail on the western side of the park at present. This “out and back” trail starts at the Clear Creek Dam and ascends into the Clear Creek Watershed for a quiet, reflective retreat into nature...
107 Boulders | Western Carolina University: The 107 Boulders are located just a short drive from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and make for a fun local climbing spot about 20 minutes from the college campus at Western Carolina University. The boulders get their name from...
Catawba River Fishing (Morganton): The tailrace below Lake James flows east to the Atlantic Ocean and is the only Special Regulated Trout Waters in NC which requires a special trout fishing license. The Catawba River in Burke County offers universally accessible piers, canoe, and...
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...
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...
The French Broad River offers all of the aspects that make for a great day on the river. The water is warm and the huge boulders and rugged terrain create a spectacular backdrop. The rapids are definitely big enough to satisfy the adventure side of paddling, but they are also...
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...
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...
10 Outdoor Adventures In Hendersonville Presented By Jump Off Rock: For a fun and easy adventure close to town, we like Jump Off Rock: a scenic overlook that provides a panoramic view of rollingpastures and the distant mountain ranges of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah National Forest. There...
Boone fly fishing consists of beautiful mountain streams brimming with wild and stocked trout. With delayed harvest trout fishing options, wild trout waters and great places to take a guided float trip for fishing, the High Country is home to some of the Southeast’s best fly fishing...
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...
The Pinnacle Mountain Climb outside of Saluda is arguably the toughest climb in the area and is part of a 17-mile section of road that can be accessed via Pinnacle Mountain Road not far from Flat Rock. The first climb is up to SkyTop Orchard, but that is a false summit. After travelling...
Pearson’s Falls | Saluda Adventures Pearson’s Falls is one of Saluda’s best adventures. The area gets its name thanks to the 90-foot-tall Pearson’s Falls, but there is far more to see than just the falls. The 268-acre wildlife and bird sanctuary of Pearson’s Falls...
Hike Max Patch: Take in the most beautiful view on the AT in Madison County. On Max Patch, you are at 4,629 feet and, on a clear day, have a 360- degree panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains to the south and a glimpse of Mt. Mitchell to the east. If you have...
If you are looking for a high-adventure, heart-pumping whitewater experience, this is it! One of the steepest commercially-run sections of whitewater in the Southeast, the Upper Green consists of continuous class II and III rapids and two class IV’s. Green River Adventures is the only...
Running The Brevard Greenway: For those that prefer to pound the pavement rather than hit the trails, the Brevard Greenway is a great community asset. At just under 5 miles of trails, all but a small portion heading into Pisgah National Forest are paved. It’s easily accessible from...
Avery Creek Dog-Friendly Trail: This moderate hike offers a great opportunity for you and your pet to get out and explore Pisgah National Forest and see one of the roughly 200 waterfalls found near Brevard in Transylvania County. Avery Creek Falls is a great swimming hole and the cool...
Boone Fork Trail Running: For those seeking a challenge, the 5 mile Boone Fork Trail is one of the High Country’s most stimulating and challenging running experiences. The difficulties of running this trail are legendary, making it a challenge best suited for only the most...
Wilson Creek Gorge: When it comes to natural beauty, the Wilson Creek Gorge is unparalleled in regards to its bountiful supply of deep swimming holes, waterfalls, and long-range views of one of the most cherished wilderness areas in the High Country. The area is renowned for its...
Boone Greenway Dog Friendly Trails: A beautiful paved walk meandering several miles along the New River, crossing a covered bridge, and several other stone and wooden bridges. Landscaped, with flowers, birds, butterflies, picnic tables and lovely park benches for resting. The Greenway...
The Laurel Creek Trail, located within Pisgah National Forest near Hot Springs, is a moderate hike that traverses a beautiful forest alongside Big Laurel Creek and offers great access to some nice swimming holes. The mostly flat hike winds through the steep river gorge beside the river...
Just on the outskirts of Hendersonville lies the rugged and lesser-known Green River Gamelands. This 10,000-acre tract of land has a primary purpose of wildlife conservation and management, and it’s also home to the well know Green River – which is a favorite playground among...
Explore Lake Lure (Chimney Rock): Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the warm waters of Lake Lure, a mountain lake nestled in the heart of Hickory Nut Gorge. Rocky domes and green peaks surround the family-friendly lake on all sides. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the Lake Lure...
Challenge your skills on the Davidson. Named as one of Trout Unlimited’s “Top 100 Trout Streams in America” the Davidson is a very productive freestone river that supports trophy-class fish over 20 inches. About 14 miles of the river, from its headwaters to Avery Creek...
Upper Davidson River Brevard Whitewater Paddling: When it comes to whitewater paddling, Brevard is hard to beat. As one of the Eastern U.S. only temperate rainforests, as well as over 500,000 acres of protected forests full of creeks, rivers and waterfalls, it’s easy to see why...
Established in 2002, this 18 hole course offers disc golfers a beautiful setting among its wide open and long holes. The course features great views of the surrounding mountains, including nearby Cedar Rock and Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest. Because of the wide-open...
Julian Price Campground: Located along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in the lush green expanses of North Carolina, the Julian Price Campground is a top destination for boating, hiking, fishing and more. Whether it’s for a family camping excursion or a peaceful getaway, this campground has...
About Wolf Ridge: Wolf Ridge has become one of the southeast’s most popular resorts, offering a big mountain experience that’s family friendly and easily accessible. Located just a half hour from downtown Asheville and only five miles from Interstate 26, the resort holds something for...