Top Asheville Outdoor Activities

Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to three scenic waterfalls from Asheville. Take in views of the mountains as you tour the classic road in a comfortable van and hear stories about the area’s natural history and culture from your local guide. Watch for blooming laurels and rhododendron as you walk the easy to moderate trails through lush oak and hickory forests. Enjoy light refreshments along the way with plenty of time to relax by the falls before returning to Asheville.

Our tours have been featured in Southern Living Magazine and MSN News! Join are expert guides, all experienced naturalists, as we discover the stunning waterfalls and mountain views which make Asheville famous! On our tours, we share stories from history and even do some plant foraging, so you can eat along the trail! Note that guests often return to Asheville by way of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, so our tours is a loop, and there is no need to backtrack! (Only during winter conditions with ice and snow will the Parkway be closed and we may have to return to our original starting place.)

It can be hard to find something fun and different for your kids to do while in the Asheville area. Travel outside the city just 30 minutes to Hendersonville’s Elijah Mountain Gem Mine. Guarantee your visit for the whole family by booking ahead, and choose from multiple packages to find which one is best for your budget.

Explore the historic French Broad River in Asheville on a stand-up paddleboard during this guided, 2.5-hour, small-group tour. Float through the city’s calm, downtown waterway and learn about the history of the region while participating in one of Asheville’s most popular activities. Paddleboarding experience is helpful but not necessary. All equipment — paddleboard, paddle, personal flotation device, leash, river booties and dry bag — are included.

Take time for yourself, breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains! Enjoy a 2 mile round trip hike to a mountaintop with stunning views plus an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit. We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure! PRIVATE OPTION: Want a private yoga hike? Contact us to schedule your hike any day of the week. NEW! Sunset yoga hikes now available daily for private groups of 4+. Contact us for details. WANT MORE? Add a massage at your vacation rental, farm-to-table cooking class, group tarot reading, or one of dozens of other uniquely Asheville experiences to your day for a full, balanced adventure. Visit our website for details and options.

On these Private Waterfall Tours, you will get to enjoy the falls up close and with ease. We specializes in taking tours to hidden gems and locally-known waterfalls, uncluttered by foot traffic and crowds.

Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

Semi-Private guided tour with certified naturalist kayaking through the city of Asheville on the serene French Broad River. Includes peak-a-boo views of the Biltmore Mansion and Estate.

We’ll work directly with you to create a custom, private tour that is perfect for you and your photography interests. Together we'll pick locations that fit your interests and your desired amount of hiking, from a couple of miles to no hiking at all. This is ideal for travelers looking to go off the beaten path. And we pick you up! We offer small, private tours that focus on helping you capture better photos. Our tours take you to the most breathtaking locations across the Blue Ridge Mountains that only the locals know about. Our award-winning photographers know the Blue Ridge Mountains better than anyone else in the area! We are currently open and taking safety precautions for our guests! Visit our website to learn how we're handling COVID.

Discover Asheville’s noteworthy landmarks and architectural gems while covering plenty of ground. This 2.5-hour tour by electric bike lets you safely navigate Asheville’s hilly terrain. Follow your guide through city streets, greenways, and picturesque neighborhoods. At carefully chosen viewpoints, you’ll stop to hear the stories behind historical sites. Numbers are limited to seven riders per tour to ensure personalized attention.

Discover the scenic views, mountain trails, wildlife, and plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a local guide to lead the way. With so much to see in the region, nature lovers can get overwhelmed deciding where to go and what attractions to prioritize. By traveling with a guide you don’t have to worry about the logistics and can rest assured you don’t miss any of the highlights.

The greatest family experience in Asheville! Our Private Family Waterfall Tour allows you to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls around Asheville! Our guides are permitted, licensed and trained to make sure your family is safe and has the greatest possible experience! AND we donate 10% of every dollar we make to help end human trafficking.

Your guide is a certified naturalist who is knowledgeable of the flora and fauna of the area. You will learn tree and flower identifications as well as any wildlife you may see during your activity.

The guides from Ventures Birding Tours are friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We will take our time exploring and pointing out the local bird life. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just trying out this fascinating hobby for the first time, you will be promised an interesting time.

Cycle to five of Asheville’s most popular microbreweries, enjoying a drink (or two) at each location. You’ll be riding a state-of-the-art e-bike, so the hills won’t be a problem. In addition to soaking up the local vibe and great scenery, you’ll sample some of the best craft brews in town. If you like beer and bikes, you'll love this tour.

Solve clues, complete challenges, and race against competing teams while checking out top Asheville sights on this self-guided Asheville scavenger hunt. Follow the guide on your smartphone to reach historical attractions, outdoor art, and essential Asheville sights, all with your self-chosen team of two to five people. Because this tour is all from your phone, you can complete it on your own schedule.

You will get to see an amazing Asheville sunset from our favorite "secret" spots. Our founder grew up in Asheville and has found the greatest places to catch a sunrise!

For a relaxing outdoor adventure that's perfect for the whole family, you can soak up the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains with this New River tubing excursion. Rent a tube, head to the river, and glide in the gentle waters on your relaxed ride. You can bring drinks to pack in a cooler tube, carry goodies for a picnic, or just sit back and soak up the sunshine.

Follow your guide on a 45-minute horseback riding adventure at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Choose from a variety of departure times, and ride the beautiful Fern Forest Trail, traveling through a dense forest on relatively flat terrain at 4,000 feet. This gentle trail, situated in the Nantahala National Forest, is suitable for all skill levels. Guided safety training plus a ‘test drive’ and helmet (mandatory for those under 18) are provided.

Join us for a waterfall hiking tour and see some of the Western NC's famous waterfalls! Your guide will meet you at our downtown Asheville location then drive you to the trailhead. You'll enjoy a 3-5 mile hike, featuring one or more waterfalls (depending on the location). Our tours are designed for beginner to intermediate hikers, but are beautiful enough that even the most seasoned hiker will have a great time! Your hike could be in Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your guide will select the best hike for the day based on factors like weather, trail conditions, and participant fitness level. All of our guides have extensive hiking and backpacking experience, and all hold CPR and Wilderness First Aid (or higher) medical certifications.

Excite Your Senses' as we stroll down the concrete drive and I explain the importance and management of productive pastures. The ranch manages the pastures with a rotational grazing system, so keep your eye out for the herd. We want visitors to experience the sights and smells of the farm while discussing the cattles health, and nutrient requirements There are many photo opportunities. In addition, you will see many conservation practices used to protect the farms resources, water quality and environment. ​ Buses, RV's and pets are welcome. Farm Lodge, RV Ranch and a picnic area are available with plenty of parking. Shop at our Farm Store and consider grilling out while you relax in our picnic area enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains. (fees apply)

Ever wanted to try rock climbing? This 1-Day Private Outdoor "Introduction to Rock Climbing" Beginners Class is a great way to start. During this class you'll learn rudiments of rock climbing gear, tying knots, belay techniques, and basic movement in climbing such as edging, crimping, and hand-jams. Meet your Certified Climbing Instructor who will bring you on a quick scenic drive and hike through Pisgah National Forest (located outside of Asheville) on your way to climb Looking Glass Rock. At the base, you'll unpack all included climbing equipment and begin your day of climbing on the shoulders of this enormous mountain. Highlights: • 1-Day Rock Climbing Beginners Class • Private Class • Certified Guide • Climb up Looking Glass Rock, located in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville • All Climbing Equipment Included • Learn edging, crimping, hand-jams, and footwork climbing techniques • Learn the rudiments of rock climbing gear, knots, belay techniques, and basic movement.

Pisgah National Forest is the oldest of its kind in the eastern US. With over 500,000 acres and 1,600 miles of trail, some of the best overlooks and waterfalls are often overlooked. We will meet at Ecusta Brewing, then you will follow me to the trailhead, a ~30 minute scenic drive including a bit of dirt road. 2-wheel drive vehicles will have no problem, the road is well-maintained. Starting at the trailhead, we will run a ~7 mile loop with 1,400' of vertical. The run parallels a beautiful mountain stream with several cascades, then climbs its way up to one of the best overlooks in the forest - Slate Rock. Towering over the Pink Beds Valley, the overlook includes views of nearby Pilot Rock and the distant high peaks of the Great Balsam Range. I would argue that the views are far better than John Rock, Cedar Rock, or even Looking Glass Rock. Its limited popularity is due mostly to its remoteness and difficulty to navigate due to several unmarked trails along the way.

Clearcut by loggers over 100 years ago, these high mountain peaks offer some of the best views in all of Pisgah National Forest. The Plott Balsams, Black Mountains, and even Mount Mitchell can be seen from their summits. Along the way, we'll offer a brief history lesson to how the area came to be.