Top North Carolina Nature and Wildlife Tours

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

Take a spooky stroll through the streets of downtown Asheville on this ghost walking tour. Led by an expert local guide, learn about the area’s hair-raising tales and dark history, like the woman who haunts the Omni Grove Park Inn, the body entombed in the wall of the Basilica of St. Lawrence and much more. It's a fascinating, spine-tingling adventure.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Charlotte aboard a 7-person golf cart, on this small-group tour of the area. With a local guide at the wheel, visit popular landmarks like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Discovery Place, the Mint Museum, the Imaginon and Levine Museum of the New South, and more. Visit all of Charlotte's historical sites, as well some of the more modern, popular areas in the city. The tour concludes at a local restaurant where you can sample a popular dish (included with your tour).

Explore some of Asheville's most haunted and paranormally-active historic locations during this Guided Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour. Learn the truth behind Asheville’s gruesome and chilling history as your knowledgeable guide walks you past top sites such as the Basilica of St. Lawrence, The Legal Building, Battery Park Hotel, and Pack's Tavern while recounting chilling tales set back during the Great Depression, Prohibition, and the Gilded Age. Travelers have the option of selecting the standard 60-minute tour which includes 8 stops, or opt for the extended tour which lasts 90-minutes and visits an additional 4 stops (12 stops total). Tour Highlights: • Guided Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour of Asheville • Standard 60-Minute or Extended 90-Minute Tour Options • Hear haunted tales of Asheville set back during the Great Depression, Prohibition, and Gilded Age. • Learn the chilling history as you visit sites such as Basilica of St. Lawrence & Battery Park Hotel. • Knowledgeable Guides

Explore the "Paris of the South"—Asheville, North Carolina—on a Segway during this 2-hour guided tour. Traveling via Segway allows you to cover much more ground than you would on foot, which makes this a great comprehensive tour for first-time visitors. You'll get lessons on how to maneuver the 2-wheeled, self-balancing electric scooter before you depart; even beginners will feel safe and comfortable.

Discover the best of Asheville on this 2-Hour Public or Private Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour with Local Guide. As you take in some of the historical city sites, make your way over to a few local cafes, breweries, and distilleries for some bonus tastings. This tip-based tour allows you to pay what you think it’s worth in the end! You will learn how Asheville became the unique, quirky city you see now and what we are doing to "Keep Asheville Weird." Your Local Guide will lead you along the Urban Trail, passing by top sites such as the Flatiron Building, Basilica of St Lawrence, Vance Memorial, and Grove Arcade. Stop along the way for a private tour of Leaf Global Arts Center spirits at Cultivated Cocktails Distillery, and a beer at Twin Leaf Brewery (tickets provided for BOGO at the end) Tastings are provided by local businesses who provide them when open/available. No spirits on Tuesdays

See Charlotte’s most historic and haunted places with a 1.5-hour walking tour through the Fourth Ward. Follow your experienced guide to the city’s most infamous landmarks, where locals have spotted ghosts for centuries. Hear about Charlotte’s ancient Indian trading path and revolutionary battles, and learn the secrets behind uptown’s spookiest mansions. Watch for theatrical ghosts, medical ghosts, famous ghosts and unknown ghosts as you explore Charlotte’s best preserved historical neighborhood.

See the wild horses of Corolla on a 2-hour tour on the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Travel by open-air 4-wheel drive vehicle along the sand dunes and ocean to view the wild horses. Along the way, you'll also hear about the history and ecology of the island, stop for photo ops of the horses and other points of interests, and gain private access to the Wild Horse Conservation Area. Choose from several departure times during the day on a tour that includes 4WD tour and guide.

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.

Slip beneath the surface with tickets to the Sea Life Charlotte–Concord Aquarium, and meet the thousands of mammals, bright fish and seahorses that thrive in dozens of exhibits that recreate the ecosystems that surround North Carolina. Get a fish eye’s-view of the marine landscape as you walk through an underwater ocean tunnel. Spot all eight legs on the Giant Pacific Octopus, see a feeding frenzy and explore the slippery world of jellyfish in soaring cylindrical tanks.

Cruise through the waters of Wrightsville Beach aboard a 42-foot (13-meter) yacht during this small-group coastal sailing adventure. Enjoy scenic views of the surrounding waterways and barrier islands, and catch a glimpse of marine life. Soft drinks, juice, bottled water, and light refreshments are provided on board the boat. Plus, choose from morning, afternoon, or sunset cruises to best suit your schedule.

Paddle 7 miles (11 km) with a private guide on the picturesque French Broad River. You’ll pass by Asheville’s massive Biltmore Estate and hear about its history. Learn stand-up paddleboarding tips and techniques from your SUP instructor and keep an eye out for native wildlife like turtles, herons, otters, and osprey. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise during a morning or afternoon.

Enjoy a leisurely ride through Blowing Rock’s Moses H. Cone Park on a horse and carriage. Pre-book your ride and meet your coachman at the park, then sit back and relax as you ride in the comfortable carriage. Ride past the historical manor and along carriage trails and take in the views of the Blue Ridge parkway.

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.

Take a 2.0 hour sailing cruise on a Sparkman and Stephens Sailing Yacht. With your small-group, engage on this classic 42 ft yacht, that accommodates a 6 passenger maximum for an intimate cruise through the waters of Wrightsville Beach.  This tour is a spectacular way to see the waterways, barrier islands, and marine life surrounding Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina.  Please note, beginning November 8, 2018 our Sunset Cruise will depart at 3:00 pm.  Sunset Cruise guests should arrive at least 10 minutes early.

Experience a scenic and memorable guided horseback riding adventure at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Choose from a wide variety of departure times, then ride the beautiful Flame Azalea Trail, traveling through hardwood and white pine forests, plus open meadows with majestic, elevated views of the all-American Blue Ridge Parkway. Get to know the horses in advance. Guided safety training plus a ‘test drive’ and helmet (mandatory for those under 18) are provided.

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)

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.

Enjoy the beautiful guided waterfall adventure for a whirlwind tour to The North Carolina Highlands. This tour offers waterfalls, cliffs, quaint towns, and adventure! You will also have your very own personal photographer!

Get out of town for a half-day hike up to scenic waterfalls with this small-group hiking experience for up to four people. Your certified naturalist guide will lead you and your group on a challenging hike up to beautiful waterfalls, teaching you how to identify local plant life along the way.

Go hiking in the outskirts of Asheville with a naturalist guide on this small-group tour. You and your small group of fellow hikers will head out into the hills, where you'll learn how to ID local flowers and trees. If you're lucky, you may even spot some wildlife along the way.