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75 Outdoor Things to Do in  Asheville

Outdoor Adventures in Asheville and the Western North Carolina Mountains
 

Ready to explore the great outdoors of Western North Carolina? Surrounded by the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with one million acres of protected forest and parkland waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, chasing waterfalls, or simply taking in the mountain views, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the natural beauty of the region.
 

After a full day of adventure, wind down at one of Asheville’s many breweries—most with spacious outdoor seating and stunning mountain backdrops. Nothing pairs better with fresh air and miles on the trail than a cold craft beer.
 

Use our detailed local guide below to find the best ways to explore Asheville and greater WNC, complete with photos and insider tips to help you plan your trip. Need even more inspiration? Check out our Top 300 Things to Do for additional indoor and outdoor activities, or browse our guide to the best camping spots in the WNC mountains for the ultimate overnight adventure.

​Haywood Common is a casual, order-at-the-counter restaurant in West Asheville. They are located adjacent to The Whale and the two share a common outdoor space with several picnic tables.

Take a leisurely stroll through beautiful gardens and peaceful woodland trails right here in Asheville

Hop on your bike, lace up your shoes, or take a leisurely stroll down the 13.5-mile paved rail-to-trail path that connects the towns of Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale, and Forest City.

Get ready for a breathtaking spectacle as Monarch Butterflies make their incredible mile migration to Mexico travelling over 2000 miles!

You won’t want to miss the breathtaking views from Grandfather Mountain, standing tall at 5,946 feet—one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge range.

Ready to hit the river? Kayak, canoe, tube, or paddleboard your way through Asheville, starting right near downtown at the area's biggest paddle shop.

With daytime admission to Biltmore, you don’t just get to explore America’s largest home—you also have the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the estate’s 8,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Lake Glenville, nestled in the scenic mountains near Cashiers, North Carolina, is a hidden gem that’s perfect for a peaceful getaway or outdoor adventure. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, this pristine lake offers a range of activities for visitors.

Surrounding Asheville is over 500,000 acres of Pisgah National Forest, a breathtaking expanse of rugged mountains and some of the most beautiful scenery in the region.

Lake Junaluska is the kind of place that whispers relaxation with a side of beauty. Tucked away in the mountains, this serene little town is all about quiet charm.

Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime! Just 20 minutes outside Asheville, Navitat offers a zipline canopy tour so amazing,

Take a leisurely 1.7-mile loop through downtown Asheville with this self-guided outdoor museum.

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Get ready for a splashin’ good time on the Nantahala River! Just 12 miles west of Bryson City, the stunning Nantahala River Gorge is the ultimate spot for whitewater rafting and kayaking.

Take an exciting Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure with a zipline tour through the stunning Great Smoky Mountains! tour in the Great Smoky Mountains. The 3-hour zip line flight is powered by gravity and a gradual 3 percent elevation change. The 1/2 mile air

Nestled along the French Broad River, Riverside Cemetery offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Asheville. With its historic significance and serene atmosphere, it's a beautiful spot for reflection and a gentle stroll through centuries of local history.

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind Asheville adventure that blends yoga, hiking, and meditation with the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Step up and take in a view so stunning it'll steal your breath—75 miles of rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, the deep-cut beauty of Hickory Nut Gorge, and the shimmering expanse of Lake Lure.

Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Nantahala National Forest is an outdoor lover’s paradise!

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, this lake is the ultimate playground for fishing, boating, camping, and swimming. Oh, and did we mention you can drive—or even walk—across the highest dam east of the Rockies?

The First Peak of the Blue Ridge offers a chance to immerse yourself in the mountains, no matter the season.

Exploring Asheville's waterways on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) offers a unique and serene perspective of the Blue Ridge Mountains

This hidden gem of a bird sanctuary is a peaceful wildlife oasis in the heart of busy North Asheville.

Perched at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park in Yancey County, this nationally acclaimed observatory invites visitors to gaze at the moon, planets, and stars through state-of-the-art telescopes.

Prepare your eyeballs for some seriously jaw-dropping scenery along the rim, with hikes that'll lead you to peaks with fancy names like Table Rock (spoiler: not actually a table)

Madison County, NC, is an outdoor lover’s dream come true! Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this charming county is a playground for anyone craving adventure.

Welcome to this charming little town, home to just 548 folks and famous for its hot mineral springs. Located north of Asheville, it’s where the Appalachian Trail meets the French Broad River

Nestled near the University of North Carolina in Asheville, this 10-acre garden showcases native Southern Appalachian plants and offers serene hiking trails, providing a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city.

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