Top Asheville Outdoor Activities

One of the most biodiverse spots in the nation, the Blue Ridge Parkway shouldn’t just be driven—it deserves to be seen on foot, with a naturalist leading the way. With your guide at the helm, you and your small group will hike to gorgeous waterfalls, up to panoramic mountain views, and through the technicolor meadows, hills, and valleys that make Asheville and the Pisgah National Forest so beloved.

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.

Asheville pops out of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the most biodiverse spots on Earth. On this tour, simply meet up with your small group, take a short ride into Pisgah National Forest, and follow the way into the “Land of Waterfalls.” Your guide will provide hiking poles, rain gear, water, snacks, and plenty of knowledge to deepen your experience in this incredible slice of Mother Nature.

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.

Explore Asheville beyond city limits during this sunset e-bike ride. Meet your guide in North Asheville and get fitted for an e-bike, then set out for a scenic ride in the mountains surrounding Asheville. During this small-group tour, climb up to a scenic overlook (with the assistance of the powerful e-bike battery) and keep an eye out for wildlife, which is known for being active this time of day. Complete the experience with a visit to a local brewery.

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.

Maximize time in Downtown Asheville with a sightseeing tour led by a local guide. Learn about Asheville's history and culture during a city stroll that includes breweries, distilleries, cafes, and historic sites. See popular landmarks like the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Grove Arcade, and the Leaf Global Arts Center. Taste local beer and spirits during brewery and distillery visits. In lieu of a tour ticket, tip your guide whatever amount you find fair.

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.

Maximize time in Asheville with a guided walking tour focused on the city’s history, architecture, and culture. Meet your guide for a sightseeing tour including top landmarks like the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Grove Arcade, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Get to know the unique city of Asheville from the perspective of a local.

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.

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.

Join us for a tour on our seasonal Winter Jeep Tour. We only offer this tour during the winter months when major sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed to vehicles. This tour is the perfect way to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains in winter. This seasonal tour takes you up scenic mountain roads through Pisgah National Forest. We will reach the famous Blue Ridge Parkway at 5,300ft. above sea level and take a short walk to an overlook. We will also stop to see two roadside waterfalls! Your guide will treat you to interesting stories, information about the forest, and a cup of hot chocolate!  IMPORTANT: It can get very cold out in the mountains. It is roughly 20 degrees colder than it is in Asheville. Our jeeps have plastic windows for the wind but they are not airtight. Please dress accordingly and come prepared for the cold weather.

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.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This small-group tour from Nashville starts out with a hike through the forest. At the summit, you'll stretch out your (provided) mat, soak up the views, and unwind as you move through a mountaintop yoga class, which is appropriate for all levels.

One of the country’s favorite rafting rivers, experiencing Asheville’s French Broad River is a paddler’s rite of passage. On this guided tour, you’ll raft through four miles of Class II and III rapids, stopping for river dips, taking in the views of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, and eventually ending with an Asheville tradition: a cold, local craft beer.

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.

Go birding at Beaver Lake outside Asheville with this private tour. Meet your guide for a walk along the boardwalk to search for birds within the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and more. The tour can be customized for beginner or advanced birders and binoculars are supplied for the walk.

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.

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.

As featured in Southern Living Magazine and MSN News, discover the authentic beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway with a naturalist guide to show you the best vistas, photo spots, and hiking trails that make Asheville famous. This intimate, small-group tour makes it easy to get to know your experienced, expert guide and learn more about the region. -Learn about the area’s history, plants, and wildlife from your naturalist guide -Visit famous overlooks and spots that most tourists miss -See the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s expansive mountain views

Asheville comes loaded with two things: great breweries and great nature. On this tour, you’ll get to revel in them both. Your guide will have your raft ready—complete with an ice-filled cooler—and you’ll float down the beautiful French Broad River, stopping at a few of the city’s best pubs and food trucks. This one’s all about relaxing, river views, and really good beer.

Take a kayak trip along the French Broad River with this semi-private tour led by a naturalist. You'll paddle through town, passing local attractions such as the Biltmore Estate along the way. Your guide will be on hand to provide narration and answer any question you have about the natural world around you.

Skip the usual walking tours for this small-group interactive scavenger hunt in downtown Asheville. Download the scavenger hunt app and explore the town’s historical gems, flourishing neighborhoods, and latest attractions while taking on fun challenges. Snap pictures, race against the clock, and put your navigation skills to the test as you wander at your own pace. No reservations, no tour guides, and fun for all ages

Explore Asheville with Crazy Dash! Our scavenger hunt app allows you to explore the city to find items and perform tasks for points. Items can be found in any order you'd like. Check the rankings during your game to see your score and compare it to others around the country! All Crazy Dash scavenger hunts have a remote host that will chat with you during the game. Crazy Dash is our most laid-back scavenger hunt! Take your time and wander Asheville with us today!