Asheville Alfresco: Discover the Best Spots to Experience the Outdoors in This Lively North Carolina City

The Blue Ridge Mountains were formed millions of years ago when tectonic plates of the Earth collided. Today, this gentle range, both inviting and breathtaking, stands as one of the oldest and most stunning in the world. Flowing through the mountains and meandering through Asheville is the majestic French Broad River, believed to be one of the planet's most ancient rivers.

With its elevation and abundant waterways, this southeastern hub naturally attracts outdoor enthusiasts, enticing everyone from casual day hikers to expert paddlers into its year-round allure. Throughout the year, well-prepared explorers can engage in a variety of active pursuits—and even indulge in a few leisurely activities. Our suggestion? Be sure to experience a mix of both.

Hard Times Trailhead

• Ideal for: Mountain biking along a challenging trail
• Address: 375 Wesley Branch Road, Asheville

If your ideal morning involves an early wake-up, a robust cup of coffee, and navigating a rocky, rooted single track, you’re in for a treat. Begin at Battle Cat Coffee in West Asheville, then head over to Bent Creek Experimental Forest and its Hard Times Trailhead, recommended by Riding in Color founder Diana Parra as the most beginner-friendly trail system in Buncombe County thanks to its mix of gravel and single track. Their group welcomes rides “for everyone who identifies as Black, Indigenous, or people of color,” and they have an open-door policy for visitors, allowing our lovely community to continue expanding! If the Hard Times Trailhead parking is full, consider using the other free parking lot at Rice Pinnacle.

There’s also an excellent network of trails at DuPont State Recreational Forest, located 37 miles south of the city, along with a skills area and pump track in West Asheville at Kolo Bike Park. If you've been curious about trying an e-bike or want to learn more about Asheville, why not combine both with a guided e-biking tour from locally-owned Flying Bike Tours? Operating out of the River Arts District, they offer themed tours covering everything from history and local artists to the finest pizza spots.

Wilma Dykeman Greenway

• Ideal for: Walking, skateboarding—and lawn bowling
• Address: 192 Riverside Drive, Asheville

Even the most devoted greenway advocate could not have predicted how thoroughly this two-mile, tree-lined asphalt path—named after a local author and environmentalist—would transform the city. Be sure to join the flow of locals commuting and enjoying the scenic, winding trails. Dog walkers (we’ve even seen a cat on a leash) are common, as are cyclists, runners, power walkers, skateboarders, and families with strollers. Asheville’s greenway runs along both banks of the French Broad River, with access points for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, plus nearby local favorites like New Belgium Brewing. The path leads to Carrier Park, a vibrant area with plenty of free parking where you can ride your bike on the velodrome, enjoy lawn bowling, or relax on the grass with a blanket and a book. Plans are in place to extend the greenway even further, and if current usage is any indication, the added distance will only enhance the enjoyment.

Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls

• Ideal for: Thrill-seekers and adventure lovers
• Address: Sliding Rock: View on Google Maps
  Looking Glass Falls: View on Google Maps

No visit to the Asheville area would be complete without experiencing at least one or two waterfalls. Make a lasting memory at Sliding Rock, located about 40 miles south of downtown Asheville, where a natural cascade serves as an actual sliding rock. Gliding down its slope is a cherished local tradition, and the eight-foot plunge pool ensures a gentle landing after the excitement.

Just a short drive from Sliding Rock, you’ll discover Looking Glass Falls—one of the area's most photographed natural wonders. With a stunning 75-foot drop, it’s among the more accessible waterfalls thanks to its roadside viewing platform and a brief staircase leading to the base. Looking Glass is a cherished waterfall for Guillard Climbing owner Pete Guillard, who also favors Hickory Nut Falls, situated to the northeast. “These two waterfalls showcase the beauty of this region,” he notes. “Given their closeness to some of the most iconic rock climbing spots in the state, including Looking Glass Rock and Rumbling Bald, I always recommend taking in the views after climbing. Each requires a short hike and should not be overlooked on your next trip to Asheville!” For those seeking a little more thrill, consider booking a half or full day of climbing with Guillard, who provides private lessons for beginners as well as single and multi-pitch adventures.

The Botanical Gardens at Asheville

• Ideal for: Relaxation over adrenaline
• Address: 151 WT Weaver Boulevard

Visit the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, where you can enjoy free parking and admission to 10 acres filled with an impressive variety of native plants. This location is ideal for bird-watching, and the benches scattered throughout provide serene spots for contemplation; a wheelchair ramp ensures easy access to the visitor center and bird deck. Enhance your experience by ordering gourmet charcuterie from Asheville Picnic Company, which delivers a selection of local delicacies directly to the Botanical Gardens, as well as other scenic locales like Craggy Gardens and the Biltmore Estate. Relaxing with a picnic at any of these beautiful locations is the perfect way to wrap up an adventurous vacation.

Adventure Center of Asheville, Franny’s Farm, and more

• Ideal for: Unique, curated outdoor experiences
• Adventure Center Location: 85 Expo Drive, Asheville
• Franny’s Farm Location: 22 Franny’s Farm Road, Leicester

Sometimes you just want someone else to take charge of your day. How about 60 minutes of beginner-friendly yoga poses accompanied by goats at Franny’s Farm in nearby Leicester? Or an exhilarating zip-line adventure at the Adventure Center of Asheville, featuring a KidZip for younger adventurers? You could also take in a bird’s-eye view of the city with the Asheville Balloon Company. For food enthusiasts, consider a foraging expedition under the trees at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, led by No Taste Like Home: After gathering local mushrooms, roots, nuts, and more, you can arrange to have your foraged goods cooked by a chef at one of several local eateries, including the Market Place, Cultura, or the Bull & Beggar.