Asheville sits pretty in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and while everyone knows about the incredible hiking trails, there’s so much more to explore outdoors. This mountain town offers adventures that go way beyond lacing up your boots and hitting the trail.
Whether you’re looking to cool off in a swimming hole, paddle down a river, or find the perfect spot for a picnic, Asheville delivers. Here is a list of 18 outdoor spots that’ll give you a fresh perspective on what this North Carolina gem has to offer.
French Broad River
The French Broad River winds right through Asheville, making it one of the most accessible waterways in the region. You can rent a kayak or canoe and paddle through the heart of the city, which gives you a completely different view of downtown.
The river moves at a gentle pace, perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a relaxing float. Several outfitters along the river offer rentals and guided trips, so you don’t need to own gear to get out on the water.
Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs right past Asheville, and the overlooks along this scenic drive are worth every mile. Craggy Pinnacle offers stunning 360-degree views without requiring a long hike to reach them.
You can drive right up to most viewpoints and enjoy the mountain vistas with minimal effort. The parkway becomes especially magical during fall when the leaves change colors, creating a natural kaleidoscope across the mountains.
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Lake Julian
This small lake sits just outside Asheville and provides a perfect spot for fishing, picnicking, or just relaxing by the water. The lake has a nice walking trail around its perimeter that’s easy enough for families with young kids.
You’ll often see people fishing for bass and bluegill from the shore or small boats. The park surrounding the lake has picnic tables and grills, making it an ideal spot for an outdoor lunch.
Bent Creek Experimental Forest
Bent Creek offers mountain biking trails that range from beginner-friendly to challenging, all within a beautiful forest setting. The trails wind through different types of terrain, from smooth single-track to technical rocky sections.
What makes this place special is how well-maintained the trails are, thanks to the active mountain biking community in Asheville. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the different trail systems and never feel like you’re repeating the same ride.
North Carolina Arboretum
The Arboretum spans 434 acres and features gardens, walking trails, and educational exhibits about native plants. It’s like a living museum where you can learn about the region’s natural history while enjoying beautifully landscaped areas.
The quilt garden is particularly impressive, with plants arranged to create colorful patterns that change with the seasons. Admission is free, though parking costs a few dollars, making it an affordable outdoor destination for the whole family.
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Swannanoa River Greenway
This paved trail follows the Swannanoa River for several miles, connecting different neighborhoods and parks throughout Asheville. It’s perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, and you don’t have to worry about traffic or steep inclines.
The greenway passes through several parks where you can stop for a picnic or let kids play on playgrounds. Local residents use this trail regularly for exercise and commuting, giving it a genuine community feel.
Carrier Park
Carrier Park sits along the French Broad River and offers multiple outdoor activities in one location. The park has disc golf courses, tennis courts, and open fields perfect for Frisbee or catch.
What really sets it apart is the river access, where you can put in kayaks or just wade in the water on hot days. The park also hosts outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the year, making it a hub of community activity.
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
These gardens showcase native plants from the Southern Appalachian region in a natural setting that feels more like a forest than a formal garden. The trails wind through different ecosystems, from wetlands to woodlands, each supporting different types of plants and wildlife.
It’s a quiet place where you can learn about local flora while enjoying a peaceful walk. The gardens are maintained by volunteers who are passionate about preserving native plants, and their dedication shows in every corner of the property.
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Biltmore Estate Grounds
outdoor experiences across 8,000 acres. You can explore the formal gardens, which change dramatically with each season, or venture onto the miles of trails that cross the property.
The estate also has a working winery where you can enjoy tastings on outdoor patios with mountain views. The grounds feel like a completely different world, with carefully maintained landscapes that showcase what the area looked like over a century ago.
Riverside Cemetery
This historic cemetery might seem like an unusual outdoor destination, but it’s actually one of Asheville’s most peaceful and beautiful spots. The cemetery sits on a hill overlooking the French Broad River, with winding paths that make for a contemplative walk.
Many notable figures from Asheville’s history are buried here, including author Thomas Wolfe. The old trees and well-maintained grounds create a serene atmosphere that’s perfect for quiet reflection.
Asheville Outlets Adventure Center
This outdoor recreation center offers zip-lining, rope courses, and other adventure activities right in town. The zip-line course takes you through the trees with views of the surrounding mountains, giving you an adrenaline rush without having to travel far from downtown.
The rope courses challenge your balance and coordination while keeping you safely harnessed above the ground. It’s a great option for families or groups looking for something more adventurous than a typical outdoor activity.
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Hominy Creek Park
Hominy Creek Park features a beautiful greenway that follows the creek through a wooded area just outside downtown Asheville. The paved trail is perfect for walking or biking, and several unpaved side trails let you explore the forest more deeply.
The creek itself provides a soothing soundtrack as you walk, and you might spot wildlife like deer or various bird species. The park connects to other trail systems so you can extend your outdoor time if you want to explore further.
Richmond Hill Park
This park sits on a bluff overlooking the French Broad River and offers some of the best views in Asheville. The park has several trails that wind through the forest, leading to different viewpoints along the river.
It’s a great spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light hits the water just right. The park also has picnic areas and open spaces where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Montreat Conference Center Trails
Just outside Asheville, Montreat offers a network of trails that range from easy walks to more challenging climbs. The trails pass through beautiful forests and lead to waterfalls, mountain views, and quiet streams.
What makes Montreat special is how well-marked and maintained the trails are, thanks to the conference center’s commitment to outdoor recreation. You can pick up trail maps at the entrance and plan a route that matches your fitness level and time constraints.
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Pisgah National Forest Swimming Areas
The Pisgah National Forest surrounds Asheville and contains numerous swimming areas that provide relief from summer heat. Sliding Rock is probably the most famous, where you can slide down a natural rock waterfall into a deep pool below.
Looking Glass Falls offers a more traditional swimming experience, with a large pool at the base of the waterfall. These natural swimming areas are fed by mountain streams, so the water stays cool even on the hottest days.
Craggy Dome
Craggy Dome provides one of the most accessible mountain summit experiences near Asheville. A short trail from the Blue Ridge Parkway leads to a 360-degree view from the top, where you can see for miles in every direction.
The summit features a unique ecosystem with rare plants that have adapted to the harsh mountain conditions. During June, the area explodes with rhododendron blooms, creating a natural flower show that attracts visitors from across the region.
Asheville Disc Golf Courses
Asheville has several excellent disc golf courses that take advantage of the area’s natural terrain and beautiful settings. Richmond Hill Park has a challenging course that winds through forests and offers river views.
Carrier Park features a more beginner-friendly course with wide fairways and fewer trees to navigate. The sport has a strong following in Asheville, and you’ll often find friendly players willing to share tips or let you join their group.
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Black Mountain Recreation Park
Located just outside Asheville, this park offers a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, paddleboating, and picnicking around a scenic lake. The park has well-maintained trails that circle the lake and extend into the surrounding forest.
It’s a popular spot for family gatherings and company picnics, with plenty of open space and facilities to accommodate large groups. The lake is stocked with fish, making it a reliable spot for anglers of all skill levels.
Mountain Adventures Continue
These outdoor spots show that Asheville’s natural beauty extends far beyond its famous hiking trails. From peaceful riverside walks to adrenaline-pumping zip-line adventures, the area offers something for every type of outdoor enthusiast.
The combination of mountains, rivers, and forests creates a playground where you can stay active and connected to nature without ever feeling like you’re doing the same thing twice. Next time you visit Asheville, consider exploring these alternatives to discover new ways to experience the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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