Chimney Rock Park
If you’re ready for some exercise, we’ve got the spot for you. The Park features six different hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy-to-moderate to moderate-to-strenuous. Some lead to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls; others lead through the woods through old growth forests, dazzling displays of wildflowers and interesting rock formations. The Great Woodland Adventure features fun, whimsical sculptures of some of the animals that call the Park home. Guided bird and wildflower hikes are just a few that are offered throughout the season. The Park, a Natural Heritage Area, is located 25 miles SE of Asheville in scenic Hickory Nut Gorge. Open all year. Live it up! 828-625-9611

Mast General Store
Authentic general store featuring quality goods, traditional clothing and custom fit shoes. Since 1883, Mast General Store has been outfitting the Appalachians with traditional mercantile goods, comfortable clothing, rugged footwear and quality outdoor gear for all mountain seasons. Discover for yourself why..... some times are just too good to leave behind, and why it is a simple pleasure to just browse throughout the store. 

Diamond Brand Outdoors
Diamond Brand Outdoors is a complete outfitter and guide service in Arden, NC and in Downtown Asheville, NC. Whether you love hiking, camping, fly fishing, rock climbing, kayaking, or canoeing, Diamond Brand Outdoors is your one-stop shop for gear and information for your adventures in beautiful Western North Carolina!

Appalachian Trail
This national scenic trail begins in Georgia and stretches across 2,144 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge lines to end in Maine. Along the way, it traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and parts of Western North Carolina. For more information on the trail, and day hike suggestions, contact the Appalachian Trail Conference. > 828-254-3708

Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the country's best-known scenic highways is also the starting point for hiking trails that traverse the Parkway. Popular spots include Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Fields and its beautiful waterfalls, Mount Pisgah, and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. > 828-298-0398

Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt created Biltmore Estate in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains more than a century ago as a retreat for family and friends; a place to rediscover gracious hospitality and revel in nature’s beauty. His vision holds true today. Explore Biltmore House, a magnificent 250-room château filled with priceless art and antiques. Stroll through century-old gardens designed by America’s first landscape architect. Savor award-winning wines and taste our chefs’ creations using estate-raised foods. Enjoy our 8,000 acres of forests, farmlands, and rivers on bikes, horseback, and rafts. Request a FREE 32-page Visit Planner
1-800-543-2961

Appalachian Trail
This national scenic trail begins in Georgia and stretches across 2,144 miles of Appalachian Mountain ridge lines to end in Maine. Along the way, it traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and parts of Western North Carolina. For more information on the trail, and day hike suggestions, contact the Appalachian Trail Conference. > 828-254-3708

Blue Ridge Parkway
One of the country's best-known scenic highways is also the starting point for hiking trails that traverse the Parkway. Popular spots include Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Fields and its beautiful waterfalls, Mount Pisgah, and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. > 828-298-0398

Great Smokey Mountains National Park
The country's most visited national park, offering a variety of trails for hikers of any age or skill level. Trail maps and assistance are available at the Park Visitor Centers. > 423-436-5615

Pisgah National Forest
Much of Western North Carolina is covered by national forest, making it a hiker’s paradise. For maps or information on great places to hike, call the National Forest Service. > 828-257-4200

Mount. Mitchell
The eastern United States highest mountain. Experience a wonderful drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville to the Mount Mitchell State Park. A great place to have a picnic and walk on the surrounding trails.