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Asheville Itineraries
- Immerse Yourself in Nature
- Explore Downtown’s Treasures
- Go Back in Time
Go off the beaten path and refresh your spirit by exploring the natural beauty of Western North Carolina.
Get out on the water with a paddleboat at Lake Julian in South Asheville. Children love the ducks and geese that live at the lake, and avid bird watchers will find plenty of birds to keep their attention. Look for great blue heron or the glittering blue of a kingfisher.
For an adventure in the car, grab a Parkway map. Count and name the tunnels as you gain altitude on your drive through the mountains. Pull over at a scenic overlook to enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the valleys below. Or park the car and set off on one of the many hiking trails that adjoin the Parkway.
Gather your family for a bike ride on the many dirt roads and trails at Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Cool off after your adventure by taking a dip in Lake Powhatan. While you’re there, hike one of the interpretive trails to learn about ecological habitats and forest regeneration methods in the Southern Appalachians.
Looking to cool off? Try Mother Nature’s water park. Take U.S. 276 toward Brevard to enjoy the area’s multiple waterfalls, then head down to Sliding Rock for a slippery trip down to a seven-foot swimming hole.
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