How to Explore Asheville and the Surrounding Region this Summer

Where to shop, eat, stay and play in Western North Carolina’s outdoor epicenter.

Illustrations by Down the Street for Gear Patrol Studios

Published July 24, 2025

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Want the perfect blend of mountain experience and outdoor thrills? Asheville and the surrounding foothills region are the answer. Asheville serves as the area’s hub of art and culture, with a food and beverage scene that shines on the national stage, while dozens of other towns throughout the region boast their own vibrant scenes. Meanwhile, the mountains that define the landscape vary from rolling foothills to towering 6,000-foot peaks, encompassing steep creeks, hundreds of miles of trail, and copious climbing crags.

“I grew up going to camp in this area and the landscape spoke to me from a very young age,” says Tim Bell, co-owner of Green River Adventures, which runs paddling trips, canyoneering adventures and a high adrenaline zipline in the Green River Gorge. “In terms of adventure, there’s so much to do here because the landscape is so steep, and there’s so much rock and water. Every time I’m traveling elsewhere, I can’t wait to get back here.”

Dig into the Asheville & Foothills region below or jump over to our comprehensive guide to visiting Western North Carolina this summer.

Adventures

people at the gorge zipline — The Gorge Zipline, Saluda

Soar Through the Trees at the Gorge Zipline

The fastest zipline in the region has 11 different lines spanning more than a mile through the steep, lush Green River Gorge. In addition to the ziplines, the treetop adventure features three big rappels and one long skybridge. You’ll drop 1,100 vertical feet as you soar through the canopy within an old growth forest.

two older men paddling in red kayak — French Broad River Trail

Paddle the French Broad River Trail

The French Broad River runs for 218 miles from its headwaters above Rosman, North Carolina, to Knoxville, Tennessee. The French Broad River Trail has a collection of access points and campsites along its corridor. Head to Headwaters Outfitters to explore a pastoral stretch of the French Broad near its headwaters, or tube a mellow section through Asheville with Zen Tubing. If you’re looking for more excitement, Blue Heron Whitewater can lead you on Section 9 of the French Broad into Hot Springs, which is packed with Class III and IV rapids.

Cradle of Forestry NCPN Walking Trail Through Forest — Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest

Hike Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest protects more than 500,000 acres of mountains throughout the Asheville and Foothills region, encompassing 6,000-foot peaks, high elevation balds, and thunderous waterfalls. Blue Ridge Hiking Company leads day trips and overnights throughout the protected mountains, including sections of the world-famous Appalachian Trail, as well as the Mountains to Sea Trail, which crosses over some of the tallest mountains in the east before heading towards the Atlantic Ocean.

hang gliding at sunset — Thermal Valley Hang Gliding

Get a Bird’s Eye View with Thermal Valley Hang Gliding

Launching from Foothills Regional Airport, Thermal Valley Hang Gliding specializes in tandem discovery flights where guests take their first flight in the capable hands of a certified instructor. After being towed into the air and released, the instructor will teach you how to fly the glider yourself, passing along skills that will allow you to judge speed, turn and soar. Throughout the process, you’ll enjoy views of the South Mountains, Catawba River, and distinct peaks like Grandfather and Table Rock.

mountain biking at kitsuma — Mountain Bike Kitsuma Trail, Pisgah National Forest

Mountain Bike Kitsuma Trail, Pisgah National Forest

Pisgah National Forest is packed with world class singletrack that draws mountain bikers from all over the world. Kitsuma, between Black Mountain and Old Fort, is one of the forest’s signature trails, offering a steep switchback-laden climb before unraveling in three miles of technical downhill. You can combine Kitsuma with a closed section of Old US 70 for the perfect 10-mile loop for experienced bikers.

Ride Brown Mountain OHV System

Off-road enthusiasts can head straight to Brown Mountain OHV System, in Pisgah National Forest’s Grandfather District, where 34 miles of designated trail offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a scenic cruise in your jeep or a rock-crawling adventure on an ATV. Certain trails are open to full-sized 4WD vehicles, while others are designated for trail bike and ATV use only, and the one-way system keeps vehicles moving without incident.

a group of people rock climbing — Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area

Explore Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area

Located in a former quarry, this expansive county park is centered around a sheer cliff face that has attracted rock climbers for more than 50 years. The US Army Reservists even used the cliff for training in the 1970s. It’s a particularly good crag for beginners as many routes are in the easy 5.5-5.7 grade. But there are also five miles of hiking trails that traverse the top of the cliff and climb to the peak of Rocky Face Mountain.

a group of people standing on a deck at bakers mountain park — Bakers Mountain Park

Hike Bakers Mountain Park

The 189-acre Bakers Mountain Park makes the most of the area’s foothill terrain, protecting the highest peak in the county, 1780-foot Bakers Mountain. Almost six miles of trail wind through the park, which features a canopy of mature chestnut oak, while an observation tower at the top of the mountain provides a long-range view of the surrounding hills.

Baker Farm & Winery vineyard — Baker Farm & Winery

Relax at Baker Farm and Winery

It’s hard to find a prettier setting than Baker Farm and Winery, where rolling hills are divided by the winding Buffalo Creek. Over the years, this family owned farm has supported a dairy business, whiskey making, a general store, and now, a vineyard and wine production facility. You can spend the afternoon exploring the grounds and sampling wines, from their Chardonnay to Chambourcin, all of which are produced from estate-grown grapes.

Go Waterfall Hopping in DuPont State Recreational Forest

Tucked into the lush Little River Valley, the 12,500-acre Dupont State Recreational Forest is a water-lover’s dream, protecting mountains and hollows packed with rivers, small lakes and countless waterfalls. Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most unique, as the Little River flows over a large, sloping sheet of granite into a deep pool below. Hooker Falls is ideal for swimmers, with a massive pool sitting below a 12-foot tall curtain waterfall. If you’re looking for a picturesque pond, the 100-acre Lake Julia is flanked by a thick, hardwood canopy. Spend an afternoon bouncing from one cold pool to the next via DuPont’s 80 miles of trail and dirt roads.

people riding horses through a shallow river — Tryon International Equestrian Center

Embrace Your Inner Cowboy or Girl at the Tryon International Equestrian Center

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is the region’s premier site for horse-lovers, hosting a full slate of equestrian competitions. But it’s also a great place to explore your own cowboy or cowgirl dreams, as the center offers adventurous trail ride experiences throughout the resort’s 1,600-acre property. You’ll have the chance to gallop through streams and open meadows, while getting a saddle-earned view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Onsite restaurants and lodging options make this a one-stop adventure for horse-loving visitors.

Where to Shop

people resting at gravelo workshop — Gravelo Workshop

Mars Landing Gallery

Located in downtown Mars Hill, Mars Landing features work from an array of local artists working in a variety of mediums, from pottery to jewelry to abstract paintings. The building also hosts working studios, so visitors have the chance to glimpse the artists in the process of creating.

Gravelo Workshop

Gravelo is more than a bike shop; it’s the hub of gravel and road biking culture in Asheville, with a full espresso bar and regular group rides for cyclists of all abilities.

Washburn’s General Store

Washburn’s is the oldest family run business in North Carolina going back five generations to 1831. It still has the multi-purpose general store aesthetic, selling everything from Lodge Cast Iron skillets to hard candy and books.

Where to Eat

chai pani interior with flowers — Chai Pani

Oskar Blues Brewery

Oskar Blues was one of the first large western-based breweries to find a second home in the mountains of North Carolina, and their spot in Brevard offers a massive outdoor patio, signature beers, and their very own burger-centric food truck, all of which is centrally located to some of the area’s best trails.

Chai Pani

The brainchild of celebrated chef Meherwan Irani, Chai Pani serves classic Indian street food staples with a slight southern accent in a gorgeous space made for social media posts.

Happy Valley Filling Station

Is there any combination better than beer and pizza? Happy Valley Filling Station serves up award winning brews alongside neapolitan style sourdough pizza cooked in a live-fire pizza oven.

Where to Stay

Mirror Hotel

Designed to disappear into the surrounding landscape, this “invisible cabin” sleeps five to six and features tasteful, upscale amenities. But you’ll have to get lucky or have a flexible travel schedule if you want to stay in this ultra-modern cabin cloaked in a reflective facade — it books quickly, sometimes years in advance.

Starlight Hills Campground

This collection of primitive tent camping sites and deluxe glamping tents on 40 acres is just 10 minutes from South Mountain State Park. In addition to the accommodations, there’s a geodesic dome planetarium for viewing the night sky, and wildlife feeding locations scattered throughout the property to increase viewing opportunities.

Switzerland Inn

Perched on a picturesque stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Switzerland Inn offers a collection of lodge rooms, cottages and suites that allow you to make the most of the expansive grounds, which is packed with amenities like a swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, pickleball courts and a spa.

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