Asheville

Asheville is a vibrant mountain city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, renowned for its thriving arts scene, craft brewery culture, and stunning natural surroundings. The city is home to the magnificent Biltmore Estate, America's largest privately-owned house, and features a walkable downtown filled with Art Deco architecture, eclectic shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. Known for its bohemian spirit and outdoor recreation opportunities, Asheville has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Southeast.

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The Land of the Sky

Nestled in the heart of western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and creative spirit. The city's story began long before European settlement, as the Cherokee people inhabited these mountains for centuries. Asheville was incorporated in 1797 and grew steadily as a mountain trading hub, but it was the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s that transformed it into a fashionable resort destination for wealthy Southerners seeking cool mountain air.

This golden age brought George Vanderbilt, who built the spectacular Biltmore Estate in 1895—a 250-room French Renaissance château that remains America's largest privately-owned home. The 1920s Art Deco boom left downtown with stunning architectural gems, and while the Great Depression slowed growth, it also preserved much of the city's historic character. Today, Asheville has reinvented itself as a haven for artists, musicians, and craft beer enthusiasts, earning the nickname "Beer City USA" with more breweries per capita than almost any other American city.

On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought unprecedented devastation to Asheville and western North Carolina, causing catastrophic flooding that claimed 43 lives in Buncombe County and destroyed over 560 structures. The storm hit during peak fall tourism season, devastating the River Arts District and forcing many beloved businesses to close permanently, with visitor numbers plummeting 74% in October 2024. Yet Asheville's legendary resilience has shone through—essential services like water, power, and communications have been fully restored, and the city is officially "open for business" with downtown, the Biltmore Estate, and many attractions welcoming visitors again. The recovery continues over a year later, with the community showing remarkable determination to rebuild stronger than before, though some areas and trails remain closed as restoration work progresses. Travelers planning to visit should check ahead about specific attractions and be prepared to support local businesses that are working hard to recover.

Getting to Asheville is relatively easy, with Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) offering direct flights from major East Coast cities and connecting flights from across the country. The airport is just 15-20 minutes south of downtown, making it convenient for travelers. If you're driving, Asheville sits at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Interstate 26, about two hours west of Charlotte and four hours northeast of Atlanta.

Once you arrive, getting around is straightforward—downtown Asheville is wonderfully walkable, with most restaurants, galleries, and shops concentrated within a compact area around Pack Square. For exploring beyond downtown, including the Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway, and nearby mountain towns, you'll want a car or can use ride-sharing services. The city also offers a public bus system, though having your own wheels gives you the freedom to discover hidden hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and the many craft breweries scattered throughout the surrounding mountains.

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Things To Do And See

Asheville offers an incredible mix of attractions, from touring the magnificent Biltmore Estate and exploring dozens of craft breweries to hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway and discovering the vibrant River Arts District filled with working studios and galleries. Downtown's walkable streets showcase stunning Art Deco architecture, farm-to-table restaurants, eclectic shops, and live music venues that reflect the city's creative, bohemian spirit.

Explore Downtown

Downtown Asheville is a vibrant, walkable hub featuring stunning art deco architecture and over 150 locally-owned shops, galleries, and breweries centered around Pack Square Park—a 6.5-acre green space that hosts festivals and concerts and has served as the city's heart since 1797. Don’t miss the beloved Malaprop's Bookstore, the region's largest independent bookseller founded in 1982, which offers carefully curated selections, a cozy café with local treats, and nearly daily author events in a warm, community-focused atmosphere.

Asheville Art Museum

After a $24 million renovation completed in 2019, this state-of-the-art museum now features 54,000 square feet of gallery space showcasing over 8,000 works focused on 20th and 21st century American art, with particular emphasis on Western North Carolina, Black Mountain College artists, and Southern Appalachian culture. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions and permanent collections, enjoy the rooftop Perspective Café with Blue Ridge Mountain views, and access the sculpture terrace through a striking glass-fronted building located directly on Pack Square in downtown Asheville.

The Biltmore

America's largest privately-owned home, this magnificent 250-room Châteauesque mansion built by George Vanderbilt between 1889-1895 sits on 8,000 acres and features self-guided tours through approximately 50 lavishly decorated rooms including the stunning 70-foot Banquet Hall, a 10,000-volume library, and fascinating basement areas with a swimming pool and bowling alley. Beyond the National Historic Landmark house, visitors can explore 75 acres of formal gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, enjoy complimentary wine tastings at America's most-visited winery, dine at multiple restaurants, shop in specialty boutiques, and experience outdoor activities across the vast mountain estate—easily filling a full day or more.

Grove Arcade

Built between 1926-1929 and once called "the most elegant building in America," the Grove Arcade is a Tudor Revival architectural landmark spanning a full city block with distinctive glass skylights, marble floors, and ornate terra cotta details that create a stunning indoor shopping experience. Visitors can explore over 35 locally-owned shops and boutiques selling artisan crafts, jewelry, and specialty items, plus enjoy diverse dining options on Restaurant Row, including the delightful Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar.

Woolworth Walk

Housed in the beautifully restored 1938 F.W. Woolworth building, Woolworth Walk is Asheville's largest local artist gallery featuring work from over 160 regional artists across nearly 20,000 square feet of diverse mediums including pottery, glass, painting, jewelry, and photography. Visitors can explore individual artist booths filled with one-of-a-kind pieces available for purchase, then step back in time at the faithfully recreated Old Fashioned Soda Fountain that serves full meals and ice cream in a nostalgic 1950s diner setting.

River Arts District

Spanning approximately one mile along the French Broad River, this vibrant creative community houses over 700 artists working in converted warehouses and former industrial buildings where visitors can watch pottery being thrown, glass being blown, and paintings being created in real-time. The district offers an authentic, interactive experience where visitors can engage directly with working artists in their studios, take hands-on classes in various mediums, and purchase original artwork at accessible prices directly from the creators—all within a walkable area filled with excellent restaurants and breweries.

Asheville Botanical Garden

This free 10-acre garden exclusively showcases 600-750 native Southern Appalachian plant species including 50+ rare and endangered varieties, with an easy half-mile trail winding through wildflower coves, meadows, and woodland ridges. Visitors can explore unique features like a Moon Tree from the Apollo 14 mission, an authentic 1840s cabin, and spectacular spring wildflower displays peaking in April-May.

Asheville Pinball Museum

For just $17, visitors get unlimited all-day play on 80 games including 40 vintage and modern pinball machines (spanning the 1950s to present) and 40 classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. This fully interactive downtown museum breaks the traditional "look but don't touch" model, offering a nostalgic hands-on experience where playing is encouraged alongside pinball memorabilia displays.

Folk Art Center

Home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the most popular attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway with 250,000 annual visitors, this free center features the oldest continuously operating craft shop in America (Allanstand, est. 1897) and rotating gallery exhibitions. Guests can watch daily craft demonstrations by master artisans, shop authentic handmade works from 400+ regional craftspeople, and explore both historical and contemporary Appalachian craft traditions.

Asheville Salt Cave & Spa

This unique wellness sanctuary features a 9-foot tall cave constructed from 20 tons of natural Himalayan crystal salt from Poland, offering halotherapy sessions that disperse microscopic salt particles to help with respiratory conditions, allergies, and stress relief. Visitors can experience salt therapy in zero-gravity loungers, therapeutic massages with hot salt stones, sound healing, and Asheville's only authentic Turkish Hammam steam room adorned with handcrafted tile mosaics.

LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour

This signature 90-minute comedy experience combines theatrical skits, character appearances, and fast-paced Asheville history aboard an iconic purple bus, creating what's been called "the greatest show on wheels." Visitors enjoy interactive entertainment with outrageously funny tour guides, and can bring beer or wine purchased at The LaZoom Room aboard.

North Carolina Arboretum

Fulfilling landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted's 1898 vision, this world-class 434-acre public garden within Pisgah National Forest features 65 acres of cultivated gardens including one of the Southeast's finest bonsai collections and the National Native Azalea Repository. Visitors can explore 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, view rotating exhibits in the Baker Exhibit Center, and discover themed gardens like the Blue Ridge Quilt Garden.

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Where To Get Coffee And A Sweet Treat

Asheville boasts a thriving specialty coffee scene with numerous local roasters crafting small-batch, sustainably sourced beans that prioritize quality and direct farmer relationships. From cozy neighborhood cafes to innovative spots and creative roasteries with outdoor seating along the French Broad River, Asheville's coffee shops serve as vibrant community hubs where expertly crafted pour-overs, espresso drinks, and unique specialty beverages are paired with locally baked pastries and a distinctly creative, welcoming atmosphere.

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

A bean-to-bar chocolate paradise in downtown Asheville where signature Liquid Truffles (thick, European-style hot sipping chocolates) and artisan bonbons take center stage, but Counter Culture Coffee espresso drinks—including affogatos and the specialty "Jitterbug" chocolate-espresso frappé—make this a solid coffee stop too. This cozy lounge with leather couches, local art, and wine pairings is also perfect for evening indulgence.

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Rowan Coffee

A specialty coffee roaster with two distinct locations, Rowan elevates the craft with on-site roasting, rare pour-overs, and meticulously sourced beans served in thoughtfully designed spaces—from a moody downtown café to a bright West Asheville roastery in a refurbished auto garage. Their philosophy of balance and elevated seasonal drinks has made them a local favorite since 2020.

Double D's Coffee and Desserts

Experience Asheville's most whimsical coffee destination inside an authentic 1963 British double-decker bus, where fair-trade organic coffee and old-fashioned milkshakes are served in a nostalgic setting with a tree-shaded patio. This cash-only landmark has been creating memorable moments since 1999, complete with upstairs deck seating offering downtown views.

High Five Coffee

This family-owned, Living Wage Certified business serves excellent Counter Culture coffee and creative barista specials with their signature "intentional and kind service" across three welcoming Asheville locations. Visitors can expect a community-focused atmosphere with high-top tables, window seats for people-watching, and genuinely warm hospitality.

Forage Coffee

This tranquil botanical café is tucked inside West Asheville's Flora plant shop, where artisanal coffee, tea, and gourmet bites are served amid lush indoor greenery and seasonal blooms. Visitors can enjoy their drinks at cozy indoor seating including small tables, bar-style window seats, a couch, and even a rocking chair, all surrounded by plants creating an immersive botanical coffeehouse experience.

OWL (Old World Levain) Bakery

OWL Bakery brings European artisan baking traditions to Asheville with naturally leavened organic sourdough breads and elevated pastries like almond rose croissants and cardamom buns, all crafted with locally foraged Appalachian ingredients. Expect exceptional, delicate baked goods served alongside Methodical Coffee in two cozy locations with limited hours.

Where To Eat

Asheville's dining scene punches well above its weight as a James Beard Award-winning culinary destination built on 45+ years of genuine farm-to-table practices and 150+ independent restaurants that honor Appalachian food traditions while embracing global influences from Indian street food to Filipino-Southern fusion. Asheville offers a collaborative, chef-driven scene characterized by direct farmer relationships, foraged ingredients from the Blue Ridge Mountains, creative sustainability practices, and an unpretentious yet sophisticated approach that has earned recognition from virtually every major food publication.

Early Girl Eatery

This beloved farm-to-table Southern comfort food spot has been serving all-day breakfast and lunch since 2001, featuring locally-sourced ingredients in dishes like their famous "Bow to the King" (fried chicken with cinnamon-battered biscuits). Expect a casual, charming atmosphere with three Asheville locations and hearty portions that showcase the best of Southern cooking with vegetarian and vegan options.

Hole Doughnuts

This tiny West Asheville shop serves just four flavors of handmade yeasted doughnuts daily—fried to order and served piping hot from an open kitchen using organic stone-ground flour and quality ingredients. Visitors can watch their doughnuts being shaped and fried fresh in this cozy space, home to Bon Appétit's 2016 Best Dessert winner and a philosophy of doing one thing exceptionally well.

Biscuit Head

Known for their massive "cat head" biscuits and legendary jam bar featuring house-made jams in creative flavors like Sweet Potato Chai and Peach Rosemary, this casual counter-service spot is a must-visit for Southern breakfast lovers. Visitors should arrive early to beat the lines and come hungry for enormous biscuit sandwiches like the Mimosa Fried Chicken Biscuit or The Filthy Animal, all served from 8am-2pm daily.

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White Duck Taco Shop

This fast-casual taco shop serves globally-inspired fusion tacos with creative combinations like Korean Beef Bulgogi, Bangkok Shrimp, and their award-winning Crispy Pork Belly taco with pickled watermelon rind. Expect a bright, fun atmosphere with affordable prices, riverside seating at some locations, and eclectic flavors that incorporate Thai, Korean, Mediterranean, and Southern influences into every bite.

Sunny Point Café

This award-winning West Asheville breakfast and brunch destination operates a half-acre on-site garden that supplies fresh ingredients for their upscale comfort food, including signature dishes like carrot hotcakes and award-winning shrimp and grits. Expect a hippie-chic atmosphere with colorful decor, no reservations, and weekend waits that are worth it for the farm-to-table experience that helped transform West Asheville into a culinary destination.

Chai Pani

This James Beard Award-winning restaurant serves authentic Indian street food including chaat, thalis, and home-style dishes in a vibrant, accessible setting that's revolutionizing American perceptions of Indian cuisine. Visitors can expect "mindblasting" hospitality, affordable prices, and democratic Indian flavors ranging from kale pakora to butter chicken in a casual downtown Asheville atmosphere energized by Bollywood music and fresh-roasted spices.

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12 Bone Smokehouse

This beloved Southern-style barbecue joint and brewery in South Asheville is famous for its creative, rule-breaking ribs like the signature Blueberry Chipotle variety and became a local legend after President Obama visited three times. Expect counter-service BBQ with scratch-made sides, long lines during peak hours, and a casual atmosphere where everything from the corn pudding to the collard greens draws rave reviews.

plant

This nationally acclaimed, 100% vegan fine dining restaurant pioneered plant-based cuisine in Asheville with sophisticated, flavor-forward dishes that appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike. Visitors can expect an intimate 13-table setting with a daily-changing menu featuring creative dishes like mushroom ravioli, aged cashew cheese plates, and housemade vegan ice cream.

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Leo's House of Thirst

This cozy West Asheville wine bar serves vegetable-forward contemporary American cuisine with housemade pastas and exceptional natural wines in an intimate, garden-like setting with twinkly lights. Visitors can expect standout dishes like the legendary grilled cheese with three artisan cheeses, deviled eggs with smoked honey, and beautifully plated seasonal small plates perfect for sharing.

The Market Place

As Asheville's farm-to-table pioneer since 1979, this upscale restaurant is led by Chef William Dissen, named "Most Sustainable Chef in the World" and a James Beard Award nominee. Expect refined Appalachian-influenced cuisine featuring live-fire cooking, wood-grilled steaks, and seasonal ingredients sourced within 100 miles, all served in a sophisticated yet comfortable downtown setting.

Cúrate Bar de Tapas

Chef Katie Button's authentic Spanish tapas restaurant earned a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality and brings the energy of Barcelona to downtown Asheville in a renovated 1920s bus depot. Diners can expect traditional dishes like jamón ibérico, patatas bravas, and Basque cheesecake paired with an all-Spanish wine list, served in a lively open-kitchen atmosphere that encourages sharing small plates.

Posana

This contemporary American restaurant operates the only 100% dedicated gluten-free kitchen in Asheville, making it a safe haven for celiac diners while maintaining exceptional quality that earned it the #1 TripAdvisor ranking in the city. Visitors can expect refined farm-to-table dishes like award-winning lobster mac 'n' cheese, blackened scallops, and homemade gnocchi in a warm, casually elegant atmosphere with outdoor patio seating overlooking Pack Square.

Limones

This 20+ year Asheville institution serves upscale Mexican cuisine with California influences under Chef Hugo Ramirez, a Mexico City native who emphasizes farm-to-table seasonal ingredients rather than traditional Tex-Mex. Visitors can expect refined dishes like the celebrated lobster nachos and fresh ceviche in a cozy, romantic downtown setting, paired with an award-winning margarita menu.

Jargon

Jargon offers modern American cuisine with global influences in a beautifully restored historic building in West Asheville, featuring Michelin-trained Chef Aleksander Kubicki's daily-changing seasonal menu. Diners experience intimate fine dining with creative dishes like deep-fried deviled eggs and General Tso's quail in an eclectic, warm atmosphere with bowling alley table tops and vintage décor.

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The Bull and Beggar

Award-winning Chef Matt Dawes serves French-inspired Appalachian cuisine emphasizing classic technique and local ingredients in a warehouse-chic River Arts District setting, with signature dishes including beef tartare with duck fat toast and stellar steak frites. Visitors enjoy sophisticated yet unpretentious European-style dining in a romantic, brick-walled space.

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I'll See You At The Taproom

Asheville, North Carolina is a four-time "Beer City USA" winner with approximately 55 local breweries, ranking #2 nationally for breweries per capita thanks to pristine Blue Ridge mountain water and a thriving craft beer culture that attracted major national breweries to establish East Coast operations here. The scene is renowned for its experimental diversity—from funky sours to barrel-aged ales—and its warm, collaborative character, with breweries serving as welcoming community gathering spaces that blend Asheville's creative artisan spirit with a family-friendly, come-as-you-are atmosphere.

Wicked Weed

Founded in 2012, Wicked Weed is known for West Coast-style IPAs and Belgian ales, while the Funkatorium is the East Coast's first sour beer-dedicated taproom featuring 1,000 wooden casks producing award-winning barrel-aged and wild ales. The brewery was acquired by AB InBev in 2017 but remains a prominent fixture in Asheville's craft beer scene.

Green Man Brewery

Established in 1997 as Asheville's second brewery and the first in the South Slope district, Green Man specializes in traditional English-style ales made with imported English malt, including their flagship ESB, IPA, and Porter. The brewery also operates one of North Carolina's oldest sour programs.

Hi-Wire Brewing

Founded in 2013 with a distinctive circus theme, Hi-Wire is one of the few breweries in the nation specializing in both approachable craft lagers and barrel-aged sour/wild ales. Their Oktoberfest lager won gold at the 2016 Great American Beer Festival.

Highland Brewing

Founded in 1994, Highland is Asheville's first legal brewery since Prohibition and the largest independent, family-owned brewery native to the Southeast, now woman-led and featuring traditional Scottish and Irish-style ales. The brewery operates on an 11-acre campus with one of craft brewing's largest solar arrays.

Twin Leaf Brewery

Established in 2014, Twin Leaf is a boutique brewery in the South Slope specializing in Belgian ales and barrel-aged sours with a distinctively community-focused atmosphere. The kid and dog-friendly taproom features gardens and weekly events like trivia and open mic nights.

Whistle Hop Brewing Company

Located in Fairview (15 minutes from downtown), Whistle Hop is a unique train-themed destination brewery housed in restored railroad cars serving experimental, award-winning beers with locally sourced ingredients. The 3-acre family-friendly campus features mini-golf, bocce, and numerous outdoor activities, making it Asheville's most activity-focused brewery experience.

New Belgium Brewing Company

This major national craft brewery's East Coast facility features a LEED triple-certified riverside campus known for sustainability leadership, including Fat Tire, America's first carbon-neutral beer. The massive production facility offers free brewery tours and a stunning cantilevered deck overlooking the French Broad River.

Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant

The pioneering California craft brewery's East Coast facility offers a complete destination experience with world-class beer, upscale farm-to-table dining from estate gardens, and free live music in a forest amphitheater setting. This LEED Platinum-certified brewery complex feels like a park retreat nestled in nature just 15 miles south of Asheville.

Asheville Brewing Company

Western North Carolina's third craft brewery uniquely combines award-winning beers (including World Beer Cup gold medalist Ninja Porter) with a $3 first-run movie theater and arcade games. This family-friendly brewery-restaurant-theater hybrid has been serving pizza and pints since 1998.

Burial Beer Co.

Named the #1 small brewery in the world by Craft Beer & Brewing readers, Burial is celebrated for innovative, artistic beers spanning bold IPAs to barrel-aged stouts and rustic farmhouse ales. Their South Slope taproom features distinctive farm implement tap handles and hosts weekly bottle releases that draw serious beer enthusiasts.

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Wedge Brewing Company

A quintessential neighborhood brewery with multiple casual River Arts District locations, The Wedge is known for approachable Belgian-style beers and large beer gardens that serve as community gathering places. Dog-friendly and locally beloved, it emphasizes being an authentic neighborhood hangout over tourist destination.

Urban Orchard Cider Company

Asheville's first modern cidery was named the #1 best place to drink cider in America by Food & Wine Magazine, crafting pure, unfiltered ciders aged minimum 8 months from local Hendersonville apples. With 20 rotating cider taps and eclectic events like tango nights, it offers a distinctive craft beverage alternative to the beer scene.

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Where to Drink (Beyond Beer)

Asheville's bar and cocktail scene rivals its famous brewery culture, featuring award-winning craft cocktail bars that emphasize locally-sourced ingredients, classic techniques, and innovative mixology alongside stunning rooftop venues offering panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views. The scene ranges from intimate speakeasy-style lounges and sophisticated wine bars to legendary live music venues, creating a diverse drinking culture that balances Southern hospitality with urban sophistication and creative experimentation.

5 Walnut Wine Bar

A casual downtown wine bar featuring an eclectic selection of quality wines, frequent live music performances, and excellent charcuterie boards in an intimate venue that balances relaxed and sophisticated. The small space features locally-crafted maple tables and bar built by woodworker Peter White, and opens to the street with large windows creating a cafe-like atmosphere.

The Orange Peel

A legendary live music venue with 1,100 capacity featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting, named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the top 5 rock clubs in the nation. The smoke-free downtown venue hosts both up-and-coming new talent and legendary performers, with artists including Bob Dylan, The Flaming Lips, and Kings of Leon having graced its stage.

Top of the Monk

Located upstairs from Thirsty Monk brewery, this upscale cocktail bar requires a $1 membership (due to NC liquor laws) and specializes in handcrafted pre-prohibition era cocktails alongside Asheville's premier whiskey collection. The mid-century vibe bar features a charming rooftop patio with stellar mountain views.

Capella on 9

Located on the 9th floor of the AC Hotel by Marriott, this stylish rooftop lounge offers two terraces with spectacular views of both the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville's cityscape. The venue serves Mediterranean-inspired tapas alongside hand-crafted cocktails, wine, and local craft beer, operating as a multi-function space for breakfast, afternoon cocktails, and dinner.

The Montford Rooftop Bar

Perched atop the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Asheville, this contemporary rustic rooftop bar offers panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views, seasonally crafted cocktails, and locally-sourced light fare. The west-facing rooftop patio provides a stunning backdrop for sunset viewing, and the venue offers complimentary valet parking and elevator access.

Sovereign Remedies

A chic downtown cocktail bar and restaurant with an Old Europe vibe and distressed zinc bar, known for elevated, inventive craft cocktails that blend classic techniques with local agriculture and innovation. The venue features hyper-seasonal, plant-forward dishes using locally sourced ingredients, served in both a cozy North Room dining area and a more casual barroom with dim lighting and an eclectic atmosphere.

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Beyond City Limits: Outdoor Adventures

Asheville, North Carolina sits at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering direct access to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and over 500,000 acres of Pisgah National Forest with hundreds of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging summit climbs, plus proximity to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The French Broad River provides tubing and Class II-III whitewater rafting adventures, while the surrounding mountains feature over 250 waterfalls, world-class mountain biking, rock climbing on granite walls, zip-lining through old-growth forests, and year-round outdoor recreation for all skill levels within minutes of downtown.

Beyond City Limits: Outdoor Adventures

Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway

The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway offers unparalleled mountain vistas and access to incredible trails like the legendary Black Balsam Knob, where a short 1.4-mile hike leads to wildflower-carpeted alpine balds with 360-degree panoramic views from over 6,000 feet. This iconic mountain roadway winds through Western North Carolina's most dramatic landscapes, offering countless overlooks, picnic spots, and trailheads just minutes from downtown Asheville.

French Broad River

Experience the French Broad River through multiple adventure outfitters including French Broad Adventures (family-owned since 1981, offering Class II-IV whitewater rafting and ziplines), Asheville Adventure Company (providing convenient downtown shuttle service for Section 9 rafting and River Arts District tubing), and Zen Tubing (Asheville's original tubing outfitter with deluxe cup holder-equipped tubes for relaxed 2-hour floats). Whether you're seeking heart-pumping rapids or a lazy river float through scenic mountain valleys, these experienced guides offer safe, memorable adventures for all ages and skill levels.

DuPont State Forest

DuPont State Forest is a 10,000-acre waterfall wonderland that served as a filming location for The Hunger Games, featuring the stunning Triple Falls Trail Loop—a 4.5-mile adventure showcasing three consecutive cascading waterfalls where Katniss discovered wounded Peeta. This beloved forest near Brevard offers over 80 miles of scenic trails, multiple dramatic waterfalls including the popular swimming hole at Hooker Falls, and excellent hiking and mountain biking opportunities.

Where To Stay

Asheville offers diverse accommodations ranging from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to charming B&Bs in the Montford Historic District and budget-friendly chains throughout the city. Visitors typically stay in walkable downtown Asheville for its vibrant restaurant and brewery scene, upscale Biltmore Village adjacent to the famous Vanderbilt estate, or the creative River Arts District with its working artist studios and galleries.

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