Asheville is a longtime sanctuary for those who thrive in the great outdoors, and we’re pioneering new and different ways to experience it. Discover bellyakking, canyoneering, and other lesser-known adventures with our list below.
Tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Asheville area is a treasure trove of natural wonders, boasting millions of acres of lush forests, 40 towering mountain peaks over 6,000 feet, and the world's third oldest river.
Here, you're invited to indulge in natural pursuits—from the exhilarating paths calling hikers and bikers to the swift waters promising unforgettable rafting adventures. Pack some extra thrills into your Asheville trip with these unexpected outdoor adventures.
1. Bellyak
This innovative paddlesport was invented right here in Asheville! Bellyaks are boats designed for paddling on your stomach while using webbed gloves to paddle. Check out Bellyak’s website to rent a bellyak, take a tour, or sign up for a class in the Asheville area. If you’re looking for more thrills on the French Broad River, check out the other area river adventures.
2. Canyoneering
With the help of an expert guide, go where many will never explore. Experience firsthand the waterfalls and river canyons that make the Asheville area so spectacular. Canyoneering combines hiking, boulder-hopping, and waterfall rappelling to help you see these beautiful places from a unique perspective. French Broad Adventures, Pura Vida Adventures, and Green River Adventures offer this thrilling opportunity.
3. Falconry
Feel the rush of an up-close and personal hands-on experience with a bird of prey. With the help of a trained guide, you’ll get to handle the raptor and experience the exhilaration of having this incredible bird perch on your gloved fist. Curtis Wright Outfitters offers a 90-minute falconry experience, Biltmore offers a falconry experience of its own, and the Sourwood Inn offers a special falconry package.
4. Foraging
Experience the life of a modern hunter-gatherer firsthand as you forage for wild foods with the help of an expert guide from No Taste Like Home. You’ll wander through the forest, learning about 10-20 wild foods. Then you get to eat what you’ve found! You can either learn how to cook it yourself or let one of three award-winning Asheville restaurants prepare it for you with lunch or dinner.
5. Biltmore Tours
Discover the enchanting Biltmore's outdoor adventures with everything from guided horseback riding tours through scenic trails to serene 30-minute carriage rides. Experience the ancient art of falconry, test your aim with sporting clay shooting, and even paddle at your own pace with self-guided kayaking excursions.
During the Land Rover Experience, you’ll navigate off-road obstacles in a Land Rover as you explore the beautiful grounds.
6. Racing Ziplines
Fly through the air on a mountaintop-to-mountaintop thrill ride via “racing style” tandem ziplines at Navitat Canopy Adventures. The longest of the ziplines is more than 3600 feet and 350 feet above the forest floor! Navitat has numerous zipline tours to choose from and a guided RTV excursion for those who would rather travel by land. If this experience calls to you, check out other great zipline adventures in the Asheville area.
7. Treetops Adventure Park
Experience 60 unique climbing, flying, walking, jumping, swinging and rappelling challenges anchored to more than 30 towering trees just minutes from downtown Asheville. The family-friendly adventure at the Adventure Center of Asheville offers five different adventure trails that allow you to choose your level of difficulty. The obstacles reflect the character of Asheville with a flying kayak, “swingin hula hoops” and more. The park welcomes children as young as age 4 (with an adult guardian). Other experiences at the Adventure Center include zipline and the Kolo Mountain Bike Park.
8. Whitewater SUP Tours
Want to take your river experience to the next level? More experienced and qualified paddlers can take an introduction to whitewater standup paddleboarding with Wai Mauna SUP Tours. You’ll learn basic whitewater technique before heading out on a section of Class I-II river rapids to put your skills to the test. Wai Mauna also offers its signature sunrise SUP tours, 6-person Party Barge SUP and other SUP tours and lessons throughout the day.
9. Yoga Hikes
For the ultimate relaxation experience, combine hiking and yoga in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Meditate on a mountaintop or beside a waterfall. Asheville Wellness Tours and Namaste in Nature are among the guides who will lead the way.
Photo credits: Bellyak photo by Divergent Travelers. Falconry photo provided by Curtis Wright Falconry School. Foraging photo by Jared Kay. Treetops Adventure photo provided by Adventure Center of Asheville. Whitewater SUP photo by Matthew Karsten. Yoga photo by Emily Chaplin.
