An attractive hallmark of the Asheville region is its easy access to outdoor activities – and not just in the warmer months. Here are a few favorites to enjoy for every season.
Spring into action with these Asheville area activities
With springtime come the warmer temperatures, awakening the natural world around Asheville. Spring is a perfect time to take a hike amid vibrant wildflowers, rhododendrons and other emerging foliage; the lower elevations along the Blue Ridge Parkway are on full, vibrant display this time of year, and coupled with temperate weather, beckon to be enjoyed. Other in-town spots to take in the blooming season are the North Carolina Arboretum, with its many gardens, hiking trails, and engaging outdoor exhibits; the Biltmore House gardens, boasting azaleas, tulips, roses and other colorful displays; and the Asheville Botanical Garden, featuring hiking trails lined with native perennials emerging from winter dormancy.
Spring is also the perfect time to break out the bike for a little road or mountain biking. With plenty of mountain biking trails in town (at Bent Creek Experimental Forest), hundreds of miles of trails in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest, and easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s easy to get pedaling when the weather warms up. Just remember to follow these tips for responsible mountain biking, and stick to road or gravel if it is too wet.
Heat up your summer in the Asheville area
As summer sets in, swimming holes and waterfalls become popular destinations. Western North Carolina is overflowing with natural water sources for cooling off, including the many waterfall-fed swimming holes in Dupont State Park and Pisgah National Forest, as well as lakes like Lake James, Lake Lure and Lake Junaluska. Kayaking and tubing along the French Broad River, whether in town or deeper into the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a perfect way to soak in summer.
When you’re ready to do something dry and cool, head up to higher-altitude trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway – think Mount Mitchell, Black Balsam and Craggy Gardens – for an exhilarating experience amid much cooler temperatures.
Fall into fun in WNC
With fall descending on Asheville, autumn leaves take center stage. The explosion of fall colors covering our mountainous region affords a stunning experience like no other. Consider incorporating an easy hike along a mountain bald – Bearwallow Mountain and Max Patch are two popular spots – to get a 360-degree view of the seasonal displays.
With fall’s drop in temperatures comes the opportunity for comfortable camping: The weather is cooler, but not yet cold, which makes setting up camp and sleeping under the stars even more enticing. And for an easy autumn outing the whole family can enjoy, consider a visit to one of the region’s many apple orchards for U-Pick options, yummy apple treats, and entertaining on-site activities.
Winter chills and thrills near Asheville
In winter, the Asheville area becomes host to an array of exciting, snow-centric activities, including skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Area ski and snowboarding resorts include Wolf Ridge Ski Resort in Mars Hill, Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, and Beech Mountain (about two hours from Asheville). You can tube at such spots as Tube World near Cataloochee Ski Area, and Zip N Slip in Mars Hill.
For a cold-weather activity singular to Western N.C., spend the day visiting icy waterfalls. Partially frozen or fully iced-over falls can be found along many popular Asheville-area hiking trails, making it easy to take in the wintry scenes. In addition, with trees bare, long-range views normally shrouded by leaves open up. A few favorite frozen falls to visit include: Looking Glass Falls (aptly named for the icy “mirror” it becomes in the winter), Moore Cove Falls and Daniel Ridge Falls in Pisgah National Forest; Triple Falls, High Falls and Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest; and Dry Falls and Cullasaja Falls near Highlands.
Ready to enjoy Asheville and Western N.C. year-round? For information on real estate, please contact us at Info@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call us anytime at 828-707-9556.
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