Asheville: Outdoors Haven

                                                                                         

Asheville, NC has many names: the Paris of the South, the San Francisco of the East, and was once called the Miami of the North. But this small yet lively city with a metropolitan population of just over 70,000 is more comfortable with being called artistic and charming.

This city has both a great metropolitan and an adventurous outdoors life to offer to all. Because of its convenient location to many small towns and to a variety of mountain hotspots, Asheville is a prime area for the sports and outdoors enthusiast.

Once you’ve gotten your through fill of city life there are many chances to get out and soak in the outdoors. Most places are anywhere between a short five-minute to a relaxing forty-minute drive from the city.

Where to begin? Well, for one, there is the famous Appalachian Trail, which is a 2,175 mile trail that many famous writers, artists and outdoors lovers have ventured. The trail extends from Georgia to Maine and is maintained and supported by volunteers.

Another spectacular attraction is Grandfather Mountain, which is the highest point in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also a nature reserve, the mountain is an absolutely perfect spot for viewing the surrounding mountains and landscapes. With 11 trails along the mountain, anyone from the beginner to the expert can hike up and around the mountain. The mile high swinging bridge, which is actually higher than one mile, also adds an extra element of adventure while at Grandfather Mountain.

Just a beautiful forty-minute drive from Asheville is Hot Springs. Named for the hot mineral springs that was found there in 1792, this place is ideal for the romantic and adventurer both. Being located right by the French Broad River makes the springs perfect for seekers of whitewater rafting. The springs are also right beside the Appalachian Trail, so it’s easy to go from one adventure to another by walking just a few feet.

On the other side of Asheville is Lake Lure. Most famous for being the location where the classic 80s film Dirty Dancing was filmed, the lake is great place for spending the summer exploring the many adventures the area provides. The lake itself is very family oriented with many families flocking there during the summer months.

Sliding Rock is another fun and beautiful place to visit during the summer months. This 60-foot rock with a thin layer of water rushing down it is very popular during the summer when hordes of families visit to take the plunge. At the rock’s base is a large pool of water that is about six to seven feet deep. With lifeguards on duty and a mere fee of one dollar per person this is a great place to visit while you’re in the Asheville area.

Cold Mountain, which was made famous by a best selling book and movie, is also just 35 miles from Asheville. Although Cold Mountain is just a mountain, not an actual town, it is still worth seeing. The mountain requires a 10-mile hike to reach the summit and provides great views from the top.

There are also many spots around Asheville that are great for skiing and other winter sports. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is the closest ski lodge to Asheville. Just 30 minutes from Asheville, Wolf Ridge has many great views and well-groomed slopes.

Visiting Asheville is destined to be a fun trip no matter where or what you decide to do and see.

About the author:

Amber Singleton is a writer for The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast, located just minutes from downtown Asheville, N.C. Just three miles from the Biltmore Estate, this Asheville bed and breakfast is a place to indulge romantic fantasies and relish in the comfort of luxury. With only five guest rooms, The Lion and The Rose Bed & Breakfast guarantees privacy & intimacy.


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