Health Benefits of Hiking: Why You Should Lace up Your Boots and Hit the Trail
Whether it’s looking out the office window, eating lunch in the courtyard, or setting out on a weeklong backpacking trip, people find solace in the tranquility found in nature. Regardless of your hiking skill level, from seasoned-pro to never-been-on-a-trail, you’ve probably experienced the joy that comes from spending time in nature. On a deep level,…
Fall Color in the North Carolina Mountains: the When, Where and How
by Mike Scow, Naturalist and Ecotour Guide with Asheville Hiking Tours Starting with stark contrast against the dark spruce and fir of the highest peaks around 6000 ft, deciduous trees transform from the lush green of summer to the array of colors in autumn. Elevation plays a crucial role in the display over the next…
Best Waterfalls near Asheville – Our Top 10
Welcome to beautiful western North Carolina, home to over 250+ waterfalls and plenty of land to explore with it! Our waterfalls come from a vast underground aqueduct originating in Eastern Tennessee, plus the massive amount of yearly rain that we get (60+ inches!), classifying the area as a temperate rainforest. There are so many gorgeous…
Top 5 Waterfall and Summit Hike Daytrips near Asheville, NC
by Amanda Hastings, former Ecotour Guide for Asheville Hiking Tours Asheville, NC is a hotspot for special occasions, with activities for city-goers and mountain-lovers to enjoy. Asheville, NC has been a tourist destination since just before the 19th century and holds a rich history, from the confines of the city to the Blue Ridge Mountains…
Planning a Wedding in Western North Carolina
by Mike Scow, Ecotour Guide for Asheville Hiking Tours – and he planned a successful wedding near Asheville, North Carolina! My wife and I began planning our wedding about a year before we got married. We started with a gorgeous rural location with trees, water, farm, and cows. Then we focused on the cake and…
Top 5 Inns and Lodges near Asheville
Photo of Bliss Farm & Retreat; photo credit to Ken Fine Photography. Looking for a mountain get-a-way where you can enjoy both quiet mornings and the restaurant scene of Asheville, North Carolina? From historic guest suites to rustic cabin rentals, we list our favorite retreats near Asheville. Remember to book early, especially on weekends and during…