Asheville is only an hour drive from Rafting in the Smokies and offers plenty of outdoor activities for those who love nature and the beauty of the Smokies. Recreational options in the rafting off-season abound in and around Asheville. We’ve pulled a few together for our readers that we thought you’d enjoy.
- A Wild Foraging Adventure
Brought to you by “No Taste Like Home,” learn how to forage for food while learning about North Carolina’s ecosystem. The tour is available year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is suitable for all ages. All you need to take is yourself, as the equipment is provided for the three-hour tour. At the end of the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to cook up what you’ve found (or have one of the partner restaurants prepare it). - Asheville Downtown Gallery Association Art Walk
First Friday art walks introduce you to more than 25 galleries located close to Pack Square and the city’s center in downtown Asheville. View art showcasing the Smokies. The next two walks of 2017 are scheduled for November 3 and December 1. Next year’s walks are likely to resume in April. Start or end your trek with a trip to one of the city’s delectable restaurants to immerse yourself in the city’s culture even more. - Women’s Backpacking Trip with the Blue Ridge Hiking Company
This 3-day, 2-night trip is exclusively for women. The hiking company will provide all the trail food and community gear (like stoves, paper products, and first-aid). Additional equipment available to use for free includes backpacks, single or two-person tents, and sleeping bags or pads. The listed itinerary will take you to Appalachian Bald, Walnut Mountain, and Deer Park Mountain. The trip concludes at Hot Springs. Visit their website for more information. - Fall Ridge and Winter Woodlands Hike
The Chimney Rock State Park offers a Fall Ridge Hike on November 18, 2017, which enables you to capture majestic views of the area. Guides take you on a more strenuous path that is rarely seen by visitors.
The Winter Woodlands Hike, also hosted by Chimney Rock State Park, gives you a glimpse into the winter forest on December 16, 2017. You learn how to identify trees and tracks and how to find traces of animals in the area.
Both hikes have limited availability, so advance reservations are recommended. If you miss these hikes, check the Chimney Rock Events Calendar for other hiking options.
Keep watching the Rafting in the Smokies blog for other events and activities to enjoy when you can’t raft. We’ll be posting more things to do in the Smokies right here!
