By Dana Jaffe

(Birmingham native Dana Jaffe is an experienced writer, editor, and hiker based in Asheville, N.C.)

As a Birmingham native and a current Asheville transplant, I love offering insider tips to Alabama adventure seekers looking to make the most of their visit to Western North Carolina. There’s a good reason why Asheville is a popular weekend getaway destination for outdoor enthusiasts in the Southeast. Hiking, cycling, kayaking, camping — we have it all, so you can choose your own adventure.

Here are my top 7 must-do activities for nature lovers:

 

Hike to the highest point east of the Mississippi

At Mount Mitchell State Park (elevation 6684 feet), you can take a 1/4-mile walkway to the observation deck for 360-degree mountain views. Then, I recommend taking the Deep Gap Trail to Mount Craig. You will enter a magical evergreen forest, complete with winding staircases and mossy pathways.

Gear tip: Higher elevation means lower temps. Though it is just 50 miles from downtown Asheville, it is often 10 to 30 degrees cooler there. Even during a summer visit, you may need a windbreaker. In the fall, be sure to pack a hat and gloves.

Chase waterfalls

 About a half-hour away from Asheville, Catawba Falls is a 3-mile round trip hike to a stunning 100-foot waterfall. If you are looking for a short hike that you can squeeze into a packed itinerary, this is it. The town of Brevard, nicknamed “land of the waterfalls,” is also a short trip from Asheville. In Brevard, you will find a breathtaking roadside waterfall (Looking Glass Falls), a natural water slide (Sliding Rock), and many other cascades.

Zipline through the Blue Ridge Mountains

I highly recommend the Mountaintop Tour at Navitat Canopy Adventures. Navitat offers an excellent guided hike, side-by-side zip lines so you can enjoy the ride with a companion and lengthy zips (including one 3/4-mile long) through the treetops at up to 65 mph. Navitat adjusted the experience to adhere to Covid-19 safety guidelines. Find out more about the changes here.

Gear tip: Navitat recommends closed-toe shoes and pants or longer shorts for comfort with a harness.

Visit High Falls on a water release day

On seven days each year, water is released from the Lake Glenville Dam, and High Falls becomes a paradise for waterfall lovers and whitewater kayakers. Hikers can stand on the boulders to view the thunderous falls, while experienced paddlers may opt to brave the waters. Get 2020 dates and details here.

Gear tip: Even for onlookers, this is a misty adventure that will likely leave you soaked, so water-resistant or waterproof apparel is recommended. For boaters, you will need a kayak suited for class IV rapids.

 

Set up a hammock at Bearwallow Mountain

This is a favorite hike away from the tourist traffic of the Blue Ridge Parkway. You will find cows grazing the wide-open bald in the summer. After a brief but strenuous uphill climb to the summit area, you can grab a hammock spot facing the grassy meadow.

Gear tip: I always pack my ENO DoubleNest Hammock so I can stay awhile to enjoy the views and mountain air.

Bike at Bent Creek Experimental Forest

If you want to bike without leaving Asheville, Bent Creek Experimental Forest is your place. This popular mountain biking spot includes 30 miles of trails, paths for all experience levels, and both single- and double-track options.

 

Camp at Max Patch

Find all-star vistas that will take your breath away, one hour away from Asheville at an elevation of 4,616 feet. There are 1.4 and 2.4 mile loop options. You can take in the views on a day hike, or make a night of it and camp at this popular spot along the Appalachian Trail. Watching the sunset here will leave you in awe.

Gear tip: Similar to Mount Mitchell, prepare for cooler temperatures, especially at night. Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately.

Of course, traveling in 2020 is more complicated than in the past. So, make sure you devote a little extra time to planning where you will stay what you will eat, and how you will travel. Here are a few tips for safe travels this summer.

 

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