Things to do in North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina Mountains: The Best Sightseeing Tours

Enjoy this private, guided paddleboard tour along a scenic section of Asheville's French Broad that borders the Biltmore Estate! Your guide will regale you with local history help spot wildlife like otters, herons, turtles, osprey, and deer. After meeting your guide at Hominy Creek River Park you'll enjoy a shuttle in an air conditioned van to the starting point at Bent Creek, where you'll receive a lesson and expert instruction from your certified paddleboard instructor. Once you feel confident and comfortable on the board you'll follow your guide on a 2.5 hour private paddle down the river. This section of river is beautifully forested and offers views of the Biltmore Estate, which is a Châteauesque-style mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II. You'll also learn expert paddleboarding tips and finish back at Hominy Creek River Park within minutes of restaurants and breweries.

Inclusions: Use of all equipment (paddleboard, paddle, personal flotation device, leash, river booties, and dry bag), Professional guide, Shuttle to launch point, All taxes, fees and handling charges, Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and beverages, Towels and sun protection

Join us for an evening hike featuring one of the most beautiful aspects of our area - our sunset! We will start hiking while it is still daylight, and hopefully catch a sunset at a western-facing peak close to town. Snacks are provided while we watch sunset. After sunset, we'll hike back down to the trailhead. The hike will likely finish in the dark, so each participant will be given a headlamp to use during the trip. We have a couple of hike options to choose from - ranging from 1.5 to 5 miles and from easy to moderate in difficulty. You'll work with your guide to select the best hike location for you! Curious about the other hikes we offer? Check out our website.

Inclusions: Light snacks while we watch sunset, Headlamp

Exclusions: Gratuity for your guide, Private transportation

Excite Your Senses' as we stroll down the concrete drive and I explain the importance and management of productive pastures. The ranch manages the pastures with a rotational grazing system, so keep your eye out for the herd. We want visitors to experience the sights and smells of the farm while discussing the cattles health, and nutrient requirements There are many photo opportunities. In addition, you will see many conservation practices used to protect the farms resources, water quality and environment. ​ Buses, RV's and pets are welcome. Farm Lodge, RV Ranch and a picnic area are available with plenty of parking. Shop at our Farm Store and consider grilling out while you relax in our picnic area enjoying the beautiful views of the mountains. (fees apply)

Inclusions: English-speaking tour guide, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Gratutity

Pisgah National Forest is the oldest of its kind in the eastern US. With over 500,000 acres and 1,600 miles of trail, some of the best overlooks and waterfalls are often overlooked. We will meet at Ecusta Brewing, then you will follow me to the trailhead, a ~30 minute scenic drive including a bit of dirt road. 2-wheel drive vehicles will have no problem, the road is well-maintained. Starting at the trailhead, we will run a ~7 mile loop with 1,400' of vertical. The run parallels a beautiful mountain stream with several cascades, then climbs its way up to one of the best overlooks in the forest - Slate Rock. Towering over the Pink Beds Valley, the overlook includes views of nearby Pilot Rock and the distant high peaks of the Great Balsam Range. I would argue that the views are far better than John Rock, Cedar Rock, or even Looking Glass Rock. Its limited popularity is due mostly to its remoteness and difficulty to navigate due to several unmarked trails along the way.

Inclusions: Handheld Water Bottle, Snacks

Exclusions: Running Gear

You will get to see an amazing Asheville sunrise from our favorite "secret" spots. Our founder grew up in Asheville and has found the greatest places to catch a sunrise!

Inclusions: Private tour, Local guide, All activities, Snacks, Bottled water, Transport by private vehicle, Locally roasted coffee that we will brew on the mountain

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Visit the world’s first stillhouse to legally use Wilkes County’s traditional steam-injected distillation method and you’ll discover why many experts consider our award-winning moonshines to be the world’s finest and most authentic American spirits.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, 6 craft spirit samples (1/4 oz. each), Individual samples of our moonshine-infused snacks

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On these Private Waterfall Tours, you will get to enjoy the falls up close and with ease. We specialize in taking tours to hidden gems and locally-known waterfalls, uncluttered by foot traffic and crowds.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Bottled water, Amazing views!

Exclusions:

Explore historic Asheville on this 2-Hour Guided Sightseeing & History Walking Tour of the city. Groups are reduced to a maximum of 10 people for a more personalized experience, as well to allow for social distancing throughout the tour. Meet your Local Guide downtown, and start with a brief look at some of the art-deco architecture while listening to your guide offer an in-depth history of Asheville. Stop at several historic sites during your walk downtown and delve into the intriguing history of many of Asheville's past literary and notable residents including William Sydney Porter (aka O'Henry), Thomas Wolfe & his family, the "Founding Fathers" of Asheville and Asheville's connection to the cursed Hope Diamond. We will walk for approximately 2 miles at a comfortable pace over 2 hours. This tour is a great introduction to the city, and for history and architecture buffs.

Inclusions: 2-Hour Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour of Historic Asheville, Small-Group for a more personalized experience (max 10 people per group), Stop at several locations throughout downtown Asheville and observe the art-deco architecture, Learn the history of famous past residents Thomas Wolfe, O'Henry & "Founding Fathers" of Asheville

Exclusions: Gratuities

Leave the from Highlands, Franklin. or Sylva for a beautiful guided waterfall adventure for a whirlwind tour to The North Carolina Highlands. This tour offers waterfalls, cliffs, quaint towns, BBQ, and adventure! You will also have your very own personal photographer!

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions:

This tour takes guest up The Blue Ridge Parkway, passing breathtaking views, cliffs, waterfalls, historical landmarks, and ending in Blowing Rock, before headed back to Asheville. This is the best way to see all The Splendor of the Southern Highlands.

Inclusions: In-person guide

Exclusions: