What to do and see in Asheville, North Carolina (NC): The Best Day Trips from

There are a number of beautiful places to visit and things to do while you are in Asheville, but your search is over. When you leave this area our goal is to make This experience the one you remember and enjoyed most! Our licensed LOCAL guides will take you to some of the best locations in the Blue Ridge Mountains and show you what makes this area so special. They live to be outside and love these mountains - and love showing what this great region has to offer. They will talk about the history, the mountains, the wildlife, flora, fauna and so much more. They might even tell some of the local secrets - like where to grab a beer or great food too! Hike will be 3-5 miles depending on the group, including a stop in front of a waterfall and maybe a small lake to see if the Bald Eagles are out. If we do not have at least 2-3 guests booked for the hike we may cancel.

Inclusions: Bottled water, I provide snack bars, trail mix and chips and fruit, Gatorade

Exclusions: Private transportation

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:

During our half day hiking tours, you and your guide will check out one of our favorite hikes in the Asheville area! Hikes are easy to moderate, and average 3 to 5 miles. We typically feature a hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway (ex: Mt Pisgah, Black Balsam Knob, Rattlesnake Lodge, Hawkbill, etc) on Saturdays and the Appalachian Trail (ex: Max Patch, Rich Mountain Firetower, Lovers Leap, etc) on Sundays. Transportation and snacks are included, and our group size is limited to just 6 guests to ensure an intimate experience for everyone. Blue Ridge Hiking Company has been in business for 13 years; we believe the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life. We have a team of professional guides with a variety of different backgrounds who have a wealth of knowledge on local fora, fauna, and history of the area. Minimum of 2 hikers required for tour to operate.

Inclusions: Snacks, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuity for your guide

We’ll work directly with you to create a custom, private tour that is perfect for you and your photography interests. Together we'll pick locations that fit your interests and your desired amount of hiking, from a couple of miles to no hiking at all. This is ideal for travelers looking to go off the beaten path. And we pick you up! We offer small, private tours that focus on helping you capture better photos. Our tours take you to the most breathtaking locations across the Blue Ridge Mountains that only the locals know about. Our award-winning photographers know the Blue Ridge Mountains better than anyone else in the area! We are currently open and taking safety precautions for our guests! Visit our website to learn how we're handling COVID.

Inclusions: We provide you with fresh, local spring water., Private transportation, Snacks, Printout on Photography Tips & Tricks

Exclusions: No photography gear is currently offered. You must bring your own., Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Discover the natural sights and scenery surrounding the Blue Ridge Parkway in Great Smoky Mountain National Park in an active way on a hiking tour with transport through the  mountains from Asheville. You'll drive through some beautiful mountain scenery on the way visit three waterfalls and two protected forests . (IMPORTANT Before booking this tour please know that we will be walking approximately 3 miles on the hiking portion of this tour over 2 hours at pace of about 1 1/2 miles per hour , including stops at the falls and you should feel comfortable walking this distance before making a booking.) Snacks, beverages, and hotel pickup and drop-off by small-group vehicle (all window seats) are included. Tour is limited to seven people for a more personalized experience. Alternate tour routes are taken when the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed. Pick up time is between 8:00 am and 8:30 am at your area hotel within 4 miles of City Center.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off within 3-miles of city center, Drink and snack

Exclusions: Gratuities, A meeting place and time for pickup can be arranged if you are more than 3 miles from city center

Join us for a waterfall hiking tour and see some of the Western NC's famous waterfalls! Your guide will meet you at our downtown Asheville location then drive you to the trailhead. You'll enjoy a 3-5 mile hike, featuring one or more waterfalls (depending on the location). Our tours are designed for beginner to intermediate hikers, but are beautiful enough that even the most seasoned hiker will have a great time! Your hike could be in Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, or Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Your guide will select the best hike for the day based on factors like weather, trail conditions, and participant fitness level. All of our guides have extensive hiking and backpacking experience, and all hold CPR and Wilderness First Aid (or higher) medical certifications. Minimum of 2 hikers required for tour to operate.

Inclusions: Your guide will bring snacks for you to enjoy during your hike, Enjoy complimentary coffee or tea before the hike begins, Private transportation

Exclusions: Gratuity for your guide

Need a guide to help you find the elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? We’re offering just that! We currently have a 100% success rate in finding the elk! For our private Half-Day Elk & Waterfall Photo Tour, we put a lot of effort into thinking about what would be the most enjoyable half-day winter tour we could possibly put together. What we came up with is a trip that takes you about an hour west of Asheville out to Great Smoky Mountain National Park to see the elk herds in Cataloochee Valley and visit a couple of waterfalls. Our Elk & Waterfall tours are very adventurous and sure to please! We know when and where to find the elk We can get you (safely) close to the animals! We’ll make sure you have the right settings to capture the elk! Things we'll cover on this tour: - Long exposure settings for getting smooth, silky waterfall effects - What filters to use and why - The best settings to use for wildlife - And so much more!

Inclusions: We provide you with fresh, local spring water., Private transportation, Snacks

Exclusions: No photography gear is currently offered. You must bring your own., Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

The Blue Ridge Mountains are one of the oldest ranges in the world, arising from tectonic plates colliding hundreds of millions of years ago. With misty mountains, winding roads, and sprawling green vistas, the blue mountain parkway is one of America's most beautiful drives. The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina are stunning no matter the season - with fresh blossoms in the spring, rushing waterfalls in the summer, rusty autumnal colours in the fall, and peaceful snow cover in winter. On your private excursion, your guide will take you through the mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you will enjoy several scenic highlights and have the opportunity to hike, should you wish to. You will stop for lunch in a quaint town, where your guide will recommend a place for the best Southern food and hospitality. After a day spent exploring the towns dotting the highway and the striking geological features of the ridge, your guide will drive you back to your hotel in Asheville.

Inclusions: A friendly, professional tour guide for your own private group, Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places, Bottled Water, Private transport throughout the tour, Hotel pick-up, if centrally located; or we recommend a meeting location

Exclusions: Price of lunch is not included , Gratuities (optional), No tickets required

In this photo tour, we focus on Spring wildflowers and other flora as well as mountain streams and waterfalls where these ecosystems abound. This photo tour option is available during the Spring season from March 29 - June 15. Chris & Bonnie Allen are award-winning nature and fine art photographers who have lived, hiked and photographed in the Asheville, Blue Ridge mountain area for over 15 years. They know some of the most beautiful, and often secret locations to capture beautiful landscape and nature photographs. During your photo tour, Chris & Bonnie provide personalized instruction and tips to help you come away with great photos to share, and improved skills in your photography journey.

Inclusions: We have a tripod available for those who don't have their own.

Exclusions: Snacks and beverages are not provided, We do not provide transportation. You drive your own vehicle, and follow along behind us.