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11 Awesome Swimming Holes Near Asheville, NC
Asheville and the surrounding area are home to a wealth of natural wonders, with many places to cool off on a hot summer day. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or relief from the heat, these spectacular local swimming spots offer the perfect places to have some fun in the sun. From pristine mountain streams to secluded waterfalls, here are the 12 best swimming holes near Asheville to check out this summer. So grab your swimsuit, pack a picnic, and start your next adventure! The 11 Best Swimming Holes Near Asheville 1. Skinny Dip Falls Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Milepost 417, Skinny Dip Falls is a beloved swimming…
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A Guide to DuPont State Forest: Waterfalls, Hikes, and More!
With 10,000 acres of protected land, 86 miles of multiuse trails, mountain views, swimming lakes, and some of the most beautiful waterfall hikes near Asheville, DuPont State Recreational Forest is a favorite destination for outdoor lovers. The best part? It’s only 40 miles south of Asheville, and there is no admission fee – although you can always make a donation. Although the hike that takes you to Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls is one of the main attractions, there are also great opportunities for biking, horseback riding, fishing, lakeside picnicking, and enjoying views from mountaintops. Swimming is one of the most fun things to do in DuPont State…
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The 10 Best Lakes Near Asheville Perfect for a Day Trip!
Nestled within the unforgettable landscapes of Western North Carolina, Asheville stands as a mecca in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ stunning natural beauty. Surrounded by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes, this vibrant city offers an abundance of outdoor activities for local nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. Among its many treasures, the region boasts an array of pristine lakes where visitors can go and seek tranquility and recreation. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 lakes near Asheville, what you can do there, and why you won’t want to miss your opportunity to check them out! The many lakes near Asheville offer a diverse array of…
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The 7 Best Off-the-Tourist Track Hiking Trails Near Asheville
One of the main reasons people visit and live in Asheville is for its beautiful mountains and ample outdoor activities to enjoy. If you’re looking for the down low on all of the amazing hiking trails in Asheville that even the locals don’t want you to know about, then you’ve come to the right place. After all, these mountains were made for everyone! However, before you go out hiking in Asheville, make sure you fully understand the activity level required for each hike. Choose hikes that are suitable for your skill level and come prepared with the essentials (i.e., water, food, appropriate clothing, etc.). The Appalachians that run through Western…
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The 10 Best Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville
Asheville’s surroundings offer infinite hiking opportunities, including many that will lead you to cascading waterfalls. Hiking to get to one of the many waterfalls near Asheville is always a fun adventure, and nothing beats a picnic in the sunshine while listening to the falls and taking in the view. The 500,000-acre Pisgah National Forest is home to many of the area’s most famous waterfalls (including Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls), swimming holes, and hiking trails. And over in DuPont State Forest, you’ll find six astonishing waterfalls, including some that have been featured in Hollywood movies. The landscapes surrounding these waterfalls change with the seasons, giving excellent photo ops year-round.…
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Guide to Lake Lure & Chimney Rock: Activities, Restaurants, Bars, and Shopping
Only an hour from Asheville, a haven awaits that is so beautiful and notable that Hollywood directors have singled it out for films – Lake Lure, NC. When you come looking for a Lake Lure visitors guide, you’ll find that there’s a lot to recommend a trip here: from the beautiful manmade lake that gives the area its name to the notable hiking and delicious dining in town and in nearby Chimney Rock. Whether you simply want to relax in the mountains, spend time out on the water, or be hiking in nature, your options are strong here, and every morning starts with a beautiful view in almost any direction! …
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The 16 Best Restaurants in Waynesville, NC
The charming town of Waynesville in Haywood County is one of the best side trips from Asheville since it’s only a 25-mile drive and has much to offer. Considering the population of 10,000 people, you’ll find a surprisingly humming downtown with many restaurants and shops. Still, Waynesville is the biggest town in Haywood County, which is known for its lovely small towns and 13 peaks above 6,000 feet. You’ll love exploring art galleries, antique stores, gift shops, and restaurants. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Waynesville restaurants, with options for everyone’s cravings – from the best burgers in Haywood County and Yelp’s #1 Brisket in the US…
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A Complete Guide to Hendersonville, NC: Best Activities, Restaurants, Bars, and Shops
If you drive south for about 40 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina, you’ll find the charming and bustling town of Hendersonville. This town has a pretty perfect balance: just big enough to have a lot of nice conveniences but small enough to feel like a neighborly and fun place to spend time. The backdrop of gorgeous mountains really makes it the best place for a great day out in nature but also just a walk down Main Street. From the excellent Hendersonville restaurants to the unique Hendersonville shops, you’ll find that there’s something to do or explore around every corner. We’ve compiled some of our favorite Hendersonville activities, including things…
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Maggie Valley, North Carolina: Best Activities, Events, Restaurants, and Shops!
Since the days long ago when Maggie Mae Setzer lived here and became the namesake of Maggie Valley, this little piece of paradise just outside the Asheville metro area has been a draw for everyone from nature lovers to those looking for a dose of small-town charm. Between the many nearby mountain vistas and the easy jaunt back to the city, this town has a good mix of the options people want, from the ability to go to a big festival one day to the chance to commune with nature in a quiet part of the valley the next. With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so close by and…
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The 18 Best Restaurants in Hendersonville, North Carolina
Downtown Hendersonville has really blossomed in the past few years. Whether it’s seen as the “city” by those living in the beautiful and rural areas of Western North Carolina, or a sojourn from the hustle and bustle of Asheville or Charlotte, this town is just right, not too big and not too small. Many of the best options for places to eat in Hendersonville are near or on Main Street itself, so on a pretty day, you can survey all the places to eat in downtown Hendersonville by simply taking a stroll and checking out any specials on display outside each spot. We tried to get you a cross-section of…
