Lake Norman State Park
Just 20 miles north of Charlotte, this 32,510-acre park boasts the largest manmade lake in the Carolinas. Enjoy the 125-yard-long sandy beach on the park’s south end, or rent a kayak, paddle board, or canoe at the visitor’s center visitor center on Park Lake. In addition, the area also has more than 30 miles of biking and hiking trails, including the scenic 6-mile Lake Shore Trail, as well as campsites and public boat access.
Unwind from your outdoor adventures with dinner at Hello, Sailor, a lakeside seafood spot from the owners of the award-winning Kindred. The menu features shared plates like East Coast oysters and deviled crab dip, in addition to Southern-inspired salads, sandwiches, and whole flounder with salsa verde and chili mayo.
Holmes Educational State Forest Lodging
Hendersonville is a very nice town located just south of Asheville on the I-26. It has a very walkable historic downtown with primo restaurants, curiosity shops, and lots of outdoor seating areas.
Wilderness Cove Campground and Orchard Lake Campground are two great options for camping, and Pisgah National Forest offers several other campgrounds nearby.
Lake James State Park, with its 6,000+ acre lake, is located a few miles north of I-40 near the town of Marion, between Asheville and Statesville.
In addition to being beautiful, this park offers a treasure trove of outdoor recreational activities well-suited for family enjoyment.
Carriage Run Carriage Service
1 Bass Lake Drive, Blowing Rock NC 704-600-5403
For those who are not interested in horseback riding, but would like a more passive experience, Carriage Run Carriage Service has you covered.
The Blowing Rock-based company offers horse carriage rides on well-maintained routes.
Leaving from Bass Lake at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, their horse carriage rides last approximately 2.5 hours.
Departures are available in both the morning and the evening, making them a great choice for romantic sunset rides.
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Blue Ridge Horse Adventures
PO Box 428, Spruce Pine NC 828-460-2165
For a unique horse experience, Blue Ridge Horse Adventures offers half-day farm tours, including non-riding interactions with their horses.
Equestrian enthusiasts will get a chance to brush, pet, and walk with the horses through a wildflower-strewn meadow.
The 300-acre farm offers picturesque views of Mt. Mitchell, the tallest peak east of the Rockies. The facility has hiking trails, an outdoor arena, and a picnic area.
Its also possible to book stays for time with therapy horses, and take beginner or advanced horse-riding lessons.
Spruce Pine NC is 50 miles northeast of Asheville, and 8 miles north of the unique tourist town of Little Switzerland.
South Mountains State Park
In one of the states most rugged areas, South Mountains State Park features elevations to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, mountain streams and more than 40 miles of trails for hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers. A true backcountry experience is offered at 24 backpacking campsites at seven locations. Equestrian camping is available with trailer parking and barn to complement 33 miles of bridle trails. Mountain bikers enjoy a strenuous 17-mile loop. Drive-to campsites sit beside the Jacob Fork River, with the river and its tributaries offering miles of trout fishing. There are two picnic areas and a picnic shelter for groups. A visitor center offers museum-quality exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the South Mountains.
Or make your reservation at 1-877-722-6762
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Carr Creek State Park Ky
166 RV rentals
Carr Creek State Park is more than just your average Kentucky State Park. Alongside its natural beauty, the park boasts a heritage rich with pioneer history. The areas earliest settlers are said to have established a community here as early as the 1770s. In fact, the park itself is thought to have been named after William Carr, a famous hunter-and-gatherer that once lived in the area. Today, travelers camping at Carr Creek State Park can revel in this fascinating history while enjoying the rolling hills, dense pine forests, and 700-acre Carr Creek Lake.
Due to its remote nature, there are no major highways that pass by Carr Creek State Park. Instead, the park is surrounded by a network of smaller
Dupont State Recreational Forest
Guion Farm Access Area or Lake Imagining Access Area 828-877-6527
For those with their own horses, the Dupont State Recreational Forest has miles of multi-use trails that are open to equestrian riders.
One of the best horse routes in the forest includes several mountain lakes and creeks.
There are also great loops to see the amazing Dupont Forest waterfalls, which include High Falls, Triple Falls, and Hooker Falls.
Coggins Papers are required for all horses. There are random checks in the parking lot, and visitors without papers will be asked to leave.
Horseback riding near Boone NC is easily accessed at Dutch Creek Trails, in the tiny town of Vilas.
These are basically horse trails through the woods and fields of the NC High Country.
Guided horseback riding tours take a little over an hour, so theyre great for a quick trip, with plenty to see and hear about farm life in the NC Mountains.
Wagon rides are also available upon request, and the cowboy lifestyle is a big part of the attraction here.
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Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
1481 Mount Jefferson State Park RoadWest Jefferson, NC 28694
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is located near the town of West Jefferson, in the northern reaches of western North Carolina.
This area, which is visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, is special for its unique geology and rare plant ecology.
Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center
One Lodge Street, Asheville NC 828-225-6398
The famous Biltmore Estate the former home of philanthropist George Washington Vanderbilt offers private two-hour excursions for horseback riding in Asheville.
Theirs are the only Asheville horseback riding tours within the city limits, exploring the trails of the historic property.
Up to four guests at a time are led by an expert guide through the Blue Ridge Mountains estate, which is adjacent to Pisgah National Forest.
In order to go on this ride, participants need a Biltmore day pass or annual pass or an overnight room at the estate.
All horseback riding tour reservations should be made at least a couple of days in advance.
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Lake James State Park
If youre looking for one of the best places for camping near Asheville and want a lake setting, look no further than Lake James State Park.
At an hour away from the city, Lake James has 6,812 acres of clear waters and beautiful scenery. You have multiple options for camping including Catawba River Area boasting 20 walk-in campsites, Paddys Creek area with 33 drive-in sites, or the Long Arm Peninsula for remote camping only accessible by boat.
Lake James truly offers you a choose-your-own-adventure experience for families and wanderers alike.
Once youre settled into your chosen campsite, you have many options to play the day away. Lace up your hiking boots or strap on your mountain biking helmet to set foot or wheel on one of the 25 miles of trails. Or, rent a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak to explore the pristine waters that fill Lake James.
Whatever your adventure may be, Lake James is best enjoyed from May to September when the weather is warm and the days are long.
Things To Do At Headwaters State Forest
The forest is somewhat remote and lacking in facilities: There are no bathrooms, visitors center, or trash collection, and cell service is spotty at best.
Hiking, hunting, and fishing are allowed, but neither mountain biking nor equestrian activities are permitted.
There are roads and trails within the forest, but in general Headwaters is intentionally being maintained as a primitive setting in which visitors can enjoy nature just as it is naturally.
The management goals at HSF are to conserve natural resources, provide learning opportunities, and promote sustainable recreation.
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Best Gardens & Parks In Asheville Nc
Posted on Last updated: May 21, 2022
Enjoy the best parks in Asheville, NC for walks, lakes, and recreational activities. Or, relax and picnic in these gorgeous Asheville gardens.
Asheville is famous for its plethora of breweries, eclectic music scene, the largest home in America, and endless trails and waterfalls.
But, did you know that the Asheville parks are just as plentiful and worthwhile too?
We love spending an early morning walking French Broad River Park and watching people float down the river at Carrier Park.
Skatepark at Foundation and RAD Riverwalk are staples in the River Arts District, ensconcing visitors in vibrant street art, youthful vibes, and crafty culture.
Even better, the gardens in Asheville, NC are filled with gorgeous wildflowers that attract Monarch butterflies and countless species of birds.
From Biltmore and Beaver Lake to The NC Arboretum and Asheville Botanical Gardens, you cannot go wrong.
So, what are the best parks in Asheville, NC? If you only have a short time, which Asheville gardens should you stroll through first?
And, if you are looking for a park in Asheville for the dogs, where should you go? How about that boat launch or ice hockey rink?
Plus, explore a beautiful Victorian-style cemetery where you might want to have a penny or a pen on hand.
Keep reading for the top Asheville parks and gardens as well as a few brief mentions of State and National Parks near Asheville. Lets get started!
Triple Creek Campground Tn
In addition to stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains, there are lots of reasons to park your RV rental at Triple Creek Campground. This RV park offers a peaceful place to camp, surrounded by 12 acres of dense woodlands and gentle streams. There’s lots to do around the campground, with a playground for kids and outdoor games such as horseshoes. The nearby Cosby Creek is ideal for outdoor adventures, with kayaking and fishing possible here. Campers can bring pets along to this campground, and there’s also access to WiFi if you need to keep in touch with folks at home.
Camping at Triple Creek Campground is ideal for those looking for a secluded, well-equipped campground. There are roughly 35
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Botanical Gardens At Asheville
One of the most quaint gardens in Asheville, the Botanical Gardens At Asheville is perfect for a lazy day of reading and enjoying a picnic.
Located on the UNC-Asheville campus in North Asheville, parking and entrance are free to these public grounds.
Fall off the grid with 10 acres of protected and endangered wildflowers along with nature trails, bridges, and birds.
These gardens along with The NC Arboretum make for some of the most romantic spots in Asheville and youll catch many surprise engagements here.
The Asheville Botanical Gardens also have a Visitor Center and shop filled with locally published books and nature knickknacks.
Botanical Gardens At Asheville | 151 W T. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804.
Elk Knob State Park Lodging
Within the park, there is only primitive camping available for lodging. It can be accessed via the Backcountry Trail.
For accommodations near the park, the Lovill House Inn is a historic B& B 20 miles away in Boone, which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Inn at Crestwood Resort & Spa offers an onsite restaurant, spa, and indoor pool.
If youre looking for Blue Ridge mountain cabins, the 3-bedroom Alpine Log Cabin is one of the top picks on Booking.com, while Highland Hills Cabins has a selection of cabins for rent right outside of Boone. VRBO also offers upscale cabin options nearby.
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Saddle Up Trail Rides
Pisgah National Forest NC 828-768-9025
Saddle Up Trail Rides is located 14 miles west of the North Carolina mountain town of Hendersonville NC.
Rather than riding on a private site, customers of Saddle Up Trail Rides explore the North Mills River and Turkey Pen areas of the Pisgah National Forest.
Saddle Up has 1-hour, 2-hour, and 2.5-hour guided horse rides to choose from. The 1-hour ride is dry, while the other two rides both have water crossings added to the trip.
Riders at Saddle Up need to be at least 10 years old and weighunder 240 pounds. Rides are given by reservation only.
Adventure At Your Doorstepliterally Pisgah Glamping At Lake Powhatan Sites Are An Easy 5
Were thrilled to give Asheville-area visitors a unique glamping experience thats the best of two worlds: it allows us to share an intimate experience of our beloved Pisgah National Forest, but its also incredibly convenient to the excitement of downtown. Visitors come from all over the country to mountain bike, fish, hike and recreate here, and its really special to provide a welcoming home setting where they can be fully immersedboth day and nightin the heart of it all.
1 Davidson River Circle, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768 552-8040Adventure Pisgah operates these areas under permit with the USDA Forest Service/Pisgah Ranger District.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information should contact USDAs TARGET Center at 720-2600 .
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 720-5964 . USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
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Rendezvous Mountain Education State Forest Lodging
No camping or lodging facilities can be found onsite, but Rendezvous State Forest is located 30 miles from Boone and 12 miles from Wilkesboro, both of which have many places to stay in every incarnation imaginable. Upscale cabin options are also available at VRBO.
For a small-town feel, West Jefferson is 25 miles away and has a charming historic downtown area.
Camping and RV hookups can be found at New River State Park, about 30 minutes away, or at the Doughton Park Campground on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The nearest campground is Bandits Roost Campground on the south shore of W. Kerr Scott Reservoir , and KOA also has a location near Boone.
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Although spring and fall are the ideal times to explore Ashevilleâs breathtaking scenery, the city and its surroundings are a year-round attraction for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounded by lush woodland where flora and fauna abound, Asheville is a destination that should be added to the bucket list for sure. While the city boasts an exciting blend of hip coffee shops, breweries, and notable restaurants, itâs the outdoor activities that make it so unique. With activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and kayaking, thereâs always something fun and exciting to do around the city. Of course, to make the most of your vacation, itâs best to stay close to nature, so make sure you check out the best campgrounds in Asheville, North Carolina.
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Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parksasheville North Carolina
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is known for its thriving arts community and unique architecture. RV parks in the Asheville, North Carolina area are near architectural wonders like the Basilica of St. Lawrence and the Biltmore estate. These are both popular stops for those going on North Carolina RV adventures.
Due to its elevated location, the climate in Asheville remains temperate throughout the year. If you park your RV in Asheville during the autumn months, youll be treated to the incredible fall colors of this citys deciduous forests. Check out the following list to learn more about 10 top-rated RV campgrounds in Asheville, North Carolina.
Our Rentals Deluxe Bell Tent 2
Tent camping asheville nc. See Deals for Asheville Hotels. Ad Whats the 1 Hotel in Asheville. Ad China Outdoor Tent Suppliers High Quality Competitive Price.
Mama Gerties Hideaway Campground. Ad Whats the 1 Hotel in Asheville. Read Reviews And Book Today.
100 4 Reviews. Crabtree Falls Campground is at milepost 340 close to Emerald Village and Little Switzerland with dozens of rivers creeks and waterfalls just outside the campground. More adventurous campers can head out to the more primitive camping spots for a night under the towering hardwoods.
Ad Camping is a wonderful family experience especially during the summer months. Make sure you are well equipped this year with all the essentials for camping. Though the campsites are close together the campground deserves 5 stars.
This is about as good as it gets for family camping. Asheville United States North Carolina. Ive been camping in and around Asheville my more.
This campground is only about an hour east of Asheville. Ad China Outdoor Tent Suppliers High Quality Competitive Price. Read Reviews And Book Today.
A variety of camping options. 20 walk-in campsites short walk of up to 300 yards are located along the shoreline at the Catawba River area with fire pit picnic table and room for a six-person tent plus washhouse and hot showers. Firefly Ridge Rural Camping.
Deluxe Camping Near Asheville NC. The Best 10 Campgrounds in Asheville NC. Lake James State Park.
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Things To Do At Elk Knob State Park
The #1 activity here is climbing the mountain for which the park is named, to be rewarded with a spectacular panorama. Surprise, surprise Summit Trail is the route for this.
There are three other Elk Knob State Park hiking trails, including the Beech Tree Trail and a Backcountry Trail to the headwaters of the New Rivers north fork.
The final trail, Maple Run Trail, was still under construction as of our deadline. Its being designed to double as a cross-country skiing track in the winter.
Elk Knob State Park is unique among the mountainous NC State Parks, in that it strives to stay open during the winter to offer both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.