The Storm Hits Ěý

I wake up at dawn on Friday, September 27, because the wind is howling around my house and trees are snapping at their trunks and being pulled out of the ground by their roots. From the window I watch the treetops sway and listen for the crack of wood. I hope I can echo-locate the snap so I know where the giant timber is going to fall. At every sound, I worry something will land on my house.

Two large white oaks, one of which is at least a hundred years old (I count the rings later) are pushed over by a massive gust and careen towards my neighbor’s house, where three little girls under the age of 10 live. As one barely misses the walls and crushes a trampoline outside, I slump in relief.

Rain is coming down in a steady stream. The power goes off a few minutes after I wake up. Water is the next to vanish, an hour later. Cell service disappears in the early afternoon. Asheville has wind gusts of 46 miles per hour.

Nobody expected a storm like this in western North Carolina. Hurricanes usually hit the state’s coastal regions, not the mountains. We knew there would be rain and flooding, but nothing at all as catastrophic as what came. My wife and I lived through ´ˇ˛őłó±đ±ąľ±±ô±ô±đ’s last hurricane flood, in 2004, when the French Broad River surged into low-lying parts of town. Meteorologists called that event a one-in-100-year flood. They’re saying this storm is a one-in-1,000 year event. I don’t know a single person who evacuated, nor did I ever hear any calls from officials to do so.

When the worst of the storm abates, around noon, I walk into the street and gather with neighbors to make sure everyone is O.K. Kids are crying. People have huddled in their basements. A neighbor who’s a doctor walks up saying a woman at the bottom of our hill has a gash in her neck that won’t stop bleeding because the roof of her house fell on her in bed. Trees are down all over and there’s no clear path to get the woman to a hospital, so I run around looking for a way that a vehicle could get through the carnage. So many power lines are down, so many cars are smashed, so many trees are leaning on homes, and stunned people are standing in their yards. My neighborhood of 19 years feels foreign.

I find the safest way to walk the woman with the neck wound to a point where I think a car could meet us, and I reach a friend who’s headed into my neighborhood with a chainsaw, already out trying to cut through the madness, and have just enough service to tell him where to go before my phone dies. I walk the woman up a hill, with the doctor who’s telling her not to remove the bandage from her neck because you don’t mess with neck wounds, and the woman is crying. She’s afraid of the wind and the trees—after the roof of her house just fell on her.

My friend with the truck and the chainsaw is there, exactly where I told him to meet us, and the woman enters the vehicle and they head towards the hospital. I don’t hear how she is for another three days because there’s no cell service, and nobody hears from anyone unless in a face-to-face conversation.

I go back to my own house to assess the damage and hug my wife and children.

By the end of the day, a crew of men in a truck I’ve never seen before have chainsawed their way through half of the downed trees in the neighborhood. These aren’t city crews or electric-company employees. These are dudes in trucks doing what they can to help.

This is just day one.

The Aftermath of the Storm

Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, turning the city of Asheville, the South’s greatest outdoor-adventure town where I have lived for 20 years, and the surrounding mountain communities into a federal disaster zone. The French Broad River crested at more than 24 feet, wiping out the entire River Arts District, a collection of restaurants, breweries, hotels, and art studios a mile west of downtown. Biltmore Village, a hub of higher-end hotels and restaurants and shops, is similarly trashed, whole buildings gutted by the force of the river. Entire neighborhoods have been washed away, with houses and trailers floating downstream and piles of broken lumber everywhere.

I’m incredibly fortunate. Our basement flooded, but no trees hit our house. Nobody in my family was hurt. We live in higher terrain and not along the river corridor, where the worst flooding occurred. So many people are in far worse shape. As I write, 71 people have been confirmed dead across the county. Search and rescue helicopters and ATVs are still looking for missing people every day.

The first few days after the storm were isolating. Navigating the roads was tough because of the downed trees. Nobody had cell or internet service, so we couldn’t check the news or message anyone. I didn’t know the extent of the destruction beyond my own neighborhood. Eventually, we learned to get in the car and listen to the city’s press conferences at 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. every day to grasp the context of the storm. I worked on cleaning up my neighbors’ yards and some trees in the road.

I was lucky in another way, too. We have an old hot tub in our backyard that became our sole source of gray water, and remains so. I used five-gallon buckets to move water from it to our bathtub so we could flush toilets. I cooked meals on our propane grill, pulling food from the fridge before it went bad.

At some point, I learned that the Chamber of Commerce a mile up the street had power and their WiFi was radiating into the parking lot, so twice a day I walked up there to send messages and check the news. I started a fire in the wood stove in our basement to try to dry the water out. Of all the damage Hurricane Helene caused, this is as minor as it gets.

In talking with neighbors, we heard there was no gas for cars because the stations had no power, and that none of the interstates or highways were letting vehicles in or out. We heard other towns—Chimney Rock, Burnsville, Spruce Pine, more—deeper in the mountains fared even worse than Asheville. We learned that the city had organized points of distribution for water and food.

Besides the destruction, mostly what I saw is people taking care of each other. The guy who owns the trendy cafe on the corner a few blocks from my house cranked up his giant pizza oven and served free burgers and chicken sandwiches, feeding 1,500 people. Other neighbors chipped in, setting up stands with free stew and hot dogs.

We were all walking all over the neighborhood and town, asking people we didn’t know if they needed anything.

Almost two weeks after the storm, we still have no power, internet, or running water. I’m still moving water to flush toilets, getting drinking water from distribution points, trying to keep a fire in the basement stove. Cell service came back about six days after the storm.

Every state and federal agency is on the ground. Cops, firefighters, and search-and-rescue teams have come from Indiana, New York, Ohio. There are well-organized official disaster-relief stations and smaller stations set up by civilians. There’s a hard 7:30 P.M. curfew. I’ve heard isolated events of attempted muggings, but mostly it’s peaceful.

Unable to work as a writer without internet or power, I spend my days volunteering. One day I’m cooking burgers at a community center, the next, knocking on doors around Buncombe County doing wellness checks. If you can’t reach a cousin or aunt or spouse in Asheville, you call and ask for someone to check on the person. Volunteers go out to people’s last known addresses and see if they’re OK.

Most of the people I check on are OK. I work on developing the friendliest of door knocks,Ěý something that says, “I’m here to help.” Only one person answered the door with a gun in a holster.

I’m having a hard time putting this into words, but in the midst of all of the destruction and despair that I’ve seen, I’ve also been overwhelmed by a sense of hope and gratitude. Is it cheesy to say this disaster has renewed my faith in humankind? Probably. But that’s fine.

Without water and power, schools are closed, so my kids spend their days volunteering or helping friends clean up their yards. They have sleepovers and walk a mile into town together, just for some semblance of normalcy.

Grocery stores opened on a limited basis a day or so after the storm. One person in, one person out, long lines. Cash only because there was no internet. Now the stores are taking cards again, and you can get much of what you need or want. Most gas stations are open again. The two coolers on my back porch are full of food, and I am still cooking all meals on the propane grill. I’ll need to find more propane soon.

Downtown is a ghost town. Asheville is a tourist draw and obviously there are no tourists right now. A lot of people have left town temporarily as well. Some businesses have boarded up, and only a few shops are open.

My hot tub is almost empty, which means I’ll have to figure out another source soon for non-potable water. I saw the destruction to the reservoir system. It’s extensive; the transmission lines, which carry the water out of the reservoir, were washed out after more than 30 inches of rain fell. The bypass line, which was built as a redundancy measure, also washed out. That particular line was buried 25 feet deep, but the land eroded so much that the pipe was carried away. Crews are working on rebuilding that pipe right now.

The Outdoor Community Steps Up

The day before the storm, I went to to drop off a couple of things for resale. Second Gear is a consignment outdoor-gear shop that gives gently loved items like camp stoves and fleece and tents a second life, an effort in sustainability and in making things affordable to people who want to go outdoors and may lack good gear and equipment. It has a great location in the River Arts District, about 100 yards from the French Broad River.

The next time I saw Second Gear, it was in a video on social media, being swept away by the river. The entire building.

A number of guide services, like paddle-board rental shops and shuttle operators like French Broad Outfitters and Zen Tubing, that were located on the river suffered similar fates. Wrong Way Campground saw massive damage, the river breaching several of their cabins.

The local climbing gym, Cultivate Climbing, closed their flood doors, which would typically keep water out of the building. The river level was so high the waters crested the flood doors, poured in, and turned the building into a swimming pool.

Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests are closed. There’s no telling what sort of damage those mountains have suffered, because all resources right now are still dedicated to helping people in need. I’ve heard of groups of mountain bikers from the local bike club, called SORBA (for the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association), hiking into small, isolated communities and chainsawing a path for those residents to get out to the nearest fire station.

I’ve heard of fly-fishing guides leading search-and-rescue efforts in the steep mountain hollers where they typically head up fishing adventures.

Several small towns, such as Barnardsville and Spruce Pine, in western North Carolina are isolated, the roads covered in mud and a tangle of pines and hardwoods. Nonprofits and small-town fire departments have been organizing groups of hikers to take supplies into people deep in the mountains who are cut off from the outside world. Volunteers with ATVs are incredibly sought after because they can get into remote places that normal vehicles can’t access.

The French Broad River Keeper, Hartwell Carson, who spearheads stewardship when he’s not assessing storm damage and reports of toxic sludge, mobilizes a crew of volunteers to cook burgers and hot dogs for various communities throughout the region. He’s lobbying for millions of dollars to be allocated to the area specifically to put out-of-work river guides on the job of cleaning up the French Broad.

Astral, an Asheville-based shoe brand that makes popular water shoes and hiking boots, is focusing on supporting remote mountain communities that saw severe hurricane damage. This week, Astral will take a van load of six generators to the tiny town of Buladean, which sits below Roan Mountain in North Carolina’s High Country.

The director of North Carolina Outdoor Economy, Amy Allison, is trying to coordinate coat donations from gear companies outside of the region. It’s warm today, but the temperatures are dropping next week. Many families here don’t have adequate winter gear, and will need coats, hats, and gloves as they navigate the new reality of going to distribution points for drinking water and moving flush water into their homes.

What’s Next for Western North CarolinaĚý

Almost two weeks later, I still try to turn the light on when I walk into a room. According to local press conferences, we’ll probably get power back some time this week, which is great. I’ve heard that the city is sending trucks to take out household trash. There’s no timetable as to when water will be restored. It could be weeks.

Living without running water for a couple of months is hard to fathom, largely because our kids can’t go back to school without it. Schools must have working sprinkler systems in case of fire.

Several families we know have already moved temporarily to other cities and enrolled their kids in schools. My wife is looking into home-school scenarios.

For a couple of days right after the storm there was a constant stream of sirens and chainsaws, but that stopped. Now it’s silent at night. It’s the kind of quiet you get camping in the middle of the woods, but I live on the edge of downtown Asheville. With no lights in my neighborhood, I can see the stars at night. I don’t think any of us will begin to understand the impact of what’s happened for months, when it’s safer and the destruction and loss of lives isn’t so palpable.

In the meantime, we carry on. I have a wood stove. I’ve hooked up a solar shower. I’m trying to work again. Tomorrow I’m cooking burgers for the small town of Barnardsville, 45 minutes north of Asheville. After that I’ll help a friend salvage the fence on his farm, then later in the week help another friend repair his campground. I think I’ve come up with a solution for water to flush my toilets, too. There’s a creek at the bottom of my neighborhood. I’ll put my cold plunge tub in the back of the truck and fill it from the creek with five-gallon buckets, then drive back up to my house and put the water in the hot tub.

It feels good to have a plan.

Graham Averill is şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř magazine’s national-parks columnist. He’s lived in Asheville for more than 20 years. If you want to help locals, lost its warehouse in the flood, and is still distributing food to those in need.

For more by this author, see:

9 Beautiful Mountain Towns in the Southeast

9 Most Underrated National Parks for Incredible Fall Foliage

The post This Is What It’s Like to Live in Asheville After Hurricane Helene appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Mountain towns in the Western U.S. get a lot of love. I’ve written plenty of articles that highlight places like Jackson, Boulder, and Crested Butte, but these high-profile burgs aren’t the only badass adventure basecamps.

I’ve lived in North Carolina in the Southern Appalachians for the last 20 years, and while the Southeast is often overlooked for adventure and mountain culture, we have a bevy of cities with quick access to the diversions we all crave. Not to mention downtowns so charming you’d think you were on a movie set.

These are my nine favorite mountain towns in the Southeast, ranked according to my experience and personal preferences, with special points given for bike rides that end at breweries.

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Population: 93,775

Best Known For: Breweries and Bike Rides

Am I biased because Asheville is my home? Yes, but there are reasons why I chose to settle here 20 years ago, and many more why I stay. Life here is too damn good for me to consider moving anywhere else.

Asheville is the cultural center of the Southern Appalachians, with one of the best food-and-beer scenes on the East Coast. The street art and local music rival that in bigger cities, too. The town itself is so fun you could easily forget that all this activity sits in a valley surrounded by 5,000- and 6,000-foot mountains that are perfect playgrounds for adventure athletes.

World-class road cycling begins and ends in town, while epic hiking and mountain biking options start within 20 miles in every direction. The French Broad River provides mellow daytime paddling options on the west side of downtown as well as multi-night adventures, thanks to developed campsites along the , while hardcore paddlers have flocked to Asheville for the prevalence of class IV and V creeks deeper in the mountains.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Asheville, North Carolina

• There are hundreds of miles of singletrack in the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, but for a quick post-work ride, I head 15 minutes west of downtown (12 miles) to , which has more than 20 miles of trails. is my favorite piece of singletrack, partly because of the long gravel climb to reach it, but mostly for the two miles of flowy, mildly technical downhill.
• Roadies should head straight for the Blue Ridge Parkway, which forms a half-circle around Asheville. I like the climb up Town Mountain Road, which leaves directly from downtown and heads north on the parkway until I either get tired or hit 6,684-foot Mount Mitchell 33 miles later. has both mountain- and road-bike rentals (from $85 a day).
• For an epic hike or trail run, drive south on the Blue Ridge Parkway for 30 miles to the 6,214-foot Black Balsam, a high-elevation bald with 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. It’s my wife’s favorite spot for a scenic photo shoot. You can reach the summit in a .5-mile hike along the Art Loeb Trail, or you could knock out a bigger loop that takes in Black Balsam and neighboring Tennent Mountain, another 6,000-footer with its own tree-free summit views. A five- and 10-mile option each uses the same
  

  

Where to Eat and Drink in Asheville, North Carolina

• Everyone is going to have an opinion, but I like the vibe at Burial Brewing, where you can drink the potent Surf Wax IPA in a beer garden next to a mural of Tom Selleck and Sloth from Goonies.
• Asheville has its fair share of James Beard-nominated chefs, but I get excited about eating a Bibim Bap from El Kimchi, a food truck with shifting locations throughout town each night. Try to catch El Kimchi at New Belgium Brewery, which has a massive lawn above the French Broad River.

Where to Stay in Asheville, North Carolina

• Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins has one-bedroom A-frame cabins, each complete with a record player and selection of vinyl, next to the French Broad River within walking distance of a climbing gym, greenway system, and the bars and restaurants within the River Arts District (from $198 a night).

2. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Population: 185,000

Best known for: Rock climbing and singletrack

Chattanooga is easily the largest city on this list, but don’t let the size dissuade you. The location is perfect, as Chattanooga sits in the foothills of the Southern Appalachians with the steep slopes of Lookout Mountain and the Cumberland Plateau rising from the edge of town. I’m always amazed by how close the adventure is to downtown Chattanooga.

The lush hardwood forests of the surrounding mountains hold expansive sandstone cliffs and boulders, making Chattanooga a hotbed of rock climbing, while recent years have brought an explosion of mountain-bike trail development. Meanwhile, the Tennessee River wraps around downtown, giving paddlers immediate access to endless miles of flat-water boating. I’ve spent a lot of time paddling a SUP on the Tennessee River, in awe of the buildings and bridges that comprise downtown.

And the city has whole-heartedly embraced the outdoors, with leaders actively working to make it one of the first designated in the world, trying to apply a national park ethos to the entire city.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Chattanooga, Tennessee

• There are more than 100 miles of singletrack within 20 miles of downtown Chattanooga, and most have been purpose-built in the last decade for mountain bikers. , a city park with six miles of bike trails in town, offers a great quick spin, but I’ve spent entire days geeking out on , eight miles from downtown, where roughly 30 miles of fast, technical single track unfold.
  

• Rock climbers might have more to choose from than mountain bikers around Chattanooga. The city opens up the , a 50-foot-tall limestone pier holding up a city bridge, to climbing occasionally, via toprope and on bolted-on holds. But the , a sandstone cliff hanging over the Tennessee River in Prentice Cooper State Forest, 15 miles from downtown, has to be the crown jewel. The T-Wall has more than 600 established routes, most of which require trad skills and gear. The routes range in difficulty from 5.5 to 5.13, with something for everyone.
  

  

• There are whitewater runs in the mountains surrounding town, and the runs for 45 miles through the Tennessee River Gorge, offering multi-day flatwater canoe trips. But I’m always drawn to the eight-mile-long Tennessee Riverpark, which has multiple access points for boaters downtown. Rent paddleboards at ($30), in Coolidge Park, and see town from the water.
• What you can see above ground is just the beginning; there are more than 7,000 caves within an hour’s drive of Chattanooga. Most are wild caves on private property that are closed to the public, but offers guided adventures through a network of chambers and tunnels that have streams and waterfalls (from $60).
  

Where to Eat and Drink in Chattanooga, Tennessee

• For years, my one complaint about Chattanooga was the prevalence of chain restaurants over local options, but recently the food scene has exploded with great one-of-a-kind options, especially in the Southside neighborhood, which is tucked into a revitalized industrial district. Check out , which serves well-crafted Chinese-inspired dishes with fun tiki drinks. I’m a sucker for tiki drinks.

Where to Stay in Chattanooga, Tennessee

• There are plenty of hotels throughout Chattanooga, but I have a soft spot for , an upscale hostel with private rooms (starting at $70) that caters to the adventurous, with a lobby stocked with local guidebooks and free crash-pads for guests who want to boulder.

3. Boone, North Carolina

Population: 19,756

Best known for: Appalachian State (go Mountaineers!) and 5,000-foot peaks

Nestled inside North Carolina’s High Country and surrounded by 5,000-foot peaks, Boone is the perfect blend of college town and adventure hub. Downtown blends with Appalachian State University’s sprawling campus, which absolutely bustles with life when school is in session, especially during football season in the fall.

But Boone would make it on this list even without all that youthful vibrancy, because the mountains that envelope the community are stacked with adventure, from cycling the winding blacktop of the Blue Ridge Parkway to climbing in the Linville Gorge. Boone has skiing in the winter, rock climbing from fall through spring, and plenty of hiking and road and mountain biking year round.

As for the town itself, it’s a mix of college-friendly dive bars, boutique shops, and high-end restaurants with elevated southern fare. I like Boone more and more every time I visit, and I’m secretly hoping my kids decide to go to college at App State so I can go more.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Boone, North Carolina

• Mountain bikers should head straight to , which boasts10 miles of purpose-built trails with features designed to help rippers progress through technical challenges as well as jumps and drops. A paved pump track has fast lines and great views of the surrounding mountains. To be honest, I’m jealous of this park.
  

• If you prefer your adventures on two feet, take the opportunity to explore the Linville Gorge Wilderness, which protects 12 miles of the 2,000-foot-deep canyon of the same name. The terrain is steep, loaded with granite cliffs and boulders and shrouded in a dense hardwood forest. At the bottom of the gorge is the tumultuous Linville River. I’ve scrambled around the gorge many times and am always blown away by the views and the solitude it offers. Most people just hike the short distance to Linville Falls, but check out the 2.4-mile , which requires a scramble to the top of a rocky outcropping, but delivers a view into the heart of the gorge, as well as of neighboring Shortoff Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain. You can extend your hike down to the river via the Linville Gorge Trail.
• When winter sets in, choose from among three downhill ski resorts: Appalachian Mountain, Sugar Mountain, and Beech Mountain. I like for the mountaintop bar and view from its 5,506-foot summit.

Where to Eat and Drink in Boone, North Carolina

• A lot of students survive on the massive burritos at Black Cat, and I’ve certainly enjoyed my share of their All Nighter (eggs, sausage and potatoes smothered in melted cheese). But I’m also in love with the fried chicken and biscuits served at the slightly more refined Proper. Appalachian Mountain Brewing makes some of my favorite beer in the South, especially their Spoaty Oaty Pale Ale.

Where to Stay in Boone, North Carolina

• Grab a room in , a boutique hotel in a renovated 1960s-era roadside motel. The lobby bar makes great cocktails, and the lodge has recently partnered with the locally owned to offer guided fishing and hiking packages (from $130 a night).

4. Damascus, Virginia

Population: under 800

Best Known For: The Appalachian Trail

There’s small, and then there’s Damascus. Damascus has fewer people than my graduating high school class in the suburbs of Atlanta (go Harrison High Hoyas!). And yet this tiny hamlet in the mountains of southwest Virginia has become known as Trail Town USA.

Damascus is the crossroads for a handful of high-profile paths, most notably the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has its headquarters here, and one weekend every May, more than 25,000 people descend on the town for , a celebration of the world’s most famous footpath (I’ve attended several times and can tell you that through-hikers like to party).

And the A.T. is just one option here. The 34-mile is one of the greatest rail-trail bike rides in the South because of its length and mountain scenery, and the is a rocky hike and bike trail with ridgeline views that was part of the Appalachian Trail until a reroute in the 1970s. But I like Damascus mostly for its proximity to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, which protects 200,000 acres of Virginia’s tallest mountains, boasting more than 400 miles of trail for hiking and biking.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Damascus, Virginia

• If your idea of a good time is riding a bike for 17 miles downhill without ever having to pedal (and really, who wouldn’t like that?), you should definitely do the Virginia Creeper Trail, part of which passes through the Mount Rogers rec area. I took my kids to ride the Creeper when they were in elementary school, and it was probably the only time they didn’t complain about the pedaling. Start at Whitetop Station and cruise the crushed-stone path back into town. There’s at least one ice-cream stop along the way. has bike rentals (from $15) and shuttles (from $24).
• To see the best of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, hike this on the A.T. that starts in Grayson Highlands State Park and crosses Wilburn Ridge, where a herd of wild ponies roam, and ends on top of the 5,729-foot Mount Rogers. I go for the above-treeline views, and I could spend an entire afternoon scrambling on the trail’s boulders, but it’s the feral ponies that make this hike so unusual and photogenic.

Where to Stay in Damascus, Virginia

• has 13 suites in the heart of downtown. The place partners with Speckled Trout Outfitters for stay-and-play packages that include guided hiking and fly fishing (from $157 a night).

Where to Eat and Drink in Damascus, Virginia

• The Wicked Chicken focuses on hot wings (dry rub and sauced) and burgers, served on a large outdoor patio. Appalachian Heritage Distillery and Brewery is located directly on the A.T. in downtown Damascus. It makes vodka, gin, and a variety of whiskies out of a pot still, and the bar serves classic cocktails and hosts live music and karaoke on weekends.

5. Davis, West Virginia

Population: 660

Best Known For: Skiing. Seriously. The skiing is great.

I mentioned Davis in my guide to West Virginia, but this tiny town deserves its own spotlight. Thanks to a duo of downhill resorts and a cross-country touring center, Davis is a ski town first and foremost, which is a rarity in the Southern Appalachians, but it has just as much to offer bikers and hikers.

The chain of mountains running along the border of West Virginia and Virginia make Davis hard to reach if you’re driving from the east, and the 100 miles that separate it from Harrisonburg can take more than two hours, but this journey of a thousand curves (a challenge to my motion-sick-prone stomach) is worth the effort.

Davis is small, but has just enough conveniences (a few restaurants, a brewery, cabins, and a couple of hotels) to make it comfortable, and it certainly has more than its share of outdoor adventures, from waterfalls to single track to the ski runs.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Davis, West Virginia

• There are almost 20 ski resorts scattered across the Southern Appalachians, but Davis might be the region’s only true ski town. Canaan Valley Resort and offer a combined 200 acres of lift-served terrain. Canaan Valley is great for beginners and intermediates, with long, usually uncrowded groomers, but I love Timberline’s steeper terrain and gladed runs, which will entertain even the best skiers. has rentals (from $35) and a full array of winter gear, such as the gloves you forgot at home. is the cultural hub of the town, not just for its 18 miles of groomed track and copious backcountry XC options, but for its lively apres vibe. I’ve never had a bad time at Whitegrass. Never.

• The warm months are full of hiking and biking. protects 2,358 acres a mile south of downtown, including a chunk of the 1,000-foot-deep Blackwater Canyon. The hike to Lindy Point is only .3 of a mile, but you should do it, as a prominent rock outcropping gives you a bird’s-eye view into the chasm.Blackwater Falls State Park, in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, feature the 62-foot cascade of Blackwater Falls, and 20 miles of trails.
• Mountain bikers can pedal the 18-mile , a gravel and dirt forest road that traverses the valley, crossing streams, running through meadows and leading to a variety of singletrack options, like the , which connects with Canaan Loop Road, dropping 600 feet in under three miles of rocky, rooty fun. Check out for rentals (from $50 a day) and more local trail beta than you could ever possibly need.

Where to Eat and Drink in Davis, West Virginia

• brews a variety of beers in town, but is at its best when crafting an IPA. Try their Holy Citra double IPA if you don’t have to wake up early in the morning. has always had what I need to fix that double IPA fog, and is a town staple.

Where to Stay in Davis, West Virginia

• has lodge rooms and cabins, all renovated in the last few years (from $178.50), and you’ll be able to pick up the trail system right out your door.

6. Harrisonburg, Virginia

Population: 51,000

Best Known For: Mountain biking and Shenandoah National Park

Harrisonburg sits in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley, sandwiched between Shenandoah National Park to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. It’s one of the larger towns on this list with a busy downtown full of breweries and eclectic restaurants, all with a progressive vibe thanks in part to the presence of James Madison University and its college-student demographic.

Venture past downtown and you hit bucolic pastures quickly, as Shenandoah Valley is known for its patchwork of small farms. Outdoor adventure is also imminently accessible.

Harrisonburg is probably a bike town first, hosting a number of events, from the Shenandoah Mountain Bike Festival to the Alpine Loop Grand Fondo, and the town has earned Bronze Level Ride Center status from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) for its quality of trails and events and prevalence of good bike shops. But there’s also downhill skiing 15 miles east of town at Massanutten Resort and hiking and fly fishing 25 miles east in Shenandoah National Park.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Harrisonburg, Virginia

• OK, I made a big deal out of the mountain biking around Harrisonburg, but if I have to pick a single ride to do in the area, it’s a road ride of , the 105-mile two-lane blacktop that runs through the center of Shenandoah National Park. This is bucket-list road-ride territory with dozens of overlooks, more than 10,000 feet of climbing if you do the whole thing, and national-park lodging, like , along the route so you can break it up into multiple days. I haven’t done it yet, but friends have told me it’s amazing.
• For a quick hike, head to the Hone Quarry Recreation Area, in George Washington National Forest, 20 miles west of town, and climb the steep but short one-mile out-and-back to a rocky outcropping with long-range views of the Allegheny Mountains. Several trails begin in the recreation area, so you can pick up others if you want to go longer, or hit the 5.5-acre Hone Quarry lake to fish for stocked trout.
• Mountain bikers will love , a stacked-loop system built by the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition in the 75-acre Hillandale Park, with short cross-country loops, jump lines, and a pump track. Stop into for tuneups or in-depth info about the local trails. The place also has beer on tap.

Where to Eat and Drink in Harrisonburg, Virginia

• Harrisonburg is home to half a dozen breweries, but is my favorite. Their downtown Collab House always has a small batch beer on tap that rotates weekly. has an upscale college-bar vibe with a great whiskey selection and southern fare, like the Wafflewich, which places fried chicken between two thin waffles.

Stay: Most of the lodging in Harrisonburg trends towards big chain options, but if you want something more historic, book a room at , a bed and breakfast in a restored Civil War-era home (from $159 a night).

7. Ellijay, Georgia

Population: 1,927

Best Known For: Mountain biking

Ellijay is the unofficial mountain-bike capital of Georgia, with some of the prettiest and most technical singletrack I’ve ridden east of the Mississippi within 10 miles of the town. The mountains aren’t particularly tall (most peaks tap out below 3,000 feet), but the forest is dense and the trails are decidedly old school, with plenty of fall-line descents and climbs. Or go whitewater paddling or check out the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail close to town.

The town is just 75 miles north of downtown Atlanta, and has become a popular weekend getaway for adventure-minded city dwellers there. Ellijay is a little sleepier than many other mountain towns this close to the South’s biggest city, so you come here for the adventure, not the nightlife.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Ellijay, Georgia

• There’s plenty to do around Ellijay, but mountain biking is the main attraction. In general, the singletrack is technical with lots of roots and plenty of steep climbs, and you’re riding through a thick hardwood forest loaded with creeks to cross and waterfalls to see. The 22-mile loop is my favorite ride, because it combines choice pieces of the best downhills in the area on Bear Creek Trail and Pinhoti Trail with plenty of gravel road climbs.
• You can paddle or tube a three-mile section of the Cartecay River upstream from downtown Ellijay with class II-III whitewater. I grew up an hour from Ellijay, and this was the first whitewater I ever paddled. The rents out kayaks (starting at $30) and runs shuttles (starting at $7 per person).

Where to Eat and Drink in Ellijay, Georgia

• Climb up to the covered third-floor patio of The Roof Ellijay, which has southern comfort food, from boiled peanuts to shrimp and grits, with a view of downtown and the green slopes rising beyond. Cartecay River Brewing, a small operation on the outskirts of town, has a beer garden overlooking the river.

Where to Stay in Ellijay, Georgia

• is a mountain-bike camp with cabins and campsites on a property that has its own pump track, bike shop, hot tubs, and restaurant (rustic cabins start at $60 per person). It’s a very cool scene that attracts mountain bikers from all over the southeast; I try to hit Mulberry Gap at least once a year. The facility is 12 miles west of downtown, but you can ride straight from the property and hit some of North Georgia’s most storied trails.

8. Helen, Georgia

Population: 578

Best Known For: Its Bavarian-themed downtown

OK, let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: Helen has a faux Bavarian vibe. Last time I was there, they were pumping polka music through outdoor speakers hidden in the bushes. Towns with themes aren’t for everyone. I’m not even sure they’re for me. But I still love Helen because the cheese factor is harmless and the location of the town is prime.

I’ve used the Bavarian burg as a basecamp for road-cycling adventures, hiking excursions, and fly-fishing escapades for years. You can even (or fish) the Chattahoochee River right through downtown. Helen is surrounded by Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, within striking distance of North Georgia’s best hiking and rock climbing, while Unicoi State Park’s 1,029 acres sit just two miles north of downtown.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Helen, Georgia

• Hikers should head six miles south of Helen to ascend Yonah Mountain, a 3,166-foot-tall knob with a granite face (located on one side, with the main area southwest-facing) that’s been attracting Atlanta-based climbers for decades. But the views from the top are just as sweet if you hike the 4.4-mile out and back , which rises 1,500 feet over a mix of dirt road and single track trail before delivering you to a grassy meadow at the granite-edged summit. On a clear day, you can make out the skyline of Atlanta 80-ish miles south.
  

• The mountains of North Georgia are loaded with high-quality fly fishing, from wide, floatable rivers to tight backcountry creeks. The Chatahoochee is the obvious draw for anglers visiting Helen, although the tubers do a good job of scaring away the fish in the section through town. For quieter water, I head to Smith Creek, within Unicoi State Park, where a mile-long section of the stream below Unicoi Lake is known for producing foot-long rainbow and brown trout. Ěýeven offers an intro to fly fishing class if you’re new to the game.
• A number of classic road-cycling rides begin and end in Helen, including the classic , which takes in six iconic mountain climbs surrounding the town. I’m not always game for a century ride, so I typically choose the the , which is part of the annual Gran Fondo, a large group ride that focuses on camaraderie over racing, on a smaller loop through Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, but still climbing more than 1,700 feet.

Where to Stay in Helen, Georgia

• Unicoi State Park has a variety of lodging options, from lodge rooms to barrel cabins. Check out the , which are fully-furnished safari tents within walking distance of Smith Creek (from $149 a night).

Where to Eat and Drink in Helen, Georgia

• You’re in a cute facsimile of Germany, so you should probably get a bratwurst and pretzel at Hobfrauhaus, and then wander down the street to King Ludwig’s Beer Garden and have a German lager outside.

9. Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Population: 8,486

Best Known For: Greenway pedaling and the Great Blue Wall

The western border of South Carolina is defined by a string of mountains that rise steeply from the Piedmont in a dramatic fashion known as the Great Blue Wall. Travelers Rest sits at the base of that wall of peaks, making it the perfect basecamp for exploring the area’s lakes, waterfalls, and thick, jungle-like forests.

It would be easy to label Travelers Rest as just a bedroom community for the larger city of Greenville, South Carolina (you can ride your bike the ten miles between the two towns, after all). But Travelers Rest has its own small-town charm as well as access to the Upstate’s copious outdoor gems, from steep cycling routes to steeper rock climbing routes and everything in between.

I’ve watched downtown Travelers Rest grow with new restaurants and breweries over the last several years, thanks largely to the development of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 17-mile paved rail trail, popular with cyclists and runners, that begins on the edge of town and finishes in Greenville. There’s also downhill mountain biking, rock climbing, and plenty of hiking.

Best şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřs in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

• Travelers Rest offers quick access to a trio of public lands. Let’s start with Paris Mountain State Park, eight miles east of downtown, which has almost 20 miles of mountain-bike trails. The park is known for its technical climbs and fast, flowing downhill. A 10-mile lollipop loop, the , takes in the best trails, including Sulphur Springs Trail, which is loaded with sweeping, banked turns and drops.
• Higher up on that great blue wall, Jones Gap State Park and Caesars Head State Park combine to form the 17,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, with more than 60 miles of hiking trails. The Middle Saluda River offers quintessential backcountry trout fishing, thanks to the tight corridor and steep nature of the stream, which drops 1,000 feet in four miles. Or hike the easy to Jones Gap Falls on Jones Gap Trail.
  

  

• A 2,684-tall granite dome, the Cherokee landmark Table Rock, is the centerpiece of Table Rock State Park, 20 miles west of town. It’s a beacon for climbers looking for a multi-pitch adventure with a long approach hike and mega exposure. Access is limited to certain sections of the monolith because of peregrine-falcon nesting, but the of the rock are open. has all the gear you could need, as well as bike and boat rentals (from $20 for a half day).

Where to Stay in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

• Splurge for a room at , a high-end lodge owned by the retired pro cyclist George Hincapie that draws inspiration from European chateaus in its architecture and cuisine. The inn also has an onsite sauna and cold plunge, as well as a fleet of rental bikes that come pre-loaded with Hincapie’s favorite training routes that begin from the property (rooms start at $378 a night).

Where to Eat and Drink in Travelers Rest, South Carolina

• The food scene in Travelers Rest has come a long way in recent years, so you can get everything from Caribbean fusion to street tacos. Check out Monkey Wrench Smoke House for BBQ staples like pulled pork and brisket, served on an expansive back lawn. Swamp Rabbit Brewery, which is known for its award-winning stout, sits in downtown.

Graham Averill is şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř magazine’s national-parks columnist. He’s lived in multiple mountain ranges and on both coasts, but settled down in the Southern Appalachians 20 years ago and has yet to regret it.

For more by this author, see:

The 10 Best Bike Towns in America, Ranked

8 Surf Towns Where You Can Learn the Sport and the Culture

The Best Ways to Get şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř in West Virginia

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With its unique blend of adventure opportunities and outdoor culture, Asheville, North Carolina, was the perfect destination for şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř editors to test the latest gear for hiking, camping, paddling, and climbing. Explore Asheville is sharing the joy of getting outside by giving away some of the products our editors love most.

Whether you’re exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains or somewhere else, enter by July 15 for a chance to win the Asheville and Editors’ Choice Gear Giveaway. One grand prize winner will receive a collection of gear worth nearly $5,000 from these great brands:

• ENO
• Trekroll
• Diamond Brand Tentmakers
• Hellbender Paddleboards
• Merrell
• Silva
• heat it
• Mystery Ranch
• adidas TERREX
• Metolius Climbing
• NEMO Equipment

Miles of off-the-beaten-path adventures surround the vibrant city center of Asheville, North Carolina. Step outside and discover the natural wonders that draw you in and call you back again. Start planning your adventures now by visiting and downloading the Explore Asheville .

The post The Asheville and Editors’ Choice Gear Giveaway appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

When we went hunting for a place to hold our annual last year, we had a few requirements. It had to be gob-smackingly beautiful. It had to be extremely challenging. And critically, it had to be close to an exceptional post-hike hamburger. , and its surrounding wilderness hit all three marks.

Our gear-bashing extravaganza is something the editors at şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř look forward to all year long. After a long season of testing from dozens of expert category managers, our small team of specialized editors assembles to try the best of the best. Anything that proves exceptional in its class—a standout rain jacket, for example—or moves the goalpost entirely for a category—like a backpack that utilizes a trailblazing ultralight material—is eligible.

(Disclosure: Explore Asheville sponsored our Editors’ Choice trip, but opinions expressed in this post are purely those of our Gear team.)

The Pisgah National Forest, which sits just 30 minutes northeast of Asheville, is one of the most remarkable wild areas in North America. Part of the Southern Appalachian mountains, it’s a place of endless expanses of old growth forest and thundering waterfalls. It’s also historic, as the very first national forest established on the east coast.

Of all the trails in Pisgah, the most iconic might be . We wanted to see the Art Loeb’s famous panoramic views, but we’d also heard that the trail was a brutally steep, gear-destroying hike. So naturally, that was the one we picked to put our editors’ choice candidates through their paces.

(Gaia GPS is owned by şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Inc.)

With help from the local Appalachian guides at , we headed southbound, setting out from Camp Daniel Boone and eventually ending up at Davidson River Campground two days later. It didn’t take us long to confirm that the Art Loeb deserves its reputation. This trail is hard—even by Appalachian Trail standards, with roughly 8,000 feet of elevation gained and over 9,000 lost. Gnarly roots and slick rock were ideal testing conditions for footwear and trekking poles, while dense thickets of mountain laurel along the ridgelines separated the durable packs from the pretenders.

As any backpacker knows, the views are better when you have to earn them. That was definitely the case when, after a day and a half of climbing through dense forest, we reached the above-treeline stretch of trail from Shining Rock Mountain to Black Balsam Knob. Big patches of exposed white quartz were the perfect place to take in the views of the entire Pisgah National Forest, which stretches for countless miles of rolling green hills.

After three long, hard, sweaty days in the Pisgah National Forest, we set out to explore the city of Asheville and everything it has to offer.

First, we feasted. Our editors made a beeline for just north of the River Arts District, which makes the platonic ideal of a double cheeseburger, complete with American cheese, bread and butter pickles, and a Martin’s potato bun. Post-hike mission accomplished! The next morning, still aching from our challenging trek, we grabbed breakfast at Montford Area Historic District’s , where consummate breakfast sandwiches, a fried chicken biscuit, and spicy tomato shakshuka gave us fuel for the rest of the early morning.

Next we headed to the , where we explored 434 acres of beautiful gardens, a wild collection of very old trees, and a massive Bonsai exhibition. The ten miles of hiking trails are mostly flat, which our team appreciated after the calf-burning week we’d had.

Not yet sated, we visited , a celebrated, old-school barbecue joint in the River Arts District and a favorite haunt of the Obamas. We walked off our ribs and corn bread on the multi-use paved trail along the French Broad River, which runs for over 200 miles from North Carolina down the Tennessee.

Downtown, we stopped by the Friday night drumming circle in Pritchard Park, an improvised public gathering of drummers and dancers who ranged from professional to total beginners. (We came back later that night to find it still going strong.) For dinner, we stepped into a next-level Spanish tapas restaurant that slings specialty Spanish goods and freshly-baked bread by day. To cap the night off, we visited the , where you can play almost 70 different classic pinball and arcade games to your heart’s desire.

As a home base for exploring Pisgah, and Great Smokey Mountains National Park to the west, you can’t do much better than Asheville. We’ll be back for the wilderness and the city’s vibrant, eclectic culture, food, and music.

The post An Inside Look at şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř’s 2024 Editors’ Choice Testing Trip appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Sandra Aguirre didn’t mean to create a movement. At first, she was just trying to help herself and her family. In an effort to heal from her divorce, she began spending more time outside with her three kids, hiking and searching for waterfalls throughout the mountains of western North Carolina, especially in the scenic terrain around .

“Going through the divorce felt like my whole world was falling apart,” Aguirre says. “I was married for almost 20 years, and I suddenly became a single mom of three. I was depressed. Then someone introduced me to the mountains. I started hiking to waterfalls. I stopped drinking, came out of my depression, and became a better mom when I started sharing the mountains with my children.”

Aguirre of those hikes on her social media accounts, which garnered a lot of attention from other moms.

 

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“I kept sharing my experiences with my children, and people kept following me and asking if I could take them out into the mountains,” Aguirre says. “So I started arranging field trips to waterfalls with other moms and their children.”

A decade later, those field trips blossomed into , a 7,000-strong bilingual hiking group dedicated to helping others enjoy the great outdoors. Aguirre’s history—she was born in Honduras and moved to the states when she was 12—led her to focus on serving the BIPOC community, and all are welcome on her weekly hikes that explore the peaks and valleys of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Aguirre spends a lot of time in Asheville and the surrounding area, guiding people through the mountains before spending some “recovery time” at the restaurants in town.

 

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“In my opinion, we live in the most beautiful state there is, and Asheville is gorgeous,” Aguirre says. “I could spend every day exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and the mountains around town.”

Just consider Mount Mitchell, Aguirre says. “Climb the summit trail during the week and it’s a quiet and lonely place. It’s one of the most unique hikes in the area because of the boulders and evergreens, not to mention it’s the highest peak in the East.”

Aguirre loves introducing others to the area, so we asked her to create a personalized guide to Asheville for all visitors. Here are her recommendations, from the best coffee in town to the best swimming hole in the forest.

Coffee: Old Europe Pastries

I love downtown Asheville, it’s so lively and there are a lot of great bakeries. is my favorite. It’s right in the middle of town. I like to start my day with coffee and a muffin there.

 

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The Swimming Hole: Second Falls, Yellowstone ProngĚý

My kids like to swim at this waterfall in , on the Parkway south of Asheville. It’s pretty, and it can collect a lot of people on a summer day, but I like seeing all the people from different backgrounds. Every time I go there, I meet new people.

The Perfect Sunset: Craggy Gardens

I love sunset and sunrise. I like to explore different areas for that. Around Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway has so many spots that offer a great sunset. Craggy Gardens is one of the best. If you hike to (1.2-mile out-and-back), you’ll have a dramatic view of the sun setting over the mountains.

The Underrated Season: Don’t Sleep on Winter

Winter is one of my favorite times of the year now. The older I get, the more I appreciate the quietness. There are fewer people, the leaves are off the trees, exposing better views, and the sunsets are even better.

The Can’t-Miss Event: Asheville Half MarathonĚý

I love running, and I’ve done this twice. It’s hard, because the course is challenging with so many hills, but the views are beautiful, and you get to see all of the city.

Post-Hike Food: Mamacita’s TaqueriaĚý

belongs on every visitor’s must-eat list. This is an institution in Asheville, for good reason. I love their avocado and plantain burrito.

 

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Post-Hike Beer: Whistle Hop Brewing Company

We’re always dirty after a hike, so we like to hit a casual brewery with space outside. is a great venue whether you drink or not (I don’t anymore), with lots of outdoor space with games like miniature golf, food trucks, and ice cream. A lot of people like a beer after hiking, and I always send them to this train-themed brewery.

Ready to see for yourself why Aguirre is so passionate about Asheville and the surrounding mountains and rivers? Visit her favorite trails and restaurants on your own trip. Find info on activities, guides, lodging, restaurants, events, and more .

Surrounding the vibrant city center of Asheville, North Carolina, are miles of off-the-beaten-path adventures. Step outside and discover your own pace through natural wonders that draw you in and call you. Start planning your adventures now by visiting and downloading the Explore Asheville .

The post The Best Trails Around Asheville, According to a Local Hiker appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Over the past two decades, reputation as one of the country’s premier adventure hubs has been built on its unique combination of terrain and culture. There just aren’t many communities like this—surrounded by nature but also serving up a deeply rooted arts and food culture. That means it’s as easy to access hiking, biking, fly-fishing, and paddling as it is to sip beer at world-class breweries or savor authentic tacos. Turns out visitors aren’t the only ones who are drawn to this vibrant community. Asheville is also a leading incubator for outdoor gear manufacturers. And who knows better where to use gear than the people who make it? Here’s what some of the area’s homegrown entrepreneurs produce and where they like to use their products.

Eagles Nest OutfittersĚý

Everyone should have at least one (ENO) hammock. The ENO journey started 25 years ago when brothers Pete and Paul Pinholster started sewing hammocks in their garage in Florida and selling them out of the back of their van at festivals as a way to escape the 9-to-5 life. They were so successful that they decided to grow their business and moved it to Asheville because of its laid-back vibe and access to the outdoors. More than two decades later, ENO is a thriving brand with a legion of loyal fans who tote their hammocks all over the world.

“I think people like the idea of bringing a hammock with them wherever they go and turning any day into an adventure,” says Pete Pinholster. “You don’t have to train for months or have fancy equipment. It’s a super-accessible way to approach the outdoors.”

Downtime: As for Pinholster’s favorite place to hang his hammock, he likes to keep it close to home. “Lake Powhatan Recreation Area, inside Bent Creek, is a great place to hammock camp for the night, and you have all of Bent Creek’s singletrack to explore on your bike,” he says.

Hellbender PaddleboardsĚý

Danny Daniels started paddleboarding as a way to decompress after work. Roughly 15 years ago, the Asheville-based lawyer started heading straight for the French Broad River after a day in the office and paddling a mellow section through town for an hour-long workout. He was immediately hooked on the sport. “It’s the perfect activity, because you can casually float downstream, or you can turn it upstream and get a core workout,” Daniels says.

But he wasn’t in love with the boards that were on the market. Some were stable but not responsive. Others were maneuverable but not stable. So, in 2020, Daniels decided to design a board that was more suited for his adventures. His friends liked the first prototype and asked him to build them boards too, and was born. Today, Hellbender makes four styles of board, including a new fishing-specific model, that you can find on rivers all over the Southeast.

Downtime: With a bevy of rivers within reach, Daniels still likes the , which runs right along the edge of downtown Asheville. He sticks to the section through town if he’s pressed for time or heads north on the river if he wants an adventure. “That section north of Ledges Whitewater Park is wild. It has nice little waves, and I’ve seen bald eagles,” Daniels says. “You feel like you’re in more wilderness, but it’s still close to town.”

Visitors can get boards and shuttles through .

American BackcountryĚý

makes T-shirts, but not just any T-shirts. These are really, really great T-shirts that pay homage to public lands. And they’re actually made right here in the United States using a recycled material that takes 500,000 plastic water bottles out of the landfill every year. Frank Hintz started the company in 1993, making shirts specifically for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers but has expanded the business exponentially over the past 30 years. American Backcountry now supplies shirts to 100 national and state parks.

“I’m super stoked to be part of the effort to restore American textile manufacturing,” Hintz says. “And helping to keep plastic out of the landfills is a point of pride, too.”

Downtime: “I’m fond of all things Pisgah National Forest, but I also really like the challenge of , which follows the ridgeline of the Seven Sisters in a section of forest managed by Montreat College, outside of Black Mountain,” says Hintz. West Ridge is known for its steep, rocky route that occasionally requires scrambling and is often part of a nine-mile hike that summits 5,408-foot Graybeard Mountain, which delivers views of the Black Mountain Range, including Mount Mitchell, the highest mountain east of the Mississippi.

BellyakĚý

Adam Masters started selling Bellyaks to the public in 2012, but he built the first prototype back in 2005, after paddling the flooded Cane Creek, near Lake Jocassee, on his belly. The river was too overgrown to paddle sitting up, so he laid flat on his stomach and paddled his kayak with his hands. He fell in love with the hybrid sport and built the prototype that would become the model for the in his garage, using vinyl sheeting and a lot of duct tape.

“Paddling a Bellyak gives you freedom,” Masters says. “No straps, no skirts, no being trapped… Taking the natural swimming motion and applying it to a whitewater kayak hull is just incredibly fun and intuitive. It makes easy, familiar rivers completely new again.”

The learning curve on the Bellyak is quick. Masters can have people running whitewater on their first day with the boat. And there’s no better place to paddle the Bellyak than Asheville.

“This town is in the center of a two-hour radius that has some of the best paddling in the East,” Masters says. “There are no shortages of adventures to challenge yourself with here.”

Downtime: If you like to do what locals are passionate about, get yourself to the French Broad River, even if it’s just to hang a hammock in one of ´ˇ˛őłó±đ±ąľ±±ô±ô±đ’s city parks along its banks (another suggestion from Pinholster). Like Daniels, Masters loves the variety of water that the French Broad River offers, with mellow stretches through town and high-adventure whitewater north toward the Tennessee border. “I think Section 9 of the French Broad River, from Barnard to Stackhouse, is hands down the best Bellyak river around. The Class III–IV rapids are fun at every level.”

Start Planning

Ready to follow in the footsteps—and paddle strokes—of these local adventure experts? is great all year. The temperate climate is perfect for exploring the outdoors all day and enjoying the city’s lively nightlife in the evenings. Find info on activities, guides, lodging, restaurants, events, and more .

Surrounding the vibrant city center of Asheville, North Carolina, are miles of off-the-beaten-path adventures. Step outside and discover your own pace through natural wonders that draw you in and call you. Start planning your adventures now by visiting and downloading the Explore Asheville .

The post Discover the Best of Asheville with Advice from Local Experts appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Put off by summer’s heat, crowds, and high prices, many of our editors pushed their big travel plans to fall this year. They’re also not explicitly headed to do any leaf-peeping but rather are intent on bagging a peak or two in the Berkshires, surfing the swell in Maine, forest-bathing in Japan, and giving van life a go in New Zealand (where it will soon be spring), among other active pursuits.ĚýOne editor was so excited about her upcoming trip, she guiltily confessed she’d been “trying not to wish away the summer.” Here’s what’s in the works.

Keeping the Love Alive in Savannah and Surrounds

My husband and I willĚýhead to Savannah, Georgia, to celebrate our first anniversary. I was skeptical when he suggested it—Savannah is flat, and I imagined climbing a massive mountain near our home in Taos, New Mexico—but after Google revealed a shocking amount of wilderness nearby, I got on board. Here’s why I’m stoked: We’ll post up at the downtown Kimpton Brice Hotel (a sweet splurge for us, as we’reĚýchronic campers), where we can walk to several city parks and the Savannah River. The hotel offers free bikes, so we plan to cruise the cobblestone streets and then hit Truman Linear Park Trail and Lake Mayer Park, stopping for fresh seafoodĚý(a luxury we don’t have in the high desert). On the day of our anniversary, we’ll ferry to Tybee Island, a paddling mecca just 18 miles east. We’ll rent kayaks from , scope out sheltered waters between the 1,200 or so surrounding barrier islands, and picnic from the boats before renewing our vows at the Tybee Island Lighthouse. Then it’s back to town and the bar to wrap up the trip. One of the many reasons I married this wonderful man is because he plans unexpected adventures that wouldn’t otherwise be on my radar. —Patty Hodapp, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online interim digital director

Freewheeling on New Zealand’s South Island

My son is studying in New Zealand, so I’m inspired to do something I’ve always dreamed of: live the van life, if only for a while. I’m headed to the South Island in mid-October and have reserved a sweet rig from for about a month. Other than that, my plans are loosey-goosey. I’ll road-trip around in search of the best “freedom-camping” spots: some 500 locations that are free but offer basic amenities.ĚýMy friend Patrice La Vigne wrote a book about her exploration of the country, ĚýandĚýI’ve already cherry-picked some of her favorite spots, including the Queen Charlotte Track and the Nelson Lakes and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Parks, to name a few. I’ll hang in Wanaka for a few days—a supercool mountain town, kind of like the Chamonix of New Zealand—and I’ll check out Queenstown and probably indulge in a or two (according to Patrice, the city’sĚýiconic fast-food joint is not to be missed). When my son finishes up his semester in mid-November, I’ll pick him up in Christchurch and we’ll hit the Kepler Track, one of the country’s ten Great Walks. —Kristin Hostetter, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Inc. head of sustainability and contributing editor

Getting Off the Tourist Track in Japan

Japan has long been on my bucket list, but I didn’t want to take a group tour and was afraid the language barrier would prevent me from adequately planning a trip myself. How wrong I was—you don’t, in fact, need a travel agent or tour operator to build your own trip to this country, but you will need time for research. In mid-October, my brother and I are flying into Osaka and will stay two nights at a ryokan in Kyoto, then fly south to the island of Yakushima, a Unesco World Heritage site whose ancient cedar forests set the scene for Studio Ghibli’s film Princess Mononoke. (I highly recommend the outfitter , whose staff promptly emailed responses and booked our accommodations, a guided hike and stand-up-paddleboard river tour, and a rental car). After roaming around there, we’ll hop an hourlong flight to the city of Fukuoka to pick up another rental car,Ěýand then off we’ll drive to the onsen community of Kurokawa, two hours southeast, for forest bathing while we soakĚýin various hot springs. I’m looking forward to wearing the yukata (a casual kimono) as we walk from bathhouse to bathhouse. We’ll return to Fukuoka, board the bullet train to Osaka (a limited-service that runs this route is just the cutest), and spend our last days hiking two sections of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. Props to the tourism bureau that maintains this for English speakers: it answered all of our questions, on baggage transfer, nightly stays, bus service, altitude gain and loss, and estimated hiking duration. Aside from feeling anxious about driving on the opposite side of the road, and possibly getting lost, I’m fully confident that this is going to be a bucket-list adventure for the books. —Tasha Zemke, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřĚýmagazine associate managing editor

Running the Desert in Perfect Weather in Joshua Tree

I’m heading to Joshua Tree National Park to race a half marathon with my mom in November. Fall is a great time to visit this national park in California, as the weather cools down from the scorching summer heat, so you can enjoy exploring without feeling like you’re melting. And while the nights can get a little chilly, it’s nothing a cozy jacket can’t handle. We’ve chosen to stay at , a chic and modern cluster of spacious Airstream campers and cabins. A hike around the park is a must! You’ll come across crazy Joshua trees that look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, cool rock formations, and even hidden oases that you won’t believe exist in the desert. (I like the , a three-mile out-and-back.) Oh, and the sunsets here are mind-blowing. Joshua Tree is also a hub for bouldering, with loads of granite formations to climb, no matter your skill level. In town, don’t miss the Joshua Tree Coffee Company, just a block from the park’s visitor center. Its espresso con panna will wake you right up. —Sierra Shafer, Ski magazine editor in chief

Hiking the Hills over a Wedding Weekend in Williamstown

Over Labor Day, my husband, Mike, and I will travel to Williamstown, in northwestern Massachusetts, for the wedding of a dear former coworker. It will be a reunion, with others from the old crew at Big Stone Publishing coming in from London, Las Vegas, and Asheville, North Carolina. Mike and I will fly into Albany, New York, 40 miles west, on Friday. I always figure that you can hike—or walk, in a city or a park—in most places, even if a trip is not recreational. Of course, it helps that we’re headed to a hiking haven like the Berkshires. For Saturday I’ve pegged , a three-to-four-mile out-and-back up 1,893-foot Pine Cobble Mountain, where we can look out over historic Williamstown (once Mohican hunting grounds, and settled by others in 1749) and the Hoosic River valley. I hope to rally friends! Before the ceremony, we have a window where we could walk around the Clark Art Institute, with its marble gallery, backdrop of rolling green hills, and 140 acres of wooded trails. Mike also wants to head up 3,491-foot Mount Greylock, the highest peak in the state, boasting a 90-mile view; for Greylock, we could fit in the 2.6-mile before flying home late Monday afternoon (the 5.5-mile also looks great but would necessitate way too early a start). And we might as well pack climbing shoes in case of available bouldering. (I wonder if we could pass as students at the Williams College wall?) The town has a good farm-to-table scene, and my friend recommends Mezze, though pricey. Another option, the Barn looks casual, just right. —Alison Osius, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřĚýmagazine senior editor

Celebrating the End of a National şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř in Hawaii

This fall I’m completing a challenge a quarter-century in the making. I grew up going on a bunch of road trips (the most notable being a 19-day, 5,000-mile adventure with my parents and brother in the family Prius), and before I was even able to drive, I’d already visited 30 states. So I turned my penchant for road trips into a project to visit all 50 states before my 25th birthday. The only criteria: I had to do something fun or memorable in each state, and layovers didn’t count. Everyone always asks what my least favorite states have been; I don’t have a least favorite, because there’s something in every state for everyone. That said, I do have two favorites: Utah and Vermont. I love hiking through red rocks and dense hardwood forests, and I’ve gone back many times just to hit my favorite trails in both locales. As the clock ticks closer to my birthday in mid-November, there’s only one state left to check off: Hawaii. I thought it fitting to visit the 50th state as my 50th and final one. I have big plans to fly to Kauai and hike the in Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Because it won’t beĚýpeak season, wasn’t too hard. My dream is to cap off that day with a hefty scoop of Hanalei Sunrise ice cream at Pink’s Creamery. Or maybe two scoops. It is my birthday, after all. —Emma Veidt, Backpacker assistant editor

Anticipating a HomecomingĚýin Asheville

My mom grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and has always wanted to show my brothers and me around her hometown. My boyfriend has ties there, too—his sister moved there from New Mexico several years ago. So I’m headed to this popular outdoor destination in October with both my parents, my siblings, and my partner for four days. We’ve rented a home on a nice plot of land just outside of town, where we’ll be able to have campfires and soak in a hot tub under the stars. Hopefully our trip will happen right as the leaves are firing in all their fall colors. It’s an active bunch, so we’ll hike, maybe ride some singletrack, or fly-fish for trout in the streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beyond that, we’re excited to sample the highly touted food and drink scene. My boyfriend’s sister runs The Garden, a food truck that often posts up at one of three Wedge brewery locations around town, so we’ll definitely check that out. şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř has also run some great stories about Asheville recently, with recommendations from singer Angel Olsen on her favorite hangouts and tips from other locals, so we’ll consult those when planning our day-to-day. –Abigail Barronian, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřĚýmagazine senior editor

Larch-Peeping Beneath the Peaks of the Dolomites

For part of a longer trip to Europe this fall, I’ve carved out a weekend in the Italian Dolomites when the larches change color. As deciduous conifers (which feels like an oxymoron but surprisingly isn’t), larchesĚýhave needles that turn yellow before droppingĚýoff each autumn. I’ve been obsessed with these weird and wonderful trees since I first saw a photo of them in Washington’s Cascades, and was delighted to learn that they grow thickly near the Italian ski town of Cortina d’Ampezzo. My husband and IĚýbooked a bed-and-breakfast in town—the options are many, and quite affordable in the autumn off-season—and plan to spend a few days in late October hiking through the forests under the towering peaks. While I have more trails on my list than I know we’ll be able to accomplish, I’m most excited for the 7.8-mile Croda da Lago circuit. The highlight of this moderate day hike is Lago Federa, a larch-ringed lake beneath the face of one of this area’s most distinct peaks.ĚýLunch at Rifugio Palmieri, one of the only mountain huts in the region that stays open through October, is a no-brainer. —Mikaela Ruland, National Park Trips associate content director

Surfing and Kayaking in Maine

I grew up visiting Maine almost every summer, but next month I’ll be traveling to Portland for the first time, for my older brother’s wedding. Both my brother and his fiancĂ©e also went to school in Maine (she’s a many-generation Mainer), soĚýit feels bizarre that I haven’t been to the state’s largest cityĚýyet. We’re staying in an Airbnb close to the wedding-party venue—, an old church turned restaurant—in between the West End and Old Port districts. The neighborhood is a ten-minute walk from the harbor, where we plan to rent some sea kayaks and explore the plethora of islands that dot Casco Bay. So far my summer has mostly consisted of outings on rivers and lakes, so I can’t wait to get some ocean time in. And if I can swing it, I’ll go surfing at Higgins Beach, nine miles south of Portland. Fall is the best time to surf in New England, and by mid-September there should be some good swells. I also can’t wait to check out Portland’s burgeoning food scene. My friends tell me the is a special low-key place to get a lobster roll overlooking the ocean. —Kelly Klein, şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍřĚýmagazine associate editor

The post We’re Headed to These şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Destinations This FallĚý appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Ever come across an incredible hotel that stops you mid-scroll and makes you think, Wow, wouldn’t it be something to stay there? We do,Ěýtoo—all the time. Welcome to Friday Fantasy, where we highlight amazinghotels, lodges, cabins, tents, campsites, and other places perched in perfect outdoor settings. Read on for the intel you need to book an upcoming adventure here.ĚýOr at least dream about it.

Why We Love the Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins

The three keys to real estate are location, location, location. And in that regard, , celebrating its one-year anniversary in September, has things covered. Wrong Way sits just three miles from downtown Asheville, with literally front-door access to this North Carolina mountain town’s growing portfolio of outdoorĚýadventure. Hop on a bike, or lace up your shoes or inline skates, and hit the greenway across the street from the 1.8-acre property; heading southwest will take you to Carrier Park, home to a velodrome, while headingĚýnortheast will lead you into the River Arts District’s breweries and galleries. Pisgah National Forest, with its hundreds of miles of singletrack, not to mention kayaking and rock climbing, lies with 25 miles of downtown.

Wrong Way’s 16 A-frames are pretty to look at—their clean lines and modern construction reflecting the influence ofĚýboth Scandinavian design and an Appalachian log cabin—and the views even prettier, most of them overlooking the mellow French Broad River.

The only difficult aspect of a stay at Wrong Way is deciding how to spend your time. It was prime mountain-bike season when I visited over the spring, but a heat wave made paddling the French Broad sound superĚýenticing. I was torn: Dirt or water? And then: Should I keep my adventure urban or venture to the national forest? Decisions were made, and I did my best to dabble in a bit of everything.

şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Intel

Wrong Way puts you in the heart of Asheville’s burgeoning urban outdoor scene. , with indoor and outdoor rock-climbing walls, is next door. A three-mile section of the French Broad, popular with canoeists and rafters, drifts by the property, and the growing greenway system connects a series of parks, restaurants, and other popular gathering spots. You can rent paddleboards ($15 an hour) as well as a portable grill ($39 a day) from the lodge. Consider Wrong Way’s SUP/Run Challenge, a great way to get in some daily exercise: jog the greenway upstream for two miles before hopping on a stand-up paddleboard provided by the lodge and gliding back downstream.

Want to get off-site? , about five miles away, rents commuter, gravel, and mountain bikes (from $50 a day). Pedal a recently completed three-mile loop of greenway that cruises through the River Arts District, passing graffiti murals and two breweries. For bigger adventure, head into Pisgah National Forest and its bucket-list singletrack; the revamped weaves through a hardwood forest for 8.4 miles of berms, drops, and kickers. The best whitewater close to town isĚýjust a 30-minute drive north of Asheville: eight miles of Class III–IV rapids on the French Broad. The runs guided trips from town from April into September ($69 per person).

Choice Cabins

Although , you’ll be staying in 354-square-foot cabins, all of which can accommodate up to four people (you choose who gets the queen bed and who the queen sofa sleeper). Each of the A-frames hasĚýheating and cooling, a private bathroom, a small living room with a desk, closet, and coffee maker, and a fridge. All but three cabins have small porches overlooking the river, and if you’re looking for more privacy, book cabins 14, 15, and 16, which have back porches surrounded by woods. Five cabins welcome pets.

These are thoughtful digs: They’re zero-waste, which means they’re stocked with disposable items that are compostable. Fun details, including a record player and an assortment of vintage vinyl (Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson), enhance the experience. You’re encouraged to take the hammock, camp chairs, and table found in your lodging out for use elsewhere in the area.

Eat and Drink

The only thing better than the adventure in Asheville is the food. And the beer. The cofounders of Wrong Way understand thisĚýand stock their lodge commons, dubbed the Canteen, with suds from the area’s best breweries and snacks from local meal-prep company New Stock Pantry. Grab a Fonta Flora Lake James Lime Lager and a couple of chocolate-chip cookies and park yourself at Wrong Way’s meadow at the back of the property, filled with hammocks, a fire pit, and lawn games. Or head downstairs to the Ping-Pong table.

Alternatively, pedal to the River Arts District and go for a pitcher of Iron Rail IPA from the Wedge Brewery and a double cheeseburger from the , which uses ground beef that’s been aged for 21 days. Looking for something fancier? , downtown, is run by James Beard–nominated chef Katie Button and offers classic Spanish tapas like almejas, a brothy dish of clams and pork belly steamed in white wine. If you can’t score a reservation, walk around the corner to La Bodega, a more casual Spanish market and bar owned by the same chef.

When to Go

Wrong Way is open year-round. Winter is ´ˇ˛őłó±đ±ąľ±±ô±ô±đ’s quietest season (February and March are the slowest months), while summer is the best time for exploring Pisgah National Forest’s waterfalls and swimming holes. Show up in October and November and the temperature is perfect for mountain biking and trail running and the hardwood forests are popping with fall color.

How to Get There

Asheville has a small but active airport, with direct flights from a growing number of cities, including Denver, Las Vegas, and Boston. Charlotte Douglas International, 120 miles east, is the closest large option.

Don’t Miss

About 25 miles east of Asheville via Interstate 40 is Old Fort, a textile town with a brand-new system of and a killer . And bring your rod: there’s world-class fly-fishing on Curtis Creek, a tight mountain stream just two miles east.

Details

To Book:

Price: From $139 per night

Address: 9 Midnight Drive
Asheville, NC 28806

The post These Are the Best Riverfront Cabins in North Carolina appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

Asheville, North Carolina, is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and the Black Mountain Range—ripe terrain for adventure. These five locals provide the lowdown on one of the region’s most vibrant cultural and outdoor-recreation hubs.

Katie Button

Chef and TV host

Asheville punches well above its weight when it comes to the culinary scene; the city of just 94,000 boasts multiple James Beard nominees at the helms of various kitchens. Button is one of those standouts, captaining the tapas-heavy Curate and La Bodega, a Spanish-inspired market and bakery.

The four-time James Beard nominee, cookbook author, and TV show host (check out on the Magnolia Network) learned to cook as a child and did stints in restaurants in coastal Spain, Los Angeles, and New York before settling down in Asheville in 2011. “People have to make their own way here and create something for themselves,” she says.

To experience the local culinary scene, Button recommends starting with coffee and a vanilla glazed donut from , then making your way to the North Asheville farmers’ market (Saturdays only), where bread bakers, veggie growers, artists, and musicians gather on the town’s University of North Carolina campus. Take a field trip to , a farm that produces proteins for the best restaurants in town. You can shop the farm store for your own ingredients, take a tour, and even sign up for a butcher class.

For lunch stop at , which serves Latin American–inspired dishes in ´ˇ˛őłó±đ±ąľ±±ô±ô±đ’s vibrant South Slope district, then grab a happy-hour negroni and a table on the sidewalk at , a casual Italian restaurant with a great bar. Save room for dinner at , where you should order the rossejat, a noodle-based take on paella with squid and shellfish stock that Button describes as “the essence of the ocean.” Cap off the night with a show at , a nearby outdoor venue that books an eclectic array of national acts, from Modest Mouse to Shakey Graves.

Erin McGrady

Trail runner and founder of Authentic Asheville

When McGrady moved to Asheville from Maryland in 2016, the people she met made it easy to call the town home. “It’s a place where you can find and create community,” McGrady says. “And being able to take that community outdoors is even better.”

McGrady is cofounder of , a blog that shares stories about the outdoors and the LGBTQ+ community and seeks to better represent the diversity that already exists outside. She also founded a running club to encourage non-white and queer individuals and their allies to explore ´ˇ˛őłó±đ±ąľ±±ô±ô±đ’s trails and build relationships. “Running is a vehicle for change,” she says. “It can bridge the gap and unify people across different demographics.”

McGrady loves running on the 30-mile , which traverses 6,214-foot Black Balsam, an hour south of downtown off the Blue Ridge Parkway, but she’s quick to point out that you don’t have to leave the city to find a great run. Richmond Hill, a park on a bluff above the French Broad River, has several miles of singletrack, and the ever expanding French Broad River Greenway has a three-mile loop connecting parks, breweries, and restaurants. “You can run so many different kinds of surfaces and never leave town,” she says.

On Erin (left): Trailsmith overalls by REI Co-op (); Well Worn Short Sleeve shirt by Roark (); Everyday beanie by Patagonia ().

On Erin (right): Distance Short Sleeve shirt (), Carbonite 4-inch shorts (), and Catamount 2 sneakers () by Brooks; Trail Running hat by Merrell (); Adv Skin 5 W Set hydration vest by Salomon (). On Caroline: Sprint Free Short Sleeve shirt () and Moment 5-inch shorts () by Brooks.

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Pete Kennedy

Mapmaker

Pisgah National Forest envelops Asheville, offering quick escapes and epic backcountry destinations alike. Kennedy knows every inch of it. Hyperbole? Not really. As a mapmaker and owner of the , which produces recreational maps of the forests surrounding the city, it’s Kennedy’s job to transcribe the landscape he loves onto paper. A South Carolina native, Kennedy went to high school in Asheville, fell in love with the area on a backpacking trip through nearby Linville Gorge, and never looked back.

“There’s something comforting about these lush mountains,” he says. “I always wanted to make a better map of the forest using local knowledge.” Today bikers, hikers, and paddlers alike rely on Kennedy’s maps as they spend time roaming amid its nooks and crannies. “Just looking at a map gets me excited about exploring an area,” Kennedy says.

He recommends that you start your explorations by acquiring gear and beta at , a long-standing pillar of the local outdoor community. From there head to Bent Creek Experimental Forest to mountain-bike , a 1.2-mile cross-country trail with a mix of flow and old-school Pisgah rock gardens. For a killer view, hike Bearwallow Mountain, on the edge of Hickory Nut Gorge, east of town. Regardless of your adventure, Kennedy suggests ending the day sipping an Iron Rail IPA at the Wedge, one of many great craft breweries in town, before perusing the nearby graffiti murals in the River Arts District.

On Pete: Dirt Shirt by Topo Designs (); Well Worn Midweight Organic T-shirt by Roark (); Performance Denim pants by Duer (); TR1 Mesh shoes by Astral (). On Katie: Milani Henley by Prana (); Layover pants by Roark (); Webber W’s sandals by Astral ().

Katie Cahn

Jewelry maker and fishing guide

The sheer volume of rivers surrounding Asheville is staggering, as are the healthy populations of stocked and native trout that live in them. That’s a tantalizing prospect for Cahn, a former raft guide turned avid angler who loves to fish for elusive wild brook trout.

“When I’m on the river, I’m surrounded by everything that feeds my soul,” Cahn says, adding that you don’t need to trek for miles to find what you’re looking for in the southern Appalachians. “The streams are so accessible. You can pull off on the side of the road and fish.” When she’s not guiding, Cahn spends her days making jewelry inspired by the mountain trout she seeks, using recycled and reclaimed metals. She sells her pieces online under the name .

If you’d like to ply the local waters yourself, Cahn recommends gearing up at , a fly shop on the northern edge of downtown, before heading 25 minutes south to the North Mills River Recreation Area, which is both accessible and pristine, holding plenty of rainbow and brown trout. Back in town, spend the night at , where the A-frames overlook a mellow, flat stretch of the French Broad River, perfect for a sunset kayak or paddleboard excursion.

On Katie (left): Ahnya Full-Zip Fleece hoodie by Patagonia (); Holler Sunfish hat by Crooked Creek (); Delaware pack by Deli Fresh Design ().

On Katie (right): Dirt coveralls by Topo Designs (). All jewelry by Katie Cahn for .

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Meherwan Irani

Chef

Irani came to Asheville, like many others, in search of a quieter life. The Indian-born chef had been living in San Francisco with his wife and young daughter but moved to the southern town in 2005 for a change of pace. “This is where people come to figure out their lives,” he says. Irani, who never had any formal training as a chef, opened in 2009 to introduce Asheville to the Indian street food of his childhood.

More than a decade later, he’s a James Beard Award winner, and Chai Pani regularly has a line out the door. The small space is vibrant, with colorful portraits of people from Ahmednagar, Irani’s hometown, hanging on the walls. The menu blends southern ingredients such as okra with the dishes that Irani grew up loving, like puri, a stuffed flour crisp. The restaurant has helped define ´ˇ˛őłó±đ±ąľ±±ô±ô±đ’s eclectic food scene.

“The quality of restaurants in Asheville is mind-boggling,” Irani says. “It’s easy to get excited about eating here.” At Chai Pani, Irani recommends ordering the Sloppy Jai, his take on the classic sloppy joe, with lamb hash simmered with tomatoes and ginger. His other favorite casual bites in town are the wood-fired pies at and the burgers at , which Irani describes as an “English gastropub with a southern accent.”

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Photographs by Cliford Mervil; photo assistance by Joe Shively; styling by Tyler Minor.

The post Best Things To Do in Asheville, From Local Experts appeared first on şÚÁĎłÔąĎÍř Online.

If you’ve been to a yoga festival, you know the hum that takes place. Everywhere you look, there’s activity. Attendees are unrolling their mats on the grass, lecturers are offering insights, vendors are sharing artisanal wares, and food trucks are dishing out their creations. As the sun goes down, the live music becomes louder and the learning shifts to dancing. It’s an unparalleled experience.

In recent years, yoga festivals have evolved to appeal to those of all experience levels and interests. Some focus on traditional practices while others are more new age-y and “glittery.” Whether you’re just starting yoga or are years into your practice, there is a festival that will vibe with you.

Although each yoga festival has its own distinct personality, they all share the common threads of connection, presence, and celebration. The following list explores 11 annual yoga festivals along with some of the history and highlights of each.

11 Yoga Festivals You Need to Know About

1. Bend Yoga Festival

Bend, Oregon | June 8-11, 2023

Explore the majesty of the Cascade Mountains at . Situated in the beautiful mountain town of Bend, Oregon, this festival features a focused mix of world-class presenters, wellness sessions, and outdoor adventures.

This year, the Bend Yoga Festival moves to Riverbend Park, offering direct access to the flowing Deschutes River, stunning mountain views, and more than 15,000 square feet of lawn. During the festival, attendees can explore nearby natural attractions, such as the lava caves and . Join a guided hike to the top of Smith Rock, followed by a yoga practice and local brew tasting, or take to the river in an open paddle class.

Throughout the weekend, you can join international and locally loved presenters including and for afternoon yoga sessions at participating local yoga studios, all within walking distance of the main venue. You can also schedule your own yoga photo shoot with acclaimed photographer . Lodging isn’t included, so you’ll want to find a stay at a local Airbnb, campsite, or hotel.

2. Telluride Yoga Fest

Telluride, Colorado | June 22-25, 2023

For a fully immersive yoga experience, the is not to be missed. The four-day event offers more than 100 classes, including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, wellness talks, and social gatherings. The event takes place amid the intimate setting of a small village nestled at the base of the Telluride Mountains, surrounded by rugged peaks, mountain air, and crisp blue skies.

Start your day with a mountain-top meditation, hike the fan-favorite Jud Wiebe memorial trail, practice standup paddleboard (SUP) yoga on Elk Lake, or simply sleep-in. With its new campus in Mountain Village,Ěý connected to the historic Town of Telluride via a free gondola, the festival provides a unique gathering that’s entirely removed from the hubbub of everyday life. The festival has hosted some of the most well-seasoned yoga teachers, including , , , , and .

Telluride offers a selection of hotels, condos, and private residences that cater to every budget.

3. LoveShinePlay

Asheville, North Carolina | July 20-23, 2023

The , formerly known as the Asheville Yoga Festival, is a four-day event held in downtown Asheville, North Carolina. The festival offers an expansive schedule that includes more than 70 styles of offerings, including Bhakti and anatomy, Kundalini and Yin, and everything in between.

Asheville is considered the wellness capital of the South, and the festival takes advantage of its surroundings, allowing attendees to expand their knowledge and practice in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout the weekend, attendees can experience lectures on practical astrology, Ayurvedic yoga classes, “yin yoga and story time,” plus classes and concerts from and .

Classes are dispersed around Asheville in hotels, community centers, and outdoor stages, all walkable from the marketplace. The central hub for the festival, the marketplace features 60-plus hand-selected vendors offering high-quality wellness products. You’ll also find food trucks, free community events, and outdoor spaces to rest.

LoveShinePlay started in 2016 as the Asheville Yoga Festival and has since grown to include partnerships with Lululemon and Yoloha. In 2024, the festival will expand and offer a similar incarnation in Charleston.

4. OM Festival

Manchester, Vermont | July 26-30, 2023

Dance, flow, and play your way to wellness at the annual , a summerfest held on 150-plus mountainside acres overlooking the Battenkill River. Also known as the Vermont Yoga Festival, it offers five days of yoga, meditation, dance, and flow arts classes where festival-goers can flow, play, and groove.

The OM Festival combines natural beauty and historic charm. Classes take place in a 200-year-old barn on the expansive private grounds and in the perfectly coiffed meditation garden. At night, the festival comes alive with music and embodiment celebrations, including kirtan, bhakti yoga, and ecstatic dance DJs.

Most guests stay on-site, either at , the hub of the festival, or camp in a private field or alongside the river (river camp sites are limited and sell out quickly). Those staying at the inn can expect romantic, antique-y rooms, mountain views, and farm-fresh dining.

5. Soul Circus

Elmore, UK | August 17-20, 2023

somehow manages to be both healthy and hedonistic. And somehow it works. Spearheaded by the charismatic founders, Roman and Ella Wroath, Soul Circus is a holistic yoga, arts, and music festival set in the rural countryside of Cotswold, United Kingdom. The combination of yoga asana, wellness workshops, and live music is undeniably more glittery wellness rave than traditional yoga festival. With its world-renowned DJs and afterparties that last until 2 am, Soul Circus wants to help you tune in and let loose.

By day, stretch out in yoga tents dotted along the countryside or join sought-after yoga instructors and wellness practitioners in any of the 300-plus wellness sessions, including cacao ceremonies, astral projection, lucid dreaming, and ecstatic dance. It’s a chance to indulge your woo-woo side.

As the light fades, the festival takes on an entirely different vibe. DJs set the skies alight with exhilarating music and dance. Those who need a reset after a marathon dance session can settle into a wood-fired hot tub or sauna at the on-site Soul Spa, which also offers daytime holistic therapy sessions.

Soul Circus is an undoubtedly energetic and unique yoga experience.

6. Dirty South Yoga Festival

Atlanta, Georgia | August 25-27, 2023

The , held at the end of August, is a homegrown celebration that’s all about promoting community and mindfulness in a way that embraces the “rough around the edges” energy of the South.

Founded in 2013 by a group of Atlanta-based yoga teachers, Dirty South Yoga arose from a need for authentic connection in the wellness community. The group cites the Zen Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh and his famous saying “No mud, no lotus” as a foundational inspiration and will be the first to admit they’re not prim and proper. They regularly practice falling and try to show up to themselves, their practice, and each other as best they can.

The festival takes place at The Loudermilk Conference Center in downtown Atlanta, where participants can revel in an entire weekend of workshops, classes, and activities. Founder has said she knows what it’s like to long for connection in the yoga world, and with Dirty South Yoga, she hopes to provide a place of support, guidance, and friendship. It’s yoga, real and raw.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CoYRp9NPMgR/

7. Mammoth Yoga Festival

Mammoth Lakes, California | September 14-17, 2023

is a getaway for those seeking adventure, growth, and connection in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Every September, it offers “yoga and meditation for every body, every age, and every ability,” making it accessible to all who wish to make the pilgrimage.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a yoga teacher seeking to expand your understanding of how to share the practice, Mammoth Festival shares an array of classes to help you develop your practice. Anyone can attend early morning sessions on creative yoga sequencing, the power of cueing, and decolonizing yoga. And every night, the Vendor Village Market lights up with performances from mystically-minded musicians, which included , , and in recent years.

Weekend asana and meditation classes from teachers such as and will help you settle a restless spirit and immerse yourself in the present. Also, presentations from yoga and health institutions such as Mammoth Hospital and the work trade and job opportunity website, , allow instructors to diversify their teaching tools beyond advanced asana. The festival is recognized as an approved Continuing Education Provider by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, making it an excellent opportunity for yoga and fitness professionals to gain needed continuing education credits.

8. Lamu Yoga Festival

Lamu Island, Kenya | October 25-29, 2023

From sunrise yoga sessions on pristine beaches to moonlit meditations beneath the stars, emphasizes total, undisturbed bliss. This celebration of yoga, culture, and tranquility happens in the coastal region of Kenya and immerses in a world of serenity, culture, and mindful exploration.

Yoga, breathwork, and meditation are taught at a dozen unique venues and studios. Discover the allure of Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its charming architecture and captivating history. With no cars in sight and donkeys and boats instead dotting the landscape, the scene creates a true escape from the everyday. Experience the local culture and traditions through an awe-inspiring opening ceremony on the beach, a traditional Kenyan dinner, a scenic sailing trip, and a mesmerizing bonfire to close your journey.

9. International Yoga Festival

Banks of Ganges River, India | March 2024

A week-long celebration of yoga and meditation, the in Rishikesh, India, attracts thousands of people from around the world to the birthplace of yoga. Nestled among the Himalayas on the banks of the holy River Ganga, the festival takes place at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, one of the largest interfaith yoga institutions in India. It’s a tranquil environment where participants can connect with themselves and their spiritual practice.

The aim of the International Yoga Festival is to “expand global consciousness and bring healing back to the planet, one person at a time.” In support of that, it hosts some of the greatest teachers from both eastern and western lineages of yoga, making it an ideal pilgrimage for dedicated students looking to connect with the origins of the practice.

The extensive schedule includes a mind-boggling array of activities, from early morning kundalini sadhana to evening kirtan and everything in between, including asana classes and talks. It regularly draws more than 2000 participants from 80 countries, offering a unique opportunity to come together and share in the transformative power of yoga. The festival’s emphasis on the origins of the practice is a testament to yoga’s enduring spirit, influence, and ability to unite people in the pursuit of growth and well-being.

10. Sedona Yoga Festival

Sedona, Arizona | April 2024

Many believe that certain locations on the planet experience a higher vibrational energy than others. With its seven vortices, or energy centers, Sedona is one of those places. The , now in its tenth year, draws on this enigmatic energy to foster community and spiritual growth.

Billed as a “consciousness evolution conference,” the festival boasts an impressive roster of speakers and rich coursework and continues to be a pioneer of large-scale mindful events in the United States. Workshops and immersions take place amid Sedona’s mystical landscape and world-class performing arts facilities and offer opportunities to explore all eight limbs of yoga.

Attendees can gather in the mornings for a communal ceremony before dispersing into lectures or desert excursions. There are more than 100 sessions to choose from, including yoga practices amid the red rocks. Evenings feature keynote addresses from top-tier spiritual minds, lectures, sacred chanting sessions, and live entertainment.

11. BaliSpirit

Ubud, Bali | May 2024

If practicing yoga in Bali is your dream, the in Ubud may be the ultimate destination. Held annually at the , this three-day “spirit festival” encompasses yoga, dance, martial arts, breathwork, personal development, and more, making it a catalyst for transformation.

A magnet for conscious travelers and spiritual seekers, BaliSpirit has grown considerably since it was founded in 2008, bringing economic growth and evolution to the town of Ubud. Held in a traditional Balinese open-air venue surrounded by wildlife and flanked by a sacred river, the fest offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with themselves, others, and the surroundings.

The holistic approach of the festival is reflected in its more than 150 workshops representing different styles of yoga (including Hatha, Yin, Anusara, and Ashtanga) as well as other types of movement (Capoeira, Qi Gong, Silat, Poi, Laughter, and hula hooping). Each night ends with a musical lineup of global performers, creating an intimate concert experience leading to deeper connections and sacred celebration.

About Our Contributor

Sierra is a writer, yogi, and music lover living in the Pacific Northwest. She’s been practicing yoga for nearly a decade & got certified to teach in 2018. She writes and teaches all about connection: connection to the body, to nature, and to the universal love that holds us together. She’s also the author of , a moon magic journal and witchy workbook.

For free yoga and witchy wisdom, find Sierra at , on Instagram , and on .

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