Top Asheville Nature and Wildlife Tours

As featured in Southern Living Magazine and MSN News, discover the authentic beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway with a naturalist guide to show you the best vistas, photo spots, and waterfalls that make Asheville famous. This intimate, small-group tour makes it easy to get to know your experienced, expert guide and learn more about the region. -Learn about the area’s history, plants, and wildlife from your naturalist guide -Visit famous waterfalls and ones that most tourists miss -See the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s expansive mountain views

Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to three scenic waterfalls from Asheville. Take in views of the mountains as you tour the classic road in a comfortable van and hear stories about the area’s natural history and culture from your local guide. Watch for blooming laurels and rhododendron as you walk the easy to moderate trails through lush oak and hickory forests. Enjoy light refreshments along the way with plenty of time to relax by the falls before returning to Asheville.

Visit the Blue Ridge Mountains with your own private guide on this tour from Asheville. You'll visit the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, go on a quick hike in the Pisgah National Forest, and see Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. You'll also stop in the towns of Blowing Rock and Swannanoa before heading back to Asheville.

Asheville pops out of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the most biodiverse spots on Earth. On this tour, simply meet up with your small group, take a short ride into Pisgah National Forest, and follow the way into the “Land of Waterfalls.” Your guide will provide hiking poles, rain gear, water, snacks, and plenty of knowledge to deepen your experience in this incredible slice of Mother Nature.

Experience a scenic and memorable guided horseback riding adventure at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Choose from a wide variety of departure times, then ride the beautiful Flame Azalea Trail, traveling through hardwood and white pine forests, plus open meadows with majestic, elevated views of the all-American Blue Ridge Parkway. Get to know the horses in advance. Guided safety training plus a ‘test drive’ and helmet (mandatory for those under 18) are provided.

Get out of town for a half-day hike up to scenic waterfalls with this small-group hiking experience for up to four people. Your certified naturalist guide will lead you and your group on a challenging hike up to beautiful waterfalls, teaching you how to identify local plant life along the way.

Follow your guide on a 45-minute horseback riding adventure at Arrowmont Stables and Cabins outside of Asheville, North Carolina. Choose from a variety of departure times, and ride the beautiful Fern Forest Trail, traveling through a dense forest on relatively flat terrain at 4,000 feet. This gentle trail, situated in the Nantahala National Forest, is suitable for all skill levels. Guided safety training plus a ‘test drive’ and helmet (mandatory for those under 18) are provided.

This is a chance to float down the third oldest river in the USA. This is a chance to get out of the house and enjoy a fun time on the river with your family or close friends.

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

Discover the natural beauty that lies just outside of Asheville by booking a guided hike. This private experience can be tailored to your needs and preferences, whether you want a challenging adventure or an easy-going walk. Depending on where you go, your tour may include waterfalls, mountain views, or biodiverse forests.

Discover the natural highlights of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains during this privately guided trek. Follow a woodland trail leading to a waterfall, rock garden, and century-old ruins. Listen to entertaining facts and stories from your guide as you walk. Tours include optional hiking poles and rain ponchos as needed.

Go hiking in the outskirts of Asheville with a naturalist guide on this small-group tour. You and your small group of fellow hikers will head out into the hills, where you'll learn how to ID local flowers and trees. If you're lucky, you may even spot some wildlife along the way.

Go birding at Beaver Lake outside Asheville with this private tour. Meet your guide for a walk along the boardwalk to search for birds within the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and more. The tour can be customized for beginner or advanced birders and binoculars are supplied for the walk.

Discover the scenic views, mountain trails, wildlife, and plants of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a local guide to lead the way. With so much to see in the region, nature lovers can get overwhelmed deciding where to go and what attractions to prioritize. By traveling with a guide you don’t have to worry about the logistics and can rest assured you don’t miss any of the highlights.

Paddle 7 miles (11 km) with a private guide on the picturesque French Broad River. You’ll pass by Asheville’s massive Biltmore Estate and hear about its history. Learn stand-up paddleboarding tips and techniques from your SUP instructor and keep an eye out for native wildlife like turtles, herons, otters, and osprey. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise during a morning or afternoon.

Come join us on the trails for an easy-moderate hike and a relaxing, guided meditation in nature. Soothe your nervous system and ground into the healing powers of the earth with a guided sensory-meditation and sound-healing experience aimed at helping you connect with the earth and melting away stress. We will hike for about an hour at an agreeable pace for the group, then stop in a secluded spot for our meditation which will include a combination of sensory activation, chimes and/or drumming. There will be some time to explore the area before heading back to the trailhead refreshed and relaxed! Snacks and transportation are included; please specify dietary restrictions when booking. Tour requires a minimum of 2 hikers to operate. Blue Ridge Hiking Company has been in business for 13 years; we believe the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life. All guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, and knowledgeable in local history, flora, and fauna.

Join us for an evening hike featuring one of the most beautiful aspects of our area - our sunset! We will start hiking while it is still daylight, and hopefully catch a sunset at a western-facing peak close to town. Snacks are provided while we watch sunset. After sunset, we'll hike back down to the trailhead. The hike will likely finish in the dark, so we provide a headlamp for each participant to use during the trip. We have a couple of hike options to choose from - ranging from 1.5 to 5 miles and from easy to moderate in difficulty. You'll work with your guide to select the best hike location for you! Our most popular sunset location is a 3-mile out-and-back moderate hike, just a 15 minute drive from our office in downtown Asheville. Exact start time will fluctuate throughout the year, depending on sunset hike and your chosen hike location. Curious about the other hikes we offer? Check out our website.

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