St Patrick's Day at Asheville's Treetops Adventure Park

March 17 from 2 PM - 5 PM Join Asheville Greenworks for an Arbor Day Celebration and the Grand Re-Opening of the Asheville Treetops Adventure Park at the Adventure Center of Asheville. For the 33rd year Asheville will receive the Tree City USA Award from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Volunteers can plant trees on this beautiful property overlooking downtown Asheville, as well as enjoy Buy One, Get One Free passes to the Adventure Park.
Register for the Arbor Day event on the Greenworks Facebook Page HERE

From 10 AM - 5 PM The Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is offering Buy One Get One Deal for walk-ins only. Just mention ARBOR DAY to receive your free pass with the purchase of another pass. Both passes must be used on March 17th. Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is a new Asheville Attraction comprised of 50 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees and towering poles tucked into a wooded park just minutes from downtown Asheville.  

Asheville Treetops Adventure Park  has four different adventure trails that allow Park Guests the choice to challenge only the obstacles they feel comfortable with.  While you explore the park you will move at your own pace and tackle challenges as an individual, instead of in a group, like the canopy tour experience. The experience has been described as ski slopes in the trees and a true “Jungle Gym” for all ages, strengths, and adventure levels.

The Park's new technology provides security systems allowing attachments and monitors so that guest can explore freely in controlled safety.

A green Trail: offers easier challenges 12 to 15 feet above the forest floor for first timers, younger children, and more timid adventurers. There is no climbing once on the start platform,with  milder and more stable crossings attached to the lower trunks of the trees,  minimal movement and an easy finish back to the ground.

Learn more and get a link for Asheville's Treetops Adventure Park on the Asheville NC Visitor Guide

Star-gazing in Asheville - Tis the Season

Tonight will be a perfect night for stargazing. AB-Tech Institute for Climate Education has provided an update on what you may see in the sky tonight - assuming the clouds don't get in the way. Check out the prime locations for stargazing in Asheville as recommended by Explore Asheville, the official website of the Buncombe County Tourist Development Authority.

According to A-B Tech, mid-December brings one of the most unique meteor showers that we get to see throughout the year, the Geminid Meteor Shower. Although viewing conditions won’t be perfect for viewing in Western North Carolina, the mild conditions may make it worth the effort.

We’ll likely see some cloud cover with the bright Waning Gibbous moon tonight (just past full at 90.5%). We may also see the development of some fog in the valleys overnight, but if you venture outside after 10:00 tonight, set out a blanket, make yourself comfortable and give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness, you may get a glimpse of a few meteors. Point your feet toward the East, and look toward the constellation Gemini (see the sky map below). Viewing is always best if you can get to an area without city lights, but we’re expecting mostly cloudy skies tonight. So, a special trip away from any lights may not be worth the effort if the clouds do set in.

Most meteor showers are produced as the Earth crosses the debris path left by a comet. However, the Geminid Shower is unique because it’s created from the dusty debris left by a near-Earth asteroid named 3200 Phaethon.

Credit: Dr. Tony Phillips, NASA Science News

For more detailed information on the Geminid Meteor Shower from NASA Science News, click here.

Tour the Falls of Dupont Forest by bus

Septmber 24-25  Tour de Falls  Enjoy a 12 mile tour by shuttle bus to four of DuPont State Forest's spectacular sites: Triple Falls, High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Lake Julia.
Tour de Falls offers  families or those with limited hiking abilities a chance to see the beauty of DuPont Forest and  spectacular waterfalls without the long hikes usually required to visit them. Visitors are encouraged to take short hikes to enjoy the beauty of the falls and lake, all of which provide scenic backdrops for family photos. Volunteers will be on each bus and at each stop to provide information about the history of the area and our efforts to protect the historical and natural resources within this 10,400 acre forest. Light refreshments will be available in the lodge overlooking Lake Julia, which is the last stop on the tour.

DuPont State Recreational Forest is located near Brevard, spanning both Henderson and Transylvania counties. The parking lot for the tour is located just up the road from the High Falls access area at 1300 Staton Road in Cedar Mountain, NC (N35E11.356', W082E 37.425'). Advance reservations are
not taken. A donation of $6 for ages 6 to 17 and $12 for ages 18 and up is requested by cash or check (no credit cards. Buses are not handicap-accessible. Dogs are not allowed on the buses.
The event is sponsored by Friends of DuPont Forest,  a non-profit organization working to enrich the recreational experience and preserve the natural resources in DuPont State Recreational Forest.

NC Mountain Easter Events

What is more beautiful than Springtime in the mountains? Celebrate Spring and Easter this weekend with a variety of egg hunts, outdoor activities and special events.

April 22 - 23   PeanutsTM - Easter Beagle  in Bryson City NC: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad departs from Bryson City and travels to the Nantahala Outdoor Center where refreshments are served. During the layover, children can seek out bunnies carrying brightly colored eggs. The excursion includes photo opportunities with read more...

April 22 - 23   The 17th annual spring plant sale  in Asheville NC:  Sponsored by the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association and held at Western North Carolina Farmers Market. In addition to locally grown plants of all kinds being for sale again this year, many handmade decorative read more...

April 23  The Fletcher Easter Egg Hunt in Fletcher (suburb of Asheville): The Easter Bunny arrives at Fletcher Community Park  for an egg hunt and read more...


April 23  The Annual Easter Hat Parade in Dillsboro NC: Bring your bonnet or make one there. Join the fun at Dillsboro’s delightfully unpretentious annual Easter Hat Parade! Come at 10 am to make a hat - or bring your own. Registration starts at 11 am and read more...


April 23  The Lake Junaluska Easter Celebration in Lake Junaluska NC:  The day begins with a Sunrise Service and moves on to other special Easter activities, including a 5K/10K Bunny Run and Fun Run, Easter Egg hunt, an egg painting contest and read more...


April 23  An Easter Egg hunt at Maggie Valley Club & Resort in Maggie Valley NC: Open to the public, but make reservations with the number of children and read more...


April 23 The  3rd Annual Grovewood Easter Egg Hunt in Asheville: The Grovewood Gallery and Grovewood Cafe host their 3rd Annual Grovewood Easter Egg Hunt for Children ages 2-9. Cookies and lemonade will be provided for hungry hunters. The Easter Bunny will be read more...


April 23   The  2nd All Go West Music Festival in Asheville NC: The Festival offers a wide array of musical talent, fashion, BBQ, and local Brew with limited tickets read more...


April 23   The Big Bad Bunny Urban Scavenger Hunt  in Asheville NC: Looking for a UNIQUE Easter Event? This is it. The event takes teams on a journey around downtown Asheville as they scavenge through the area’s history, culture, unique shops and community organizations in search of Super Bun and read more...


April 23   The Swain County COC Easter Egg Hunt in Bryson City NC:  Meet the Easter Bunny on the day before Easter! There will be two separate egg hunts: one for infants-age4, and one for ages 5-10. Find one of three special eggs for each age group and win a prize! Read more...


April 23  Spring Into the Park Family Fun Day at the Sandburg Home  in Flat Rock NC:

Performances by Asheville's Poetry Alive!, storytelling, kid-friendly house tours and activity stations. Young visitors will receive a schedule and activity guide upon arrival. This festival is part of national Junior Ranger Day, read more...

April 23  Easter Activities  in Lake Lure NC: Egg hunt, mini-golf, jelly bean count, races, Easter Bunny photos  and races and read more...

April 23 Easter Egg Hunt at John C Campbell Folk School in Hayesville NC: A community Egg hunt on the beautiful grounds of the folk school. Get details about John C Campbell FOlk School...

April 23 Greening Up the Mountains Festival in Sylva NC:  A Downtown Sylva street festival celebrating the arrival of spring in the mountains, as well as the greening of the environment. Read more...
April 23 the 65th Block House Steeple Chase in Tryon NC: Picnics, sundresses, elegant hats, tailgating and the excitement of thoroughbreds thundering on the track. The Block House is the longest running steeplechase in the state of North Carolina occurring continuously since 1947. 18,000 to 20,000 people attend the Block House Races and read more...

Find more Easter and NC Mountain Events...

Navitat Canapy Adventures Opens for the Season Today

Navitat Canopy Adventures, a world-class zip line canopy tour near Asheville, has announced new nighttime tours as it opens for the 2011 season. “Navitat at Night” offers a new perspective on the exhilarating experience of zipping through the trees every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings beginning at dusk.

“We are thrilled to be offering this exclusive new adventure in our second season,” said Abby Burt, Branding & Marketing Leader at Navitat. “Our tour site, located in beautiful and secluded Moody Cove, takes on a whole new life after the sun goes down. Guests will find themselves surrounded by the sights and sounds of nighttime while zipping under a blanket of stars. It is truly breathtaking.” Guests travel by lamplight on a series of artfully constructed zip lines, sky bridges, trails, rappels and platforms high in the treetops. Along the way, they learn about the natural and cultural history of the area and have opportunities to stargaze and spot some of the many nocturnal creatures living in the cove, including barred owls, brown bats, raccoons, opossums and fireflies.

The night tour  price is $109 per person and guests must be 16 years of age or older to participate.


Navitat Canopy Adventures opened in May 2010 in a 242-acre serene mountain cove, located just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville. Combining the exhilaration of a zip line tour with the educational experience of a Costa Rican rainforest-style canopy excursion the tour offers a new form of outdoor adventure. The canopy tour course is entirely tree-based and features two sky bridges, two rappels, and 10 zip lines ranging from 120 to 1,100 feet in length -- including one that sends guests soaring more than 200 feet above the forest floor. Navitat Canopy Tours is located at 242 Poverty Branch Road in Barnardsville NC.

Pre-season Group Specials for Rafting and Caving

USA RAFT, Mountain Adventure Guides -  Reserve your group by April 15th for Big Savings! Take an additional 5% off regular group rates for trips booked before April 15th, 2011.. Offer not good for Saturdays or holidays. Deposits required with booking: $5 per person for 1/2 day trips, camping and Crockett Cabin. $10 per person for full day trips. Remaining balance and final headcount are due 30 days prior to trip date.

Get details about Groups

Multi-trip Discounts: 

Book 2 or more trips and save! Mix and match to create a complete multi-day adventure!

Choose 2 activities & receive a 10% discount.

Choose 3 or more activities & receive a 15% discount.

Not good with any other offer or discount.

Get details about Packages

Book Online and Save!  Book Online and save $3 per person! Promo Code is ONLINE.

• It's safe and secure.
• View trip details, times and availability for specific dates.
• Available 24/7!
• Upon booking reservations online, you will quickly receive a detailed email confirmation

Online Reservations
USA RAFT offers the closest whitewater rafting to Asheville and Boone North Carolina. Enjoy whitewater rafting adventures on the French Broad, Nantahala, Watauga and Nolichucky Rivers. "Mild to Wild" Whitewater Rafting with half and full day guided trips. USA Raft provides everything you will need for your rafting trip - just bring a change of clothes and be ready to have fun and get wet! Also offered: Caving, Rock Climbing, Summer Teen Adventure Camps and riverside group lodging.

Banff Film Festival this week in Brevard

March 18 - 19 Brevard NC hosts the Banff Film Festival Weekend.  A weekend full of adventure at the Banff Mountain film Festival hosted by Brevard Collage. Local restaurants, outfitters and accommodations participate. If high adventure isn't your style, pull up your waders and join Davidson River Outfitters and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education for the Pisgah Fly Masters Fly Fishing Tournament.

Tickets are $10 per person for each showing and may be purchased at Looking Glass Outfitters in Pisgah Forest and at Mast General Stores in Hendersonville and Asheville - Online Tickets NOW SOLD OUT.

This Weekend's Nature Center and Park Events

March 12   Eco-Explorers: Tracking   Who made those tracks? What is scat? What bird left that feather? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we explore the exciting world of animal tracking. Ages 8-13. 

March 12   Turtle Fans  aAquick and easy turtle craft for kids. Meet at the Catawba River Area office (old office) of Lake James State Park at 1:00 p.m. Supplies are limited so register by calling the park office at 828-652-5047. Free.  

March 12   2nd Saturday Program at the Heritage Museum   The History of Transylvania - American Chestnut: Don Surrette 

March 13   Go Fly a Kite at FENCE   It is a sure sign of spring when the kites are flying on Hawk's Ridge at FENCE. This wonderful annual event is for kids of all ages. Free kites to the first 200 kids.

March 13   Red Fox, Grey Fox, Which is Which?   Join Park Ranger Nora Coffey for a hike on the Fox Den Loop trail to learn about the two foxes found around Lake James. Moderate level hike of about 2 miles. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Meet at the Catawba River Area office (old office) of Lake James State Park at 2:00 p.m. Free

  

Pearsons Falls open for the season

Pearson's Falls is located in the foothills of Western North Carolina  mid-way between Saluda and Tryon. It is a botanical preserve includin  268 acres of virgin forest, spring-fed streams and a 90 ft. waterfall.  Classified as
a deciduous climax forest the preserve hosts over 200 species of fern, flowering plants, algae and mosses.

Perason's Falls is owned and operated by the Tryon Garden Club which was organized in 1928. The Club purchased the property in 1931 to ensure that it would be maintained as a natural preserve in perpetuity. Ir has been operated and preserved by the Club since that time. 

Stream and Fishing Report from Curtis Wright Outfitters

We are off to a cold start to 2011, but that does not have to mean no more fishing until spring. We are lucky enough to not have to deal with total freeze on most of our rivers. They will build up ice on the edges, and some might freeze over for a short period of time, but for the most part our water will stay flowing all year.

We are very blessed with having a ton of options. The most readily available streams in our area are the Delayed Harvest waters. It has been almost 4 months since they were last stocked but we are finding good numbers of fish holding over from the October/November stockings. These fish have seen a good amount of pressure and have felt a few hooks. That being said they still have to eat. The key on these streams (and most others) this time of year is fishing deep and slow. Medium to large rubber leg stonefly patterns(boss hogs, double bead stones) sizes 12-16 are a great choice as a point fly, followed by a small Pheasant Tail nymph, Hare’s Ear, or one of my favorites a Zebra midge (sz16-24).   Read Full Report

Fly Chick Chat

In light of last month's Fly Chick Chat, I began to think about the agility that is needed on the water as well as the number of times I have tripped, fallen or just got plain soaked. 

Read More

Ladies’ Only Fly Fishing Clinic

Ladies, have you ever wanted to get your feet wet and give fly fishing a try, but been a bit intimidated to do so?  Did you know there are over 3,000 miles of fly fishing water within an hour of the Asheville area?  Well your time for waiting is over!   >>Fly Fishing Clinic Details

Lamson Velocity Lamson reels are known for their bulletproof sealed conical drag system, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.  The sealed drag provides long lasting performance with no maintenance.  That's a great combination.  It has a large arbor design to it is able to retrieve line quickly if a fish takes a run right at you.   More Lamson Velocity Review Stream Report Page Our professional fly fishing guides regulary turn in detailed fishing reports from their most recent trips.  These reports are regulary used by other guides and/or clients to help narrow down where to fish during their next trip in the Asheville area.  With over 3000 miles of streams to choose from, every little bit helps!   View Stream Reports

Valentine Day Special in the NC Mountains: $50 off a couple full day fishing trip

Book a full day trip as a couple with Curtis Wright Outfitters for the week of February 14-19th and receive $50 off the cost of the trip. Choose from Wade or Float fishing in the Asheville area with a professional fly fishing guide showing you some of the best spots that Western North Carolina has to offer. All of your gear and flies are provided, so you only need to bring your desire to relax and catch fish, and for this special, your Valentine. Get details here...

USA Raft Holiday Gift Certificates and 2011 Adventures

USA Raft - Closest Whitewater Rafting to Asheville, NC.  As we prepare for the holidays, we wanted to stop and thank you for an amazing year. Our most important customer is you! We hope you will join USA Raft & Mountain Adventure Guides again next year for meaningful outdoor fun and adventure. Visit our Facebook page for the latest happenings, where you can also post comments and pictures of your trip!

Visit us on Facebook

Save 10% on Holiday Gift Certificates Gift certificates make great stocking stuffers! Save 10% on your gift purchases before 12/24/2010. Hurry - special offer! No other discounts apply. Call 1-866-USA-Raft and we will be happy to assist you.

New Rafts for Next Season We've ordered 16 new "Splash" class rafts. They are truly the best high performance, self bailing rafts available. In fact, they have been featured in the World Championship Races on the Gauley River. They're 100% hand made in West Virginia by our friends at Custom Inflatables.

MAG Summer Adventure Camp 2011 Summer schedules posted for 12 & 18 day camps for ages 12-17. Explore a cave, climb a mountain, raft a wild river, cook a delicious dinner over a camp-fire and then sleep under the stars! Activities are age appropriate and include comprehensive instruction. No experience is necessary and MAG provides all major gear. More

Icebreaker Weekend April 2-3 Join our annual spring staff get together and kick off on the Nolichucky River, as we "break the ice." We will post rafting/caving with lodging package details on Facebook and our website soon after the holidays. Check it out!

Raft Guide School Be a river guide! Learn the basics of guiding a raft, including water reading skills, hydrology, raft maneuvers, paddle techniques, scouting and river rescue. We have seasonal summer job opportunities, both on and off the river, and for our summer adventure camp! More

Navitat Canopy Adventures Winter Tours

Winter Weekend Tours will be available on weekends in December, January and February at Navitat Canopy Adventures. Navitat Canopy Adventures takes guests on a thrilling and educational adventure high in the trees of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Fast, smooth zip lines stretch high above the forest floor; artfully crafted platforms nest seamlessly in large beautiful native trees; and sky-bridges span forest sections teeming with life. Navitat Gift Certificates are available for Holiday giving.

Navitat Canopy Tours is located at 242 Poverty Branch Road, Barnardsville NC - just 20 minutes north of Asheville.

This Week's Events in Ashe County

Ashe County is known for art, music and some of the friendliest folks around. See for yourself at this week's events:

DINNER & BLUEGRASS every Friday through Thanksgiving at Todd General Store. Dinner at 6pm, bluegrass at 7pm.

FAIRIES & GNOMES, House Building. Saturday, Nov. 6 at 2pm at the Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area picnic area. Come up and use your imagination and natural materials to build a woodland creature house. Call 336-246-9653 for more info.

LARRY PENNINGTON & ALAN MASTIN MEMORIAL FESTIVAL Saturday, Nov. 6 at 4pm at Mountain Music Jamboree in Glendale Springs. Great bands - Whitetop Mountain Band, Creek Junction, Carolina Travelers. Food available.

MT. JEFFERSON GEOLOGY ROCKS, House Building. Sunday, Nov. 7 at 2pm at the Mt. Jefferson State Natural Area picnic area. Visitors will observe several types of geological formations on a nature hike of the Rhododendron Trail. Learn about metamorphic formations and intrusive quartz. Call 336-246-9653 for more info.

BEN WAKEMAN SINGER/ SONGWRITER AT RIVER HOUSE'S SUNDAY SALON in Grassy Creek. Sunday, Nov. 7 beginning at 4pm; hors d'oeuvre at 5pm, 4-course chef's choice menu at 6pm. Call 336-982-2109 for reservations. CLICK HERE for info about Ben Wakeman.

This Event is for the Birds!

Sept 25-26 Don't be a birdbrain -  Flock to the Rock at Chimney Rock Park! Enjoy all kinds of programs to get you going bonkers over birds. Events include guided walks with area ornithologists, opportunities to “get up close and personal” with non-releasable birds of prey, and lots of workshops and other fun activities. This weekend also marks the annual hawk migration over the area when dozens, sometimes hundreds, of hawks can be seen heading to southern wintering grounds. Chimney Rock Park, Chimney Rock NC.

Chimney Rock is also an official site on the North Carolina Birding Trail. In 2010, our partner, North Carolina State Parks, is celebrating the "Year of the Birds" paying tribute to North Carolina birds at NC parks throughout the state.

Snorkel in the Mountains?

On August 14, The Western North Carolina Alliance, the Little Tennessee Watershed Association and the Land Trust for the Little Tennessee will host a snorkeling trip on the Little Tennessee River to explore the Little Tennessee River in a new and exciting way!

Dr. Bill McLarney, local biologist and the Biomonitoring Program Director for the Little Tennessee Watershed Association will lead the trip, sharing his vast knowledge of the ecology of the river, the creatures in the river, and threats to the watershed as we explore this local treasure. Join us for an exciting half day trip, with drinks and snacks to follow. Masks, snorkels, and wetsuits can be provided upon request. Cost: $5 for current members of any of the three organizations, $10 for nonmembers. Register by August 10. Franklin North Carolina.

Contact  swillard@ltwa.org or call 828-369-6402 for more information and to register for the trip.

Lake Lure Boat Tours

Lake Lure Boat Tours, 2930 Memorial Highway Lake Lure, North Carolina:

Box Lunch Cruise - Enjoy a light lunch while cruising around the lake. This cruise includes a tour of the lake and a boxed lunch with a deli sandwich, chips, drink, and dessert. Adults and Seniors $20
Lunch and a Cruise - After a relaxing cruise around the lake treat yourself to the tasty morsel at the Beachside Grill. The meal includes any item from our menu, non-alcoholic beverage, tax and gratuity. Adults and Seniors $25
Sunset Cruise and Dinner - The boat departs the Marina at 7:00pm with appetizers served on the boat. A cash beer and wine bar is available during the cruise. Dinner seating is at 8:30pm in the Veranda Restaurant across from the beach after the cruise. $55 per person includes cruise and meal.
Hourly Tours Also Available: Adults $14, Seniors (62+) $12, Children (4-12) $ 6, Children under 4 accompanied by an adult no charge. Reservation required for Groups of 10 or more.  (828)625-1373

http://www.lakelure.com/

Cycling Event in Rutherfordton

May 1  Rutherfordton North Carolina.     2010 Gears & Gables Cycling Event   The Fully-supported ride begins at 8:00 a.m. from historic downtown Rutherfordton. This one-day, multi-route event will encompass Rutherford County, All proceeds from the 2010 Gears & Gables ride benefit Rutherford Housing Partnership and its mission to provide low-income homeowners with urgent repairs imminent to life or safety.

Blowing Rock Trout Derby

April 3-4, Broyhill Park, Blowing Rock North Carolina.  Trout Derby  6AM - 5PM Saturday, Noon -  4PM Sunday. No pre-registration necessary. Public waters only, no ponds. Fishing at Mayview Lake (Broyhill Park) for children 11 and under and persons with disabilities. Fish weighed and measured at American Legion Building on Park Avenue. Trophies & prizes awarded 4:30PM Sunday. Free

Nature Photography for the Beginner

March 27, Pisgah Center for Nature Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest (Brevard area), North Carolina. Photography program teaches the basics of nature photography including how to use general equipment and effective composition. Instructors also cover subjects from landscapes and wildlife to macro photography. Bring your camera—digital or film. Participants spend time in the field. Ages 12 and up. Reserve your space.   Reservations hotline at 828-877-4423.