By Anna Norton

Take a hike. Ride a bike, or a horse, or a river or even a snow covered mountainside. The Blue Ridge mountains offer a wide variety of memorable outdoor adventures. Leave the everyday strain of deadlines and commitments behind and immerse yourself in any number of outdoor activities in the mountains.

Skiing

Some of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains are located in the northwest corner of North Carolina .The high country of the Carolina Blue Ridge offers the visitor a winter wonderland experience. During the winter, when it comes to outdoor activities skiing is priority one. Visitors can expect first class slopes that can handle beginners and families, as well as slopes for expert skiers and snowboarders.

January and February are by far the most popular time for snow lovers, accounting for fifty percent of the yearly snowfall. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, the cold temperatures allow the slopes to make their own.

The best conditions for skiers and snowboarders are when there is a healthy combination of natural and man-made snow. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, ice skating and snow-shoeing day and night are just one part of an all season adventure in the Carolina Blue Ridge.

Hiking

The Blue Ridge mountains are a popular destination for hikers.It will be easy to find hundreds of hiking trails of all skill levels and endurance.

Most trails are self guided but a quick internet search of , Carolina Blue Ridge hiking will result in many guided tours as well.

Discover a field of wildflowers on rolling pastures, cascading waterfalls, or experience the well earned reward of a spectacular view of wave after wave of blue tinged majesty. Hiking provides a close-up look at some of the most beautiful wilderness in the country.

So strap on your hiking boots, prepare yourself for sudden weather changes, and enjoy an all season awe-inspiring mountain adventure.

Waterfalls

Waterfalls are magical places of serene beauty and elegant splendor. The Blue Ridge mountains offer an abundance of waterfalls and miles of hiking trails to view them. You can seek out a different waterfall every day. They are all surprising and each has its own tale to tell , stories that change with each season.

In the spring waterfalls are different from the flow of a summer or fall cascade. A winter visit to your favorite waterfall may provide a completely new experience.

Visitors, as well as those who call the mountains home are sometimes surprised to learn of the many extraordinary waterfalls in the Blue Ridge. Waterfalls to walk behind, slide down or simply bask in the glory of their beauty and relax to the hypnotic music they produce.

Fishing

Some of the best fishing lakes, rivers and mountain streams to be found anywhere in the world are found here in the Blue Ridge mountains.

Our cool, clear mountain streams and lakes support one of the most diverse fishing habitats in the world. Rainbow and brown trout; smallmouth, largemouth and spotted bass; giant stripers and white bass; bluegill, crappie and shell cracker, sauger, walleye, and catfish are all abundant in the area.

Whether its walk or wade , novice or seasoned angler your fishing adventure starts here and ends with great memories and plans for a return visit.

Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing, Tubing

River fun for the entire family; are you searching for a few rapids, an exciting whitewater adventure, or a lazy float down a cool refreshing river? the waterways of the Blue Ridge mountains are just what you are looking for.

There’s nothing more relaxing than drifting slowly down a crystal clear mountain river in an inner tube. Your everyday cares just float way like magic as the sounds of nature take you away on a peaceful journey . However, if youre feeling more adventuresome, you can catch the surge and rush of the whitewater rapids. Experience the beauty and adventure of whitewater river rafting excitement through guided day trips along the most scenic rivers in the Southeast.

For a great weekend get-away you can choose from a variety of canoe, kayak, & tubing trips; a mountain experience to please all paddlers.

Biking

From little known back roads to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway no matter your style or skill the Blue Ridge mountains are a bikers bliss . Each year, many bike enthusiasts navigate the many first-rate trails that wind throughout the region. While many are drawn by the competitive races that are run annually, others come for the pure pleasure of the rides.

The Blue Ridge mountains offer some of the finest mountain biking in the country.

Whether you prefer road biking or off road trail riding, exhilarating rides with spectacular mountain scenery await the biking enthusiast.

Several organized bicycling tours can be found on the internet. Just do a search for Carolina Blue Ridge biking . Tours are available from spring to fall and cater to starters as well as well as experienced riders.

Take the time to discover the mountains at your own pace in your own style; on two wheels.

Horseback Riding

The Blue Ridge mountains offer many riding stables and qualified guides for exploring the mountains by horseback. Tailored for every age, youll experience wilderness rides, moonlight rides and overnight rides with camping. There’s something for everyone, even the most inexperienced rider. Several outfitters offer riding lessons and long and short-term boarding.

Saddle up to enjoy a unique wilderness adventure where you can to canter through a shady forest trail laced with mountain laurel in bloom or relax as your horse drinks from a cool mountain stream.

Whether its a two-day get away or a week-long journey to renew the inner spirit, you’ll always find a reason to come back for more Blue Ridge mountain memories.

About the Author: Anna Rae Norton is a tourism marketing professional living in Asheville NC.

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