The Adventure Collective 2017 WNC Adventure Guide | Page 6

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ASHEVILLE
THE LAND OF THE SKY
Deep Gap Trail (Mt. Mitchell, Parkway North MP
388): In just 4.5 miles, Deep Gap Trail, which is also known as the Black
Mountain Crest Trail, crosses four 6,000-foot peaks while taking hikers across
rocky out croppings and through spruce-fir forests. While this is a rugged trail that
makes hikers work for their views of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, the views
from the peaks of Mt. Craig, Big Tom, Cattail Peak and Potato Hill are among the
best in the East. Campers should consider getting an early start to make it to Deep
Gap in order to grab a tent site at the popular National Forest campsite. Don’t
forget your binoculars because this is a great spot to catch a glimpse of the Winter
Wren and Blackburnian Warbler. Directions from Asheville: Head north on the
Blue Ridge Parkway to milepost 388 to the entrance of Mt. Mitchell State Park. The trail
starts near the picnic area.
Bent Creek Trails: Over 30 miles of mountain bike trails make
Bent Creek the go-to spot for Asheville locals looking to get in some
fun, flowy miles during the work week or on weekends. Whether looking for
long gravel routes for training or seeking out steep technical terrain, riders
will find a good mix of both at Bent Creek. The most popular downhill trails
include Green’s Lick, Ingles Field Gap and Sidehill. We recommend making
the climb to Five Points and check out the countless variations available.
Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E and get off on Exit 33, NC
191/Brevard Rd. Turn left and head south on NC 191 for 2 miles. Turn right at the
stoplight onto Bent Creek Ranch Road about 2 miles and look for parking at the
Rice Pinnacle Parking Area.
Fish The North Mills River:
For anglers looking to
get off the beaten path and into the forest, look no further than the
delayed-harvest waters of the North Mills River. Located halfway between
Brevard and Asheville, the tight confines of the river’s forested banks, small
pools and crystal clear waters offer a nice change of scenery from many of
the roadside fishing destinations popular across western North Carolina.
From the fishing near the entrance to the forest at the paved parking area
to the seldom seen holes deep in the forest, the North Mills River Recreation
Area offers anglers a variety of types of different fishing conditions sure to
suit nearly everyone. As a delayed harvest river, hooking up with a stocked
trout is easiest during spring, but gets tougher as the pressure increases.
The summer through winter seasons offer anglers looking for a challenge a
chance to see if their skills are enough to make trout rise to the occasion.
Directions from Asheville: Head south out of Asheville on I-26 to
exit 40/Airport Road. Turn right toward Brevard/Mills River and follow for 4 miles
to North Mills RIver Road and turn right and continue to the North Mills River
Recreation Area Campground.
Paddle
Whitewater :
Make a trip down one of several
area rivers and experience the thrill of
whitewater. The French Broad, Pigeon
and Nantahala rivers all offer great family-
friendly options near Asheville, while
kayakers can often be seen catching
waves and running rapids at Ledges
Whitewater Park in Asheville. With
multiple play spots and fun waves, a
variety of downriver lines and a flat, easy
approach, this park offers boaters a close-
to-town whitewater park perfect for an
afternoon session. Get Going: See
paddling info on page 9. For more info on
area rivers and gear rentals, contact French
Broad Outfitters at [phone].
Warren
Wilson
Trails: Explore miles of
singletrack carving through rolling
meadows and beautiful forests
with seemingly endless options for
exploration at Warren Wilson College.
One of our favorites is the River Trail
that runs parallel to the Swannanoa
River providing a nice flat run over varied
terrain including roots and rocks with
plenty of spots to cool off after a run.
Directions from Asheville:
Take I-240 E to I-40 E to Exit 55. Turn left
off exit and follow to Tunnel Rd./US 70. Turn
right onto US 70 E and travel 2 miles to the
first stop light. Turn left at light onto Warren
Wilson Rd. Go about 1.5 miles to parking