Lover's Leap Loop Trail

A moderate 1.6 mile trail, Lover's Leap Loop is a scenic, steadily climbing trail that ascends Lover's Leap Ridge in Hot Springs, NC. Panoramic views of the French Broad River and the town of Hot Springs make this a major attraction for hikers and visitors to the area. To access this trail from downtown Hot Springs, follow 25/70 East for .5 miles before turning left onto Silvermine Road. Take the first left to continue following Silvermine Road. Just past the bridge, you'll see a trailhead for the Silvermine trail. Continue walking down the road, passing the Silvermine Trail, and get on the Appalachian Trail, which is marked with white blazes. Once on the trail, markers indicating Lover's Loop will be easy to spot.

Bald Knob Ridge Trail

Also rated "moderate”, the Bald Knob Ridge Trail extends 2.8 miles up a ridge before reaching a summit which offers breathtaking and expansive views of the Black Mountains. Though the switchbacks provide for a difficult ascent, the sight from the top is well worth the effort. To get to this hike from Downtown Burnsville, follow directions to Briar Bottom Trail. Instead of pulling in to the parking lot on Forest Service Road 472, continue on until you pass the Buncombe Horse Range Trail Sign. Bald Knob Ridge Trail is marked with a trailhead sign.

The Biltmore Estate is one of the most popular of our many area attractions. The enormous house, the expansive estate, the world renowned gardens - all of these prove to be an incredible draw for tourists heading to Western North Carolina. Built in the late 1800's, the 178,926 square foot home is the largest privately owned home in the United States and considered to be America's first mansion. Visiting the Estate is popular no matter the season, but in the spring visitors get the added bonus of experiencing the gardens in full bloom. Miles of groomed trails showcase thousands of flowers, shrubs, and flowering trees and the air is sweet with the floral display.

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434 acre public garden located just south of Downtown Asheville, within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Established in 1986, it is the culmination of a vision first articulated by Frederick Law Olmsted in the late 1800's. Located within the Pisgah National Forest, it is open to the public for just the cost of parking and the hours vary seasonally. Springtime hours are from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the gates to the park closing in the evening at 8:00 PM. Visitors can spend hours hiking the manicured trails through the woods, strolling the paths in the beautifully maintained garden, or checking out the ever-rotating exhibitions like the Bonsai Exhibit, the Rocky Cove Railroad Model Train Exhibit, The Orchid Exhibit, and more.

The Asheville Botanical Garden is an independent, non-profit organization located just 2 miles from the heart of Downtown Asheville. It's a beautiful park that offers locals and visitors alike a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and it offers it absolutely free of charge. The organization's mission is to preserve and promote the native plant species that inhabit these diverse mountains. Strolling the manicured trails, dipping your feet in the rushing stream twining through the park, or just relaxing on the greens are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the park. Educational opportunities are always available - so school groups visiting the area (or families who love to learn together) will definitely want to check out this amazing area resource.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of our most beloved of area resources. Nationally renowned as one of the most beautiful Scenic Byways in the US, it twines through our back yard and places hundreds of amazing scenic overlooks and hiking trails at our fingertips. It is full of possibilities and overflowing with beauty no matter the time of year, but during the Spring Season, visitors and locals that venture up on the parkway will find themselves awestruck by the colors, scents, and life springing from the previously frozen ground. Access points to the Parkway can be found all over Western North Carolina, with several in Asheville proper, making it a supremely accessible amenity.