Our hot air balloons lift off just west of Asheville, NC for a fantastic view of the mountains of Western North Carolina. There is simply nothing that compares to the exhilarating, yet the calming sensation of riding in a hot air balloon.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. The parkway, which is America’s longest linear park, runs for 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, linking Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Chimney Rock. It’s one part living classroom, one part outdoor gym.
With ample opportunities to learn and explore, along with hiking trails, climbing opportunities, and exciting ways to break a sweat and stay fit, you’re in for a bit of learning, and a bit of fitness.

The French Broad is one of the oldest rivers in the world, dating anywhere from 260-325 million years old. The river’s headwaters are in Rosman NC, from there it’s one of the few rivers that flows North instead of South. Over 4,000 miles of streams and rivers feed into the French Broad River.

Grandfather Mountain is a place of amazing biodiversity and scenic beauty that towers 5,946 feet above northwest North Carolina. A part of the United Nations’ Southern Appalachian Biosphere Reserve, the mountain is estimated to be 300 million years old — with certain rock formations dating back 1.2 billion years.

Located in Burke and McDowell counties 50 miles northeast of Asheville, Lake James State Park includes two areas to access this picturesque lake that is perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Campsites at both Catawba River and Paddy’s Creek accesses provide an opportunity to spend the night by the lake, with some sites accessible only by paddling. Trails include bike trails at Paddy’s Creek, the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail, the historic Overmountain Victory Trail, and the Fonta Flora State Trail. 

The state of North Carolina is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of beautiful waterfalls, located mostly in its mountainous western area. And although many different natural attractions can be found in the Southern Applachian Mountain region, waterfalls have without a doubt become one of North Carolina’s most treasured outdoor resources.

Located in Yancey County 30 miles northeast of Asheville, Mount Mitchell State Park was the genesis of North Carolina’s state parks system. At 6,684 feet, the mountain is the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and an observation deck provides breathtaking mountain views on a clear day. Easy trails at the summit explore the Fraser fir forest, while a vast network of challenging trails — including the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail — extend into adjacent wilderness areas and lead to backpacking opportunities within Pisgah National Forest.

The Pisgah National Forest covers over 500,000 acres of forest land across the central mountains of Western North Carolina. This large forest includes lands surrounding the town of Asheville and the French Broad River Valley, and extending into the higher mountains all around.

ADVENTURING THE PIGEON RIVER SINCE 1978 – Rafting in the Smokies was a pioneer outfitter on the Big Pigeon River in 1978. We even helped name the rapids back in those early days! Our goal then was to assemble a group of professional whitewater athletes to provide affordable fun on the river. That goal has never changed.