Summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains invites you to get outside. From forest trails and mountain overlooks to swimming and tubing, outdoor adventures near Asheville NC offer plenty of ways to make the most of a warm summer day.
At Bent Creek Lodge, many of these experiences are remarkably close to your home away from home. Our peaceful woodland location puts guests next door to the Blue Ridge Parkway and North Carolina Arboretum, with the Bent Creek trail system, Lake Powhatan, and French Broad River recreation also nearby.
That means you can spend less time getting there and more time enjoying the mountains. Hike or bike beneath a leafy forest canopy, cool off in the water, explore beautiful gardens, or head higher into the mountains for expansive Blue Ridge views.
Hike and Bike the Bent Creek Trails
The Bent Creek Experimental Forest is a favorite destination for outdoor recreation near Asheville. Its extensive network of forest roads and trails provides opportunities for hiking and mountain biking through the Southern Appalachian landscape.
Mountain bikers will find everything from relatively easy forest roads and rolling trails to more challenging singletrack, making Bent Creek a popular destination for riders of varying experience levels. Hikers can enjoy the same wooded landscape at a slower pace, following trails past streams, hardwood forests, and quiet mountain scenery.
The interconnected trail system also makes it easy to tailor an outing to your available time and energy. Head out for a leisurely walk, spend a few hours exploring the forest, or make a full morning of it before returning to Bent Creek Lodge to relax and recharge.
Cool Off at Lake Powhatan and the French Broad River
When temperatures climb, head to nearby Lake Powhatan for a classic summer afternoon. Surrounded by forest, the recreation area offers a swimming beach along with access to the extensive Bent Creek trail system.
Another favorite way to cool off is a float on the French Broad River. Nearby Zen Tubing offers seasonal tubing trips along a scenic stretch of the river, complete with tube rental and shuttle service. Kayaking and other paddling opportunities are also available from Asheville-area outfitters.
Whether you prefer a swim or a leisurely river float, there are plenty of ways to add some time on the water to your mountain getaway.
Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway and NC Arboretum
Bent Creek Lodge is ideally situated for two of Western North Carolina’s best-known outdoor destinations. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic drives, mountain overlooks, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails throughout the surrounding mountains.
Our next-door neighbor, the North Carolina Arboretum, combines more than 65 acres of cultivated gardens with its extensive trail network, providing a gentler outdoor alternative when you want to slow down and explore. The trail system also connects with the surrounding Bent Creek area mentioned above, making it easy to choose anything from a leisurely walk to a more energetic day on the trail.
After a day of outdoor adventures near Asheville NC, return to Bent Creek Lodge to relax on the porch, enjoy the mountain scenery, and plan tomorrow’s excursion. With so many outdoor experiences nearby, your next summer adventure may be closer than you think.