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A Tour of America's Greatest Swamps

When you think of “wilderness,” what image pops into your brain? I’d wager a lot of you first thought of snowcapped peaks — or maybe a convoluted canyonland, a lake-pocked boreal forest, or some windswept desert badlands.All of these…
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The Best Paddle-In Campgrounds in the Carolinas

Imagine unloading your kayak or canoe and setting up camp on an island in the middle of a mountain lake. A brilliant Carolina sunset reflects on crystal clear water as you finish tying off your hammock. Or maybe you’ve reached a coastal oasis…

5 Asheville Hikes with Amazing Views

Asheville sits in a valley that's surrounded by so many mountains it’s hard to keep track of which ones you’re looking at. Collectively, they’re the Southern Appalachians, but there are different ranges in every direction: the Black Mountains…
Courtesy of David Wilson, Creative Commons

French Broad Riverkeeper Float

The French Broad is one of the world’s oldest rivers and one of the most important natural assets in Western North Carolina. In 2012, the 140-mile-long French Broad River paddle trail was completed, improving recreational access with eight…
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Paddling the Nantahala River

The Nantahala River is ideally set up for intermediate paddlers. It has myriad small surf waves, forgiving eddy lines, and rapids with just enough power to challenge and entertain. There is also the capability to set up elite slalom courses…
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Paddling the Green River

The Green River is a place that has had a large influence on the world of whitewater paddling and on many boaters' lives. It is a highly convenient run because of its proximity to Asheville, Greenville, Charlotte, and Atlanta. Since…

Our Top 12 Paddling Picks

With an unseasonably warm weekend on the way and spring just around the corner, we've got paddling on the brain. We asked our paddlesports experts to share their favorite apparel, boat, gear, and accessory picks for a great day on the water.Apparel…

$6,000 for Local Youth Environmental Education — Again!

We believe the outdoors are for everyone. That’s why we teamed up with Patagonia again this year to award $6,000 to area programs that support environmental and stewardship education for local kids and teens. You helped us by voting in the…

4 Featherweight Boats You Need to Try

In a time when paddlesports brands are trending toward heavier boats, Hurricane Kayaks offers a refreshing contrast. They've consistently produced featherweight boats that handle beautifully, thanks to thermoformed Trylon construction.  It's…

Love Asheville Go Local Week

"Adventure Is Local" isn't just a tagline — it's a philosophy that guides the decisions that we make. A lot of things have changed since we opened Western North Carolina's first outdoor gear shop, but our sense of community and commitment…