Fun things you can do around Luna Lair
Hiking
Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way.
37 habitants recommandent
Appalachian Mountains
Completing the entire 2,190+ miles of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) in one trip is a mammoth undertaking. Each year, thousands of hikers attempt a thru-hike; only about one in four makes it all the way.
At times, the Grandfather Trail may feel more like an obstacle course than a hiking path. An intricate series of ladders, walkways, and steel cables zig-zag up and across the three seperate peaks of Grandfather Mountain. This is an out-and-back trail, featuring 2.4 miles of hoisting, scrambling, and hand-over-hand climbing each direction. The route edges along the crest of the mountain, ducking through stunted spruce trees and skirting across exposed rock faces. The views from the first two peaks are astonishing, but the true reward lies at the top of the third and tallest summit, 5,946 ft Calloway Peak. Come and see why John Muir once described Grandfather Mountain as "the face of all heaven come to earth."
Grandfather Trail
Grandfather TrailAt times, the Grandfather Trail may feel more like an obstacle course than a hiking path. An intricate series of ladders, walkways, and steel cables zig-zag up and across the three seperate peaks of Grandfather Mountain. This is an out-and-back trail, featuring 2.4 miles of hoisting, scrambling, and hand-over-hand climbing each direction. The route edges along the crest of the mountain, ducking through stunted spruce trees and skirting across exposed rock faces. The views from the first two peaks are astonishing, but the true reward lies at the top of the third and tallest summit, 5,946 ft Calloway Peak. Come and see why John Muir once described Grandfather Mountain as "the face of all heaven come to earth."
Even before coming in site of the waterfall, visitors to Crabtree Meadows are captivated by the lush carpet of wildflowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The forest floor is awash with over forty varieties of flowers, creating a bejeweled background for the popular Crabtree Falls Trail . This 2.4 mile loop begins with a series of switchbacks, gently descending to the base of its namesake falls: a wispy white curtain of water cascading over a 70 foot beehive of dark rock. The remaining 1.5 miles climb out of the enchanted forest through creeks and over split-log bridges.
155 habitants recommandent
Crabtree Falls
39000 Blue Ridge PkwyEven before coming in site of the waterfall, visitors to Crabtree Meadows are captivated by the lush carpet of wildflowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The forest floor is awash with over forty varieties of flowers, creating a bejeweled background for the popular Crabtree Falls Trail . This 2.4 mile loop begins with a series of switchbacks, gently descending to the base of its namesake falls: a wispy white curtain of water cascading over a 70 foot beehive of dark rock. The remaining 1.5 miles climb out of the enchanted forest through creeks and over split-log bridges.
Looking Glass Rock is a steep granite monolith, rising like a cargo ship from the rolling waves of Pisgah National Forest. The trail to the top, however, is surprisingly benign; while certainly a challenge, the constant switchbacks really take the edge of the steep gradient. The single trail etched into the mountainside is an out-and-back that makes for a journey totaling 6.4 miles. The summit of Looking Glass is an anomaly in the Blue Ridge: flat-topped, thickly forested, and not particularly tall. In fact, you'll be gazing up at the mountains that engulf you, not down upon them. It is the exposure factor, the thrill of standing on the edge of a sheer vertical drop off, that make this one of the most thrilling and popular hikes in the region.
68 habitants recommandent
Looking Glass Rock
Looking Glass Rock is a steep granite monolith, rising like a cargo ship from the rolling waves of Pisgah National Forest. The trail to the top, however, is surprisingly benign; while certainly a challenge, the constant switchbacks really take the edge of the steep gradient. The single trail etched into the mountainside is an out-and-back that makes for a journey totaling 6.4 miles. The summit of Looking Glass is an anomaly in the Blue Ridge: flat-topped, thickly forested, and not particularly tall. In fact, you'll be gazing up at the mountains that engulf you, not down upon them. It is the exposure factor, the thrill of standing on the edge of a sheer vertical drop off, that make this one of the most thrilling and popular hikes in the region.
The Old Mitchell Trail leads you to the summit of Mt. Mitchell , the highest peak East of the Mississippi River. From that lofty perch, surrounded by sky, immersed in chilled mountain air, allow yourself ample time to sit back and observe the world from one and a quarter miles above sea level. There are many options that lead to the top, and Old Mitchell is a classic: a four-mile loop with an out and back extension to the summit, and every step is above 6,000 feet! You'll encounter the typical backcountry obstacles: a relentless climb gnarled with roots, rocks, and raspberry cane. However, to reach the top and be engulfed in a world of rippled Appalachian peaks, standing high above them all, is an experience that no hiker should miss.
Old Mount Mitchell Trail
Old Mount Mitchell TrailThe Old Mitchell Trail leads you to the summit of Mt. Mitchell , the highest peak East of the Mississippi River. From that lofty perch, surrounded by sky, immersed in chilled mountain air, allow yourself ample time to sit back and observe the world from one and a quarter miles above sea level. There are many options that lead to the top, and Old Mitchell is a classic: a four-mile loop with an out and back extension to the summit, and every step is above 6,000 feet! You'll encounter the typical backcountry obstacles: a relentless climb gnarled with roots, rocks, and raspberry cane. However, to reach the top and be engulfed in a world of rippled Appalachian peaks, standing high above them all, is an experience that no hiker should miss.
Perched high in the Great Balsam Range, the glittering quartz formations at the summit of Shining Rock make for a gorgeous and unusual spectacle. The bright swirling rock, emerging like frozen ocean waves from a dark coniferous forest and surrounded by soaring mountain views, creates a scene so lovely and dramatic it appears almost otherworldly. A section of the Art Loeb Trail , beginning at the Black Balsam parking area and meandering over a series of grassy balds is particularly exquisite way to reach "the crystalline cliffs."
Shining Rock
Perched high in the Great Balsam Range, the glittering quartz formations at the summit of Shining Rock make for a gorgeous and unusual spectacle. The bright swirling rock, emerging like frozen ocean waves from a dark coniferous forest and surrounded by soaring mountain views, creates a scene so lovely and dramatic it appears almost otherworldly. A section of the Art Loeb Trail , beginning at the Black Balsam parking area and meandering over a series of grassy balds is particularly exquisite way to reach "the crystalline cliffs."
The picturesque summit of Waterrock knob is a mere half mile from the parking area, but don't even dream of writing it off as a roadside attraction. With breathtaking views and readily accessible ridge hiking unspooling in both directions, Watterrock is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the Plott Balsam Range. The wide, grassy meadow at the start of the summit hike may be the most dramatic locale for a family picnic on the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. To claim the best view possible, sneak past the summit onto a rock outcropping on the Southern side of the peak, and behold the lush Tuckasegee River Valley and the Nantahala National Forest spread out below, the Great Smoky Mountains unfurling into the distance.
87 habitants recommandent
Waterrock Knob
The picturesque summit of Waterrock knob is a mere half mile from the parking area, but don't even dream of writing it off as a roadside attraction. With breathtaking views and readily accessible ridge hiking unspooling in both directions, Watterrock is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the Plott Balsam Range. The wide, grassy meadow at the start of the summit hike may be the most dramatic locale for a family picnic on the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway. To claim the best view possible, sneak past the summit onto a rock outcropping on the Southern side of the peak, and behold the lush Tuckasegee River Valley and the Nantahala National Forest spread out below, the Great Smoky Mountains unfurling into the distance.
The Blue Ridge Parkway delivers you nearly to the pinnacle of Craggy Gardens , a heath bald of grey rock and pink-blooming rhododendron that soars 5,892 feet above sea level. At the summit, high-mountain grasses wave placidly in the foreground, set against panoramic mountain views. The trail is 1.4 miles round-trip and climbs only 252 feet in elevation: a huge payoff for minimal exertion. Cool tunnels of mountain laurel, twisted birch trees, and the occasional lookout make for an enjoyable journey as you meander to the top.
Great Craggy Mountains
The Blue Ridge Parkway delivers you nearly to the pinnacle of Craggy Gardens , a heath bald of grey rock and pink-blooming rhododendron that soars 5,892 feet above sea level. At the summit, high-mountain grasses wave placidly in the foreground, set against panoramic mountain views. The trail is 1.4 miles round-trip and climbs only 252 feet in elevation: a huge payoff for minimal exertion. Cool tunnels of mountain laurel, twisted birch trees, and the occasional lookout make for an enjoyable journey as you meander to the top.
The rocky summit of Hawksbill Mountain affords one of the most spectacular views in all of North Carolina. Two thousand feet below you, the Linville River threads through the bottom of the canyon, enveloped by nearly 12,000 acres of unadulterated wilderness. Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Shortoff Mountain cut stately profiles against the peak-rippled horizon. This three-mile loop features a steep climb on the way up and a gentler, more gradual descent. The trail is accessible from Forest Service Road 1264 in Pisgah National Forest. Be aware that this road is closed from January-March.
46 habitants recommandent
Hawksbill Mountain Trail Head
The rocky summit of Hawksbill Mountain affords one of the most spectacular views in all of North Carolina. Two thousand feet below you, the Linville River threads through the bottom of the canyon, enveloped by nearly 12,000 acres of unadulterated wilderness. Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Shortoff Mountain cut stately profiles against the peak-rippled horizon. This three-mile loop features a steep climb on the way up and a gentler, more gradual descent. The trail is accessible from Forest Service Road 1264 in Pisgah National Forest. Be aware that this road is closed from January-March.
It’s no wonder that Max Patch Meadow is considered the most gorgeous section of the entire Appalachian Trail. The summit is rounded and soft with grass, surrounded by rolling woods and pastureland that gradually swell into mountains, eventually becoming the sharp peaks of the Black Mountain Range, Blue Ridge, and the Smokies in the distance. Although the summit is only a few minutes walk from the parking area, jump on the Appalachian Trail for a day trip to Lemon Gap—or hike all the way to Maine, for that matter!
227 habitants recommandent
Max Patch
Max Patch RoadIt’s no wonder that Max Patch Meadow is considered the most gorgeous section of the entire Appalachian Trail. The summit is rounded and soft with grass, surrounded by rolling woods and pastureland that gradually swell into mountains, eventually becoming the sharp peaks of the Black Mountain Range, Blue Ridge, and the Smokies in the distance. Although the summit is only a few minutes walk from the parking area, jump on the Appalachian Trail for a day trip to Lemon Gap—or hike all the way to Maine, for that matter!
Winter Activities
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is a ski area in the eastern United States in western North Carolina, near Mars Hill. Five miles from Interstate 26, it has fifteen ski slopes and trails, with four of the slopes rated for beginners, nine 'intermediate', and only two as 'advanced'
153 habitants recommandent
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
578 Valley View CirWolf Ridge Ski Resort is a ski area in the eastern United States in western North Carolina, near Mars Hill. Five miles from Interstate 26, it has fifteen ski slopes and trails, with four of the slopes rated for beginners, nine 'intermediate', and only two as 'advanced'
Seasonal attraction featuring a hill with 3 snowtubing lanes, plus a solarium with a fireplace.
21 habitants recommandent
Zip N Slip Snow Tubing Park
10725 US-23Seasonal attraction featuring a hill with 3 snowtubing lanes, plus a solarium with a fireplace.
Better than traditional sledding, snow tubing is great fun for the whole family. Slide down the run then take a “magic carpet” lift back to the top to repeat the fun. The Tube Run also features snow making capability and a lighted hill for nighttime fun.
Featuring one big slope 60 feet wide at the top, 100 feet wide at the bottom and 350 feet long of sliding fun! No designated lanes means tubers have the option to link up tubes increasing the fun factor. In case you get hungry while having fun, we have snack and drink options available. Nothing better than a cup of hot cocoa to warm up with!
12 habitants recommandent
Wolf Ridge Tubing
3461 Puncheon Fork RoadBetter than traditional sledding, snow tubing is great fun for the whole family. Slide down the run then take a “magic carpet” lift back to the top to repeat the fun. The Tube Run also features snow making capability and a lighted hill for nighttime fun.
Featuring one big slope 60 feet wide at the top, 100 feet wide at the bottom and 350 feet long of sliding fun! No designated lanes means tubers have the option to link up tubes increasing the fun factor. In case you get hungry while having fun, we have snack and drink options available. Nothing better than a cup of hot cocoa to warm up with!
Zip-line
World-class zip-line. Attraction offering guided zipline tours through the forested terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
279 habitants recommandent
Navitat Canopy Adventures
242 Poverty Branch RdWorld-class zip-line. Attraction offering guided zipline tours through the forested terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville Treetops Adventure Park is an exciting Asheville Attraction comprised of over 77 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling. Family Adventure Destination open all year for ages 4 & over, minutes from Downtown Asheville with Asheville Canopy Ziplines
65 habitants recommandent
Adventure Center of Asheville
85 Expo DrAsheville Treetops Adventure Park is an exciting Asheville Attraction comprised of over 77 unique climbing, zipping, walking, jumping, swinging, and rappelling. Family Adventure Destination open all year for ages 4 & over, minutes from Downtown Asheville with Asheville Canopy Ziplines
Whitewater
Rafting outfitter providing whitewater adventure trips of varying lengths & intensities.
21 habitants recommandent
NOC French Broad Outpost
9825 US-25Rafting outfitter providing whitewater adventure trips of varying lengths & intensities.
Whitewater rafting on the French Broad River in Asheville North Carolina. The best whitewater rafting in NC.
70 habitants recommandent
Blue Heron Whitewater
35 Little Pine RdWhitewater rafting on the French Broad River in Asheville North Carolina. The best whitewater rafting in NC.
Family-friendly outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whitewater rafting, canyoneering, ziplining, and more - all within 30 minutes of Asheville.
109 habitants recommandent
Aventures sur la French Broad
12 Good Adventures LnFamily-friendly outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whitewater rafting, canyoneering, ziplining, and more - all within 30 minutes of Asheville.
Bars
Neighborhood watering hole serves up classic cocktails & house concoctions, plus select bites.Great ambiance and great cocktails, this spot is right outside of downtown.
78 habitants recommandent
Little Jumbo
241 Broadway StNeighborhood watering hole serves up classic cocktails & house concoctions, plus select bites.Great ambiance and great cocktails, this spot is right outside of downtown.
Sleek hangout featuring craft cocktails, nibbles & mountain views in a rustic–chic interior. Located at the top of the Hyatt hotel in Montford, this bar has free valet parking and is a beautiful space with amazingly fresh and creative small plates. Grab a cocktail and watch the sunset from one of the best views downtown.
109 habitants recommandent
The Montford Rooftop Bar
199 Haywood StSleek hangout featuring craft cocktails, nibbles & mountain views in a rustic–chic interior. Located at the top of the Hyatt hotel in Montford, this bar has free valet parking and is a beautiful space with amazingly fresh and creative small plates. Grab a cocktail and watch the sunset from one of the best views downtown.
This sprawling outdoor venue with a rustic vibe features live music, a bar & Southern-style eats.
176 habitants recommandent
Salvage Station
468 Riverside DrThis sprawling outdoor venue with a rustic vibe features live music, a bar & Southern-style eats.
Relaxed venue offering globally inspired comfort food & an extensive drink selection.
30 habitants recommandent
The Golden Pineapple
503 Haywood RdRelaxed venue offering globally inspired comfort food & an extensive drink selection.
Desserts
Buzzy locale for fried-to-order donuts made with local ingredients, plus coffee & orange juice.
Voted Best Dessert of 2016 By Bon Apetit Magazine, these are some crazy good doughnuts! They make them to order and only have a couple flavors each day. Even if there’s a line (it’s common!), they are well worth the wait.
231 habitants recommandent
Hole Doughnuts
168 Haywood RdBuzzy locale for fried-to-order donuts made with local ingredients, plus coffee & orange juice.
Voted Best Dessert of 2016 By Bon Apetit Magazine, these are some crazy good doughnuts! They make them to order and only have a couple flavors each day. Even if there’s a line (it’s common!), they are well worth the wait.
Colorful, family-friendly cafe serving dairy & nondairy ice cream & treats in creative flavors.
The local ice cream shop is known for their funky flavors that are ever changing. They have sugar free options as well as vegan options and use local ingredients as much as possible.
74 habitants recommandent
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
640 Merrimon AveColorful, family-friendly cafe serving dairy & nondairy ice cream & treats in creative flavors.
The local ice cream shop is known for their funky flavors that are ever changing. They have sugar free options as well as vegan options and use local ingredients as much as possible.
This place has so, so many options for delicious desserts. If you are a chocolate cake fan-theirs is the best! They also have coffee and cafe-style lunch foods you can buy by the pound (perfect for picnics).
65 habitants recommandent
The Well-Bred Bakery & Café in Biltmore Village
6 Boston WayThis place has so, so many options for delicious desserts. If you are a chocolate cake fan-theirs is the best! They also have coffee and cafe-style lunch foods you can buy by the pound (perfect for picnics).
Cozy bakeshop offering pastries, naturally leavened bread & other small bites in spare surrounds.
This adorable shop is a phenomenal place for some very well done European pastries. Great coffee and tea can be found here also. I always buy a loaf of bread to take home!
156 habitants recommandent
OWL Bakery
295 Haywood RdCozy bakeshop offering pastries, naturally leavened bread & other small bites in spare surrounds.
This adorable shop is a phenomenal place for some very well done European pastries. Great coffee and tea can be found here also. I always buy a loaf of bread to take home!
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
675 Merrimon AvePizza, beer and discount movies
Pizza place
This pizza place has a discount movie theatre where you can eat while watching. They also have a separate dining room, and game room. “ABC” is also a brewery and offers loads of great beers on tap. If you don’t feel like going out, they deliver!
243 habitants recommandent
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
675 Merrimon AveThis pizza place has a discount movie theatre where you can eat while watching. They also have a separate dining room, and game room. “ABC” is also a brewery and offers loads of great beers on tap. If you don’t feel like going out, they deliver!
Counter-serve chain with industrial-chic decor known for build-your-own pizza.They also offer a gluten-free crust option
11 habitants recommandent
MOD Pizza
873 Merrimon AveCounter-serve chain with industrial-chic decor known for build-your-own pizza.They also offer a gluten-free crust option
PizzaMind is known for their specialty pizzas, Kids can build their own pizza and they have a great cocktail menu. We recommend their Carolina BBQ pizza. Head next door to Archetype brewing afterwards.
90 habitants recommandent
Pizza Mind
285 Haywood RdPizzaMind is known for their specialty pizzas, Kids can build their own pizza and they have a great cocktail menu. We recommend their Carolina BBQ pizza. Head next door to Archetype brewing afterwards.
For a really delicious classic pizza head to Standard. We love their margarita pizza. This spot also offers a gluten-free crust and a laid back industrial atmosphere.
61 habitants recommandent
Standard Pizza Co.
631 Haywood RdFor a really delicious classic pizza head to Standard. We love their margarita pizza. This spot also offers a gluten-free crust and a laid back industrial atmosphere.