Asheville Outdoors While Indoors

Until you can hit the trail again, you can experience the wonder of the Blue Ridge Mountains even while staying inside.

From the comfort of your couch, virtually explore favorite Asheville mountain trails, the grounds and gardens at Biltmore and the history of the Blue Ridge Parkway thanks to interactive online activities and 360-degree imagery.

We've pulled together a list of Asheville virtual outdoor experiences to keep you connected to nature in spirit.

Take a Virtual Tour of Favorite Hiking Trails

Through a partnership with Google, Explore Asheville has helped to create interactive, virtual tours of more than 20 iconic area hikes and destinations. From Catawba Falls to the top of Mount Mitchell, you can explore iconic Asheville locations from the comfort of your couch!

And, watch our trail videos of the Skyline Trail at Chimney Rock State Park and the Wildcat Rock Trail. 

Having trouble viewing on mobile? Click here to see the Google Street View version.

Explore Biltmore Virtually in 360 Degrees

Biltmore is a place that can easily take your breath away. From the awe-inspiring details inside the home to the beautifully-manicured gardens and trails, you'll find there's so much to explore.

Here at Explore Asheville we've also developed a way to help you discover Biltmore from the comfort of your own home. Through a partnership with Biltmore and Google Street View, we're giving you a 360-degree look at favorite Biltmore locations throughout the grounds and gardens.

Take the virtual tours of places like the South Terrace, the Lagoon Trail and the Italian Garden, for a preview of what you'll see when the estate reopens.

360 View - Biltmore Estate

Having trouble viewing on mobile? Click here to see the Google Street View version.

Experience the Blue Ridge Parkway in a New Way with this Interactive Online "Explorers" Guide

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile roadway known as "America's Favorite Scenic Drive." This incredible scenic road passes right through Asheville, providing a gateway to stunning sweeping views of endless mountain ridges. We've collected the stories of seven people (past and present) who have truly made it their mission to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway.

From stories to videos to interactive maps, experience the Parkway in a new manner with our Explorers of the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide.

Give Yourself a "Nature Minute"

One of the Asheville area's most beloved outdoor attractions, Grandfather Mountain, is hosting a series called "Nature Minute." In the videos, park staff will showcase the adorable animals such as otters, cougars and bears that call this nature preserve home. You'll also be introduced to the natural wonders of the mountain. You can watch the series on Grandfather Mountain's Facebook page. 

Connect with the animals

Asheville's wildlife and nature park, the WNC Nature Center, is helping you stay connected to the park's beloved animals. Twice a week on its Facebook page, the WNC Nature Center is offering virtual animal experiences through video. Videos have included Sicilian donkeys Eeyore and Willy taking a leisurely stroll through the Nature Center to visit the cougar, gray wolves, and red wolves. Facebook followers have also learned of the possible pregnancy of Karma and Garnet, the Nature Center’s breeding pair of critically endangered American red wolves.

Binge on Video of Beautiful Vistas and Asheville Favorites

Enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of Asheville thanks to video playlists on Explore Asheville’s YouTube channel. From the inspiration Return Again video featuring music from Asheville band River Whyless to a timelapse footage of mountain sunrises, sunsets and cloud inversion, experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge.

To make you smile, check out Sammy the rescue dog's adventures in Asheville!