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four things eclipseWith the end of summer approaching quickly, there are numerous fun and relaxing activities for you to enjoy before fall. Asheville is located near some of the best kid-friendly activities the mountains of western North Carolina have to offer. Here are four must-dos before the weather turns colder and summer draws to an end:

 

1) Check out the Solar Eclipse

By now, you have certainly heard about the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse. With so few of these events occurring in a person’s lifetime, the immense buzz surrounding it is understandable. On Monday, August 21st, a Total Solar Eclipse will pass through western North Carolina. For a 70-mile wide swath of our southern mountains, the moon will briefly cover the sun 100%.

West of Asheville, in areas like Sylva, Bryson City, Cherokee, Andrews, Murphy, and Dupont Forest, viewers will have the opportunity to see 100% coverage. If you take in the eclipse, make sure you follow proper safety precautions:

  • Wear approved eclipse glasses or level 14 welding goggles
  • Do not stare directly at the sun with your naked eye
  • Always drink plenty of water when outside – it is still summer
  • Be aware of crowds of people
  • Be prepared for cell phone outages, heavy traffic, and an influx of people

2) Go for a Bike Ride

There are hundreds of mountain biking trails in the Bent Creek, Dupont, and Fontana Lake trail systems, many of which are beginning and intermediate level. If the greenways are more of your pace, check out the French Broad Greenway at Amboy Road and Carrier Parks. At Carrier, the old Asheville Speedway is now available for you and the kids to race around on your bikes.

waterfall looking glass

3) Go for a Mountain Hike

Home to thousands of miles of hiking trails, with widely varying terrain, make sure you take advantage of our area’s hiking trails before the end of summer. From steep mountain adventures, to waterfalls, to cold water swimming holes, there is more to explore than one could do in a lifetime. Some of our favorite, relaxing summer hikes include:

  • Linville Falls, Gorge, and Caverns: North Carolina’s “Grand Canyon” features waterfalls, caves to explore, and trails for all ages.
  • Crabtree Falls: Mountain views and a picturesque waterfall, combined with a large swimming hole make this hike an Asheville favorite.
  • Dupont State Forest: Dupont itself has several hikes, ranging from a few miles to 20+. Dupont has waterfalls, big views, and a beautiful covered bridge.
  • Brevard, NC: Turtleback, Rainbow, Sliding Rock, and Skinny Dip are just a few of the waterfall hikes located near Brevard, in Transylvania County.

4) Go Tubing or Whitewater Rafting

Whether you want a lazy river ride, or a true adventure, there are several creeks, rivers, and streams in which you can enjoy whitewater rafting or tubing. Make sure you rent from a reputable company, or go with experienced river experts.

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