Winter weather always brings a three-word mantra into our heads. No, it’s not: “Stay at home.” It’s actually: “Hike, bike, party.” Hiking, e-biking, and partying are the top three winter activities in Asheville—and we know because we do them every year. Check out what’s in store if you’re looking for things to do in Asheville this winter!
Asheville Party Bus
Perhaps the merriest way to ring in the holidays is with a ride on the Asheville Party Bus. Pack the bus with up to 14 of your pals and you’ll all get a cruise around town, stopping at some of the best breweries along the way.
Told you it was merry. The four-hour party on wheels includes one beer per stop, although you’re welcome to purchase more as you desire. You’re also welcome to BYOB and snacks to partake on the bus. You can even bring your own tunes to Bluetooth through the bus speakers.
Since Asheville is known for its unique variety of breweries, this is destined to be a trip to remember (more or less).
Your party captain and (sober) driver is an Asheville brewery aficionado, knowledgeable about the most exciting spots. Although pretty much any brewery delivers excitement when you’re on a bus tour with a gaggle of friends. Book the Asheville Party Bus here!
Why Book the Asheville Party Bus
- Eat
- Drink
- Be merry
Since winter sticks around for some time, there’s no reason you have to pick just one of these fabulous activities. You have plenty of time for all three. Perhaps even more than once! Hope to see you on the e-bike tour or the party bus—or maybe even out on a hiking trail.
Asheville Holiday E-bike Tour
While hiking boots are a great way to get around in the North Carolina winter, an e-bike can be even better. Especially when you’re riding along with the Asheville Winter E-Bike Tour.
This half-day ride takes you through and to the most amazing holiday hotspots in town. You’ll get a gorgeous glimpse of the seasonal lights and decorations throughout the city. You’ll also get an up-close and personal look at some of the coolest gingerbread houses in the world (or at least the country).
That’s right. The e-bike tour makes a stop to check out the highly celebrated Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition™. Notice it’s famous enough to be trademarked. Once you view the entries, you’ll easily see why.
The competition comes with big-name personality judges, national media coverage, and loads of delicious entries. While you can’t eat the entries, you can ooh, ahh and be awed by the level of artistry and craftsmanship needed to build a gingerbread structure that doesn’t collapse the moment you try to put a wafer shingle on the roof.
Why Take the Winter E-Bike Tour
- Delightful decorations
- Fresh air exercise
- Awesome gingerbread houses
Asheville Winter Hiking
Pristine snow. Frozen waterfalls. Breathtaking views. Who doesn’t love a winter hike (as long as you have cozy socks)? With diverse terrain and trails galore, the Asheville area serves up prime hiking all year round.
You’ll find oodles of trails ready for winter action, all depending on how far you want to travel to get there. Here come three winter hiking favorites:
Bearwallow Mountain Trail
About 20 miles from downtown Asheville
As if the name isn’t cool enough, the hike itself has even more to offer. This short, uphill hike lands you at a summit on the rim of the Hickory Nut Gorge—where you’ll get those breathtaking views we mentioned earlier. More info.
John Rock Trail
About 37 miles from downtown Asheville
More breathtaking views are in store on the John Rock Trail, located in Pisgah National Forest. This five-mile loop takes you past waterfalls to a rock summit where you can kick back and absorb the beauty. More info.
Daniel Ridge Falls
About 39 miles from downtown Asheville
Also in the Pisgah National Forest, Daniel Ridge Falls offers two trail options and the chance to spy frozen waterfalls. One trail is a short and sweet 1-mile trek. The other is a longer, 4-mile loop. More info.
Why Take a Winter Hike
- Amazing views
- Fresh air and exercise
- Chance to wear your coziest socks
If you’re in Asheville for a visit, or just don’t feel like driving – Asheville Adventure Company offers guided hikes through some of the most pristine trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.