Eric Champlin

Hike these popular Blue Ridge Parkway trails to stunning mountain summit views, tumbling waterfalls and through some of western North Carolina's most beautiful forest near Asheville.

Framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is surrounded by scenic outdoor beauty. It's a city known for its acclaimed shopping and dining, an abundance of craft breweries, a vibrant arts community, and an active music scene.

When river meets towering rock, something seemingly magical happens, as water begins to tumble and spill into a pool below. Waterfalls are simply beautiful. They’re strikingly photo-worthy. And those tumbling tendrils of water somehow stir remarkable emotion in the soul.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America's iconic roads. It's a high-elevation scenic drive that stretches more than 400 miles from North Carolina to Virginia, traveling through the beautiful mountainous terrain of the southern Appalachians.

It's an exhilarating adrenaline rush: floating on a raft with a group thrill seekers, rounding a river's bend and spotting churning whitewater rapids ahead. The thrills of navigating boulder-strewn rivers, plunging over falls and taking a drenching from the river make whitewater rafting one of the most exciting (and refreshing) adventure sports in the Southeast.

The views are, no exaggeration, simply breathtaking. Soaring from the rim of the deep-cut Linville Gorge northeast of Asheville, Table Rock Mountain is a plateaued peak with a rocky, wind-swept summit that affords 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest. At just under 2 miles, roundtrip, it’s not a short hike, or an overly difficult one – but those stunning summit views have kept us coming back, year after year and season after season.

Hike the Deep Gap Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park, trekking a ridgeline to beautiful views at Mount Craig, the second highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and the neighboring Big Tom Mountain.

A waterfall's tumbling water, soothing sound and cool, misty breeze are beautiful, mesmerizing and rejuvenating.

Longing for the tranquility of a waterfall, but can't commit to a long hike? Georgia offers a wide range of fantastic waterfall trails that range from dozens of miles to dozens of feet.

More than 2,000 acres, two monadnock mountains, three lakes and many historic sites. The Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, located just outside I-285 perimeter on Atlanta's east side, is full of opportunities for outdoor adventure close to the metro area.

Those epic, long distance hikes on the Appalachian Trail in North Georgia might seem beautiful but intimidating, especially if you're new to hiking. That's fine! It's easier to start local, on beginner-friendly trails, and work up to the more challenging hikes when you're ready. Luckily, metro Atlanta offers many trails that are easy enough for beginners, but still packed with scenic beauty.

For the adventure-bound, Blue Ridge offers close access to a multitude of outdoor activities. Book a long weekend in Blue Ridge to hike, paddle and bike some of north Georgia's most scenic landscapes, unwind in a cozy cabin and nosh on some seriously delicious local fare.

Bring a frisbee, blanket, camera or picnic. Soak up an incredible sunrise or stunning sunset. Lay on the expansive, grassy summit and cloud gaze during the day, or stargaze at night. Hike through miles of wildflowers, wild blueberries and blackberries, and wispy, tall grass. Catch incredible 360-degree panoramas of surrounding mountain summits in North Carolina and Tennessee.

This is Max Patch, a popular, iconic, almost idyllic bald summit on the Appalachian Trail that’s beloved by hardcore AT thru-hikers, casual day hikers and frisbee-flingers alike.

It’s officially summer, and Georgia’s dog days are here. Hike these seven hikes through cool North Georgia stream and river valleys, splashing the way to some cool summertime trail time.

Running is a great way to stay in shape and keep active. Sometimes, though, the daily grind of the treadmill or the all-too-familiar neighborhood route can make running a challenge.

Take a run on a trail for a break from the monotony of your every day route.

The dog days of summer are here – but don't let the scorching temperatures and high humidity keep you from enjoying the outdoors. Beat the heat and explore the metro area's scenic outdoors in a new way: kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) at one of Atlanta's nearby lakes or rivers.