SMOKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE CENTER
Asheville’ s one-stop-shop for adventure is the new Smoky Mountain Adventure Center( SMAC) located in the River Arts District. The adventure center offers indoor and outdoor climbing on state-of-the-art climbing walls, tubing, kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals with easy access to the beautiful French Broad River. They offer bike rentals too making it easier than ever to enjoy all that the burgeoning River Arts District has to offer, from the scenic greenways to the breweries to the art galleries. Call ahead for reservations or drop in to start your adventure today.
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Throw A Line: Rent a boat from French
Broad Outfitters that is specially designed for fishing( we like the locally made Feelfree kayaks) and hit the water for some fishing fun. Whether covering several miles in a day or simply heading out to a shady spot where you can drop an anchor and relax with a cold beverage while waiting on a fish to bite, you’ re sure to have a great time while kayak fishing on the French Broad.
Bike The RAD: Take a tour of Asheville with a bike from rental from SMAC. The bikefriendly greenways and streets of the River Arts District are a great way to explore one of Asheville’ s most unique areas and provide a great starting point for longer road rides. With hundreds of artist studioes to explore, great food and breweries, you may not feel like you need to go anywhere else. If you’ re itching to experience some singletrack, grab a bike and head over to nearby Bent Creek Forest or try out the fun trails at nearby Richmond HIll Park.
Find Your Inner Yogi: Ready to start your day out on the right foot? The yoga classes at Smoky Mountain Adventure Center can help you get
headed in the right direction. Say‘ Namaste’ to a new you and a new sense of adventure. With a variety of classes offered, you’ re sure to find one that fits your yoga needs. From relaxation and meditation, to power and strength, these yoga classes will aid you in your discovery of self. Afterwards, enjoy a fresh juice from the juice bar while enjoying the view from the large outdoor deck overlooking the French Broad River and Carrier Park.
Try Paddleboarding: One trip down the French Broad River on a standup paddleboard makes it easy to see why this sport is quickly gaining in popularity. By combining the fun of floating downstream with the excitement of surfing, stand up paddleboarding provides a great workout while also being a fun adventure that is great for all ages. While first-time paddlers may have trouble getting the hang of balancing, the deep waters of the French Broad near SMAC provide forgiveness while learning.
Try The Climbing Walls: Asheville’ s newest climbing gym is also the best. The worldclass facility features a 34-foot high climbing wall that is the only lead climbing wall in Asheville. Don’ t have a belayer? No problem. The numerous self-belay systems make it easier than ever to get in a great workout on your own time. Heights not quite your thing? Well, you’ re in luck because the bouldering wall at SMAC is consistently stacked with enough great problems to have you coming back for more. Once you’ re sufficiently pumped and need a break, head upstairs to the bar where you can relax with a cold local brew or recovery drink while watching the action unfold below.
Hit The Hangout: No visit to
Asheville is complete without a sampling of some of the local breweries’ offerings. The Hangout, an inviting bar and lounge located on the second floor of SMAC offers a great option for local beer with a nice porch overlooking the park.
Getting There: From downtown Asheville, take I-240 W to Exit 1-B( Farmers Market, Hwy. 191). Turn left at the light and pass over I-240. Turn left at the very next light( I-240 E / I-26 W) and stay in the right lane. Take Exit 1-C( Amboy Rd.) and continue to 173 Amboy Road on the left.