Itching to explore the outdoors this fall? From city biking tours to multi-day hiking excursions, we’ve rounded up 17+ guided tours in NC, SC, TN and VA to feed your adventurous side. They’re sorted by region, so you can go ahead and get to planning.
NC MOUNTAINS
Tour: Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour (Semi-private)
Departs from: Pisgah Forest, NC
Duration: About 5 hours
Details:
A semi-private, guided walking tour that gives participants the opportunity to see the largest and “off the beaten path” waterfalls and panoramic mountain views. Includes easy-to-moderate forest walks around 2.5 miles total. Tours practice social distancing and participants are recommended to bring a cloth face covering for indoor restrooms.
Tour: Downtown Asheville Electric Bike Tour
Departs from: Asheville, NC
Duration: 2.5 hours
Details:
Hop on an electric bike tour to explore downtown Asheville, from the city’s architectural gems and historic sites to South Slope, home to breweries, art galleries and restaurants. During COVID-19, tour guides are limiting time indoors during the tours, encouraging social distancing and making hand sanitizer, buffs or masks, and gloves available before the tour.
Tour: Blue Ridge Brews and Views Hiking Tour
Departs from: Asheville, NC
Duration: 4 days
Details:
For dedicated bikers and brewery lovers, this 4-day adventure takes participants to Linville Gorge in the Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock, Shining Rock and Art Loeb Trail, with plenty of brewery stops along the way. This tour is available to private groups only through 2020, group departures will resume in 2021.
Tour: Classic Yoga Hike
Departs from: 30 minutes SE from downtown Asheville
Duration: 3 hours
Connect with yourself and the outdoors with a two-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail with a one-hour yoga class at the picturesque summit.
Tour: Portered Shining Rock
Departs from: Asheville, NC
Duration: 3 days
Details:
A favorite among tour guides, this 3-day hiking and backpacking tour guides guests from Asheville into the Cradle of Forestry area (where American forest conservation began), to Looking Glass Falls, along the East Fork of the Pigeon River, to Shining Rock Gap and Cold Mountain.
Tour: Half-day Fall Color Photography Tour (all levels welcome)
Departs from: Near Asheville (additional details provided at booking)
Duration: 5 hours
Details:
Capture the stunning fall colors with a guided tour and photography lesson, regardless of your experience. Tours are customized to the experience, preferences and fitness levels of participants. Currently, they’re offering only private tours with social distancing in place.
VIRGINIA/MOUNTAINS
Tour: Charlottesville City Tour
Departs from: Blue Ridge Cyclery-Downtown Charlottesville
Duration: 2 hours
Details:
On this signature downtown bicycle tour, participants will enjoy a 2-hour ride that highlights Charlottesville’s historic and public buildings, architectural masterpieces, public art installations, parks and outdoor venues.
Tour: University of Virginia City Tour
Departs from: Blue Ridge Cyclery-Downtown Charlottesville
Duration: 2 hours
Details:
This 2-hour tour is a must-do for history buffs eager to explore the campus of University of Virginia, designed by Thomas Jefferson. See the famous Rotunda, Scott Stadium, the UVA Chapel, “The Corner” and more.
Tour: Customizable and Private Appalachian Tours
Departs from: Roanoke, VA
Duration: Typically around 8 hours, with other options available
Details:
Contact author Don Defreeze for custom and private Appalachian Trail hiking and camping tours. Popular trail locations include Catawba Rocks, Apple Orchard Falls, McAfee Knob and more.
Tour: Charlottesville Ghost & Mystery Tour
Departs from: Charlottesville, VA
Duration: Inquire for more information
Details:
Book a private Ghost & Mystery tour of Charlottesville, limited to just six people. All precautions, such as masks and social distancing, will be expected. To book, call 434.760.0525.
COASTAL NC
Tour: Historic Beaufort Walking Tour
Departs from: Downtown Beaufort, NC
Duration: 1-1.25 hours
Details:
If you’d rather head to the coast during the fall season, explore Beaufort with a historic walking tour. Stroll past the town’s 285 historic homes and through tree-lined streets while learning all about Beaufort’s rich history, dating back to the late 1700s.
TN MOUNTAINS
Tour: Scenic River Walk
Departs from: Location provided upon booking
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Details:
Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, explore the Little River and it’s scenic beauty on this 3-hour walking tour. Participants will stop along the way to learn about the plants, animals, geology and human history of the region.
Tour: Fall Color Quest
Tour: Smoky Mountains Classic
Departs from: Asheville, NC
Duration: 3 days
Details:
Explore the grassy balds of the Smoky Mountains on this 3-day tour, where participants will begin on the banks of the Little Tennessee River, pass by scenic waterfalls and ridges on the way to Gregory Bald to enjoy a sunset dinner.
Departs from: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Duration: 3-4 hours
Details:
On this tour, your naturalist guide will lead you to the top places to steal a peek at fall foliage in the Smokies, including a stroll along the Appalachian Trail.
Tour: Winter Creeks and Peaks
Departs from: Asheville, NC
Duration: 3-4 days
Details:
Plan ahead for winter with this backpacking trip that includes Smoky Mountain views, historical sites, waterfalls and creekside hiking.
GREENVILLE/UPSTATE SC
Tour: West End Walking Tour
Departs from: Greenville, SC
Duration: 1 hour
Details:
Discover Greenville with a walking tour that starts out at Falls Park, a 40-foot nature waterfall in the heart of downtown. Participants will hear a chronological history of the city while exploring sites including the pedestrian Liberty Bridge and an 1816 grist mill.
Tour: Greenville 4-Day Ride Camp Bike Tour
Departs from: Greenville, SC
Duration: 4 days
Details:
Serious cyclers can hit the trails around Greenville, from steep Blue Ridge mountain climbs (and rewarding views) to rolling countryside roads. Hotel accommodations and meals are included.
