The Citizen-Times

Editor's note: This was originally published in 2017.

Hiking, photography, bird-watching, biking, rafting, safety. It’s all here in our ultimate guide to the outdoors in Western North Carolina. We talked to the experts for tips on exploring the WNC outdoors, whether you're on two feet or a bike seat, along the riverside or on the whitewater. Just remember to be safe and snap a few photos to help remember your excursions in our outdoor playground.

We've broken down trails throughout WNC into categories and provided you with details on all 24 options. Whether you're just getting into hiking or a seasoned veteran, each trail provides a unique payoff and experience. You can check out the interactive map there to get directions to each of the hiking trails.

The WNC mountains are dripping with rivers, a smorgasbord for kayaks, canoes, tubes, stand-up paddle boards and rafts. We'll show you the rivers to start on and give you options on where to visit if you want to spread your paddling wings. If you're looking for high-adrenaline rapids, a whitewater veteran says the Chattooga River should be on everyone's bucket list.

Are you interested in enjoying the rivers and streams of WNC, but would rather avoid rapids altogether? Check out our guide on fly-fishing. There are plenty of spots around Asheville and in the mountains that rank as some of the best for fly-fishing east of the Mississippi.

Mountain biking can be a difficult hobby to break in to. We help you navigate through the first steps so you can find a bike, pack the gear you need and leave with tips from experts to best navigate the trails. Once you're ready, we've got directions for three of our favorite trails and seven others for you to navigate on your own.

With hiking, rafting, biking and fishing, WNC is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. But all of those activities have inherent dangers. If you're going out for any of these activities, follow these safety tips to stay out of trouble and stay alive.

There's no denying how beautiful the views are going to be during any of these activities. But what’s the point if you can’t prove it to friends and family when you make it down off the mountain and back to your favorite brewery? Follow these tips from the Citizen Times photography staff to capture the best outdoor photos.