| For a host of reasons, the Blue Ridge Mountains have | | | | known that the Blue Ridge Mountains offer some of |
| become something of a relocation hotspot, partly | | | | the best biking trails, not just in the United States, |
| because Asheville, NC real estate is among the best | | | | but in the world. And indeed, the biking experiences |
| buys in the country, and also partly because the area | | | | offered by the region are as diverse and |
| offers so very much for so very many different | | | | wide-ranging as the region itself. Looking for a gravel |
| types of people. | | | | path with scenic views of forest and streams? No |
| Asheville itself is a thriving urban community with a | | | | problem. Or are you more interested in slaloming |
| vital arts scene, great restaurants, stunning | | | | down a rugged descent at breakneck speeds? Why, |
| architecture and a growing job market. But the area | | | | that's here too. All you need is a bike, a helmet and |
| also offers a wealth of outdoor recreational activities | | | | an open afternoon...or better yet, a whole day. |
| for those seeking some wilder, more rugged | | | | Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting and Fishing |
| mountain adventure to go along with their mountain | | | | Of course, one need not stay on dry land to enjoy |
| real estate. | | | | the outdoor possibilities of the Blue Ridge Mountains. |
| Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains | | | | Rafting is one of the most rewarding outdoor |
| Hot Springs is a town about 40 minutes north of | | | | activities in which one can indulge; it also offers |
| Asheville, named for the hot mineral springs found in | | | | perhaps the most diverse array of possibilities. One |
| the area (in fact, it is the only place in the | | | | can go for the intensity and excitement of |
| Southeastern United States with hot mineral spring | | | | whitewater rafting, or one can simply take out a raft |
| water), but for all of the town's many attributes, | | | | for a calm day on the water, simply by taking a raft |
| perhaps its most exciting is the hiking trails found | | | | out on the French Broad River where all types of |
| nearby. | | | | rafting experiences are offered. The river is also |
| Hot Springs sits at the junction of the Appalachian | | | | home to plenty of small mouth bass and catfish, so |
| Trail and the French Broad River, and is surrounded | | | | one can plan a multifaceted day on the water. |
| by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pisgah National | | | | Kayaking and canoeing are also to be found in |
| Forest. Sections of the famous Appalachian National | | | | abundance in the Blue Ridge Mountain region-one can |
| Scenic Trail run through the area, and one can plan a | | | | go canoeing or kayaking down the French Broad |
| hike of virtually any length, with any agenda: you | | | | River for any length of excursion, and see any |
| could go for a picnic, set out to absorb breathtaking | | | | number of sights. There are, of course, wondrous |
| mountain views, hike aggressively to cover ground...or | | | | expanses of forest and mountains, as well as |
| just take a leisurely, long afternoon stroll. | | | | Asheville's magnificent Biltmore Estate: You can take |
| Mountain Climbing and Mountain Biking | | | | a quiet canoe or kayak ride through the Biltmore |
| For those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, the | | | | Estate property, from where you can witness the |
| Blue Ridge Mountains-as one might expect-also | | | | magisterial beauty of the 175,000-square-foot |
| provide some of the best and most accessible | | | | chateau. |
| mountain climbing in the country, including guided | | | | From Mountain Real Estate to Mountain Living |
| rock- and mountain-climbing experiences that can be | | | | It should go without saying that this is merely a |
| catered to any level of climber: from novice to | | | | fragment of the outdoor activities offered by the |
| expert. For those just learning the ropes, many | | | | Blue Ridge Mountains, and those who have only |
| rock-climbing guides will outfit clients in the | | | | recently purchased Asheville, NC real estate (as well |
| appropriate gear, so that major expenditures can be | | | | as those who are still in the market for Asheville, NC |
| avoided-or, at least, delayed, until the novice climber | | | | real estate) have this and so much more to explore. |
| decides it's time to get serious and buy his or her | | | | However, it can truly be said that no other region of |
| own crampons, ropes and harnesses. | | | | the country offers such a fine blend of culture, |
| And, of course, wherever there are mountains and | | | | real-estate value and outdoor excitement. And no |
| trails, mountain biking can't be far behind. It's widely | | | | other place in the world is quite so beautiful. |