It is a regional center for activities in the 15 county area the makes up Western North Carolina. Outdoor recreation is enjoyed by over 11million visitors passing through the Blue Ridge Parkway that runs through Asheville. Hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, fishing, boating, biking and sight-seeing are favorite activities. The Parkway is of human construction, but the reason for it's existence, the natural wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains, have inspired generations of Native Americans, Spanish Conquistadors, Frontiersmen, Settlers and today's conquering Tourists from all countries. O ver 255 of the 469 mile length of the Parkway runs through North Carolina as it follows the southern Appalachian range from Shenanandoah National Park in Virgina to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in western North Carolina.
T here are six entrances accessible from the greater Asheville area.
Over 11 million visitors a year pass through the Asheville area on the Blue Ridge. A portion of it is used by locals as a commuter highway run around the SE end of Asheville. Avid walkers runners and bicyclist are seen using it everyday of the year as part of their fitness regime. It is an important part in the life of this active community. A sheville sits right in the middle of the two arms of the 495,000 acre Pisgah National Forest.