Things to do in the Appalachian Mountains
Explore the hills and hollers of Appalachia! From fishing on a scenic river like the Cumberland to bird watching at Yatesville. You can always find something awesome to do! Filter by state to plan your next adventure!
Explore Outdoor Activities in the Heart of Appalachia
-
Red River Gorge
Location: Slade, KY | Activity: Hiking, Camping, Climbing
A stunning landscape with arches, cliffs, and trails.
-
Breaks Interstate Park
Location: Breaks, KY/VA | Activity: Hiking, Kayaking, Fishing
The “Grand Canyon of the South” with rugged beauty.
-
Cumberland Falls
Location: Corbin, KY | Activity: Hiking, Waterfall Viewing
Home to the “Niagara of the South.”
-
Kingdom Come State Park
Location: Cumberland, KY | Activity: Hiking, Scenic Views
High overlooks and peaceful trails.
-
Pine Mountain State Resort Park
Location: Pineville, KY | Activity: Hiking, Golf
Kentucky’s first state park with scenic trails.
-
Big South Fork
Location: Stearns, KY | Activity: Kayaking, Hiking, Camping
Rivers and trails across a vast wilderness.
-
Black Mountain Off-Road
Location: Harlan, KY | Activity: ATV, Off-Roading
Rugged trails for off-road enthusiasts.
-
Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Location: Logan, Mingo Counties, WV | Activity: ATV, Off-Roading
Over 1,000 miles of trails for adrenaline junkies.
-
New River Gorge National Park
Location: Fayetteville, WV | Activity: Hiking, Whitewater Rafting
Iconic bridge and world-class rapids.
-
Twin Falls Resort State Park
Location: Mullens, WV | Activity: Hiking, Golf
Waterfalls and rolling hills.
-
Pinnacle Rock State Park
Location: Bramwell, WV | Activity: Hiking, Scenic Views
A striking rock formation with trails.
-
Grandview
Location: Beaver, WV | Activity: Hiking, Overlooks
Breathtaking views of the New River Gorge.
-
R.D. Bailey Lake
Location: Justice, WV | Activity: Fishing, Boating, Camping
A serene spot for water lovers.
-
Coalfields Expressway Trails
Location: McDowell County, WV | Activity: ATV, Dirt Biking
Emerging trails in coal country.
-
Devil’s Bathtub
Location: Scott County, VA | Activity: Hiking, Swimming
A scenic hike to a crystal-clear swimming hole.
-
Spearhead Trails
Location: St. Paul, VA | Activity: ATV, Off-Roading
Thrilling trails in the mountains.
-
Natural Tunnel State Park
Location: Duffield, VA | Activity: Hiking, Camping
A massive natural tunnel and trails.
-
Clinch River
Location: Tazewell, VA | Activity: Fishing, Kayaking
A biodiversity hotspot for anglers.
-
Mount Rogers
Location: Grayson County, VA | Activity: Hiking, Camping
Virginia’s highest peak with wild ponies.
-
Breaks Interstate Park
Location: Breaks, VA/KY | Activity: Hiking, Biking
Shared with KY, a rugged paradise.
-
High Knob Recreation Area
Location: Wise County, VA | Activity: Hiking, Scenic Views
Panoramic vistas from a fire tower.
-
Linville Gorge
Location: Burke County, NC | Activity: Hiking, Camping
The “Grand Canyon of the East.”
-
Great Smoky Mountains
Location: Swain County, NC | Activity: Hiking, Camping
America’s most visited national park.
-
Fontana Lake
Location: Graham County, NC | Activity: Boating, Fishing, Kayaking
Remote waters surrounded by mountains.
-
Grandfather Mountain
Location: Avery County, NC | Activity: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
Famous for its Mile High Swinging Bridge.
-
Nantahala River
Location: Macon County, NC | Activity: Whitewater Rafting, Kayaking
Thrilling rapids in a scenic gorge.
-
Pisgah National Forest
Location: Transylvania County, NC | Activity: Hiking, Mountain Biking
Waterfalls and endless trails.
-
Mount Mitchell
Location: Yancey County, NC | Activity: Hiking, Scenic Views
Highest peak east of the Mississippi.
-
Big South Fork
Location: Oneida, TN | Activity: Kayaking, Hiking, Camping
A wild river and trail system.
-
Great Smoky Mountains
Location: Sevier County, TN | Activity: Hiking, Camping
Shared with NC, a hiker’s paradise.
-
Doe Mountain Recreation Area
Location: Mountain City, TN | Activity: ATV, Hiking
Multi-use trails with stunning views.
-
Cherokee National Forest
Location: Unicoi County, TN | Activity: Hiking, Fishing
Miles of trails and pristine streams.
-
Watauga Lake
Location: Carter County, TN | Activity: Boating, Fishing
A clear, mountain-ringed lake.
-
Roan Mountain
Location: Carter County, TN | Activity: Hiking, Wildflowers
Famous for rhododendron blooms.
-
South Holston River
Location: Sullivan County, TN | Activity: Fly Fishing, Kayaking
A top trout fishing destination.
