While our students at Emmanuel Lutheran School have been fortunate to maintain in-person classes, you and your family probably found yourselves stuck inside even more than usual during winter. In this article, we have tips for families to enjoy the great outdoors around Asheville this spring.

How To Get Your Family Outside During Spring in Asheville

1) Take a hike or two. 

There are thousands of miles of hiking trails in western North Carolina. Just a short drive from anywhere in Asheville, and you can find all sorts of interesting hikes. Not all of them are kid-friendly, however, so here are a few of our favorites:

• Linville Falls: 1.5 hours from Asheville. There are a few trails from which to choose once you arrive at the Linville Falls parking area. The main trail that goes to Linville Falls offers several views of the spectacular waterfalls and then entrance to the stunning Linville Gorge. 
• Crabtree Falls: 1.5 hours from Asheville. Crabtree Falls is a tougher hike but still kid-friendly. The reward is an amazing waterfall with a natural swimming hole. From the falls, you can continue the loop for beautiful mountain views
• Mount Pisgah: 1.5 hours from Asheville. This trail climbs up Mount Pisgah, where your family will be treated to a 270-degree view of the surrounding mountains and vistas. At the top, there is a television tower that stands as an amazing feat of modern engineering. Once your hike is complete, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at the famous Pisgah Inn.  
• Mount Mitchell: 2 hours from Asheville. It is only half a mile from the parking lot to the summit of Mount Mitchell. Once you are there, you are on top of the world. Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River. On a clear day, you can have a panoramic view of five states, so get out there before the heat and haze of the summer. 
• The Road to Nowhere: 1.5 hours from Asheville. The Road to Nowhere or Tunnel Bypass Trail is near Bryson City on the western edge of Fontana Lake. Your family will enjoy walking through the old tunnel, hooting, and hollering, and listening to the echo. You can continue the hike from there for views of Fontana Lake. 

2) Try mountain biking. 

Asheville has some of the best mountain biking in the state. In fact, people travel from all over to hit the trails around our city. Here are a few things to note before you hop on a trail and try your luck in the woods.

• For beginners, consider renting bikes before investing in a fleet. 
• Make sure the bikes are sized appropriately for each person in your family. 
• Watch videos on how to prepare bikes for a ride. A poorly maintained bicycle will be a miserable ride. 
• Do not bite off more than you can chew at the beginning. Ride the greenways and gravel trails before you start trying the larger trail systems. 
• Consider getting an experienced mountain biker to show you the ropes. 
• There are several trail systems from which to choose. Dupont State Forest, Bent Creek, and Tsali Recreation Area are some of the systems that attract people from all over the world. 

3) Get in the water.

If you want to utilize the pristine rivers and creeks that run through our area, spring is not too early for many water sports. Here are a few tips for getting in and using the water a western North Carolina:

• Start small: Whether you are renting kayaks or going on a whitewater rafting adventure, you do not want to take on more than you should. 
• Wear a wetsuit: The water will still be cold, so you want to make sure you and your family are wearing the proper attire. 
• Go with a guide: While you can try to rent or buy your floatation device, consider following the seasoned leadership of a guide. 

4) Just go outside!

Even if you do not have the time to go hiking, biking, or participate in water sports, there is still plenty to do outside in Asheville. Take the kids to one of our pristine parks. Choose to eat outside on your deck or patio. Take walks around the neighborhood. Whatever you do, it is vital to make sure you take advantage of the great outdoors this spring. 

Emmanuel Lutheran School is a Christian parochial school serving students from infancy through eighth grade. We know how valuable and vital it is to get outside and enjoy God's creation. There is more to growing up for our kids than just rigorous academics. That is why we make sure students have the chance to hear the gospel every day. We also encourage our families to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful area. At the same time, we have been fortunate to maintain in-person classes throughout the 2020-2021 school year. 

If you would like to know more about how your student can be part of Emmanuel Lutheran School, contact us today.