Eight Ways to Beat the Summer Heat in Asheville, NC
1) Whatever You Do, Do It in the Morning (or Evening)
One of the best ways to beat the heat is by getting outside in the morning. Since temperatures usually drop into the 60s at night, mornings are pretty nice regardless of how hot it gets during the day.
Get out for a run, hike, or bike ride while the air is still crisp (crisp by summer standards).
2) Go Hiking in the Mountains
Physical activity may seem counterintuitive to beating the heat, but our area is unique. We are surrounded by mile-high mountains that can be upwards of twenty degrees cooler than the valley floor.
Some of the hikes that might require a long sleeve t-shirt or light jacket even in summer include:
- Mount Mitchell
- Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail
- Balsam Knob
- Pinnacle Park
- Mount Pisgah
- Max Patch
- Graveyard Fields Loop Trail
- Craggy Gardens and Pinnacle
Beat the heat by taking a great hike.
3) Go Mountain Biking
We have some of the best mountain biking in the country within just a short distance of downtown Asheville. Most of our trails and parks are hidden under thick forest canopies that make it feel much cooler. Plus, with the wind on your face, you might forget it’s summer altogether.
Jump on a bike and have a blast at one of the many trails or parks like:
- Bent Creek Bike Park
- Dupont State Forest
- Kanuga Bike Park
- Bailey Mountain Bike Park
- Tsali Recreation Area
- Kitsuma Peak
4) Find a Swimming Hole
We have one of the greatest waterfall concentrations in the Southeast. Many of them are accessible for wading under and are surrounded by beautiful cold-water pools.
Enjoy a swimming hole like the one at Crabtree Falls or Looking Glass Falls for a sure way to beat the heat.
5) Slide Down Sliding Rock
While each one is unique and intriguing in its own right, a couple of them also serve as natural water slides. Sliding Rock is the place to go if you want to see a natural water slide.
It costs a few dollars for access to slide down it, but once you start, you will want to be there all day.
6) Get in the River
While we do not advise just getting in the river without doing some research first, there are several ways you can experience the cold waters of the French Broad, Nantahala, and other area rivers.
Our area is known throughout the world as one of the best places for fly fishing. We have exhilarating watersports like whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Also, on any given summer day, you will see people floating down the French Broad on tubes.
7) Do Something Indoors
Sometimes, you just can't seem to get a break from the heat while you’re outdoors. When that’s the case, there is plenty to do indoors:
- You can check out the Asheville Mall
- You can take a tour of Biltmore Estate
- You can explore the Pinball Museum
- You can hit up one of the many world-famous restaurants or breweries
- You can find a show at one of the many awesome venues
8) Come to the Coolest Bar in Asheville
When you’re trying to beat the heat, you have to make sure you visit the coolest bar in town. What could be cooler than dueling pianos?
If you’ve never seen a dueling piano show, get ready for a crazy and fun-filled evening like you’ve never experienced. As an entertainment venue, the musicians will impress you with their repertoire of thousands of popular songs from the last fifty years.
It is an all-request show with no setlist.
All your favorite songs from when you first cranked up the stereo in your car and sang at the top of your lungs – just ask, and you might be amazed at many they know. Whether you are having a day of outdoor fun, or you are exploring the best spots in town, make sure you come see us at Off the Wagon Dueling Piano Bar.
