Outdoor Adventures near Elk & Embers
Tucked into the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, Elk & Embers is your gateway to year-round adventure. From casting a fly on pristine mountain lakes and creeks to carving fresh powder in the winter, the Waynesville area offers unforgettable outdoor experiences for every season of the year. The mountains never disappoint.
Our team can help arrange guided excursions, provide local recommendations, and ensure every day of your stay is filled with exploration, relaxation, and most of all, fun!
Fly Fishing
Western North Carolina is considered one of the premier fly fishing destinations in the Southeast.
Cold mountain streams and scenic rivers and creeks throughout the region are home to wild trout, making it an ideal setting for anglers of all skill levels, including beginners.
Guests can spend time casting lines in nearby rivers such as the Pigeon River or explore remote creeks deep within the Great Smoky Mountains.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying fly fishing for the first time, guided trips can be arranged with expert local outfitters who know these waters best.
Expect quiet, serene, mornings, cool mountain air, and the thrill of landing a beautiful Appalachian trout.
Recommended Tours:
Maggie Valley Fly Shop
Tuckaseegee Fly Shop
Mountain Fly Outfitters
Whitewater Rafting & River Tubing
Adventure seekers will find no shortage of thrilling water experiences near Elk & Embers. Several nearby rivers offer exciting whitewater rafting trips through our gorgeous mountains, with options ranging from family-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping rapids.
The nearby Nantahala, French Broad, and Pigeon Rivers provide some of the region’s most popular rafting runs. For a more relaxed afternoon, guests can enjoy gentle river tubing, floating peacefully through mountain valleys surrounded by the forest.
Whether you’re chasing rapids or drifting with the current, a day on the river is one of the most memorable ways to experience the Smoky Mountains.
Popular whitewater rafting destinations include:
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Wildwater Rafting
Big Creek Expeditions
Horseback Riding
Experience the Smoky Mountains the way early settlers once did… on horseback.
Guided horseback riding adventures take guests along scenic forest trails, across mountain ridges, and through peaceful valleys.
Local stables offer rides suitable for beginners, families, and experienced riders alike. Along the way, riders may spot wildlife, mountain streams, and breathtaking overlooks rarely seen from the road.
It’s a peaceful and unforgettable way to explore the natural beauty of the Smokies.
Contact our Concierge Team to learn more or visit Cataloochee Ranch, Smokemont Riding Stables or Smoky Mountain Trail Rides for a guided tour.
Snow Activities: Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing
When winter blankets the Smokies in snow, the region transforms into a playground for cold weather fun!
Just minutes from Elk & Embers, the Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley offers 18 slopes and trails for skiing, snowboarding, as well as tubing for guests of all ages. Well maintained slopes and scenic mountain views make for unforgettable winter days, while the snow tubing area provides family-friendly fun for families and groups.
After a day on the slopes, return to Elk & Embers to warm up by the cozy fire, unwind in the sauna, and enjoy a relaxing mountain evening.
Golfing
For those who prefer their adventure on the greens, the Waynesville area offers some of the most scenic mountain golf in North Carolina.
A standout course is Laurel Ridge Country Club, an 18-hole championship course designed by renowned architect Bob Cupp and set high in the mountains with sweeping panoramic views.
The course stretches nearly 6,900 yards and features dramatic elevation changes and challenging mountain play.
Learn more or book tee times here.
Golfers will enjoy crisp mountain air, spectacular scenery, and a memorable round surrounded by the natural beauty of our area.
Zip Lining
For a thrilling view of the mountains, take to the treetops on a zip line adventure. High above the forest floor, zip line courses send guests soaring between platforms through towering trees and across scenic valleys.
Professional guides lead each excursion, making it a safe and exhilarating activity for families, couples, and groups. The combination of speed, height, and stunning mountain scenery creates an unforgettable experience.
Few adventures capture the spirit of the mountains quite like flying through the forest canopy.
Get more info on local zipline offerings by visiting Explore Asheville and Nantahala Outdoor Center.
Adventure Awaits
From peaceful days on the river to heart-pounding mountain thrills, Elk & Embers places you in the center of some of the Southeast’s best outdoor recreation.
Our concierge team is happy to help plan your itinerary, coordinate guides, and ensure every adventure is seamlessly woven into your stay.