Whitewater Rafting The French Broad River in Madison County is one of North Carolina's premiere whitewater rafting rivers. The closest rafting to Asheville, the French Broad is excellent for beginners, yet still exciting for the experienced.
We recommend Huck Finn Rafting, USA Rafting, or the Nantahala Outdoor Company. Each of these is a short drive from the House at Whispering Water.
After a day on the river, what better than to drive to your secluded mountain retreat for some outdoor relaxation on the front porch listening to the gentle song of the nearby creek. Whitewater rafting on the French Broad is always an experience and a time with loved ones that you will remember for many years.
Skiing, Snow Boarding, and Snow Tubing
Wolf Laurel Ski Resort has a variety of trails and one of the East's best half pipes for snowboarding. A family-oriented ski area with fun for everyone, including slopes from beginner to expert.
When you ski or snowboard at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort you'll enjoy unmatched views, crisp mountain air, well-groomed slopes and some new places to explore at Western North Carolina's top-rated ski slope. Formerly Wolf Laurel Slopes, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort has expanded and offers 15 acres of additional ski slopes, a new quad lift, a new terrain park and much more. There is something for everyone from beginner to expert at this family-oriented resort now with an expanded 82 acres of ski terrain. There are two places to park, purchase lift tickets/area passes and pick up rentals - the Lower Wolf Ridge Lodge and the Upper Wolf Ridge Lodge. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is North Carolina's most accessible ski slope. You won't find miles and miles of two-lane switchbacks here- we're just 5 miles from I-26 at Exit 3 and just 30 minutes from Asheville, NC. Why not visit Western North Carolina's family-oriented ski area this season - come Ski the Wolf!
The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail passes from one end of the county to the other, with many access points giving day hikers a great opportunity to walk short segments of the trail.
Fishing
Mountain trout are abundant in remote streams for fishing and the French Broad and larger streams hold bass, crappie and some muskie.
Camping
Forest Service campgrounds and private campgrounds are located throughout the county.
Historic Downtown Waynesville
Waynesville’s vibrant, architecturally significant, downtown boasts brick-lined sidewalks, restored red brick & stone buildings and gorgeous flower beds. Ever-changing outdoor sculpture art is prominently displayed, sharing space with well tended flower beds.
Arts
Since 1790 when the first pioneer walked into this mountain wilderness with a fiddle under his arm, an unbroken line of notable musicians and ballad singers have followed. Traditional mountain music is one of Madison County's most treasured handmade crafts. Madison County has been home to some of the finest fiddlers and "pickers" of Appalachia. The mountains have nourished and sustained a musical heritage derived from the Celtic forbearers of present-day inhabitants. Festivals that support these arts include, but are not limited to:
Trailfest (held in April each year)- Celebrate the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs. Outdoor recreation activities planned with a music festival, local crafts and vendors, games, great food and fascinating speakers http://www.trailfest.net/ Contact 689-3704
French Broad River Festival (held in May each year) Hot Springs is known for its whitewater rafting. What better place to hold the "Riverfest"? River Rodeo, big name music and entertainment, great camping weather and more!
The Bluff Mountain Music Festival (held in June each year on the grounds of the Hot Springs Spa and Resort in Hot Springs). The Bluff Mountain festival is FREE to the public and features some of the region's best Traditional and Bluegrass Music followed by an evening Square Dance until dark.
Madison Celebrates Arts Festival (held in September each year) The streets of downtown Marshall serve as a showcase to county artists' work.
Madison County Heritage Festival (held the first Saturday in October each year) The town of Mars Hill and the Mars Hill College campus are transformed for the day. Enjoy traditional mountain music, authentic craft demonstrations, wood carving, quilts, pottery, food, lunches & baked goods.
