1) Go for a Hike at the Top of a Mile-High Mountain
The city itself is susceptible to 90-degree heat during July, but Asheville is surrounded by 5,000 to 6,000-foot peaks. When temperatures soar downtown, Mount Mitchell, Pisgah, and others are often as much as 20 degrees cooler. Some high elevation summer hikes include (not all of these are a mile high):
- Mount Pisgah: Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah features nearly a 360-degree view.
- Mount Mitchell: Mitchell is accessible via the parkway, or longer hikes from the Black Mountain area.
- Craggy Gardens: Located on the parkway, Craggy is one of the highest points and features incredible views. You can easily see Craggy and Mitchell in the same day.
- Max Patch: The lowest elevation on the list, Max Patch is located in Madison County, features 360-degree views, and intersects with the Appalachian Trail.
- Grandfather Mountain: On this list, Grandfather is the farthest distance away from Asheville, but well worth the drive for the mile-high swinging bridge, tens of miles of hiking trails, and nature center.
2) Visit a Cool Swimming Hole
Our area is home to almost countless swimming holes that remain downright cold all year long. Some of the most popular and accessible waterfalls and cool water pools near Asheville include:
- Looking Glass Falls near Brevard
- Sliding Rock near Brevard
- Turtle Back Falls near Brevard
- Hooker Falls in Dupont National Forest
- Skinny Dip Falls near Brevard
- Crabtree Falls on the Parkway
On this list, Sliding Rock is the only one that has a small fee; otherwise, these natural wonders are free ways in which your family can beat the heat any time of year.
3) Go for a Drive on the Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through the heart of Asheville, with tunnels, 360-degree views, and high elevations available either direction you drive from the city. Though it is most popular during autumn, summer is a great time to see wildlife, wild flowers, and stunning sunsets. Consider taking the family for a road trip to Boone via the parkway.
4) Go Kayaking, Tubing, or Whitewater Rafting
The French Broad, Swannanoa, Nantahala, and Ivy rivers are all popular bodies of water for watersports; however, there are small creeks and streams, as well as larger lakes that provide opportunity to get in the water. From the Fontana Dam area, to Madison County, there is no shortage of places to begin your water adventure.
5) Make Sure Your Home’s HVAC System is Working Efficiently
The best way to beat the heat in Asheville is to stay inside your air conditioned home; however, if you air conditioned home; however, if your house is not designed to maximize airflow and energy efficiency, cooling it can be challenging and costly. If you are building a home, make sure your home-builder is committed to high quality, efficient design. For trusted general contractors in the Asheville area, contact us.