Visit itinerary: Outdoor adventures guide to Biltmore

Whether you’re here for the day as a Biltmore Annual Passholder, planning your FREE next-day visit, or staying overnight, Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, offers plenty of outdoor adventures guaranteed to excite everyone in your group.

Thrill-seekers and leisure-lovers alike will feel at home amidst the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With so much to see and do, it can be a lot to take in. Don’t worry—we’ve made a list of our favorite outdoor adventures to help inspire your next dream visit.

Tip: Availability of guided outdoor activities varies by season. Review our current offerings before your arrival.

🦅 Falconry

Discover the ancient art of falconry as you learn to handle trained hawks or falcons. There’s nothing like the thrill of a raptor flying to land on your gloved hand.

🐦 Birding Adventures

Take a walk on the wild side on one of our guided bird walks. Explore the fields, open woodlands, and Farmyard area below Antler Hill Village on an engaging, educational adventure led by a professional Ventures Birding tour guide.

🐴 Horseback & Carriage Rides

Explore more than 80 miles of equestrian trails with guided rides suitable for first-timers and experienced riders. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through trails once frequented by the Vanderbilts, matching horses to your skill level. For those with their own horses, rental stabling and limited primitive camping is available at the Equestrian Center.

Prefer a more leisurely pace? Experience the estate’s beauty on a 30- or 60-minute carriage ride, just as George Vanderbilt’s guests did more than a century ago.

🌷 Self-Guided Garden Tour

Wandering Biltmore’s 75 acres of formal gardens is an excellent way to experience the genius of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted firsthand. It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit Biltmore, there is always something blooming. Even when Jack Frost is nipping at your nose, the Conservatory will wrap you in its tropical embrace as orchids, palms, and thousands more plants and flowers fill every corner.

Plan your tour of the gardens early by viewing our seasonal bloom report.

🚴‍♂️ Hiking & Biking

From historic gardens to woodland meadows, there are nearly 22 miles of hiking trails on the estate. Whether you prefer to take it easy or are looking for an intense workout, we’ve got just the trail for you. Get the lay of the land by checking our trail map before you embark on your adventure.

Bike rentals and guided tours are another excellent way to experience the scenery Biltmore has to offer, available at the Bike Barn for solo, tandem, and e-bikers (or bring your own!).

🎯 Sporting Clays

Choose from a variety of sporting clay lessons (basic, advanced, and trapper program), each designed to meet you at your skill level. Lessons include instruction on proper gun mounting, stance, target engagement, and skill enhancement techniques.

💭 Plan your dream Biltmore visit

Below are a few additional tips to help you plan your visit to Biltmore:

• Plan ahead: Don’t wait—get your admission, activities, and special overnight packages now to lock in those preferred dates and times!
• Getting around the estate: Many guests underestimate the vast size of Biltmore Estate. With miles between points of interest, we recommend allowing your party at least 30 minutes for travel and parking between estate locations. For helpful guidance on estate accessibility, please explore our Help Center.
• Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers appropriate for the season and types of activities you plan to do during your visit, especially if you’re exploring the outdoors.
• Watch the weather: The weather in our region can be unpredictable, which may result in unexpected temporary closures of our trails or outdoor activities during severe weather. We appreciate your understanding!
• Make it a getaway: With so much to experience, treat yourself and your loved ones to a memorable getaway with an overnight stay on Biltmore Estate. We’re excited to offer a new exclusive Biltmore House admission benefit for overnight guests: House Length of Stay access! Book an overnight package or stay that includes Biltmore House admission to enjoy a daytime visit to Biltmore House with an audio guide at your leisure. Enjoy America’s Largest Home® often as you like during the length of your stay, no reservation necessary!
• Make the most of your experience: All Biltmore admission types include access to Antler Hill Village & Winery and our historic gardens and grounds. Explore ticket types that include access to Biltmore House, free next-day grounds access, and more! Additional add-on experiences, such as the above-listed outdoor activities and exclusive guided tours, are available as well.

For even more helpful information on preparing for your Biltmore Estate visit, we recommend exploring our Visitor Information site section.