Embrace the Outdoors This Weekend in Mills River!

Mills River --   With summer in full swing, Mills River and its surrounding communities are buzzing with opportunities to get outside and enjoy the beautiful Western North Carolina landscape.

From scenic hikes to dog-friendly fun and vibrant community gatherings, there's something for everyone to make the most of the weekend.

Hit the Trails: Hiking Adventures
Lace-up your boots and explore the serene beauty of the Pisgah National Forest with these inviting hikes:

Pink Beds Hemlock Hike with Mills River Partnership: Join the Mills River Partnership this Friday, June 13th, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM for an educational journey on the Pink Beds Trail Loop [US-276, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768]. This mostly flat, 3.2-mile loop offers a chance to learn about the vital role of hemlocks and ongoing conservation efforts. RSVP is required, so secure your spot for this insightful trek!

Mills River: Coffee Pot Loop (Asheville Hiking Group): For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, the Asheville Hiking Group is tackling the 8.1-mile Coffee Pot Loop on Wednesday, June 11th, at 8:30 AM. This hike offers good footing and ample shade, with carpooling from the Mills River Ingles [3338 Boylston Hwy, Mills River, NC 28759]. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join!

Trip in the Woods at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.: Combine nature and craft beer with a guided 1.5-mile nature hike at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. [100 Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher, NC 28732]. This tour explores the forested property, introduces you to their resident farm animals, and concludes with a refreshing Pale Ale. A perfect blend of activity and relaxation!

Paws-itively Fun Dog Events!

Your four-legged friends are invited to join in the outdoor fun at these upcoming events and dog-friendly locations:

Mills River Valley 5k and 10K Race and Doggy Dash 1 Miler: Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 7th, at 8:30 AM EDT at Mills River Park [124 Town Center Dr, Mills River, NC 28759]! This exciting event offers USATF Certified 5K and 10K races, plus a dedicated "Doggy Dash 1 Miler" for you and your canine companion. Dogs are also welcome to run with their owners in the longer races, starting at the back of the pack. Discounts are available for groups!

Dog-Friendly Destinations: Many local establishments in Mills River embrace our furry friends. Enjoy a brew with your pup on the back porch of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. [100 Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher, NC 28732], or visit Bold Rock Mills River Cidery [72 School House Rd, Mills River, NC 28759], Burning Blush Brewery [4891 Boylston Hwy, Mills River, NC 28759], and Mills River Brewing Co [336 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River, NC 28759], all of which welcome leashed dogs in their outdoor (and often indoor) spaces. The Mills River Farm Market [94 School House Rd, Mills River, NC 28759] also allows leashed dogs as you browse local goods.

The North Carolina Arboretum [20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806]: With 10 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails across its 434 acres, The North Carolina Arboretum is a fantastic place for you and your dog to explore cultivated gardens and natural beauty.

Community Fun

Beyond structured events, there are plenty of ways to connect with the community and enjoy the outdoors:

Meetup Groups: Discover local outdoor and social groups through platforms like Meetup.com. Organizations like the Asheville Hiking Group, Hendo Fun Friends, and Senior Singles Fun Bunch often organize hikes, social gatherings, and other outdoor excursions.

Ongoing Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the scenic beauty with guided Blue Ridge Parkway Jeep Tours or discover the numerous waterfall hikes in areas like DuPont State Recreational Forest [Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718]. For a more relaxed experience, consider river tubing on the French Broad River, or try your hand at gem mining in Hendersonville, NC, with options like Elijah Mountain Gem Mine And

Crystal Store [2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791]. Horseback riding is another popular way to explore the trails.

Important Note for Park Visitors: Please remember that while many outdoor venues are open, it's always a good idea to check directly with specific event organizers or locations for the most up-to-date information on schedules and accessibility before heading out. Enjoy your outdoor adventures in Mills River!

WNCTimes

Image: WNCTimes