MADE X MTNS

09/08/2026

Linville Gorge is an iconic climbing destination. It's so cool to hear stories of first ascents like this one, knowing it wasn't all that long ago that the guide books were the only way you could or would find your routes, and paying homage to those who wrote those routes. We may have a lot more information at our fingertips these days, but all WNC climbs are worthy of caution and immense respect. We're lucky in this part of the state to have expert guides like Appalachian Climbing School & Fox Mountain Guides, and groups like Carolina Climbers Coalition to advocate for and protect climbing access in these mountains, and robust and skilled emergency services like Burke Rescue Inc and SAR to serve all outdoor recreationists in the area.

09/05/2026

Happy Trails this Labor Day weekend! Wherever you're headed:
🥾 to woods to beat the heat
🚵‍♀️ to roll the rail trail or send it on singletrack
🎶 to a festival in town
🌊 To get out onto the water
🏞️ to cruise the views on the Parkway

Stay safe and cool, take sunscreen and snacks, plan your route and always leave no trace!

09/02/2026

The Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC is looking for a locally-rooted outdoor recreation enthusiast and community organizer to lead the growth of its Catawba Chapter as its Regional Manager. See the full description here and please share with your networks!

Catawba Regional Manager - Outdoor Business Alliance  Location: Catawba Region (Catawba and surrounding counties) Status: Contracted Position, $1000/month, approximately 10 hours a week Reports to: OBA Executive Director About the Outdoor Business Alliance The Outdoor Business Alliance (OBA) of...

08/31/2026

Last week was a powerful one at the Blue Ridge Rising Two-State Summit, hosted at Biltmore by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Blue Ridge Rising unites 29 counties across North Carolina and Virginia along the 469-mile corridor of the Blue Ridge Parkway to grow tourism, protect natural resources and strengthen the regional economy.

We heard incredible keynotes from Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent, Tracy Swartout, who described the Parkway's importance seeding peoples core memories and acting as a natural, scenic scrapbook of their lifetimes.

Bridgett Massengill, President & CEO of Thrive Regional Partnership, emphasized that progress moves at the speed of trust, and that trust is built upon relationships -- an ethos that we value greatly in Made by Mountains' work across WNC.

Blue Ridge Rising is supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission ARISE Program, and regional partners including the Dogwood Health Trust, The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and more.

Learn more at BlueRidgeRising.com

08/13/2026

Tuesday and Wednesday at the Great Trails NC Great Trails State Conference were jam packed with insightful content and excellent networking! Thank you to all who joined us as part of the "Building the Outdoor Economy" Track, and to every presenter, exhibitor, sponsor and organizer who made this event happen. We left Winston Salem extremely proud to be a founding member of the Great Trails State Coalition, and inspired to continue so many vital conversations and topics at next year's Outdoor Economy Conference.

08/11/2026

The Great Trails NC Great Trails State Conference started today with a powerful coalition meeting, a wonderful message from Governor Josh Stein, a recap of how the Great Trails State movement has grown from co-leaders, Palmer and Iona, a welcoming keynote from David LaMotte, and an inspiring film fest! Excited to be here with so many partners, and looking forward to kicking off the Building the Outdoor Economy program track tomorrow & Wednesday!

08/07/2026

Time to catch up on a few summer recaps before school starts!

We had a blast in July at Visit Smokies summer social, hosted at Endless River Adventures in the scenic Nantahala Gorge. The vibes were excellent and excitement was high around establishing a Smokies Chapter of Outdoor Business Alliance! Can't wait for the next get-together!

There's nowhere better than spending an evening in this special place, watching the rafts and kayaks go past, while a magical mist lifts up from the water and a chorus of summer sounds bounces off the mountains. There's still plenty of time to book your river or canopy adventures, so Go with a Guide, and make memories!

While you're in that direction, pop into Bryson City Outdoors or Nantahala Outdoor Center for your outdoor gear needs, and enjoy a pint while you're there, or jump on the road a little further to Hoppy Trout Brewing Company in Andrews.

08/01/2026

TODAY! Head to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company - Mills River's Lower Park for an Outdoor Fair with Trust for Public Land featuring live music, food & b**r, local nonprofit partners, and Adventures Worth Protecting, a conversation about protecting and expanding access to the outdoor spaces we all love.

While you're there, try their collaboration, Trail Pass Lemon Radler!