WNC IS MADE BY MOUNTAINS

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With unmatched natural assets and a community intimately engaged in the outdoors, Western North Carolina is the outdoor industry hub of the East. Step in for a closer look at places, people and companies that are made by mountains.

Made By Mountains Stories

Leah Wong Ashburn

The history of creative makers runs so deep in our area that I think Highland Brewing was born by these inspiring surroundings.

Read Leah’s story

David Billstrom

Bicycle brands like to be based in beautiful locations when they can, but most can’t.

Read David’s story

The Fire Mountain Trails / Provided

Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle

There is a sensibility to this area that for me, is rooted in having value for this place.

Read Annette’s story

Making outdoor adventure accessible
/ SylvanSport

Thrive Here

These mountains have made dreamers and doers, tinkerers and builders, industry leaders and pioneers.

Find a Career in the Outdoor Industry

Lush forests blanket our WNC mountains / Matthew Larkin

These Mountains

Western North Carolina

Explore What Makes These Mountains Special

Join Us

Get Involved to Enhance Your Community’s Natural Assets, Grow Your Business and Partner with the MADE X MTNS Brand.

Explore Ways To Get Involved

Happy Weekend! We're sure glad to see the sun agai

Happy Weekend! We're sure glad to see the sun again after a few days of intense rain...just in time for the holiday weekend! How do you plan to spend your next few days outdoors?

In the interest of sharing impactful content, particularly as we embark on our exciting Building Outdoor Communities programming, we've created a LinkedIn Page. If you're a LinkedIn user, do us a favor and give us a follow at: http://linkedin.com/company/madexmtns

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains

@mtnbizworks Invested Class and Waypoint Accelerat

@mtnbizworks Invested Class and Waypoint Accelerator cohort graduate @northcovedgc is gearing up for a busy summer expanding and operating their 157 acre property in McDowell County as a premier outdoor recreation and entertainment hub, and globally renowned Disc Golf destination. Learn more about the beautiful land, the North Cove story, and the opportunity that exists in this next big tourist corridor and Appalachian gateway: http://thenorthcove.com

#madexmtns #northcovediscgolf #northcoveleisureclub #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #mcdowellcountync #discgolf #outdoorrecreation #wnc

What does a workforce and a waterfall have in comm

What does a workforce and a waterfall have in common?

The pursuit of quality of life, incredible opportunity, and an invite to everyone, everywhere to learn, grow and experience something transformative. We’re proud to partner with @blackfolkscamptoo to share the #unityblaze and encourage anyone who may be looking to train In a new career path to explore the opportunities available in WNC’s $1.4billion outdoor industry.

Stay tuned with us as we join Earl B. Hunter Jr. and the awesome #blackfolkscamptoo team to learn more about WNC’s #outdoorindustry job and entrepreneurial opportunities.

#madexmtns #careers #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoorliving #outdoorjobs #outdoorindustryjobs #wncmountains #outdoorhuboftheeast

Happy Saturday from #trailsanddales at @oskarblues

Happy Saturday from #trailsanddales at @oskarblueswnc! Come see us in Brevard before the afternoon rain rolls in. All things #mountainbiking here, supporting @pisgahareasorba!

@explorebrevardnc #madexmtns #brevardnc #pisgahsorba #oskarblueswnc #trailsandalesday

Thanks to @avlchamber and @newbelgium_avl for host

Thanks to @avlchamber and @newbelgium_avl for hosting today’s Policy on Tap - Outdoor Economy Highlights in WNC. With 9% employment growth over the past 5 years, adding up to over 10,000 jobs in outdoor goods and services, and $1.4B in customer sales, WNC is the place to establish, grow and thrive in the Outdoor Recreation Economy. Thanks to panelists Land of Sky Council, @_sylvansport, @diamondbrandgear & @industry_nine for sharing their stories of resilience & pivoting over the past few years.

Through collaboration between our communities, education programs, industry innovators, and conservation partners, we’re uniquely positioned to thrive in expanding workforce opportunities, sustainable visitor management, conservation priorities and outdoor industry innovation. It’s a bright road ahead!

#madexmtns #wnc #ashevillechamber #policyontap #outdoors #outdooreconomy #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #outdoorrec #outdoorindustry

What’s your WNC weekend looking like? On Saturda

What’s your WNC weekend looking like? On Saturday May 21st, find us at @oskarblueswnc Trails and Dale’s Day celebration of mountain biking and beer in support of @pisgahareasorba! 🚴🏻‍♀️🚴‍♂️
If you’re itching to get in the river, head to the @wacko.official’s Green River Access Spring Shindig, benefitting the Green River Access Fund! 🚣‍♂️ Whether on land or water, it’ll be a great weekend to celebrate adventuring outside in WNC!

#madexmtns #trailsandales #pisgahsorba #greenriveraccessfund #greenriveraccess #greenriver

Such a beautiful day to film a special MADE X MTNS

Such a beautiful day to film a special MADE X MTNS story. Thanks to @nantahalaoutdoorcenter for letting us film on site as they continue their celebrations of 50 years in increasing accessibility and recreation opportunities in WNC’s rivers. Thanks to our interview guest (we’re not giving away the surprise of who it is quite yet!) for giving us a wonderful insight into his story and how these mountains and rivers have shaped his legacy, to @edpnc NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office Director, @amycallison, for lending her expertise as our interviewer, and to @robb_leahy for a seasoned eye (and an underwater camera) that helps us capture the magic.

#madexmtns #noc #nantahalaoutdoorcenter #whitewater

The team had a very productive week traveling acro

The team had a very productive week traveling across the Piedmont and High Country previewing the Building Outdoor Communities Program launching this September. WNC communities will have access to capacity building and technical assistance funds to advance their outdoor recreation economy initiatives. By helping communities leverage their natural beauty with outdoor recreation, we lay the foundation for place-based economic development. We met with partners from: Piedmont Triad Regional Council, Wilkes County, and Mitchell County.

The word placemaking finds it’s way into many a

The word placemaking finds it’s way into many a conversation with our partners in WNC as we conceptualize, imagine and activate a holistic outdoor recreation ecosystem of the best places to live, work, learn and play, while respecting and conserving prized natural assets so they can be enjoyed for many generations.

The more we connect, the more our outdoor recreation space becomes accessible, familiar and enjoyable to all. Spending time outdoors is a celebration, whether that be miles out in the backcountry, on the local greenway that traverses town, on the river, at a park, on a mountain summit, or in a backyard.

#madexmtns #wnc #outdoorrecreation

As the days lengthen and warm, our favorite WNC ou

As the days lengthen and warm, our favorite WNC outdoor locations come alive in lush greens and the trails beckon to be explored and enjoyed. The window opens, inviting all to experience new places and try new means and ways to enjoy being outside.

Where will your adventures take you this summer?

#madexmtns #visitnc

Take us back to #GetinGearFest!!! 🎉 This was @

Take us back to #GetinGearFest!!! 🎉

This was @outdoorgearbuilderswnc first year hosting at @camprockmont, and we already can’t wait for next year! Thanks to all vendors & sponsors: @prestigesubaru, @camprockmont, @kitsbow, @highlandbrewing, @sederahealth, Kimmel HR Solutions, @visitasheville, @gingersrev, & @archetypebrewingavl. Thanks to Camp Rockmont Staff, the OGB events committee, the MADE X MTNS team, @appalachian_adventure_company, @davidhuffcreative, @clintrobertsofficial, Bad Kenny Band, @dangermuffinmusic, and to everyone who came out to celebrate our outdoor recreation community on a beautiful Earth Day weekend. 💚

Stay tuned for 2023 dates!

📸: @appalachian_adventure_company
#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #getingearfest #camprockmont #wnc #wncmountains #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors

The latest episode of @explorationlocal Podcast wa

The latest episode of @explorationlocal Podcast was recorded at the Outdoor Economy Conference. Host Mike Andress sat down with @ncculture Secretary D. Reid Wilson and Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chair Gayle Connelly Manchin.

“I had the distinct honor of sitting down with D. Reid Wilson, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, who is implementing the largest investment in outdoor recreation in North Carolina’s history, and Gayle Connelly Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. We talked about how the beauty and diversity of the natural assets in North Carolina and the Appalachian Region have helped to help grow the outdoor economy in the region. We talk about how mountain communities & gateway towns in the region are embracing their proximity to natural assets and outdoor recreation, and how they’re bolstering quality of life both for residents and potential outdoor recreation employers like manufacturers, guide services, lodging and food, and all sorts of artisans. We also discuss how businesses are drawn to communities that offer employees access to outdoor recreational opportunities & a higher quality of life.”

Listen to the full episode (link in our bio!): https://www.podpage.com/exploration-local/important-perspectives-on-working-together-to-ensure-a-vibrant-future-for-the-outdoor-economy-and-our-outdoor-communities-w-gayle-conelly-manchin-d-reid-wilson/

📸: @explorationlocal

#madexmtns #outdooreconomy #outdooreconomyconference #outdoors #outdoorrec #ncgov #appalachianregionalcommission #ncdncr #ncculture #publiclands #gatewaycommunity #ncoutdoors #appalachianmountains #wnc #outdoorindustry

Thanks to the Foothills Regional Commission for ho

Thanks to the Foothills Regional Commission for hosting our team today! We learned how we can work to expand access to outdoor recreation in Rutherford, McDowell, Cleveland and Polk Counties. We explored the Purple Martin Greenway, Rutherfordton's first natural 4.5 mi trail system, and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, a 13.5 mi paved scenic trail that runs through 5 communities including Ruth, Spindale, Rutherfordton, and Forest City. Learn more at @rutherfordoutdoorcoalition!

On our way home we had to stop in Old Fort to visit the stunning Catawba Falls before it closes for the next 9-12 mo. to provide much needed maintenance and access improvements. Learn more about the reasons for this closure and the awesome and vital trail updates planned by checking out the video on the @g5trailcollective page.

#madexmtns #foothillsregionalcommission #rutherfordoutdoorcoalition #appalachianregionalcommission #thermalbeltrailtrail #purplemartingreenway #catawbafalls

Beautiful Earth Day Weekend Highlights: At the @ch

Beautiful Earth Day Weekend Highlights: At the @chestnutmountainpark @bermparknc Grand Opening, Town of Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers quoted, “The key to an amazing experience is in the entrance.” Berm Park will be a top destination for mountain biking and Chestnut Mountain an attractive gateway to downtown Canton and the surrounding WNC landscape and communities. In Black Mountain at Camp Rockmont, Get in Gear Fest had an amazing turnout with ample OGB networking and an opportunity for us to elevate the mission of the MADE X MTNS partnership. The day concluded with a colorful sunset over the lake with live music and great community. @cantonnc.cares @bearwatersbrewingco @elevatedtraildesign #madexmtns #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #chestnutmountainnc #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #getingearfest2022 #blackmountainnc #visitnc #wncoutdoors #wncmountains @highlandbrewing @camprockmont @outdoorgearbuilderswnc

What an INCREDIBLE weekend to celebrate Mother Ear

What an INCREDIBLE weekend to celebrate Mother Earth by enjoying the great outdoors all over Western North Carolina! Find us at @outdoorgearbuilderswnc #GetinGearFest at @camprockmont in Black Mountain! We’re also thrilled to be a part of @usaraft #NoliFest; and support the opening of @chestnutmountainpark & @bermparknc as well as @firemountaintrails Inferno! Thanks to all of our amazing partners for giving us the opportunity to celebrate WNC and our incredible outdoor recreation industry and community. Enjoy the sunshine and we’ll see you out there!

📸: Fire Mountain Trails
📸: David House
#madexmtns #earthday #happyearthday #wnc #wncmountains

We’re rolling into @camprockmont with @enohammoc

We’re rolling into @camprockmont with @enohammocks and OGB! 🎉Set up has begun, and we can’t wait to celebrate a beautiful Earth Day weekend with @outdoorgearbuilderswnc and YOU at #GetinGearFest! Don’t forget to fill out a pre-registration waiver at GetinGearFest.com to save some time, and if you want to zipline into the lake with us, be sure to pick up a Camp Rockmont Adventure Pass! We’ll update you tomorrow with additional logistical FAQ, including parking and registration directions. See you this weekend!

#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #getingearfest2022

Thanks to the Western Piedmont Council of Governme

Thanks to the Western Piedmont Council of Governments for hosting us today as we gave a Building Outdoor Communities update! We look forward to working together more throughout the summer and connecting with all of our partnering COGs, as we highlight the amazing work their regions across WNC are doing, and as we plan for our next BOC Workshop this September. 🙌

On our way home, we were fortunate to take advantage of the beautiful Spring afternoon to see multi-use trail planning and design in action on the @fontaflorastatetrail!

#madexmtns #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #buildingoutdoorcommunities

Want to help make the magic happen at Get In Gear

Want to help make the magic happen at Get In Gear Fest this Saturday, April 23rd? @outdoorgearbuilderswnc could use your help! Volunteer your time and talents and meet the network of awesome folks behind the scenes.
Volunteer signup: outdoorgearbuilders.com/volunteer-gigf

We can’t wait to see everyone at @camprockmont! Don’t forget to pre-register and pick up an adventure pass to enjoy all of Camp Rockmont’s activities in addition to the many gear demos. All the info at http://getingearfest.com!

#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #getingearfest #getingearfest2022 #camprockmont

And just like that, the landscape is bright green

And just like that, the landscape is bright green once more. We hope you’re enjoying this gorgeous Easter weekend outside with friends and family, whether on the trail, the river or lake, at your local park or in your own backyard!

#madexmtns #spring #wnc #wncmountains #springisintheair

Get ready for @outdoorgearbuilderswnc Get in Gear

Get ready for @outdoorgearbuilderswnc Get in Gear Fest — a FREE event April 23rd 10am-7pm at @camprockmont in Black Mountain. Join us for a day of fun with outdoor gear and experience vendors, gear demos (bikes, SUPs, camping, hammocks — you name it!). Music from @clintrobertsofficial, Bad Kenny Band and headliners @dangermuffinmusic from 7-10pm! Did we mention it’s FREE to attend? 🥳🙌 Look for our #madexmtns booth and come say hey to check out our branded gear, OGB member sample gear and pick up your MADE X MTNS stickers! Will we see you there?! Comment and let us know!

#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #avlevents #avlmusic #ncoutdoors #ashevilleoutdoors #avlnews #avlent #avlarts #camprockmont #blackmountain #wnc #wncmountains #visitasheville #visitblackmountainnc

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