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 X MTNS Pillars

Building Outdoor Communities

Building Outdoor Communities

Driving equitable outdoor economic & community development.

Growing Outdoor Businesses

Growing Outdoor Businesses

Connecting entrepreneurs to training, funding, mentors & peer networks.

Amplifying Outdoor Culture

Amplifying Outdoor Culture

Creating a network of storytelling, collaboration & camaraderie.

Lush forests blanket our WNC mountains / Matthew Larkin

These Mountains

Western North Carolina

Explore What Makes These Mountains Special

Photo by Steven Reinhold

2023 Outdoor Economy Conference

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Made By Mountains Stories

McHone Performance Training

McHone Performance Training conditions WNC’s outdoor athletes for a lifetime of outdoor recreation.

Read Steven’s story

Rockgeist Bikepack USA

Western North Carolina has a great biking culture, and a rich history in textiles. Those are elements I leaned on to start and grow the business the right way.

Read Rockgeist’s story

Lisa Cooper

It’s about the people, it’s about the community, it’s about having fun every day at the office and the store, and making a difference.

Read Lisa’s story

Photo by Rachel B. Pressley

2023 NC Year of the Trail

The NC General Assembly designated 2023 as NC Year of the Trail, an effort led by the Great Trails State Coalition. NC Year of the Trail is the largest statewide celebration of trails and outdoor recreation in North Carolina history! Experience trails that showcase North Carolina’s beautiful landscapes, provide healthy recreation, and stimulate local economies.

Learn More About Year of the Trail

Building Outdoor Communities WNC Twirl. Community

Building Outdoor Communities WNC Twirl. Community leaders are coming together to celebrate Year of the Trail and strategize about how they want their outdoor places to evolve into the future. Investing is outdoor infrastructure is a place-based economic development strategy. #madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #jackrabbittrail #exploreburnsvillenc #rutherfordbound #greattrailsnc #ecoforesters #westtubingco

We had a great afternoon in Jackson County explori

We had a great afternoon in Jackson County exploring green spaces and dreaming up amazing opportunities for recreation and outdoor driven economic development.

The sites we visited were all adjacent to the Tuckasegee River and other natural assets that are already attracting visitors to the area and providing access for the community to get outdoors and stay healthy. The group discussed ways to enhance these spaces and make them even more accessible to the local community, while also connecting to the counties economic centers to promote more business development.

#madebymountains #ncoutdoorrecreation #ncoutdoorindustry #outdooreconomy

Reflection from Friday: WNC MADE X MTNS very own,

Reflection from Friday: WNC MADE X MTNS very own, Bradley Spiegel was the keynote speaker at Clay County's Annual Chamber of Commerce dinner where he spoke about the importance of balancing environmental preservation and community development. It was a very inspiring event to celebrate the good of local businesses, especially the newly opened @thehayesvillebikeshop and the people building a vibrant outdoor community in Hayesville and @claycountyncchamber. We also had the opportunity to tour the @johnccampbellfolkschool
and revel in the Appalachian heritage that makes this region so special. There's boundless potential to marry outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and art-- let's build these vibrant places together : )

#madexmtns #historichayesville #thehayesvillebikeshop #jackrabbitmountain #claycountyncchamber #wnc #wncmountains #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #johnccambellfolkschool #craftyourcommerce

Still thinking about how much fun we had at last w

Still thinking about how much fun we had at last weeks Get In Gear Fest, hosted annually by the Outdoor Gear Builders!

We love seeing all of our industry friends, partners, and fellow adventure lovers at this event each year, and can’t wait to do it again in 2024!

#madebymountains #getingearfest #getingear #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorindustry

@outdoorgearbuilderswnc @exploreasheville @prestigesubaru @thevanwinklelawfirm @ncoutdoorrec @pirani_life @astralfootwear @enohammocks @wrongwaycampground @ashevilleoutpost

There is still one week left to get your applicati

There is still one week left to get your applications in for the WNC Outdoor Equity Fund!

This Fund will provide micro-grants to non-profits, for-profits, community groups and sole proprietors located in Western North Carolina focused on advancing equity and inclusion in the outdoors.

Link in bio to find all the information you need!

#madebymountains #wncoutdoors #outdoorequity #outdoorentrepreneur #diversityoutdoors #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorindustry

What. A. Weekend. We crossed our fingers for perfe

What. A. Weekend. We crossed our fingers for perfect weather and WNC delivered! Thank you to everyone who joined us for @outdoorgearbuilderswnc #GetinGearFest and to all the amazing folks, including venue staff, vendors, sponsors and volunteers whose hard work made the magic of a seamless event happen. What an incredible celebration of our #outdoorindustry! Together, we move forward as the Outdoor Business Alliance. 🙌

In case you missed it, the fundraiser, benefiting OBA, @pisgahareasorba and @carolinamountainclub is happening through June 15. Make a donation and check out the awesome prizes at https://go.rallyup.com/outdoorbusinessalliance.

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #wncoutdoors #outdoornc #greattrailsnc #outdooreconomy #ncoutdoors #outdoorrec #ncoutdoorrec #visitasheville #outside #visitnc #avlevents #festival #festivalseason

It's beginning to look a lot like #GetinGearFest t

It's beginning to look a lot like #GetinGearFest time! We enjoyed an excellent day tagging along with our friend @beardedwriter to visit with @outdoorgearbuilderswnc members, @canecreekusa and @_sylvansport.

Every time we visit our local outdoor companies, we're always so inspired by the teamwork and ingenuity that brings products to life; the immense care for quality; and, how much pride in their work, this area, and the community impact is evident in every person we meet.

We can't wait to see our outdoor industry together and celebrate with everyone at @ashevilleoutpost this Saturday, May 6th! All the details about this FREE event are at GetinGearFest.com. See you there!

#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #outdooreconomy #visitasheville #wnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoorindustry #outdoorgear #wnclocal #localbusiness #brevardnc #sylvansport #canecreekusa #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #outdoorrecreation

If you’re exploring the Franklin area this Sprin

If you’re exploring the Franklin area this Spring, you must check out the Barbara McRae Cherokee Apple Trail that had its Grand Opening last week. The trail is just off the Little Tennessee River Greenway and is a tribute to the Cherokee art of apple cultivation and features several authentic varieties of apples 🍎 🍏. The @nikwasiinitiative spearheaded the effort and is succeeding at creating a vibrant outdoor community gathering space for all people to learn and enjoy. And thank you @food_for_adventures for curating delicious apple treats to enhance the ribbon cutting event! #madexmtns #franklinnc #wnc #wncmountains #littletenneseeriver #greenway #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors

Have a question about the Outdoor Equity Fund? We

Have a question about the Outdoor Equity Fund? We have answers! The recorded info session is now posted. Click the link in our bio to see the recorded information session.

If you still have a question for the working group prior to submitting your fund application, email it to outdoorequity@madexmtns.com.

#madexmtns #outdoorequityfund #outdoorequity #equityoutdoors #wnc #westernnc #wncmountains #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoornc #outside #outdooreconomy #funding #fundingopportunity

Here's a sunny thought on a rainy day...@outdoorge

Here's a sunny thought on a rainy day...@outdoorgearbuilderswnc Get in Gear Fest is a week away! 🎉☀️

Join us to celebrate everything outdoors at Get in Gear Fest, presented by @prestigesubaru, Saturday, May 6th from 12-5pm at the @ashevilleoutpost, located at 521 Amboy Rd in Asheville's Adventure Corridor. This FREE event will feature demo gear, exclusive vendor sales, food and activities for the whole family.

Visit getingearfest.com for all the vital info!

Parking is extremely limited, so take advantage of the French Broad Greenway and hike or bike your way to the event. Use the @ashevilleonbikes Bike Valet, sponsored by @brevardinsurance_nc.

📸: @davidhuffcreative @appalachian_adventure_company

#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #GetinGearFest #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoorindustry #outdoorrec #outdoorrecreation #ncevents #ashevilleevents #visitasheville #visitnc #avlout #avloutdoors #ashevillefamily #avlfamilies #avlfamilyfun #outdoorgear #outside #getoutside #westernnc #wncmountains

It's always a fun day filming MADE X MTNS Stories!

It's always a fun day filming MADE X MTNS Stories! Thanks to @headwaters_outfitters for hosting us this week. Special thanks to Director of Headwaters' Operations and @pisgahareawomensflyfishing co-founder, Jessica Whitmire, and Inclusion and Associate Engagement Business Partner at @orvis, Sav Sankaran, for sharing with us parts of their own life stories, and how these mountains have shaped their lives, careers, and passion for both WNC fishing and the health of our mountain waterways.

We couldn't capture authentic and visually stunning stories without the talents of film team @robb_leahy & @johndupre. We can't wait for the full story to take shape this summer...stay tuned!

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #wncstories #outdoornc #ncoutdoors #wncoutdoors #wncflyfishing #ncflyfishing #rosmannc #headwatersoutfitters #orvis #wncfishing #flyfishing #troutfishing #westernnc #mountaintrout

Mark your calendars and check the link in our bio

Mark your calendars and check the link in our bio to register! The Outdoor Equity Fund virtual info session is happening Tuesday, April 25th from 6-7pm EST. Bring your questions and ideas to connect directly with helpful suggestions and answers from Outdoor Equity Fund Group members.

Remember, this Fund is open to nonprofit, for profit, user groups and sole proprietors who are located in and operate outdoor activities in Western North Carolina. Check the county map to see the eligible area of funding at madexmtns.com/outdoor-equity-fund.

#madexmtns #outdoorequityfund #wnc #westernnc #funding #fundingopportunity #wncmountains #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoorsforall #equityintheoutdoors #equityoutdoors

Who knew, when the thunder and lightning were cras

Who knew, when the thunder and lightning were crashing in the wee hours, that it would end up being a spectacular day for a bike race? Spring in these mountains is always full of surprises. We had a blast hanging with friends and cheering on over 200 entrants today at @firemountaintrails #firemountaininferno!

#madexmtns #cherokeenc #ncmtb #wncmtb #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoornc #enduro #enduromtb #wncmountains #firemountaintrails #mountainbiking #mtbrace #ridebikes

Happy #EarthDay, friends! Isn't she lovely? Let's

Happy #EarthDay, friends! Isn't she lovely? Let's plan to keep her that way. Join #OutdoorNC and #LeaveNoTrace and take the #LeaveNoTrash pledge to pick up 30 pieces of trash (or more!) this month while out and about in the outdoors. Together we have the power to make a difference, remove trash from the outdoors and keep it healthy, protected and thriving. 🌎❤️

Check the link in our bio to take the pledge!

#madexmtns #makeityournature #trashtag #wnc #wncmountains #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #earthday2023 #earthdayeveryday #weonlyhaveoneplanet

Greetings from Capitol Hill! This week headed to D

Greetings from Capitol Hill! This week headed to DC to meet directly with policymakers alongside other #outdoorindustry leaders and partners to discuss sustainable economic growth and climate action while protecting— and growing access to—the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. We shared stories from the people, businesses and communities we work with every day in WNC and shared in the conversation of collectively advancing the industry. #OIACapitolSummit #useyouroutsidevoice #madexmtns #ncoutdoorindustry #buildingoutdoorcommunities

Do you need more information or do you have eligib

Do you need more information or do you have eligibility questions about the Outdoor Equity Fund? Register to attend the virtual information session this Tuesday, April 25th and let's get those questions answered! You'll have the chance to meet members of the Outdoor Equity Fund Working Group and get a more in depth look at the eligibility and scoring criteria, and learn how you can also be an advocate to help connect community members and groups with this important funding opportunity. Tap the link in our bio to go to the registration page!

#madexmtns #outdoorequityfund #wnc #wncmountains #westernnc #outdoors #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoorequity #equity #outdoornc #outdooreconomy #westernnorthcarolina #funding

It's not every day that we get to spend quality ti

It's not every day that we get to spend quality time with some of WNC's finest outdoor companies; friends and ambassadors for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians; and, Anishinaabe Ojibwe woman, professional athlete, and one of our ultra endurance cycling heroes, @alexanderahouchin! 😍🙌

Thanks to @canecreekusa, @enohammocks, @rockgeist
and @industry_nine for the hospitality and informative tours. It's always so much fun to connect with our #outdoorindustry community. Everyone is proud to tell their company's story and to share exciting projects in the works.

@firemountaintrails and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians recently announced their partnership, sponsorship, and friendship with ultra-endurance mountain bike racer, record holder, champion Alexandera Houchin (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe), current women’s champion of the 2800 mile Tour Divide, 550 mile Colorado Trail Race, and the Arizona Trail 800.

Houchin will be in Cherokee for Fire Mountain Inferno Enduro Weekend, starting with a Meet & Greet on Thursday, April 20 from 5-6:30pm at the @museumofthecherokeeindian with a screening of the film "Stronger Together."

We'll be cheering on all the racers at this weekend's Inferno (including a few OGB member company employees!) and hope to see you there! 🔥

The Outdoor Equity Fund Application is now open th

The Outdoor Equity Fund Application is now open through May 17th!

Head to the links in our bio to access the Application directly and register for the virtual info session on April 25th. This will be the best opportunity to get all your questions answered in one go!

All information including links to the Application form, Q&A packet, Info Session RSVP, and Eligibility Criteria is available at madexmtns.com/outdoor-equity-fund.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Outdoor Equity Working Group and MADE X MTNS staff directly at outdoorequity@madexmtns.com.

#madexmtns #outdoorequityfund #wnc #equityintheoutdoors #outdooreconomy #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #outdoorrecreation #funding #opprtunity #outdoors #outside #equity

Are we hearing right? Did someone say #haikuday? C

Are we hearing right? Did someone say #haikuday? Could have sworn they did.

#madexmtns #internationalhaikuday #haiku #spring #wnc #wncmountains #mountains #spring #blueridgemountains #wncoutdoors #outdoornc

It's always a good day to support your local outdo

It's always a good day to support your local outdoor retailer! @bcoutdoorscherokee is the place to be in Cherokee, whether you're porch sittin' by the river with a craft beer in hand, picking up your newest piece of gear, or renting a bike to take you to the @firemountaintrails. We had a great time chatting with co-founder, Ben, and Retail Specialist, Peter, and learned about the latest chapter in the @brysoncityoutdoors story that recently expanded their operations in Cherokee. If you're attending @firemountaintrails Inferno next weekend, outside in their lot and the neighboring @visitcherokeenc Welcome Center is where you'll find all the celebrations happening!

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #visitcherokeenc #brysoncityoutdoors #outdoorgear #outdoorretail #outdoorstore #outdoorindustry #outdoornc #shoplocal #buylocal #supportyourlocaloutdoorshop

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