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

Adventure Nerds & Hellbender Paddleboards

WNC-based companies Adventure Nerds and Hellbender Paddleboards recently announced a new guidebook for paddling adventures in North Carolina.

Read Adventure Nerd’s story

Mark Singleton

When I began working at American Whitewater, the headquarters was in Washington DC, but it made sense to move the organization closer to the projects we were working on. We looked at locations around the country, but settled on Western North Carolina. It’s honestly one of the best moves the organization has ever made.

Read Mark’s story

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

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

WNC-based outdoor adventure publishing company, @a

WNC-based outdoor adventure publishing company, @adventure.nerds, and Asheville-based inflatable paddleboard manufacturer, @hellbenderpaddleboards, recently announced a new guidebook for paddling adventures in North Carolina. "Lake James Paddling Adventure Guide Notes" is a 31-page interactive guidebook that contains hyper-specific information about planning an overnight paddling adventure and the natural and cultural history of Lake James.

The two companies met during the 3rd Cohort of @mtnbizworks Waypoint Accelerator program and started a conversation about working together to help people spend more time on the water.

The book features dynamic photographs of Hellbender paddleboards in action and celebrates a collaboration of two brands and @outdoorgearbuilderswnc members, exploring the amazing paddling opportunities in North Carolina and reaching new audiences with the tools to get outside more.

Read more of this #MADEXMTNS mini-story, as Adventure Nerds Founder, Nate Trappe, shares his journey through the Waypoint Accelerator program, and how it inspired him to collaborate with Hellbender Paddleboards to create a tool that reflects their common passion for paddling in Western North Carolina and desire to help more people get on the water.

(link in our bio!) https://madexmtns.com/story/adventure-nerds-hellbender-paddleboards/

#madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #wnc #wncmountains #adventurenerds #hellbenderpaddleboards #hellbendersup #lakejamesnc #lakejamesstatepark #wncadventures #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #visitnc #visitwnc #standuppaddleboarding #waypointaccelerator

Who's excited for Outdoors for All in Old Fort? We

Who's excited for Outdoors for All in Old Fort? We sure are!

Held at @campgrier in #oldfortnc on October 13-15th, @outdoorsforall_oldfort is the convergence of some of the most bright and forward-thinking change makers. Over 60 presenters, panelists, workshop leaders, artists, filmmakers, athletes, and facilitators, will converge to share panel & roundtable discussions, keynote presentations, leadership workshops, outdoor clinics, films and more, all around the need for increased diversity, representation, and accessibility in the outdoors for all people, especially those historically underrepresented and marginalized.

Now is the time to register, share and invite your friends, colleagues, and fellow outdoor lovers. Register at outdoorsforalloldfort.org and sign up to volunteer if you'd like to help make this fantastic event happen!

#madexmtns #outdoorsforalloldfort #outdoors #outdoorindustry #outdooreducation #outdoorevents #outdooreconomy #outdoorrecreation #equity #equitymatters #diversity #diversitymatters #accessibility #accessibilitymatters #wnc #northcarolina

The Waypoint Accelerator program is designed to he

The Waypoint Accelerator program is designed to help early-stage outdoor businesses and entrepreneurs map out and reach the next waypoints in their growth journeys. This program, the first of its kind in the East, is recruiting for its 4th cohort, after helping nearly 30 past participants grow their revenues, expand their teams, accomplish huge projects, and realize big dreams.

Through a collaborative network of peers and mentors, in-depth training and coaching, access to growth capital, and dedicated time set aside to focus on the future of the business, Waypoint provides companies with the support, knowledge, clear vision, and resources needed to thrive.

Join the 4th Cohort, and take your WNC outdoor business to new heights! Applications are due October 6th.

All the info and application at: waypointaccelerator.com

#mountainbizworks #mtnbizworks #madexmtns #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #outdoorindustry #outdoorbusiness #businesssupport #waypointaccelerator #cohortbasedlearning #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #westernnc #northcarolina #wnc #wncbusiness #ncbusiness

You're invited to an evening outdoor industry spea

You're invited to an evening outdoor industry speaker event, presented by @outdoorgearbuilderswnc, @madexmtns and @blackfolkscamptoo.

"The New ROI in the Outdoor Industry - Return on Inclusion"

Thursday, October 6th, 2022 6-8pm at @blackwallstreetavl -- 8 River Arts Place, Asheville, NC, 28801

Earl B. Hunter Jr., Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT), is on a mission to remove fear, add knowledge and invite MORE Black families to the outdoors to build memories and strengthen family bonds. Please join us as Earl defines his initiative around Return On Inclusion and how their action oriented initiative not only promotes more unity in outdoor spaces, but also expands an unexplored marketing niche for outdoor industry and environmental conservancies alike.

📸: @ramblin_reinhold @appalachian_adventure_company

RSVP (link in our bio!): https://bit.ly/ogb-bfct-roi

#madexmtns #wnc #wncoutdoors #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #blackfolkscamptoo #ncoutdoors ##returnoninclusion #unityblaze #outdooreconomy #outdoorindustry

It’s #nationalpubliclandsday and we want to give

It’s #nationalpubliclandsday and we want to give thanks to the @u.s.forestservice, @ncstateparks, and the MANY incredible 501c3s and volunteer-led groups who work so hard to keep our trails and public lands healthy, clean, maintained, and sustainable for generations to enjoy. Get out there, volunteer for a trail day, meet your local public lands managers and stewards, learn the history of the land you recreate on, and always #leavenotrace!

#madexmtns #recreateresponsibly #publiclands #publiclandsday #usfs #wnc #wncmountains #protectpubliclands

May your weekend be full of wanders and wonders…

May your weekend be full of wanders and wonders….

#madexmtns

Fall is here y’all! Check out those fall color g

Fall is here y’all! Check out those fall color guides, weather reports, and trail conditions. Plan ahead to enjoy your outdoor experiences! 🍁🍂

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #wncfall #ncfall #visitnc #getoutside #getoutdoors #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors

Over 100 participants, representing community lead

Over 100 participants, representing community leaders, regional councils of government, economic developers, tourism professionals, land managers, user groups, academics, planners, public health organizations and more from 22 Western NC counties and the Qualla Boundary joined us in the High Country over the past few days to envision opportunities and strategies for thriving outdoor communities through the Building Outdoor Communities Program.

Thank you to our vital partners: @mtnbizworks, @appstate Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis, @wvuoedc, WNC's six regional Councils of Government, Tourism Impact Services, and @outdoorgearbuilderswnc. Thank you to amazing venue hosts App. State and @booneshinebrew, and to sponsors, @destination_by_design, @equinox_environmental, and @altafieldnotes. Thank you to tour leaders Jimi at @tsugausa, Wendy at the @middleforkgreenway and Kristian at @rockyknobmtbpark. Finally, thank you to @stickboybreadco for keeping us so well fed!

See the full announcement (link in our bio!): https://www.mountainbizworks.org/2022/09/21/wnc-made-x-mtns-launches-innovative-building-outdoor-communities-program/

#madexmtns #buildingoutdoorcommunities #visitnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #outdoorrec #outdooreconomy #outdoorindustry #wnc #wncmountains #communitydevelopment

We asked our Building Outdoor Communities Speciali

We asked our Building Outdoor Communities Specialist, Brad Spiegel, how excited is he about next week’s Launch Event and Workshop at Appalachian State University? 🙌

If you attended one of our Open Houses and have communicated with a Community Working Group, but haven’t yet signed up…there’s still time. Visit madexmtns.com/buildingoutdoorcommunities for details. If you’re only planning to join us at the Networking Social with @outdoorgearbuilderswnc at @booneshinebrew (sponsored by @destination_by_design), RSVP on Eventbrite (link in bio).

We’ll see y’all in the High Country!

#madexmtns #buildingoutdoorcommunities

A little inspiration to get your weekend started.

A little inspiration to get your weekend started. We had the fortune to happen upon a fun gathering at the Old Fort Gateway Trails trailhead last week. Terry and Toby were hitting the trails with members of @g5trailcollective to get a firsthand experience of the accessibility of the trail system. We got to tag along for a minute to learn about Terry's tubeless tires, freewheel attachment, and how far adaptive equipment has come in regards to handling all kinds of terrain in the outdoors.

Fast forward a few days to seeing all the exciting action at the @catalyst_sports Super D Race at @ride_kanuga...one of the largest downhill adaptive races in the country!

When we think about building outdoor communities, that means thinking of and building for all abilities and all bodies, and we're grateful for the advocacy and education from awesome folks like Terry and Toby that keeps us inspired! Click the link in our bio to check out their recent feature, “Hiking with wheels: It’s time to rethink who can go where.” by @conservingcarolina and @blueridgenow.

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #oldfortnc #g5trailcollective #oldfortgatewaytrails #adaptivesports #adaptivetrails #accessibility #outdoors #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #visitnc

Foundations for Outdoor Businesses starts today! J

Foundations for Outdoor Businesses starts today! Join @mtnbizworks outdoor business learning facilitator & @outdoorgearbuilderswnc Exec. Director Matt Godfrey and the inaugural Outdoor Foundations class to gain the building blocks to create a solid business plan and launch your successful outdoor focused business in WNC!

#wnc #wncoutdoors #madexmtns #mtnbizworks #mountainbizworks #wncbiz #wncsmallbusiness #ncbiz #outdoorindustry #outdooreconomy

Hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful #laborday we

Hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful #laborday weekend! Perfect weather in WNC. 🌤🌊

#madexmtns #labordayweekend #wnc #wncmountains #ncstateparks

A few important upcoming dates are quickly approac

A few important upcoming dates are quickly approaching for WNC outdoor entrepreneurs and business owners…

Foundations for Outdoor Businesses starts September 7th!

Do you have a friend, family member, or colleague who has always wanted to start their own outdoor focused business? Have you ever thought about a unique product or service that could serve the outdoor recreation industry that you would like to bring to market? We can help!

The "Foundations for Outdoor Businesses" program starts next week, and there is still time to sign up! This engaging online course helps guide ideas from concept to reality in a participatory, supportive learning environment. In just 6-weeks participants will leave with a comprehensive business plan, a clear vision for their business, and concrete tasks for future work.

Waypoint Accelerator applications close October 6th!

Harness the outdoor industry and venture development expertise of mentors and partners to elevate your outdoor venture to the next peak. Waypoint cohort graduates have overwhelmingly praised its benefit in helping them overcome challenges and take those next big steps to answer their big questions for the future, build additional capacity, increase revenue and connect into a supportive network of those in the same space of business growth. Dedicating this brief window of time to focus on building your business is one of the best things you can do looking ahead to grow from surviving to thriving.

Find info and next steps to register at: mountainbizworks.org/outdoors

#madexmtns #mtnbizworks #mountainbizworks #outdoors #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #ncbiz #wncbiz #entrepreneur #ncbusiness #outdoorindustry #outdoorbusiness #businesssupport #entrepreneurship

Western North Carolina is home to more entrepreneu

Western North Carolina is home to more entrepreneurial support than anywhere else in the nation when it comes to getting started in the outdoor industry. Business catalyst programs, grant programs, mentorship, coaching, nation-wide networking, workshops, industry conferences, and so much more are available, some even free to participate in, to those ready to rapidly start, grow, and thrive in entrepreneurship.

As part of “Return on Inclusion” initiative with @blackfolkscamptoo, MADE X MTNS, @big_adventures_store, and additional outdoor industry partners, multiple community training and industry engagement opportunities will occur throughout 2022 and 2023.
Learn more: bfct.co/Big-Adventures
Discover support to build your outdoor business plan, and to reach new heights as a successful and sustainable outdoor business in Western NC: http://mountainbizworks.org/outdoors

📸: Ricardo Tejeda @showandtalecreative

#madexmtns #blackfolkscamptoo #returnoninclusion #roi #wnc #ncoutdoors #wncoutdoors #employment #career #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #businesscoaching #businesssupport #outdoorintustry #outdoorrecreation #ncoutdoorrec #ncorec #wncbusiness #ncbusiness #mountainbizworks #outdoorgear #outdoorgearbuilderswnc

Welcoming and partnering companies like @big_adven

Welcoming and partnering companies like @big_adventures_store, @liquidlogickayaks, @nativewatercraft, @hurricanekayaks, and @bonafidefish are taking initiative with @blackfolkscamptoo and MADE X MTNS to invite the next generations of business leaders of color to the Outdoor Industry with digital education–while at the same time, inspiring adventurously sustainable, safe, healthy, and fun lifestyles.

“Different backgrounds and perspectives are critical to us staying ahead of the curve in our industry. As we continue to grow, we will always put diversity top of mind. It is important that we help others experience what we love who may have never been exposed to it, ” says Tyler Brown, Chief Operating Officer at BIG Adventures.

Learn more: bfct.co/Big-Adventures

Discover support to launch the next big outdoor industry idea, and to reach the next peak as an outdoor business in Western NC: mountainbizworks.org/outdoors

📸: Ricardo Tejeda @showandtalecreative

#madexmtns #blackfolkscamptoo #bigadventures #liquidlogic #nativewatercraft #bonafidekayaks #hurricanekayaks #kayaking #outdoors #outdoorrecreation #outdoorindustry #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #wnc #wncjobs #career #outdoorcareers

@big_adventures_store, a local leader in kayak man

@big_adventures_store, a local leader in kayak manufacturing, has partnered with @blackfolkscamptoo and MADE X MTNS as part of a “Return on Inclusion” initiative to create a digital marketing campaign designed to welcome audiences of color, young and old, male or female, experienced or non-experienced in the outdoors, to a booming WNC economy full of career opportunities that may never have been previously explored.

“This campaign is an invitation to a true story and pathway I hope to open to millions of more young women of color like me, for example, who had no idea about having a business career that serves, protects, and inspires natural living and healthy lifestyles,” says Raileigh Duschen, Executive Assistant at Black Folks Camp Too.

Learn more: http://bfct.co/Big-Adventures

Discover pathways in career development, entrepreneur and small business support in WNC's outdoor industry: https://madexmtns.com/our-industry/

📸: Ricardo Tejeda @showandtalecreative

#madexmtns #blackfolkscamptoo #bigadventures #kayaks #kayaking #liquidlogic #nativekayaks #hurricanekayaks #bonafidefish #outdoorindustry #outdoorindustryjobs #outdoorcareers #careerdevelopment #ncjobs #ncbusiness

@blackfolkscamptoo and @big_adventures_store (cont

We celebrated our final #madexmtns #buildingoutdoo

We celebrated our final #madexmtns #buildingoutdoorcommunities Open House with the fine folks of #surrycountync in Mount Airy! Thanks and cheers to our hosting venue @whiteelephantbeer and thanks so much to @visitmayberrync @yadkinvalleync for the generous hospitality. This area that includes @ncstateparks Sauratown Mountain, Hanging Rock and Pilot (Jomeokee) Mountain is known as the Mountains Away from the Mountains. It’s history and terrain is truly unique. We joked that this is the “Land of And” because there is SO MUCH to see and experience in the outdoors, from NC’s Yadkin Valley wineries and craft breweries, hiking, biking routes, river trails, fishing, camping, art, food, farms, and so much more.

The energy around this program is palpable. People are ready to do the work and bring more impact data to their communities to leverage for future outdoor recreation investment. Our work together makes us the Outdoor Industry Capital of the East! We can’t wait to see everyone at the Building Outdoor Communities Launch Workshop September 19-20 in Boone!

#madexmtns #wnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdooreconomy #wncmountains #outdoorrec #outdoorrecreation #outdoorindustry #ncoutdoorrec #ncorec #visitnc #economy #economicdevelopment

We spent a beautiful Tuesday zipping through to th

We spent a beautiful Tuesday zipping through to the gorgeous high country community of Banner Elk and the equally charming community of Burnsville on the next stops of our #madexmtns #buildingoutdoorcommunities Open House Series this week. Thanks so much to our hosting venues, @lmcoutdoorrecmgmt @leesmcraecollege and @homeplacebeer! We learned about exciting future outdoor spaces at Lees Mcrae’s campus, and dove into many an exciting conversation around county outdoor recreation plans.

Of course, no visit to Banner Elk would be complete without a go on the @wildernessrunalpinecoaster! 🙌

And, no trip to Burnsville is complete without a #craftbeer at Homeplace Beer Co. It’s #ncbeer at its finest. 🍻 While there, we enjoyed learning a bit more about the @apphighroute!

Our final Open House is tomorrow afternoon in Mt. Airy. Join us if you’re in the area!

#wnc #outdoors #ncoutdoors #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #ncorec #outdoorrec #outdooreconomy #visitnc #bannerelknc #bannerelk #burnsvillenc #leesmcrae #leesmcraecollege #homeplacebeerco #gooutsidenc #outdoorcommunity #economy #economicdevelopment

We kicked off our second week of #madexmtns #build

We kicked off our second week of #madexmtns #buildingoutdoorcommunities Open Houses in Rutherfordton and Morganton! Thanks so much to hosting venues @rutherford_county_nc and @foothillsofnc! We heard about so many exciting upcoming projects through @rutherfordbound and @rutherfordoutdoorcoalition, @mtatrails, @foothillsofnc, @g5trailcollective, @explorecaldwell, @wpcog1968 and more. It is an incredible time to support trail development in these communities. We’d be remiss if we didn’t enjoy a little outside time on the @thermalbeltrailtrail and in Linville Gorge. Today, we’re in the High Country community of Banner Elk this morning, and in Burnsville this afternoon. We’d love to see you!

#wnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #visitnc #visitwnc #outdooreconomy #outdoorrec #ncoutdoorrec #outdoorrecreation #northcarolina #nctrails

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