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

Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now

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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

Takeover! Watch @outdoorgearbuilderswnc stories to

Takeover! Watch @outdoorgearbuilderswnc stories tomorrow for an exclusive peek inside MADE X MTNS!

This is part of an ongoing series giving you an insider look at OGB member companies in the lead up to celebrating the Outdoor Industry Hub of the East at Get In Gear Fest May 6, 2023.

#wnc #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #outdoorgear #madexmtns #outdooreconomy #getingearfest #outdoorindustry #outdoornc #greattrailsnc #outdoorrecreation #outdoorrec #ncoutdoors #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #ncoutdoorculture #buildingoutdoorcommunities

PADDLING...in a kayak is one of the most relaxing

PADDLING...in a kayak is one of the most relaxing and rewarding water activities. Shane Benedict, Head of Design at @big_adventures_store and one of the founding members of @liquidlogickayaks, is an expert paddler and a great guide to show the @blackfolkscamptoo team how to enjoy time on the water, and to safely tote gear to the water and back home.

Big Adventures, Western North Carolina’s kayak manufacturing home. You can visit their factory and store in Fletcher, NC from 8am-5pm Monday through Friday. Go see how boats are made, and all the models of kayaks available to get you out on the water!

Click the link in our bio and visit BFCT's "Outside 101" page to see all 3 Episodes.

We're proud to partner with Black Folks Camp Too on the “Return on Inclusion” initiative, to welcome audiences of color, young and old, male or female, experienced or non-experienced into the outdoors in Western North Carolina to find their next passion and career. Visit bfct.co/Big-Adventures to learn more.
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#madexmtns #blackfolkscamptoo #bigadventures #wnc #kayaks #kayaking #outside #outdoors #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #whitewaterkayaking #fishingkayak #outdoorindustry #outdoorgear #paddling #wncmade #ncmade #wncadventures #outdoorslife #outdoorsy #watersafety

Winter's chill still has its hold in the air, but

Winter's chill still has its hold in the air, but Spring is peeking through all the same. Happy #vernalequinox in WNC!

#madexmtns #wnc #springequinox #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoornc #spring #march #wncmountains

We believe in the #unityblaze that means treat eve

We believe in the #unityblaze that means treat everyone, everywhere, equally! To us, it means welcoming everyone to enjoy these mountains that we all love and to find community and opportunity here.

We're proud to partner with @blackfolkscamptoo on the “Return on Inclusion” initiative, to welcome audiences of color, young and old, male or female, experienced or non-experienced into the outdoors in Western North Carolina. Find out how these mountains make you, and perhaps in the process, find your next passion and career.

Visit blackfolkscamptoo.com/unity-blaze to learn more about the empowerment and community in the Unity Blaze.

#madexmtns #blackfolkscamptoo #unity #outdoors #outside #wnc #wncmountains #northcarolina #ncoutdoors #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #outdooradventures #gooutside #outdoorequity #outdoorlifestyle #adventure #community #outdooreconomy

Main Street: Where It All Comes Together. The magn

Main Street: Where It All Comes Together. The magnetism of Main Street has the power to reap social, economic, and environmental benefits to small towns. Downtown Statesville, one of the longest standing NC Main Streets, does a fascinating job incorporating pedestrian-friendly and environmental design elements into Main Street to make the place more livable. Thank you @ncmainstreet for a powerful conference illuminating the significance of community storytelling, third places, connecting outdoor recreation assets to downtown, and for encouraging communities to include their FULL histories of communities of color into the present narrative as a way to celebrate our common unity of the places we inhabit today. 🌳 @lmcstatesville @downtownsvl @visitsvlnc

Husband to Co-founder, Shona McHone, and father of

Husband to Co-founder, Shona McHone, and father of two youngins, Micah and Gabriel, Steven McHone is the Co-founder of McHone Performance Training in Asheville, NC, which provides Sport Performance Training for WNC’s outdoor athletes and adventurers. Inspired by Western North Carolina's mountains, the McHones turn movement into medicine.

Read their MADE X MTNS Story (link in our bio!): madexmtns.com/story/mchone-performance-training

#madexmtns #wnc #wncmountains #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoornc #outdooreconomy #outdoorbusiness
#outdoorindustry #outdoorfitness #fitness #strengthtraining #outdoorathlete #smallbusiness #outdoorcommunity #asheville

From the mountains to the piedmont, community lead

From the mountains to the piedmont, community leaders gathered the last two days to celebrate the Year of the Trail and learn about the bountiful benefits that trails provide for society. We were grateful to be a part of the energy and inspiration at the Piedmont Legacy Trails Summit and the Discover Burke Trail Days. There were incredible speaker line-ups and best practices to glean as we align forces to implement an interconnected trail network across the state. #nctriadoutdoors #discoverburkecounty #fontafloratrail #blackfolkscamptoo #ncyearofthetrail #jenniferpharrdavis

Congratulations to all in Waypoint's 4th Cohort! I

Congratulations to all in Waypoint's 4th Cohort! It was an incredibly catalyzing evening, celebrating WNC’s outdoor entrepreneurial ecosystem and the graduation of the 4th Cohort of the Waypoint Accelerator, the first outdoor business accelerator East of the Rockies.

For every outdoor entrepreneur in this insanely talented crew, it may be the end of Waypoint, but it's only the beginning for the companies they are building! We couldn't be more excited for what's next, and we're grateful to each person for letting us be a part of their business journey.

Give them a follow, reach out to them, invest in them and support their businesses:
@consciousgear1
@appalachian_riverboard_company
@stringbean_bags
@food_for_adventures
@flyingbiketours
@adventurecocoon
@getswamie
@nsoequipped
@pivotpointwnc

Thank you to the venue host, @themuleavl @devilsfootbrew, and to @letsgetouterly, @supportedly, @outdoorgearbuilderswnc, @mtnbizworks, @sbtdc_wnc, @darbycomm, @wardandsmith, @thevanwinklelawfirm, @asklawnc, @status.forward and mentors who lent their time and skills.

Photos by Steven Reinhold

#wnc #madexmtns #smallbusiness #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #avlbiz #wncbusiness #ncbusiness #outdoorindustry #outdooreconomy #outdoorentrepreneur #outdoorbusiness #businessaccelerator #businessjourney #businessgrowth

Bringing fresh air, movement and professional netw

Bringing fresh air, movement and professional networking together on the #frenchbroadrivergreenway with @letsgetouterly, @outdoorgearbuilderswnc and @mtnbizworks! Thanks to Outerly Founder Kay Rodriguez for hosting, @newbelgium_avl for the tasty beverages at the end of our walk, and to both long time friends and new ones who joined us.

This most recently completed section of Greenway provides vital connectivity to parks and the French Broad River and it's impact is immediately visible, with cyclists, dog walkers, families, runners, long boarders and more all enjoying it on both weekdays and weekends.

#madexmtns #outerly #wnc #yearofthetrail #greattrailsnc #wncoutdoors #frenchbroadriver #greenway #asheville #visitasheville #outdoors #wncoutdoors #outdoornetworking

What better way to celebrate #internationalwomensd

What better way to celebrate #internationalwomensday than celebrating a women-owned outdoor business while networking outside with our WNC outdoor industry family. Thanks to @letsgetouterly founder Kay Rodriguez for encouraging us to take our conversations outside onto the #frenchbroadgreenway. Thanks to @mtnbizworks team members, @outdoorgearbuilderswnc members and #outdoorcommunity members for joining us on a delightful #avl #walkandtalk!

#madexmtns #asheville #avltoday #newbelgiumavl #networking #outside #avlevents #avlbeer #avlout #avloutdoors #outdoornc #wnc #wncoutdoors #outdoorindustry

Traditional networking is boring. Let's network in

Traditional networking is boring. Let's network in nature instead! RSVP link in bio!

Join leaders from @letsgetouterly, MADE X MTNS, @outdoorgearbuilderswnc, and @mtnbizworks on Wednesday, March 8th from 4-5:30pm for a casual walk and talk networking session. We'll walk along the river for 60-90 minutes, then optionally grab a beer or refreshments at New Belgium Brewing afterward. Whether you're a business owner trying to spread the word about your offerings, a professional looking for new ways to network with folks, or simply a member of the WNC community who wants to make new friends, join us for some great conversations with a side of fresh air and sunshine. All are welcome!

Who Should Join: Any professionals in WNC interested in networking with entrepreneurs, outdoor industry folks (like the members of the Outdoor Gear Builders), small business supporters , and other awesome people in their community. All levels of experience are welcome!

What: A casual walk & talk networking session on an urban trail, followed by drinks and snacks at New Belgium.

Where/When: Meet at New Belgium Brewing in front of the Liquid Center at 4pm and walk on the French Broad River Greenway toward French Broad River Park. Afterward, we'll end at New Belgium Brewing for some post-walk refreshments and conversations

What to Bring: Yourself, comfortable shoes, and a friend!

#madexmtns #outerly #walkandtalk #avlevents #frenchbroadgreenway #asheville #networking

It's a beautiful weekend to be outside! ☀️ Whe

It's a beautiful weekend to be outside! ☀️ Where are you enjoying the sunshine?

#madexmtns #gooutside #wnc #wncmountains #greatrailsnc #yearofthetrail #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoornc #nctrails #appalachiantrail

The #BuildingOutdoorCommunities Program continues

The #BuildingOutdoorCommunities Program continues to build momentum! We're thrilled this month to kick off the second cohort of this place-based economic development initiative, which supports Western North Carolina’s community leaders to better leverage their natural assets and collaborate to advance their outdoor community and economic development goals by aligning key stakeholders, identifying outdoor infrastructural and economic priorities, and developing implementation guidance to advance the work at the county and regional scale.

We hosted two key gatherings: one in the High Country in #boonenc at the @boonencchamber, and another in the Southwest town of #sylvanc at the @southwesterncommission. Thank you so much to our wonderful and helpful host venue organizations, and thank you to all participants who made time to attend!

While in town, we never pass up the opportunity to explore outdoor infrastructure that is so important to keeping healthy people and places in WNC, so naturally, each visit included a side quest: we stopped by the @middleforkgreenway to see what updates are in store (and we can't wait to share with you!) and also took a trip to the epic #pinnaclepark.

#wnc #wncmountains #wnccommunities #exploreboone #discoverjacksoncounty #outdoorcommunities #economicdevelopment #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdooreconomy

Congratulations to @industry_nine on their recogni

Congratulations to @industry_nine on their recognition with a 2022 Governor’s Export Award!

Click the link in our bio to learn more about the award for export excellence.

📸: Burke Saunders

#madexmtns #industry9 #industry9componentry #industry9wheels #asheville #wnc #wncoutdoors #outdoorgear #outdoorindustry #outdoorgearbuilderswnc #edpnc #outdoornc #ncoutdoors

BEING SAFE...in water is at the top of the list fo

BEING SAFE...in water is at the top of the list for @blackfolkscamptoo and @big_adventures_store. Having fun is too. Big Adventures is Western North Carolina’s kayak manufacturing home to @liquidlogickayaks, @nativewatercraft and @bonafidefish.

Click the link in our bio and visit BFCT's "Outside 101" page to see Episodes 1 & 2. Stay tuned for part 3!

We're proud to partner with Black Folks Camp Too on the “Return on Inclusion” initiative, to welcome audiences of color, young and old, male or female, experienced or non-experienced into the outdoors in Western North Carolina to find their next passion and career. Visit bfct.co/Big-Adventures to learn more.
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#madexmtns #blackfolkscamptoo #bigadventures #wnc #kayaks #kayaking #outside #outdoors #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #whitewaterkayaking #fishingkayak #outdoorindustry #outdoorgear #paddling #wncmade #ncmade #wncadventures #safetyfirst #outdoorslife #outdoorsy #whatgetsyououtdoors

March fun in the outdoors! It's time to round up o

March fun in the outdoors! It's time to round up our favorite WNC outdoor #yearofthetrail events happening in March...

March 2, 7:30pm - @cccranc presents "Cherokee Heritage: Studying Indigenous Land" with Archaeologists Dr. Brett Riggs and & Dr. Jane Eastman of @western_carolina' Anthropology Department. Learn about studies on the Watauga and Quanassee/Spikebuck Mounds. All info at cccra-nc.org/ccra-events

March 4, 9am-12:30pm - Join @mtatrails to hike from the Old Fort PLT Trailhead to Point Lookout. It's a gorgeous view year-round!

March 4, 12-5pm - join @food_for_adventures and @appalachian_adventure_company at @secondgearwnc for some yummy food and puppy love with @mountainpetrescueavl.

March 10, 9am-3pm - the @piedmontlegacytrails Summit connects trail advocates for networking and learning at the High Point City Lake Park Event Center

March 10-13 - the @troutunlimited Southeast Regional Rendezvous kicks off in Asheville, bringing together conservationists, anglers and TU supporters from across the nation for great fishing, learning and inspiration to preserve healthy trout fishing for generations to come.

March 11 10:30am - @conservingcarolina & @lwretreatnc present: "Sustainable Living in Hickory Nut Forest," exploring the intentionally planned eco-community.

March 11 12-5pm - @ncweekend & @discoverburkecounty host Discover Burke Trails Day with special guests @jenpharrdavis & author and early Grandfather Mtn Trails Manager, Randy Johnson.

#madexmtns #yearofthetrail #greattrailsnc #outdoornc #ncoutdoors #wncoutdoors #wnc #outdoors #events #trails #conservation #community

We recently visited the #highcountrync! While we w

We recently visited the #highcountrync! While we were in #boonenc, we stopped in at @boonesflyshop and met some of the fine folks of @highcountryguides -- Owner/Operator, David Stelling, and Fly Fishing Guide/Booking Manager, Hayden Cheek. We learned so much about the history of the cool building they're in, about year-round trout fishing classifications in NC, conservation efforts, and how keeping a healthy fishing community in WNC's cold waters is truly a group effort.

If you're in town, head by for a visit, and to book your next fishing trip!

#madexmtns #wnc #exploreboone #wncmountains #wncfishing #wncflyfishing #highcountryguideservice #visitnc #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoorrec #ncoutdoors #flyfishing #ncfishing #troutfishing #flyshop #fishingguide

BIG ADVENTURES, BIG FUN… the @blackfolkscamptoo

BIG ADVENTURES, BIG FUN… the @blackfolkscamptoo Team visits Western North Carolina’s kayak manufacturing home, @big_adventures_store to learn about the different types of kayaks and get to see how and where they are made in these mountains.

Click the link in our bio and visit BFCT's "Outside 101" page to see the full Episode 1 and learn more! Stay tuned for part 2!

We're proud to partner with Black Folks Camp Too on the “Return on Inclusion” initiative, to welcome audiences of color, young and old, male or female, experienced or non-experienced into the outdoors in Western North Carolina to find their next passion and career.

#madexmtns #blackfolkscamptoo #bigadventures #wnc #kayaks #kayaking #outside #outdoors #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #whitewaterkayaking #fishingkayak #outdoorindustry #outdoorgear

It was a great Saturday to celebrate the outdoor i

It was a great Saturday to celebrate the outdoor industry in WNC!

We had a blast celebrating @riveternc's 3rd Anniversary Blue Ridge Throwdown!

We also had a great evening supporting the WNC paddling community at @big_adventures_store for the @npff.paddling satellite viewing party, with @wacko.official, @liquidlogickayaks and @newbelgium_avl! Great crowd, great kayaking films and photos!

#madexmtns #theriveternc #theriveter #liquidlogickayaks #nationalpaddlingfilmfestival #npff #wnc #wncoutdoorsb #outdoornc #climbing #paddling #outdoorindustry #outdoorrecreation

❤️ A hiking date up to Cedar Rock in Dupont St

❤️ A hiking date up to Cedar Rock in Dupont State Recreational Forest with the kiddo hiking all the way up on her own
❤️ A cute family fishing date at Fontana Lake
❤️ A date with the Mountains to Sea Trail
❤️ A romantic stroll down the Blue Ridge Parkway while it's still closed to traffic for the winter season
❤️ A date with Lover's Leap in Hot Springs
❤️ A leisurely float in the Davidson River Recreation Area
❤️ A sunset view in the Roan Highlands

These are a few of our favorite ways to make a date in Western North Carolina. What are some of your favorite local outdoor dates? Happy Valentine's Day! 😍

#madexmtns #valentinesday #wnc #outdoornc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #yearofthetrail
#makeadatewiththetrail
#wncmountains #outdooradventures

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