WNC IS MADE BY MOUNTAINS

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.

outdoor gift guide

Check off Your Holiday Gift List with Outdoor Gear and Experiences Made in Western North Carolina.

find outdoor gear from wnc

shop and support outdoor industry brands that are "made by mountains, loved by locals"

helene recovery

the outdoor business alliance of wnc is raising funds to help outdoor brands suffering from the devastating impacts of helene.

Made By Mountains Stories

The French Broad Paddle Trail

The French Broad River State Trail was established in 1987 on the French Broad River, one of the oldest in the world. The French Broad Paddle Trail begins at the confluence of its North and West Forks in Transylvania County, and travels through Henderson, Buncombe, and Madison counties, all the way into Cocke County, Tennessee.

Food For Adventures

Outdoor culinary and educational company, Food For Adventures, embarked on a "Cooking, Camping, & Conversations" nationwide tour, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Cascades, and back North to wild and scenic Maine.

Made by Mountains, Loved By Locals

Author, Eastern Band of the Cherokee citizen, and avid cyclist Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle shares her thoughts on finding the best local outdoor gear to get outside in WNC.

these mountains

western north carolina

WNC Outdoor recreation participation survey

The first regional snapshot of its kind to establish a foundational dataset supporting the economic impact of outdoor recreation participation in the WNC region.

#ncarborday and #internationaldayofforests on the

#ncarborday and #internationaldayofforests on the same day? Couldn't have planted it better ourselves. 🌳🌲

NC's forests are still in dire need of helping hands for clean up and maintenance, particularly as we dive into Spring and the busier season outdoors. Check out an upcoming trail work day to get your hands dirty for our forests with organizations like @carolinamountainclub, @pisgahconservancy (Pisgah Project Day is coming up!), @pisgahareasorba, @mountainstoseatrail, @g5trailcollective and more.

#madexmtns #wnc #ncoutdoors #outdoornc #greattrailsnc #wncoutdoors #forests

One of the most important pieces of our work to da

One of the most important pieces of our work to date has been to collect vital data to empower investment in the #outdooreconomy and #outdoorrecreation across Western North Carolina, in partnership with Appalachian State's Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis. Outdoor recreation is a driver of our economy and an anchor in our community's health and well-being. Post-Helene, the importance of outdoor recreation in WNC is evident in the celebration of restored access to every trail, waterway, national forest and state park.

The outdoor economy and outdoor recreation are priorities you can support too, using the valuable tools in your toolbox:

💵 Your purchasing power to shop with local outdoor gear brands, retail stores and outfitters, and to donate to organizations

🕒 Your dedicated time to work or volunteer with organizations that keep outdoor spaces healthy and make outdoor recreation possible

📢 Your advocacy voice to let our local and national leaders know you care about sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities and resourced stewards of these mountains and our public lands!

Interested in learning more about outdoor recreation participation data across WNC? Visit madexmtns.com and click "WNC Outdoor Recreation Participation Survey" under the Communities tab.

#madexmtns #madebymountainslovedbylocals #buildingoutdoorcommunities #wnc #wncoutdoors #ncoutdoors #outdoorrec #outdoorindustry #outdoornc #greattrailsnc

📸: @createtheuproar

📢 📽️ 🛶 Made by Mountains Story: The Fre

📢 📽️ 🛶 Made by Mountains Story: The French Broad Paddle Trail

The French Broad River State Trail was established in 1987 on the French Broad River, one of the oldest in the world. The French Broad Paddle Trail begins at the confluence of its North and West Forks in Transylvania County, and travels through Henderson, Buncombe, and Madison counties, all the way into Cocke County, Tennessee. Learn more about the vital partnership of communities, governmental agencies, businesses and nonprofit organizations that work together to protect and promote it for outdoor recreation, and who continue to collaborate and support each other to bring the river back to full health following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene.

Visit madexmtns.com/stories or click the link in our bio to read the story and see the film!

Thanks to @mtntrue, @fbriverkeeper, @conservingcarolina, @river.link, @findoutdoors, @catanorena, and @headwatersoutfitters

📽️📸: @robb_leahy

#madexmtns #mountaintrue #mtntrue #wnc #frenchbroadriver #frenchbroad #frenchbroadpaddletrail
#paddletrail #outdoors #outdoorrecreation #outdooreconomy #rivers

Happy #internationalwomensday to all of the amazin

Happy #internationalwomensday to all of the amazing women whose contributions to the #outdooreconomy make our #outdoorindustry and #outdoorcommunities a much better place to live, work and play!

#madebymountainslovedbylocals
📸: @createtheuproar

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