Our Stories
From the parking lot to the porch, stories are part of the culture of Western North Carolina. Whether you were born here, or you got here as soon as you could, stories flow from this place like rivers down its mountains and bike wheels down singletrack.
We hope that the stories shared here and by our community members inspire you to tell your own story and be a proud part of this amazing community of people, places, and companies that have been made by the mountains of WNC.
Made By Mountains Stories
Great State of Wilkes Outdoor Economy
Wilkes County has a deep commitment to outdoor recreation and its outdoor economy. Collaboration and partnership are at the forefront of furthering initiatives to create healthy communities for residents and visitors.
Chestnut Mountain
Collaborative partnerships are at the core of outdoor recreation infrastructure at Chestnut Mountain in Canton, NC, and will power its resilience toward an exciting future.
Sav Sankaran
Sav Sankaran, Inclusion and Engagement Business Partner at Orvis, talks about bridging the gaps of identity, inclusion, & the outdoors
Brent Nelson
Tentrax owner, Brent Nelson, explores his journey from Corporate Life to Camping Innovation.
Laura Blythe
Cherokee Historical Association Program Director, EBCI tribal citizen, Cane Creek Cycling Components ambassador and 7 Moons MTB cofounder, Laura Blythe, explores Mountain Biking and Cultural Reawakening.
WNC Fly Fishing – The Future is Downstream
Western North Carolina celebrates a unique and tight knit fly fishing community with an immense impact as an outdoor recreational economic driver. As the popularity of recreational fishing in these waterways grows, more guide and gear companies are born in the region, and generations of families and more diverse communities become involved, we must work together in conservation efforts to ensure clean headwaters and healthy fish populations.
Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians have prioritized outdoor recreation to increase access and connection to their land, and drive an outdoor economy that increases quality of life and furthers a sense of community for all tribal citizens and visitors alike.
McHone Performance Training
McHone Performance Training conditions WNC's outdoor athletes for a lifetime of outdoor recreation.
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.
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.
Thrive Here
These mountains have made dreamers and doers, tinkerers and builders, industry leaders and pioneers.
