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
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.
Shelby Treichler
Shelby Treichler, founder of Cactus to Pine Goods, transforms discarded climbing gear into unique, eco-friendly products.
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.
Thrive Here
These mountains have made dreamers and doers, tinkerers and builders, industry leaders and pioneers.
