Business News New Venues & Economic Anchors
The following projects are driving the "Business of Outdoors," creating jobs and new infrastructure for the region.
Beacon Bike Park & Events Lawn (Swannanoa):
This project converts a former industrial site into a world-class recreation hub.
Features North America’s largest Velosolutions pump track.
Includes a 4,000-capacity outdoor venue for concerts and races.
Grand opening is anticipated for Spring 2026.
The Orange Peel’s New Open-Air Venue:
The iconic club is expanding to East Asheville with a 6,000-person capacity open-air venue.
Located along the Swannanoa River with climate-adaptive, modular features.
Highland Station (Asheville):
Cultivate Climbing is launching a 20,000-square-foot top-rope gym.
Features 45-foot walls and the country’s second "Quantum Board" system.
Salvage Station Comeback:
The beloved venue plans a return with an indoor space and a new 14-site location near the French Broad River Greenway to anchor the River Arts District’s recovery.
[Outdoors News] Trail Towns & Recreation Expansion
WNC's natural assets are being expanded through community-led trail projects and luxury outdoor hospitality.
Old Fort’s Trail Revolution:
20 of the planned 42 miles of new trails are officially open as of early 2026.
Key additions include the Catawba View Trail and the scenic Camp Rock Trail.
Lower Ghost Town Climbing Area (Chimney Rock):
A 16-acre site secured by the Access Fund and Carolina Climbers Coalition.
Over 50 new routes are being developed, with half accessible by April 2026.
AutoCamp Asheville:
A luxury outdoor resort featuring Airstreams and modern cabins along the French Broad River.
Boone’s High Country Resilience:
Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park has completed major trail improvements.
Hawksnest Snowtubing is seeing record infrastructure investment for the 2025/2026 winter season.
[Events & Community] 2026 Landmark Gatherings
The 2026 calendar is packed with events that bring national attention to local businesses.
Outdoor Media Summit (Sept 28–30, 2026):
Asheville hosts the 10th anniversary of the industry's largest media gathering.
Expected to attract over 100 CEOs of emerging outdoor brands.
PGA TOUR Biltmore Championship (Fall 2026):
Asheville’s national sports debut with a PGA TOUR event at the historic Biltmore Estate.
ASAP’s Business of Farming Conference (Feb 28, 2026):
Networking and business planning for professional farmers and agritourism businesses.
Blue Ridge Parkway 90th Anniversary:
Major celebrations are planned as full restoration and landslide repairs are completed.
[Small Business Spotlight] Local Innovation
Small enterprises are the heartbeat of the WNC mountain culture.
Second Gear’s New Chapter:
The used gear favorite is hosting community gear-swaps at its new, higher-elevation site.
Ace & Eagle (River Arts District):
Expanding with covered and heated pickleball courts and high-tech golf simulators.
NightShade (South Slope):
A botanical lounge providing a dedicated space for non-alcoholic gatherings with an "outdoor patio" vibe.
ScaleUp WNC 2026:
Mountain BizWorks is launching its 14th cohort in March 2026, specifically helping 15 local outdoor businesses scale.
WNCTimes