Summer/Fall Yoga Teacher Training Program – Begins July 2019

Please fill out this form to apply for the Summer/Fall 2019 Asheville Community Yoga Teacher Training.

Dates:

• July 12-14
• Aug. 2-4
• Aug. 23-25
• Sept. 13-15
• Oct. 4-6*
• Oct. 25-27
• Nov. 15-17
• Dec. 6-8

* Prama Institute Retreat Weekend: We will be on Prama grounds from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.

 

Times:

Friday 6-9pm
Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:15-4:30pm
Sunday 8:00-am-12:00pm, 1:15-3:30pm

Asheville Community Yoga
250-Hour Teacher Training
c/o Amber Acheson
8 Brookdale Road
Asheville, NC 28804

Our teacher training is unique in that it offers a two-day retreat included in the already-reasonable price. We offer this special experience as an opportunity for you to strengthen bonds with your fellow students and dive deeper into the practice of yoga.

The retreat takes place at The Prama Institute, a nonprofit, holistic retreat center located on forested hilltops and grasslands surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. It sits in Marshall, NC, near the French Broad River, about 25 minutes outside Asheville, NC.

The 6,000-square-foot dome structures are Prama’s most distinctive feature, including a 1,300-square-foot meeting space. The domes are designed according to the original Buckminster Fuller architectural specifications, featuring bamboo floors with in-floor passive solar heating. Gourmet vegetarian chefs produce three delicious meals each day of your stay, using as much locally produced and organic ingredients as possible. The retreat center is surrounded by more than 100 acres of forested hills and valleys.

Tuition for this program is $2,995. This price includes a weekend retreat with healthy meals and lodging at The Prama Institute! A deposit of $500 is due upon registration, $100 of which is non-refundable. In effort to make this program accessible to everyone, we offer scholarships, payment plans and HUGE discounts for registering early!

If you pay in full by:

• April 12th, 2019, you save $700 for a total tuition of $2,295  
  
• May 12th, 2019, you save $400, for a total tuition of $2,595
• June 12th, 2019, you save $150, for a total tuition of $2,845

Refund Policy: We understand that life happens and unforeseen circumstances come up. If life throws you a curve ball and you need to withdraw from the program prior to June 1st, 2019 all but $100 will be refunded. If you need to withdraw after June 1st and prior July 1st, 2019 the $500 deposit is non-refundable. After July 1st, 2019, no money paid towards the deposit or tuition will be refunded.

General Scholarship/Partial Scholarship

Asheville Community Yoga is dedicated to making all of our programs available to as many people as possible. We anticipate being able to give up to $8,000 in partial scholarships. Most of our partial scholarships provide $250-$650 in assistance. The remaining tuition balance can be paid over time with a payment plan. The earlier you apply, the longer your payment plan will be making each monthly payment lower. We advise those who are interested in applying to do so early!

These scholarships will be awarded to those who demonstrate financial need, a calling to go deeper in their own practice, or a desire to teach yoga to any of the following groups: seniors, the lesser able, underprivileged youth, veterans, prison populations, pregnant women, people with mental illness and people in recovery.

Applicants must write a one-to-two-page essay stating why they want to take the training, why there is a need for them to receive financial aid and what they will do with their knowledge once they have completed the training. Scholarship savings cannot be combined with any other discounts. Please email the essay to amber@ashevillecommunityyoga.com.

Requests will only be reviewed once the full training application has been submitted along with the $100 scholarship deposit. The application, deposit and scholarship request are all due by May 12th, 2019.

Diverse Perspectives Scholarship

Asheville Community Yoga is a diverse community which represents the world around us. We see students, seniors, servers, bartenders, doctors, people of all ethnicities, skin colors, body shapes, national origin and gender showing up to practice yoga next to each other. Coming to our yoga mat is a way to connect with each other and a way to connect beyond the things that can allow us to see each other as separate. We believe that the growing diversity in our community only strengthens us and we want you to be a part of it! If you identify as part of an underrepresented group and wish to become a yoga teacher we welcome you to apply for a full scholarship to our 250 hour yoga teacher training.

What makes your perspective one of diversity? Are you ready to step up and be a leader for those who may not identify as “the majority” does? Are you ready, willing, and excited to share your passion for yoga- not only here at the studio but also in your everyday life? Then we welcome you to apply and help us as we make yoga accessible to all.

Please submit your Diverse Perspectives Scholarship Application by June 1st, 2019. If you are apply for this scholarship, there is no need to fill out the program application/deposit found at the bottom of this webpage.

Please click here to apply for our Diverse Perspectives Scholarship.

Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum
Informed by both modern science and ancient texts, the Asheville Community Yoga 250-hour teacher training comprises asana, pranayama, meditation and kirtan. Through the dual lenses of theory and practice, we will delve into methods for safely and effectively teaching asanas to a room of different bodies, abilities and levels in styles ranging from gentle to vinyasa. Providing the tools to explore yourself and educate others, our program fosters an insightful examination and clear articulation of the art and science of yoga through traditional and evidence-based perspectives.

Topics

• Asana
  • Alignments
  • Modifications
  • Adjustments
• Surya namaskaras
  • Sun salutations A & B
  • Vinyasa flow
• Languaging
  • Physical cues
  • Energetic cues
• Class structure
  • Sequencing
  • Theming
  • Bhav (the vibe)
• Cultivating a home practice
  • Daily asana
  • Daily pranayama
  • Daily meditation
• Pranayama (breathing technique)
• Meditation
• Restorative yoga
• Yoga nidra (relaxation technique)
• Chakra theory and practice
• Ayurveda
  • Self care
  • Yogic nutrition
• Therapeutic yoga
• Yoga history
  • Vedic path
  • Tantric path
• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
  • The eight-limbed path
  • Yamas and niyamas
• Yoga ethics
  • Who is a yoga teacher?
  • Why teach yoga?
  • Honoring teacher/student relationships/boundaries
  • Class labels and studio policies
• The Bhagavad Gita
• The Spirit of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga)
• The Spirit of Service (Karma Yoga)
  • Service project
• The Business of Yoga
  • Branding and marketing
  • Professionalism
  • Yoga Alliance
• Practicum
  • Student teaching

Curriculum

Techniques, Training and Practice
Total Hours: 120

Asana: Through discussion, active demonstration, and use of the trainee handbook, we will identify alignment and cuing for stable and safe movement and posture within the following categories.

Tadasana (mountain pose: the foundation)
Sun salutations
Downward facing dog and transitions to and from (“Vinyasa Flow”)
Standing poses
Back bends
Forward bends
Twists
Standing balances
Arm balances
Inversions
We will identify how key muscle groups affect flexibility and strength in these poses. Conversation will focus on how to cue based on the energetic effects of these postures and the risk factors inherent to practicing them incorrectly.

Pranayama: The training will include multiple pranayama modules where students will gain a first hand experience of the physical, mental, emotional and sometimes spiritual effects that can occur when pranic flow is controlled and manipulated.

Meditation: Students will be encouraged to cultivate a daily meditation practice and will be guided through various techniques used for meditation including mantras and visualizations.

Restorative yoga/yoga nidra: A discussion and practice on the deeply rooted physical, mental and emotional impacts of restorative yoga and yogic sleep.

Teaching Methodology
Total Hours: 50

Through discussion, active demonstration, and use of the trainee handbook, we will explore ways to keep a class safe, effective and engaging. The following modules will be explored:

Modifications
Adjustments
Sequencing
Class themes
Holding space
Creating atmosphere
Finding your voice
Trusting your inner teacher

Anatomy and Physiology
Total Hours: 20

We will cover a general overview of all major systems of the body including the:

• Skeletal system
• Muscular system
• Digestive system
• Endocrine system
• Fascial system
• Cardiovascular system
• Nervous system
• Lymphatic system

In addition, within each of the above mentioned asana modules, we will identify key muscles groups and joints affected by the postures. We will also identify where and when the following movements occur within the poses:

Flexion and extension
Abduction and adduction
Medial and lateral rotation
Pronation and supination
We will also cover subtle anatomy which includes:

Pranayama
Bandhas
Nadis
Chakras

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics
Total Hours: 50

Through class discussion and journaling practices, we will dive into the heart of yoga, exploring what it means to live our yoga on and off the mat. These modules will explore:

• The Yoga Sutras
• The 8 Limbed Path
• The Yamas and Niyamas
• The Upanishads
• The Bhagavad Gita
• Bhakti Yoga (Devotion)
• Karma Yoga (Service)

Practicum
Total Hours: 10

Students will demonstrate their growing ability to guide others through a safe and effective yoga class. They will demonstrate their knowledge of alignment, sequencing, verbal cuing, and modifications, as well as their ability to create a peaceful atmosphere and hold space for others to explore the body, mind and spirit connection.

Required Reading
Any translation of The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
The Concise Book of Yoga Anatomy by Jo Ann Staugaard-Jones
Teaching Yoga by Donna Farhi
The Yoga of Breath: A Step-By-Step Guide to Pranayama by Richard Rosen
The Bhagavad Gita translated by Stephen Mitchell

Recommended Reading
Back Care Basics by Mary Pullig Schatz
30 Essential Poses by Judith Lasater
Relax and Renew by Judith Hanson Lasater
Yoga: Mind, Body, Spirit by Donna Farhi
The Breathing Book by Donna Farhi
Living Your Yoga by Judith Lasater
Yogabody by Judith Lasater

Requirements for Graduation
Attendance each day
Fulfilling reading and writing requirements
Attending yoga classes
Student teaching at least five classes
Observing at least five classes
Research paper or equivalent research project
Teaching a class to the group at the end of the course

Teacher Training Staff

Michael Greenfield

Michael has been in the practicing school of yoga for almost 30 years. He began teaching yoga in 2003 and has been dedicated to serving others in the area of Yoga & relationship work. Igniting passion & demonstrating love are Michael’s two favorite subjects.

Michael is the founder & executive director of Asheville Community Yoga. He was rated in the top 3 yoga teachers in WNC for four years in a row, winning the “Best Yoga Teacher in WNC” Mountain Express award in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Asheville Community Yoga won the “Best Yoga Studio” award in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Michael is also the director of the Asheville Community Yoga Teacher Training Programs. Michael invites you to discover the depth of your integrity and your capacity to serve from the heart.

Kelly Gilmore

Kelly Gilmore is a dedicated, down to earth student and teacher of yoga, a massage therapist, a voice for animals and lover of nature. She began her studies 12 years ago with a certification in Vinyasa Flow Yoga from White Lotus Foundation. Soon after Kelly was introduced to Anusara Yoga and completed a 200RYT with Sarajoy Marsh in 2005. Around the same time, she moved to WNC and enrolled in the Asheville School of Massage and Yoga. Having several trainings in therapeutic yoga, clinical massage and her 500 RYT in Yoga Therapy with Subtle Yoga, she embraces the opportunity to serve the community and share from her life experiences on and off the mat.

 

Mado Hesselink

Mado is a passionate learner who has been fascinated by the technology of yoga and the mystery of the human body for the past 15 years. An E-RYT (experienced registered yoga teacher) Mado has studied extensively in multiple styles of yoga including vinyasa flow, Anusara, Yoga Tune Up, and therapeutic yoga since she first started teaching in 2005.

Her classes include both mental & physical aspects of yoga in a welcoming and lighthearted atmosphere with a focus on therapeutic alignment and safety.

Mado is honored to be on the staff of the Asheville Community Yoga Teacher training, in addition to other regional teacher training programs. She is the creator of teachingyoga.net, an online resource for yoga teachers.

Amber Acheson

Amber considers herself a humble student of life. She strives to open herself to life’s lessons, embracing every opportunity to learn and experience something new with a soft and gentle heart. Amber has been dedicated to the path of yoga since 2009. In 2010 she had the opportunity to travel extensively through Southeast Asia, China, Nepal and Northern India practicing and studying the art/science of yoga. While in India she completed her 200RYT. Amber graduated from Subtle Yoga’s Therapeutic Yoga 500RYT in the spring of 2013. Amber served as Asheville Community Yoga’s Associate Director for 6 years. She currently serves as Teacher Training & Yoga Immersion Director.

 

Wendy Mallett

Wendy found yoga early in life and has the had the honor of studying many different disciplines of yoga including Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Therapeutic, Restorative, Prenatal and Kid’s Yoga. Her earliest influences were Erich Schiffmann, Seane Corn, Doug Keller, and Paul Grilley. Sharing Yoga as a practice of compassionate, heart-opening, soul healing, mindful movement that transcends the mat in a studio, Wendy encourages her students to incorporate yoga into every part of their lives. Often playful, always heartfelt, her classes create an environment of acceptance and unconditional love of self and others. Having been a part of Asheville Community Yoga in the very beginning, she is grateful to be back and serves as Community Service Coordinator.

Kristin “Luna” Ray

“Filled with a devotion at once fresh and electrifying, Kristin Luna Ray solidly ranks amongst chant music’s most luminous rising stars.” -Yoga Journal

Kristin “Luna” Ray is a singer-songwriter, chant artist, workshop leader, and advocate for wellness and spiritual growth.

Over the last decade, she has traveled extensively throughout the world sharing music through performance, workshops, Live Music and Yoga, and kirtans (call and response chanting). Luna teaches about Bhakti (devotional) yoga and leads kirtans for our trainings.

Ramesh Bjonnes

Ramesh Bjonnes was born in Norway and lived for nearly three years in India and Nepal learning directly from the masters of Tantric yoga. Bjonnes is co-founder of the Prama Institute (www.pramainstitute.org), a holistic retreat center outside Asheville, NC. He has written extensively on Tantra, yoga, culture and sustainability, and his articles have appeared in books and numerous magazines and newspapers in Europe and the US. He wrote the books, Sacred Body, Sacred Spirit: A Personal Guide to the Wisdom of Yoga and Tantra and Tantra: The Yoga of Love and Awakening. He lives in an eco-village near Marshall, Madison County. Ramesh teaches the Yoga Sutras and meditation modules in our trainings.

“The training gave me the confidence to take the seat of the teacher. I left knowing I could keep students safe and share in a meaningful way what yoga means to me. It was empowering to know that I had a place in the big wide world of yoga. The training changed my life by providing me with answers and resources to the deep down feeling I already had that yoga was more than a physical practice. It also surrounded me with a community of like minded people who will always be my teachers.” -JB

“In the teacher training at Asheville Community Yoga, I finally found my true self and a real community. All the knowledge and skills I learned in training were extremely beneficial for my mental state, while my spirit was also transformed through the center I found within myself. The teacher training taught me to always be aware of my breath in life, for it will steady my thoughts and emotions and always be there to guide me.” -KA

“This has been the most important education of my life. I have learned so much about myself and the process of removing the veils that cloak our true nature. We can change the world with yoga!” -SM

“I was skeptical when our teachers told us that when we left, we wouldn’t be the same. Still, they encouraged us to give everything we had as an offering, to let it go, leave nothing behind. And, I decided to do just that. You get from it most certainly what you put in. There are so many opportunities to open up, let go and be humbled.” -RM

“This weekend was absolutely amazing, uplifting, wondrous and down right breathtaking. I feel so fully loved and accepted for who I am. It is pretty rare these days to have such strong connections with this many people, but after what we have all just experienced, I am convinced that this group will only continue to stay in each other’s lives.” -GH

“When I decided to enroll in the yoga teacher training program at Asheville Community Yoga, my intention was to deepen my practice and possibly teach yoga (if all went well with the training). What I was not anticipating was to experience such a profound sense of love and acceptance of myself. … I am extremely grateful for connections made with the instructors, special guests and especially with my cohort of yoga teacher trainees who I now consider part of my extended family. I am so thankful for having committed myself to the gift of this experience. I now look forward to sharing this practice of love with others.” -JW

Places to stay around Asheville
Asheville offers many beautiful, comfortable and accessible choices when deciding where to stay. The following listings (rooms, homes, bed and breakfasts, hotels and campgrounds) are recommended as your place to stay while in Asheville for trainings or events. They may fill up fairly quickly so don’t delay in booking your accommodations. If affordability is your primary concern, renting a room in an Asheville home may be a good match. The owners of the homes are people who have an association with our yoga studio and we know and trust their character. Please direct your inquiries to the proprietors rather than Asheville Community Yoga. Thank you.

Hotels in Downtown Asheville

Renaissance Hotel – 31 Woodfin St. Asheville, NC 28801. (828) 252-8211

Hotel Indigo – 151 Haywood St. Asheville, NC 28801. (828) 239-0239

Hyatt Place – 199 Haywood St. Asheville, NC 28801. (828) 505-8500

Four Points by Sheraton – 22 Woodfin St. Asheville, NC 28801. (828) 253-1851

The Omni Grove Park Inn – 290 Macon Ave. Asheville, NC 2880. (828) 252-2711

Crowne Plaza Resort (West)- 1 Resort Drive, Asheville, NC 28806. (828) 254-3211

Days Inn Asheville (North) – 3 Reynolds Mountain Blvd. Asheville, NC 28804. (828) 645-9191

Haywood Park Hotel – 1 Battery Park Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 552-5842

Hampton Inn Asheville (South) – 204 Tunnel Rd. Asheville, NC (828) 255-9220

Grand Bohemian Hotel – 11 Boston Way, Asheville, NC 28803 (828) 505-2949

Country Inn & Suites by Carlson – 1914 Old Haywood Rd. Asheville, NC 28806 (844) 254-1373

Aloft Asheville – 51 Biltmore Ave. Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 232-2838

Bed and Breakfasts

Bittersweet Cottage and suite: 2 night minimum stay. Our rates are $195. – $295./per night depending on the season. Refresh, relax and renew at this sublime retreat situated on beautiful Elk Mountain. Beautiful views, the calming sounds of running water and a quiet and peaceful setting await our guests. Please come visit; you may never want to leave. Contact Matt Clark (828) 712-2414. www.bittersweetcottage.com.

Chestnut Street Inn: LaDonna and Joe Lasko offer a beautiful and charming inn on 176 East chestnut street in Asheville. 10% discount to yoga students on weekend reservations and special rates for weekday reservations with a 2-night minimum stay. Full home-made breakfast served at 9am or light breakfast provided earlier if requested. (828) 285-0705, www.chestnutstreetinn.com, innkeeper@chestnutstreetinn.com.

Hill House: 120 Hillside Street, David Smith, Innkeeper. Lodging in a gorgeous country like setting just a 10 minute walk to downtown. Comfortable and charming rooms with a large wrap around porch for eating, chatting and enjoying the view. www.Hillhousebb.com.

Rooms to rent in Asheville Homes

Susanne Wyckoff: One bedroom with private bath and use of kitchen in North Asheville. $65/night. (828-231-1255) q10suzi@gmail.com

Susanne Bennett: One bedroom with private bath and use of kitchen in West Asheville. Quiet neighborhood, breakfast available. $52 a night, additional bedroom available for $15 more.828-989-0556. Susannebennett4@gmail.com

Amanda Graves: Guest room in a “yogi home”, shared bath, has WIFI owner has pets. Ag789@bellsouth.net

Highland House: Small private room in shared house w/3 adults. 1.5 baths, laundry, kitchen, wireless internet. highlandroom@gmail.com (828) 450-1836.

Drake Guest Studio: Studio Loft attached to Montford Home (within a 15 min. walk to downtown Asheville) w/full size mattress in sleeping loft. Bathroom with tiled, walk-in shower, kitchen, closet, heat/air conditioning, wireless. Off-street parking. Summer availability. Nightly rate $125. Contact Hilary (828) 713 3882. hilarybdrake@gmail.com

Aicha’s Enchanted Garden Cottages: 6 minutes from Asheville Community Yoga Center, 4 blocks from downtown. Beautiful, immaculate, serene. Private kitchen & bath, linens, WiFi. hummingbird@mantisgardens.com, 828-216-8407, See photos here, click on Garden Guesthouses: www.mantisgardens.com

Betty Sharpless: Sunny North Asheville fully furnished 2 room rental with full bath and separate entrance. Within bike riding distance to Asheville Community Yoga. Includes queen bed, optional additional twin mattress, dinnerware service for 4, fridge, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker. Wifi available. Outside stairs access and sunny south facing deck. Fresh eggs and vegetables seasonally from garden and hens. No smoking, no pets. $150. per week. bsharp614@aol.com

Valorie Miller: One bedroom, beautiful, comfy, downtown studio apartment, private, quiet, yogi-owned. Hazzard Street, Asheville. $120 p/night; $600 p/week, accommodates 3. Comfortable queen size bed and queen size futon. Easy parking, all water is filtered, kitchenette w/all appliances. Photos available. Contact: valoriemiller@yahoo.com (828) 215-0572.

Dorothy Rogers: 5 minute drive to Asheville Community Yoga. Private home with private bedroom, comfy full bed, private bath in the hallway, wifi, kitchen privileges in quiet, bucolic east Asheville community. 2 night minimum. Weekly rates available. No smoking, no pets. Dorothy Rogers 828.206.1770 dororogers@gmail.com

Ashevillage Sanctuary: A gorgeous eco-urban goddess sanctuary. Spacious sunlit home with clay walls, with 4 rooms, 1.5 baths. Beautiful gardens, ponds & waterfall. A few blocks to downtown, bordering 60 acres of woods & trails. A 2-night minimum is required at $65/night — normal rate is $88, but mention Asheville Community Yoga for the discount. Text Janell Kapoor at (828) 279-1955, or email sanctuary@ashevillage.org.

Robyn Blakely: Comfortable clean home in historic Kenilworth neighborhood with off-street parking. Located just off Biltmore Ave between Biltmore Village and Mission Hospital. 2 rooms: 1 twin with mini fridge and shared bath, 1 double with mini fridge and shared bath. Use of commons, laundry and kitchen including a little cabinet space for groceries. Wi-fi is available of course. I have an indoor cat. We welcome dogs who are people- and cat-friendly, quiet, well behaved and pick up their poop in the yard AND in the neighborhood. vintagesadie@gmail.com

Seasonal prices:
Twin $45/night $215/week $650/month
Double $65/night $325/week $820/mo
Off-season discounts available.
Little studio with half bath (use of shower in main house) for $50/night $250/wk $600/mo near Biltmore Forest south of I-40

Linda Pannullo: Sweet 1 bedroom with twin size mattress (linens included) and private bath in great North Asheville location, just 2 miles from Avl. Community yoga. Kitchen privileges, wifi -minimum 2 day for $60, weekly, $200 and $475 for the month. No smoking, no pets,(we already have some)! lpannullo57@gmail.com

Beth Weegar: Fully furnished basement suite in quiet North Asheville home. Four miles to Asheville Community Yoga studio. Private entrance to basement apartment. Off street parking. One bedroom with queen size memory foam mattress; private bath; all linens provided; efficiency kitchen with mini fridge, coffee maker and toaster oven, reverse osmosis water filter; dinnerware service for 4; HDTV with cable; WiFi; sofa bed with full size memory foam mattress. $79 per night with $30 cleaning fee. Pictures available upon request. bethweegar@yahoo.com

Robin and Corey: A little piece of paradise just 5 miles from downtown Asheville and less than a mile from Asheville Community Yoga center. Sleeps 2-3 adults with a queen and a twin pull out. Our cute stand alone cottage has private parking & deck and an outdoor bath tub. It’s tucked away from the noises of the city so you can enjoy nature but be minutes away from downtown. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3297865

Perry Martino: modern, elegant, private studio half mile from downtown, separate from main house, own deck/yard, off street parking, queen bed, well equipped kitchenette.631-334-8036 Ashevillestudio78@gmail.com

Sandra Garcia Healing & Yoga Home: 10min from downtown Asheville. Treat yourself to a mini vacation at this charming suburban wholistic airbnb. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains our home is a healing, yoga and artistic space. Located between West Asheville and Candler. Easily accessible to Hwy 40 and Smokey Parkway; only a 10 minute drive to downtown.

Jill Love Phoenix: We have a very quiet home and private room ideal for current yoga teacher trainees visiting the area, with a private bathroom; we only share the shower. Please note that we value our sacred space and are both 100% sober and require anyone staying to observe this with respect and to please maintain a sober environment. We are also pet and kid and smoke free.Please check out our page on FB for pictures and pricing info: “Our sweet Om” Or email and I can send the information and pictures to you: jillphoenixyoga@gmail.com 828-242-1042

Camping

If you decide to camp, you’ll need to do more driving around town. Be sure to research the driving distance from the campsite to Asheville Community Yoga.

Lake Powhatan (877) 444-6777 open April 1-October 31. Large forested area, with lake, beach, mountain biking, hiking. Part of Bent Creek area. Car camping available.

KOA Asheville (828) 686-3121 Truly great camping at an affordable price. Come and enjoy the mountains and all their rustic beauty. KOA is located on Old US 70 in Swannanoa.

Mount Mitchell State Park (828) 675-4611. Open 8am to 9pm. In the crest of the Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, an elevation of 6,684 feet. Highest point east of the Mississippi. 9 walk-in campsites, non-electric grill and picnic table at each site. Location is one mile on right after entering park gate. 6 people per site. Restrooms nearby. Reservations strongly advised.

Mt. Pisgah (828) 648-2644 Open through October 27. Located at milepost 408 in Canton, NC, perched in the rolling mountains along the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. Elevation of 4,980 ft., Mt. Pisgah offers moderate to cool temps during camping seasons. RV and tent sites available in this roomy campground. Modern amenities such as flush toilets, drinking water and a country store create a comfortable camping experience. Asheville is 20 miles away.

Please visit ExploreAsheville.com for more information on visiting and staying in Asheville: Explore Asheville, NC | Visit Asheville, NC’s Official Tourism Web Site