Reach the right visitor
Connect with beginners, families, experienced hikers, waterfall seekers and weekend travelers through relevant content.
WNC Trails Business Partnerships
Reach people planning their next WNC adventure.
Connect your business with hikers and Western North Carolina visitors while they decide where to explore, stay, eat and shop.
High-intent discovery
Reach visitors while they are actively planning.
Local context
Appear beside relevant trails, towns and activities.
Measurable actions
Track listing views, website visits and directions.
Why partner with us
Become part of the visitor's complete weekend plan.
WNC Trails helps people choose an experience—not just a trail. That creates natural opportunities to recommend nearby lodging, food, outdoor services, attractions and local businesses.
Show up in context
Place your business next to the trails, towns and itineraries most likely to generate meaningful customer interest.
See what happens
Receive straightforward reporting on visibility and measurable actions instead of relying on vague advertising claims.
Partnership plans
Choose the visibility level that fits your business.
Annual plans include approximately two months at no additional cost. All placements remain subject to editorial and geographic relevance.
Trail Partner
For restaurants, shops and local services
$49 / month
$490 annually
- Enhanced, owner-verified listing
- Up to 10 photos and 3 action buttons
- Rotating featured category placement
- Special offer and partner badge
- Monthly views and clicks report
Weekend Partner
For lodging, tours and visitor experiences
$149 / month
$1,490 annually
- Everything in Trail Partner
- Regional and category visibility
- Placement in up to 2 Trail Day Plans
- Quarterly newsletter feature
- Quarterly social post
- Expanded performance report
Regional Partner
For established regional businesses
$399 / month
$3,990 annually
- Everything in Weekend Partner
- Priority regional placement
- Monthly newsletter placement
- Monthly social post
- Quarterly sponsored itinerary
- Limited category exclusivity
- Quarterly campaign review
Not ready for a paid partnership?
Claim a basic listing with your business name, category, location, description, photo, hours and primary website link.
Limited launch opportunity
Become a Founding Partner.
The first 10 qualifying businesses receive waived setup fees and protected introductory pricing for six months.
Request Founding Partner Status
Trail Partner
$39
per month
Weekend Partner
$119
per month
Regional Partner
$299
per month
Founding Partners commit to at least three months and allow WNC Trails to use campaign results or an approved testimonial as a case study. Participation does not guarantee a specific number of leads, sales or bookings.
How it works
A simple partnership process.
Apply
Tell us about your business, location, audience and primary goal.
Review
We confirm that your business fits the WNC Trails audience and content.
Build
We prepare your listing, links, images, offer and relevant placements.
Measure
You receive reporting on visibility, clicks and other trackable actions.
Frequently asked questions
What businesses should know.
What kinds of businesses can become partners?
We consider lodging providers, restaurants, breweries, outdoor retailers, guides, tour operators, campgrounds, shuttle services, family attractions and other businesses that genuinely improve a Western North Carolina visit.
Do you guarantee customers or bookings?
No. We provide targeted visibility, contextual placement and measurable interactions. Results depend on your offer, location, season, pricing and customer experience.
Can any business buy the top position?
No. Placement depends on relevance, geography, plan level and editorial fit. Paid participation never requires WNC Trails to make a misleading recommendation.
How are sponsored placements identified?
Sponsored features and paid partnerships are disclosed clearly so readers can distinguish advertising from independent editorial content.
Can I start with a free listing?
Yes. Eligible businesses can claim a basic listing and upgrade later when they want additional photos, visibility, reporting or campaign opportunities.
How long does setup take?
Setup begins after the business is approved and all required information, links and authorized images have been received. A launch date is confirmed during onboarding.
Can I cancel a monthly plan?
Monthly plans can be canceled with 30 days' notice. Published placements and completed campaign work are not refundable. Annual plans are governed by the partnership agreement.
Partner application
Tell us about your business.
We review every application for relevance and location before recommending a plan. Submitting this form does not create a contract or payment obligation.