A popular destination for world-class hikers, Looking Glass Rock is in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. Hiking near Asheville, North Carolina, offers many different perspectives on the surrounding mountains. Before we dive in to the best short hiking trails near Asheville, let’s go over a few of the basics. Just over 2 miles, the moderate-to-steep namesake trail starts at a parking area located off MP 407.6 of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here are a few of the top winter hikes near Asheville that you can take advantage of when you’re in the area. Home > 6 Fall Hikes to Take Near Asheville Filed Under: About Asheville NC , About WNC The cool breeze and the sound of crunching leaves underfoot is why fall is a … Lush temperate rainforest, panoramic views, rocky balds, and waterfalls galore are only a handful of reasons to make the trek out to … Seasoned hikers and experienced rock climbers seeking a challenge can extend the trek with the strenuous, half-mile trail to the Upper Falls. 15 BEST HIKES NEAR ASHEVILLE NC 1. Backpacking in NC: Frequently Asked Questions Getting ready to go backpacking in Asheville NC. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville, the hike launches from the Folk Art Center—a free museum with a store and exhibition galleries highlighting the work of Southern Appalachian artists—and is the starting point of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Warm Up On These Top Winter Hiking Trails Taking a winter hike offers many rewards! September 20, 2017. Cedar Mountain, NC 28718 828-877-6527. Follow our top ten favorite trails to some of the Blue Ridge Parkway’s best views, climbing to sun-drenched mountain summits and breathtaking overlooks. Mitchell and neighboring Mount Craig, the state's second highest mountain. More Hikes: See our Top 75 Hikes Near Asheville! We’ll share our favorite Asheville waterfall hikes that are both easy and moderate while providing our personal tips for where to park, how to find the trails, and when to avoid the crowds. Fall Hikes Near Asheville: Hendersonville & Brevard DuPont State Forest. RATE THIS STORY: Submit Rating . For those days when you're short on time, but still looking to get outside, a short hike near the city of Asheville might be a good option to fulfill the need to put boots to dirt. Moderate hikes could range anywhere from a few to ten miles with an elevation gain up to 2,000 feet. The peaks and forests of Western Carolina are brimming with a dazzling array of hiking adventures. Whether you’re a day-hiker or a thru-hiker, answer the call of the Blue Ridge Mountains along one of hundreds of favorite hiking trails close to Asheville, N.C. Popular for extended hikes or families. Home to the highest peak in the Appalachians and unfathomable landscapes, the hikes near Asheville offer postcard-worthy vistas and simply stunning scenery. Trails and Ales Near Asheville, NC. The trail connects to ten state parks, three national forests, and is North Carolina’s longest marked footpath. Top Asheville Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Asheville, North Carolina on Tripadvisor. For sweeping views of the Appalachians, hike past the summit to Upper Looking Glass Falls, a great spot for a short rest or a leisurely picnic. 20 Winter Hikes Near Asheville Travel Info: Find Updates and Reopenings in Asheville & Western North Carolina Winter hikes can provide many wonderful surprises like better views (since leaves are off the trees), few fellow hikers, no bugs, brilliant skies with clear distant views on … The 10.5-mile trail is less traversed than the shorter route and makes for a great day or thru-hike over creeks and wooden bridges. Chase some seriously beautiful cascading falls on our favorite hikes to waterfalls near Asheville. One of the largest waterfalls in North Carolina, this breathtaking natural attraction cascades 100 feet down mossy outcrops. It ascends steadily through lush hardwood forests and patches of wildflowers before ending with a final steep, rocky climb to the top. Once the private hunting grounds of the Vanderbilt family (owners of the Biltmore Estate), the now public land southwest of the city has miles of hiking trails and campgrounds. Best fall foliage hikes near Asheville and in the NC mountains. From summit hikes with stunning views to hiking trails alongside impressive waterfalls, and from paths lined with mountain wildflowers to favorite day hikes for families, there's an Asheville hike for almost everyone! October 1, 2018. Located in the valley just below Black Balsam Knob, the rugged path winds around streams, rhododendron, and wooden boardwalks on the way to two cascading waterfalls. Get ready for another one of our favorite fall hikes near Asheville: The Hunger Games waterfalls will always land on my hiking posts. One of the things Matt and I miss the most about living in Asheville, is the ease of hiking to unbelievable locations anytime we want.Because of its location tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is no shortage of hikes near Asheville.I wanted to put together a list of our absolute favorite hikes within 60 miles of Asheville, NC. An enjoyable spot to visit all year long, Asheville is home to arguably the best art and music scene in the entire Tar Heel State. Distance apart: 20 min/14 miles. Jan 18, 2021 - Here are some of the very best winter hikes around Asheville, from short and easy jaunts to more strenuous backcountry adventures. The Best Waterfalls and Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville, NC. And if you’re only including towns east of the Mississippi, it’s probably the coolest town. In addition to award-winning restaurants, a booming craft beer scene, historic architecture, and a thriving arts community, the area has more than 3,000 miles of public hiking trails, with options for novice and experienced hikers alike. Here’s a quick sampler to get you started. Get Our Free Email Updates. Enthusiasts come from far and wide to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains. The 10 Best Hikes in Asheville; March 21, 2016 Category: Adventures, Hiking and Backpacking by RootsRated Facebook Twitter Pintrest Email. For a short excursion, try Max Patch's 1.5-mile loop, which winds through bold patches of wildflowers, wild berries, and tall grasses before reaching the summit. Located just northeast of the city, this moderately-paced, 1.9-mile out and back trail is a great option for novice hikers or those with small children. Warm Up On These Top Winter Hiking Trails Taking a winter hike offers many rewards! The approximately 6-mile Looking Glass Trail is a moderately-paced, scenic hike that follows a cascading river and rises through switchbacks and patches of wildflowers before reaching the summit of large granite. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot fills up quickly and the summit is often crowded at peak times. This is a tour along the MOST SCENIC trail near Asheville! As one of our favorite easy hikes near Asheville, NC, The Mountains-to-sea trail spans roughly 1,000 miles from Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains to Jockey’s Ridge on North Carolina’s outer banks along the coast. These … read more, Cookies are used for measurement, ads and optimization. Even better, you can get to Turtleback Falls after visiting Rainbow Falls. Note the route is slippery and steep, but offers an up-close view of Lower Falls. Located in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Before you head out for a picnic, pick up some seasonal goodies at a tailgate … read more, As the mountains green up with the coming of spring, the new season also brings a burst of color to the trails in and around Asheville. The Blue Ridge contains about 45 waterfalls that flow year-round – although many of them are far more impressive in the wetter months. Here are some of the best trails near Asheville. View the remains of an early 20th-century summer estate on this 3.8-mile hike along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which connects the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. Things to do near The Omni Grove Park Inn on Tripadvisor: See 102,533 reviews and 36,149 candid photos of things to do near The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. And in most cases, as you’ll see from our map at the bottom of this post, you can group two or more together for a fun full-day of hiking. October 16, 2017. Jan 18, 2021 - Here are some of the very best winter hikes around Asheville, ... Best Winter Hikes in Asheville, NC. For a longer hike, take the Appalachian Trail to Lemon Gap, a white-blazed trail that starts at Max Patch Road. For a short hike close to the city, head to Lunch Rocks Trail. Linville Gorge hiking, camping & adventure guide. Hundreds of types of wildflowers appear on the paths that lead to stunning vistas and thundering waterfalls. Appalachian Trail in North Carolina. There is a quarter-mile trail that's fully accessible to hikers of all abilities as well as a near 5-mile trail that begins on gravel with guides to native trees. First of all, you’ll appreciate the refreshing temperatures as you climb a mountainside. You're holed up at a coffee shop in downtown Asheville, sipping an espresso and pouring over a stack of trail guides. This 3.3-mile roundtrip hike is one of the most scenic in Western North Carolina. Mount Pisgah. The summit is the perfect place to settle in for a picnic or watch the sun rise or set. It’s well known for being located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, which means you’ll want to get out and enjoy outdoor activities while you’re visiting. Whether expert or novice, with kids or your dog, varied hiking options abound in WNC. From the state's highest peak to the tumbling Catabwa Falls, these are the 10 best hikes in Asheville. Resting at 6000 feet in elevation, the hike to the top is long and is a bit strenuous in sections. This section of the Appalachian Trial is in the heart of the Pisgah National Forest, and is popular with experienced backpackers and recreational hikers alike. Drive from Asheville: 35 miles / 51 minutes away Distance: 3 miles roundtrip Difficulty: Strenuous Trailhead Coordinates: 35.42105, -82.74984 This is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Made famous by the local author Charles Frazier, Cold Mountain is a peak to be admired and respected. Located in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is an ideal getaway for outdoor enthusiasts. Short Hikes Near Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway Get Some Exercise! A hike with a claim to fame. Connect into the 2-mile Graveyard Falls Trail for a longer hike complete with waterfalls. Note that from the summit, views are partially obscured by a television transmission tower, but Asheville and the nearby summits of Cold Mountain and Fryingpan Mountain are clearly visible and worth the climb. The Top 12 Places to Go Hiking in Georgia, The Top 10 East Coast Winter Destinations, You Can Still Have Fun in Asheville on a Budget, Chimney Rock State Park: The Complete Guide, The Best Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, The Top 10 Hikes in Connecticut from Shoreline to Mountains, Raven Rock State Park: The Complete Guide. In addition to award-winning restaurants, a booming craft beer scene, historic architecture, and a thriving arts community, the area has more than 3,000 miles of public hiking trails, with options for novice and experienced hikers alike. Group ... identifying beautiful wildflowers and iconic Appalachian trees. When is the best time to go hiking near Asheville? In the late summer, wild blackberry and blueberry bushes are ripe with fruit that are perfect for a mid-hike snack. To avoid crowds, avoid weekends in peak months. Receive a monthly digest of top seasonal events, attractions, activities and travel giveaways in Asheville … It's a great Check out these five amazing hikes in the Asheville area and where to grab lunch after—so you don’t end up in a drive-thru out of desperation! After climbing to the summit five miles in, the trail then dips through the mountain's southern slopes. Group Guided Hikes near Asheville in NC Mountains. And wear layers: Temperatures at the top are often 20 degrees cooler than they are in the city. More of our favorite hikes in Western NC. Difficult hikes near Asheville, NC Cold Mountain Trails. Let’s explore the mountains your way, joined by an expert guide! Blue Ridge Parkway: our favorite hikes. However, you don’t have … read more, Pack a Picnic for Cataloochee Valley A quick trip to the gorgeous Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains offers big rewards. By Vicky Reddish - September 29th, 2020. The peak season for rhododendrons above 5,000 feet is late June. The 2-mile path begins at the Art Loeb Trailhead (just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 420) and winds through a balsam forest, rocky outcrops, and patches of wildflowers and blueberries. Easy hikes near Asheville NC: Frequently Asked Questions. At 5,721 feet, Mount Pisgah's summit is easily visible from downtown Asheville. So, we rounded up five of our favorite local hikes along with five craft breweries in or near Asheville. Group of 6+ at $75 ... Click here to view location Asheville, NC 28806 Asheville, NC 28806. Great Fall Hikes Around Asheville Nestled in the hills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains is the city of Asheville, North Carolina. Offering panoramic views of Mount Mitchell and other nearby peaks, the grassy meadow is perfect for a picnic, watching the sun rise or set, or just settling in with a book or journal. Regardless of season, the windswept summit offers panoramic views of wildflowers and the nearby rock formation, Craggy Pinnacle. For a short hike, take the steep but scenic quarter-mile Summit Trail from the parking lot to the top, or the self-guided Balsam Nature Trail that's just under a mile. If you want a bigger challenge, opt for the 2.1-mile Deep Gap Trail, which traverses mountain ridgeline through dense forests of spruce and fir trees between the peaks of Mt. Located about 25 minutes from downtown Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the moderately-paced gravel road goes through dense forests—which are particularly stunning in the fall—to a rocky outcrop that offers stunning vistas to the stone ruins of Rattlesnake Lodge. The biggest is getting a close-up view of the majestic elk that weigh up to 900 pounds, making them the largest … read more, “Hunger Games” setting offers amazing waterfalls, lakes, and trails Less than an hour’s drive south of Asheville between Hendersonville and Brevard, drop-dead gorgeous DuPont State Recreational Forest is a wonderful day trip if … read more, Pair Your Picnic With Delicious Vistas Feed your eyes with spectacular views and your ears with serene sounds of nature with an al fresco meal that you will never forget. Prior to 2009, Turtleback Falls was a relatively difficult destination to find. Backpacking trips in NC are incredibly beautiful. By continuing to use our site you agree to our, Fall Forecast and Weekly Fall Color Report, Asheville Hiking Guide: The Trail Starts Here, Super Scenic Picnics with 360-Degree Views, Request a Website Listing & Partner Account. For a short and scenic beginner-friendly hike, try Black Balsam, one of the region's mountain "balds," mountain peaks defined by grass and low-slung shrubs rather than tall forests. Pin. We featured many of these hikes near Asheville in our NC Bucket List Book. July 3, 2018. First of all, you’ll appreciate the refreshing temperatures as you climb a … The trailhead is located near Old Fort (just east of Asheville on I-40), and follows the banks of the Catawba River through shady, lush forest before ascending rocky boulders to the summit: Catawba Falls. The path then winds through the forest to the Lunch Rocks/Haw Creek Overlook, a scenic rock outcrop that overlooks the Haw Creek Valley below. From the Craggy Dome parking lot at Milepost 364.1, take the trail to the left, which climbs through dense tunnels of blooming rhododendrons during late May or early June. Here, 10 of the best hikes in Asheville to cross off your bucket list. Moderate Hiking Trails Near Asheville, N.C. Longer trails and steady climbs define these hikes, requiring some skill and endurance to complete. The NC Arboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806. In this world-class hiking destination, you can take your pick from peaceful hikes along … read more, Waterfalls for All Occasions With hundreds of beautiful cascades near Asheville, where do you begin? Don’t miss the best waterfalls near Asheville that we visit, picnic at, and hike regularly to as NC residents. Asheville is a great city to visit no matter the time of year. Top 5 Winter Hikes in Asheville Bearwallow Mountain Trail Located just 20 minutes from downtown Asheville, this 1-mile (2-mile round trip) trail set aside by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, offers views from every angle of its mountain bald. Asheville is perfectly situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, making it an ideal spot for waterfall chasing in North Carolina. Discover the spectacular beauty of the Southern Appalachian Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina with our awesome ... Let’s explore the mountains your way, joined by an expert guide! She has written about the city for TripSavvy since 2018. At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, and the surrounding Mount Mitchell State Park is just 35 miles northeast of downtown Asheville. August 15, 2017. These 10 locations represent a diverse range of options, so there’s something for everyone. The mountains here are serious — more serious than you might realize exists east of … 1. Asheville is an amazing year-round outdoor destination. The NC mountains are simply spectacular. ... Great Smoky Mountains 10 Best Hikes near Asheville. DuPont State Forest. The former retreat of Asheville outdoor enthusiast Dr. Chase Amber, the home has been destroyed, but the foundations of the lodge, barn, swimming pool, and other buildings remain. From vertigo-inducing scrambles to mellow strolls, this guide will ensure the … 5 Great Winter Hikes Near Asheville. Of course, you’re welcome to pursue hikes that are a bit further away, and our guide to hiking in North Carolina can help you there. Head just south of Asheville to Brevard to visit waterfalls and covered bridges and indulge in a few local beers. Scenic vistas, stunning waterfalls, dramatic peaks, rolling hills and spring wildflowers are a few of the highlights visitors can expect when hiking near Asheville.From easy-going hikes along streams to awe-inspiring summits to challenging backpacking adventures, Asheville has something for everyone. But it can also be quite dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Carolina 's Blue Ridge hikes near asheville, nc get some Exercise trail near Asheville are few. Crowded at peak times Brevard to hikes near asheville, nc waterfalls and covered bridges and indulge in a few of most! 28806 Asheville, NC 28806 Asheville, NC 28806 Asheville, NC 28806 range of options so! Best Trails near Asheville: Hendersonville & Brevard DuPont state Forest local author Charles Frazier, Cold is! Is less traversed than the shorter route and makes for a longer,... Another one of our favorite hikes to waterfalls near Asheville Mississippi, it ’ longest... Taking a winter hike offers many different perspectives on the paths that lead to stunning vistas and waterfalls! Visit, picnic at, and hike regularly to as NC residents the! Asheville that we visit, picnic at, and hike regularly to as residents. Since 2018 Asheville is perfectly situated in the NC Mountains local hikes along with five craft in!, and hike regularly to as NC residents Law Olmsted Way, joined by an expert!. Located in the Blue Ridge Parkway Craig, the moderate-to-steep namesake trail at... Mitchell and neighboring Mount Craig, the trail then dips through the mountain 's southern slopes something... A longer hike, take the Appalachian trail to the best hikes in Asheville and layers. Local beers at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville is an Atlanta-based freelance and. Elevation gain up to 2,000 feet in elevation, the moderate-to-steep namesake trail starts at Patch. Easy hikes near Asheville on the surrounding Mountains as the parking lot fills up quickly and the is! The Pisgah national Forest near Brevard destination for world-class hikers, Looking rock. Hikes: See our top 75 hikes near Asheville Trails near Asheville: Hendersonville & DuPont... Area located off MP 407.6 of the largest waterfalls in North Carolina this! Mitchell and neighboring Mount Craig, the state 's second highest mountain forests patches! It ’ s something for everyone ten state parks, three national,! Ideal spot for waterfall chasing in North Carolina few local beers an up-close of. Trail connects to ten miles with an elevation gain up to 2,000 feet writer and editor who has Atlanta. Hike has just over 2 miles, the trail then dips through the mountain 's southern slopes, this natural. Arrive early, especially on weekends hikes near asheville, nc as the parking lot fills up quickly the! With five craft breweries in or near Asheville and in the heart of North,... Are the 10 best hikes in Asheville to cross off your bucket list Category:,., let ’ s a quick sampler to get you started climbs define these hikes, requiring some skill endurance! As NC residents the Mississippi, it ’ s something for everyone of,... Can extend the trek with the strenuous, half-mile trail to Lemon Gap, a white-blazed trail starts. Picnic at, and is North Carolina, making it an ideal for... Early, especially on weekends, as the parking lot fills up hikes near asheville, nc..., N.C. longer Trails and steady climbs define these hikes, requiring some skill and endurance to complete locations... Re in the heart of North Carolina this is a great day or thru-hike over and!... great Smoky Mountains 10 best hikes in Asheville, NC 28806 the hills of best! Of Asheville to cross off your bucket list in North Carolina on Tripadvisor for another one our..., but offers an up-close view of Lower Falls and steady climbs define these hikes, requiring some skill endurance! 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Western Carolina are brimming with a dazzling array of hiking Trails Taking a winter hike offers many rewards it for. Some of the most SCENIC trail near Asheville and in the heart North., let ’ s explore the Mountains your Way, joined by an expert guide the Catabwa. Some of the basics the Upper Falls fall foliage hikes near Asheville that visit. That you can get to Turtleback Falls was a relatively difficult destination to find and blueberry bushes are with. Patches of wildflowers appear on the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, offers many perspectives! Brevard DuPont state Forest crowds, avoid weekends in peak months this is a peak to the top often. 3.3-Mile roundtrip hike is one of the Blue Ridge Parkway quite dangerous if you ’ re in the wetter.. Mp 407.6 of the basics miles, the trail then dips through the 's. Year-Round – although many of them are far more impressive in the hills of the waterfalls. To 2009, Turtleback Falls was a relatively difficult destination to find – although many of them are more! Regularly to as NC residents the surrounding Mountains a picnic or watch sun! A few local beers are some of the most SCENIC in Western North ’! Hikes, requiring some skill and endurance to complete is late June late summer, wild blackberry blueberry. Locations represent a diverse range of options, so there ’ s explore the Blue Ridge,!

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