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Asheville and WNC Hikes

Amazingly, we have 3,000+ miles of free public hiking trails near downtown Asheville NC, including 1,600 miles in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, 850 miles in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and many more along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in the state parks and forests. Where to begin?

Here are just a few of our favorite hikes near Asheville in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and sliding rock. All of the following hikes we picked based on the following criteria:

1 – The hike is 80 miles or less from downtown Asheville

2 – It is safe, well-marked and not overly strenuous

3 – It does not require any special equipment or shoes

4 – It is easy to locate

Panoramic Views

Black Balsam – For sweeping 360-degree views, roam the bald mountain tops at Black Balsam Knob. Almost entirely devoid of trees above 6,000 ft, the summit is more reminiscent of New England than North Carolina.

Max Patch – Hike a section of the famous Appalachian Trail on top of Max Patch near Hot Springs. This 4,600-foot mountain was cleared and used as a pasture in the 1800’s. Today, it’s a 350-acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see from Mount Mitchell on the east to the great Smokey Mountains to the south. The parking area is near the summit so you can do a short 1.4-mile loop to enjoy the views on top. Or you can do a longer loop and head north or south on the Appalachian Trail.

Looking Glass Rock – For 180+ degree views from the rock face, hike Looking Glass Rock in the Pisgah National Forest. It is an especially great hike for the winter months because it is accessible year-round (weather permitting) unlike some of the hikes off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 6.4-mile round trip trail gains 1,700 feet in elevation. It is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville.

Mount Pisgah – A very popular hike is to the top of 5,700-foot Mount Pisgah located 26 miles southwest of Asheville, on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 3-mile trail (round-trip) gains 712 feet in elevation and is steep in spots. Your reward at the top is panoramic views of the North Carolina Mountains, including Cold Mountain.

Loftiest Hike

Mount Mitchell – This lofty North Carolina hiking trail keeps you above 6,000 feet and takes you over the highest two mountains east of the Mississippi. Go to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in eastern America at 6,684 feet to hike the Deep Gap Trail.

You drive (yes, drive!) to the top of Mount Mitchell and look for the picnic area near the beginning of the summit parking lot. Deep Gap Trail begins here and descends and climbs through fragrant spruce-fur forests to Mount Craig with panoramic views (about a 2-mile round trip). The trail continues for another 3.5 miles, topping several more peaks. Dree warmly, it is usually cooler here than in town.

Waterfall Hike

Dupont State Forest – Forty miles, south west of Asheville near Brevard, our top pick is a 3-mile roundtrip, easy hike to three beautiful waterfalls. On this hike, you will visit up to 5 of the 6 major waterfalls in Dupont State Forest. It starts as an easy path to some of the most specular waterfalls in the area: Hooker, Triple, and High Falls.

Covered picnic shelters with views of the falls make for excellent family outing possibilities. If you wish to continue to Grassy Creek or Bridal Veil Falls, this will become a more moderate hike. You will cross the big covered bridge and pass a beautiful mountain lake on the way. Well worth the extra effort.

Highland Hike

History Hike

Short and Sweet Hike

Hawksbill Peak – This 1.5-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Hawksbill Mountain (elevation 4,009 ft.) has an amazing payoff with panoramic views of the canyon of Linville Gorge Wilderness Area – with the valley floor and Linville River 2,000 ft. below you. On a clear day, you can even see the skyline of Charlotte – about 90 miles away! The strenuous hike climbs about 700 ft. in elevation, so allow plenty of time. It’s definitely one of our favorite hikes near Asheville!

The 360-degree views from the top are some of the most spectacular you’ll find in the North Carolina mountains. There are several great vantage points on the summit. It’s an amazing spot for a picnic. Look east into the Piedmont, north to Grandfather Mountain or southwest to Mt. Mitchell. This rugged summit is adjacent to Table Rock, a similar hike a few miles away. Peak fall color views into the gorge are normally the third week of October.

Best VIP Hike

Best Sidewalk Stroll

Best in town Nature Walks

North Carolina Arboretum – Just 10 miles south of downtown, the North Carolina Arboretum has several easy to moderate walking tours. Our favorite is the Natural Garden Trail, a 1-mile loop starting from the plants of promise garden to the core area gardens. It is gently graded, naturally surfaced trail that overlooks Bent Creek and the National Native Azalea Repository.

Botanical Gardens at Asheville – For a half mile loop across streams, through meadows, and over a woodland ridge to a wildflower cove with an authentic cabin, the Botanical Gardens is just 3 miles north of downtown, beside the University of North Carolina at Asheville.

Please note, certain sections of the Blue Ridge Parkways are closed during the winter months. Check www.blueridgeparkways.org for availability.