ASHEVILLE Guide

Alright, listen up. If you want a mountain view that’ll snatch your breath and make you rethink your whole life, take yourself up the Craggy Pinnacle Trail—just ¾ of a mile, but honey, it’s worth every step.

If you're looking for a solid hike without committing to a marathon, the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig is a great pick.

If you’re craving panoramic mountain views, this hike delivers. With rolling, treeless summits soaring above 6,000 feet, Black Balsam Knob is breathtaking.

Ready to hit the trail? This section of the iconic Appalachian Trail near Hot Springs is the perfect spot for some fresh air and epic views!

This 1.5-mile round-trip hike offers stunning mountaintop views overlooking Linville Gorge—perfect for those who love a little bit of elevation with their adventure.

This 2.5 mile, moderate loop trail at Deep Creek, near Bryson City, serves up three stunning waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains

The Alum Cave Trail is the Great Smoky Mountains' most popular hike—and for good reason!

This stunning 150-foot waterfall, nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, is accessible via a scenic 3 mile, roundtrip trail from Gorges State Park.

For a moderate 2.2-mile round-trip hike, head to Table Rock, one of the most iconic peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Take a leisurely stroll through Nantahala National Forest to hit not one, but two stunning waterfalls—

A short 2.5-mile roundtrip, this easy hike along the stunning Cherohala Skyway takes you up to a 5,560-foot bald summit with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the Nantahala National Forest.

Along the way, you'll enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and lake, making this a serene spot for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique outdoor experience,

Just 10 miles south of downtown, the North Carolina Arboretum is a nature lover’s dream with 10 miles of easy-to-moderate trails perfect for walking and biking.

Whiteside Mountain, nestled in the Nantahala National Forest between Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina, stands at an elevation of 4,930 feet.

Take a moderate 3.2-mile loop hike from downtown Hot Springs on the Appalachian Trail, where the climb leads you to a stunning rock outcropping with views of the river and the town below.

Let's face it, this is basically North Carolina's waterfall celebrity — the one that's in everyone's Instagram feed.

This 4.5 mile moderate hike offers spectacular views and striking scenery - without requiring advanced hiking skills. With an elevation gain of just a few hundred feet above the surrounding plateau,

Lace up and get ready—this 1.5-mile round-trip hike is no stroll in the park. You’ll be weaving through the Chimneys, massive rock formations that stand like nature’s own skyscrapers,

A scenic, moderate 2-mile roundtrip hike leads you to a stunning waterfall tucked away in the Highlands area, deep within Nantahala National Forest.

This hidden gem, tucked away near the ever-popular DuPont State Forest, offers a mix of trails for every energy level.

Just a mile from the trailhead to Looking Glass Rock, you'll find a challenging but rewarding 5-mile loop trail that takes you to the top of John Rock,

Just a short drive from Asheville, this top-notch, accessible, paved hiking trail offers two options: a 2.3-mile loop or a longer 3.8-mile route.

Biltmore offers 23 miles of trails, catering to all fitness levels, so there’s something for everyone.

The Wildcat Rock Trail, located in the Upper Hickory Nut Gorge area southeast of Asheville, is a 6-mile round-trip, moderately strenuous hike that ascends 1,800 feet in elevation.

Hike your way to panoramic views of Pisgah National Forest from the top of the historic fire tower near Mt. Pisgah.

Head to the peaceful side of DuPont State Recreational Forest and try this 4 mile, moderate hike to uncover the hidden lakes, plus an airstrip with a killer mountain view.

Tackle the strenuous 4.5-mile round-trip hike up Shortoff Mountain for a rewarding adventure. Located near Lake James, this trail leads you to a stunning plateau summit where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Linville Gorge

For a challenging yet rewarding adventure, tackle the strenuous 7-mile round-trip hike to The Pinnacle in Sylva.

If you're in the mood for a hike that gives you both a challenge and a view, this trail is calling your name. Starting at the visitor center, you can hike under and above the iconic Viaduct, then choose your own adventure.

In this stretch of wilderness, where waterfalls carve stories into stone and cliffs rise like punctuation marks on the landscape, there are 30 miles of trail to wander—and to wonder

Just a short distance from the Black Balsam hike, this 6,045-foot peak offers stunning panoramic views that are well worth the 2.2-mile moderate trek.

This rugged 30-mile trail in Pisgah National Forest isn’t for the faint of heart, but the breathtaking views—especially from Black Balsam Knob—make every step worth it.

The Laurel River Trail near Hot Springs offers a peaceful and scenic hike through the heart of Pisgah National Forest.

This easy 2-mile loop trail takes you through an old-growth hardwood forest, where you’ll stand in awe of towering poplar trees that are over 400 years old.

This ain’t just a walk in the woods—it’s a 10.6-mile roundtrip trek that’ll test your legs and take your breath (in more ways than one).

Ready to earn some serious bragging rights? Hike your way up to Mt. Sterling’s summit (5,842 feet) for a rewarding 5.4-mile round-trip adventure.

If you're looking to escape the summer heat, take a leisurely 3/4-mile loop through the fragrant fir forest atop Mt. Mitchell.

Walk a piece of history on this section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, once traveled by local militia on their way to battle. (1.5 miles, easy)

If you want a taste of both history and natural beauty, this paved greenway in Pisgah National Forest is where to go.

Cataloochee Valley offers serene hiking trails through one of the most scenic and historic areas in the Great Smoky Mountains. Hike through lush forests, alongside streams, and past remnants of old homesteads.

Ready for a challenge? This 11.8-mile round-trip hike up from Big Creek is a steady climb that’ll have you earning every step—gaining about 3,000 feet in elevation.

The Rumbling Bald Trail in Chimney Rock State Park is a 1.5-mile loop that offers a moderate challenge with a rewarding payoff.

Take a moderate 1-mile roundtrip hike to get up close and personal with the historic fire lookout tower you’ve probably spotted from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This lovely state park, complete with a stunning lake, is the perfect spot to spend the day! With seven hiking trails ranging from half a mile to 3.5 miles, there’s something for everyone, whether you're looking for an easy stroll or a bit of a challenge.

​The Trombatore Trail, a 5-mile round-trip hike near Fairview, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for those seeking a challenging yet rewarding outdoor experience.

Follow the Appalachian Trail northward from Newfound Gap for four miles to reach this rocky ridge offering magnificent views within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Step back in time as you explore the remains of Rattlesnake Lodge, a family retreat from the early 1900s, nestled in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This moderate hike is 2.8 miles roundtrip and just a short 30-minute drive from downtown Asheville, making it an easy escape into history.

This easy 5 mile scenic woodland trail is perfect for a leisurely hike, with a wide, mostly level path that winds through a peaceful setting near the Cradle of Forestry and Looking Glass Rock

Standing tall at 6,643 feet, this is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park—and trust me, the views are worth every step

Rising to 5,920 feet, this is the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains. (4 miles Roundtrip)

Just outside Chimney Rock, this moderate, one-mile hike takes you to the summit of a bald mountain with stunning panoramic views.

​Wildcat Falls, nestled in Pisgah National Forest, is a serene 50-60 foot waterfall accessible via a gentle 1.5-mile roundtrip hike.

Clocking in at up to 5 miles and ranging from easy to moderate—so no excuses, the trails at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock serve up a little bit of everything.

Whether you’re in the mood for a lakeside stroll or a short hike to the top of Green Knob,

South Mountains State Park, located near Morganton, North Carolina, offers visitors a rugged and scenic outdoor experience.

Blowing Rock has captivated visitors with its breathtaking views since 1933, making it North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction.