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From this eclectic, craft-beer fueled city, nestled inside a lush basin in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the choice is yours. The peaks and forests of Western Carolina are brimming with a dazzling array of hiking adventures.

Here, ten trails to cross off your Asheville hiking bucket list. At times, the Grandfather Trail may feel more like an obstacle course than a hiking path. An intricate series of ladders, walkways, and steel cables zig-zag up and across the three seperate peaks of Grandfather Mountain.

This is an out-and-back trail, featuring 2. The route edges along the crest of the mountain, ducking through stunted spruce trees and skirting across exposed rock faces. The views from the first two peaks are astonishing, but the true reward lies at the top of the third and tallest summit, 5, ft Calloway Peak. Come and see why John Muir once described Grandfather Mountain as “the face of all heaven come to earth.

Even before coming in site of the waterfall, visitors to Crabtree Meadows are captivated by the lush carpet of wildflowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The forest floor is awash with over forty varieties of flowers, creating a bejeweled background for the popular Crabtree Falls Trail.

This 2. The remaining 1. Looking Glass Rock is a steep granite monolith, rising like a cargo ship from the rolling waves of Pisgah National Forest.

The trail to the top, however, is surprisingly benign; while certainly a challenge, the constant switchbacks really take the edge of the steep gradient. Located about an hour south of Downtown Asheville , the hike starts just off of US Surrounded by the lush scenery and wildlife of the Pisgah National Forest, each of these waterfalls feels like a little surprise.

All of them offer great photo opportunities, as well as spots to sit and enjoy being immersed in nature. Easily accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway near MP , the Beacon Heights Trail is a favorite among families because of its short distance and spectacular payoff.

After following the Mountains to Sea Trail for a short while, the hike veers to the left and reaches the southern overlook, which features far-reaching views. Departing from this overlook, more beauty awaits as the trail heads to the northern Beacon Heights overlook. The views there are simply stunning, and the summit makes for a great photo or picnic spot. Max Patch is a popular mountain located near the Tennessee-North Carolina border.

It is widely regarded as one of the best spots to stop along the AT. But this short, 1. Starting from a gravel parking area, the trail begins a gradual climb up Max Patch Mountain, gifting you with increasingly expansive views along the way.

Max Patch is what is known as a bald mountain, meaning there are no trees at the summit. But there are an abundance of wild berries and wildflowers that serve to beautify the area and make it a popular place for picnics. Of course there are also breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Black Mountains the tallest mountains in the Eastern US , Great Balsams, and Great Smoky Mountains.

You can tour the historic house and learn more about this famous writer before exploring the five miles of hiking trails that are located on the property.

The 1. It has some fairly steep sections, but overall is relatively easy, with several benches along the way in case you want to rest a bit. To finish the hike, just go back the way you came.

You can also explore other trails, like the 0. It offers relatively minimal elevation gain, yet still gifts you with magnificent views. The hike starts at the Art Loeb Trailhead just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost and heads northbound through a beautiful balsam forest.

Continuing north, the trail makes its final stretch to the summit of the bald mountain at 0. Located about 38 miles from Asheville, Sam Knob is a striking mountain that stands over 6, feet tall.

The hike to the summit is under 3 miles and has moderate elevation gain, so it is usually managed well by most reasonably fit hikers. The Sam Knob Trail starts off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP and follows a wildflower-lined gravel road through a forest before the trees open up to reveal a broad, grassy meadow. After traversing the meadow and crossing a set of wooden stairs, your ascent up the mountain begins. The views are exceptional, with the Devils Courthouse visible to the south, the summit of Black Balsam Knob peeking out in the east, and the Middle Prong Wilderness and Shining Rock Wilderness all around.

Just 25 miles from downtown Asheville, the Catawba Falls Trail is one of the most popular waterfall hikes near Asheville, especially during the summer months. Named for the Catawba Indians and formed by the headwaters of the Catawba River, Catawba Falls features an impressive series of cascades plummeting over feet from two major drops. Along the trail, keep your eyes peeled for stone ruins from the early s, including the wall of an old dam.

Length: 3. Length: A set of wooden steps provide access to the Mou Powhatan Recreation Area. Bent Creek Recreational Area features many trails ranging from beginner to expert. Dogs are also able to use these trails but must be kept on a leash.

The Park includes a small stream and a larger lake for fishing. Easy trail around a beautiful mountain lake. Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail Loop. Beaver Lake Park. This is private trail maintained by the local community but it is open to the public. When passing through private property easements and right-of-ways it is especially important to stay on the path and respect posted guidance.

Local officials and private landowners work in partnership to provide public access to this area. Hike round trip distance: 4. The trail head is just 15 minutes from downtown Asheville. See our guide to the Lunch Rocks Trail. See our guide to the Hard Times Loop trail. The 5,foot summit can easily be seen from downtown Asheville and is perfectly framed by the windows at Biltmore. This is a moderate-to-strenuous hike. While the hike is shorter 1.

See our guide to the Mount Pisgah trail. Graveyard Fields is family-friendly hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that has something for everyone and offers several hiking options. The name comes from the appearance of the landscape after logging and fire altered the appearance of the forest. Our favorite loop hike here takes you to two waterfalls.

In addition to waterfalls and beautiful scenery, Graveyard Fields is one of the first places near Asheville to see fall color each year. See our guide to Graveyard Fields. Hiking to Black Balsam on the Art Loeb Trail is a family-friendly experience that can be extended with an additional hike to Tennent Mountain. Close to Black Balsam is the less-traveled trail to Sam Knob , which offers incredible views.

See our guide to Black Balsam. Much of the trail is paved but this short, steep climb will give you a good workout. Find your perfect Asheville hiking trail! Use our Asheville Hike Finder to easily filter by distance from downtown, trail length and difficulty level.

Best hiking spots near asheville nc –

Rolling mountains cloaked in lush, green forests stretch to infinity on the horizon. Sun-drenched, grassy mountain balds reach skyward, covered in wild blueberries and abundant wildflowers. Crystal-clear trout streams tumble over moss-covered boulders, cascading in currents of whitewater and tumbling over breathtaking waterfalls.

Towering ridge lines frame plunging valleys here in the southernmost stretches of the Appalachian Mountains, some of the oldest mountains in the world. Nestled in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC, our town is well-loved for its vibrant culture, abundant arts, fantastic cuisine, and close proximity to some of the best trails in the South. Grab your backpack, favorite boots and hiking gear, and hit the trail for some seriously stunning views and some sweet-scented fresh mountain air.

Wherever your adventures take you, please remember to always leave no trace to help preserve the beauty of these forests and wilderness areas. And please follow these tips for good trail etiquette to help make sure everyone has an equally enjoyable time. Climbing 6, feet into the clouds, the Mt Mitchell summit is the highest east of the Mississippi, and on a clear day, offers simply breathtaking views from the top. Explore exceptionally beautiful high-elevation forests on this two-trail loop, catching soaring views from the summit and looping through a lush, fragrant, mossy forest of balsam fir trees on the Balsam Nature Trail.

This hike on the Mountains to Sea Trail follows an old gravel road through a scenic forest, catching beautiful views above the Parkway from an angled rock outcrop. The route ends at the remains of Rattlesnake Lodge, a once-grand s summer estate, and explores the stacked-stone foundations of the lodge, swimming pool, barn, and several other structures. And the surrounding forest is simply outstanding in autumn!

At the summit, wind-blown grasses frame wildflowers and blooming flame azeleas in spring, and views stretch to the neaby crag at Craggy Pinnacle and far into the rolling blue yonder. A large communication tower borders the viewing platform at the summit — but the views of neighboring summits are well worth the climb, including the nearby Fryingpan Mountain.

Wildflowers by the millions, wind-blown grasses, and some of the best views in Western NC fill this popular trail. Be sure to arrive early to score a parking spot, and please help prevent trail erosion by staying on the trail and following these easy leave no trace tips.

The Graveyard Fields Trail loops through a spectacularly beautiful valley just below Black Balsam Knob , diving through tunnels of gnarly-branched rhododendron and following wooden boardwalks through lush fields to visit several tumbling waterfalls. Follow the Catawba Falls Trail along the river, catching view after view of small cascades along the way. The trail ends at the base of an enormous, moss-covered cliff, where Catawba Falls plunges in tendrils of whitewater and mist into a chilly, clear pool below.

Rising high from the surrounding forest, this enormous domed rock is an iconic sight on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike to the summit on the Looking Glass Rock Trail to catch panoramic views from an overlook near the top, stretching far and wide.

This series of waterfalls cascades over colorful rock into crystal-clear pools of chilly water, making it a popular summertime destination. Hiking gear list: our favorite, trail-tested gear Ready to hit the trail, but wondering what to pack?

Our hiking gear list features our favorite, trail-tested hiking gear for day hikes on local trails and in the North Carolina wilderness. And no matter what you pack in, pack it all back out. Please leave no trace and help preserve the beauty of Western NC. Chase some seriously beautiful cascading falls on our favorite hikes to waterfalls near Asheville. Or climb to outstanding vistas and historic fire lookout towers on soaring mountaintops on our favorite hikes on the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina.

Always leave no trace , pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out. Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you’re going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials , and don’t rely on a mobile phone to find your way.

Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions. Map Search. Trail Finder.

Best hiking spots near asheville nc. 36 Best Asheville Hiking Trails Locals Love

 
Departing from the Blue Ridge Parkway Overlook at MP , the Devils Courthouse Trail is one of the best hikes near Asheville because of its. Best Hikes for Great Views · Black Balsam Knob Hike on Art Loeb Trail · Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail · Deep Gap Trail · Devil’s Courthouse Trail.