The Asheville area has a great variety of hiking options, from short hikes right off the roadway, to long day-hikes that can be very strenuous. But you don’t need to do a long, hard hike to take in beautiful views of mountains and waterfalls.
In this second post about Asheville, we will look at our favorite hikes in the surrounding areas. We will include hikes for all levels of ability, and they will all be within a reasonable drive from Asheville.
Before we start talking about the specific hikes, we want to encourage you to always be prepared before you undertake any hike. That means you should make sure you have the right footwear, adequate water, snacks, a first aid kit, flashlight, rain jacket, a whistle and other things that you may need if you get lost in the forest. Although you should make sure you have a full charge on your cell phone, don’t rely on it to get you out of a jam. There are some areas that are out of cell phone range. It is not uncommon for people to get lost and be unable to find their way back. Yes, it probably won’t happen to you. But you never know and it’s better to be prepared.
So, without further ado, let’s start taking a look at some terrific hikes!
Blue Ridge Parkway – North of Asheville: Many of you may already be familiar with the Blue Ridge Parkway as a relaxing drive that offers an abundance of beautiful pull-offs from which to see distant views of the mountains, valleys and waterfalls. But you may not have noticed that all along the way there are tons of hiking trails that are accessible right off the roadway. There are also quite a few spots with picnic tables for a quick snack or lunch. While we point out our favorite hikes, we will also highlight some of our favorite stops for lunch or a snack. We have limited the scope of hikes in this area to those within about a 1-hour drive from Asheville. So, we will start with those hikes furthest from town and work backwards toward Asheville.
• Crabtree Falls – moderate: – This hike is a 2.5 mile loop trail that starts in the Crabtree Falls Campground. You can hike this loop in either direction, but we always hike it clockwise. The highlight of the hike is the 60-foot Crabtree Falls. The waterfall is located at .9 miles if you hike the trail counter clockwise and 1.6 miles if you hike it in a clockwise direction. You could just hike the .9 miles out and back, but you would miss some really pretty sections along Crabtree Creek. Like most falls, the flow of water determines how impressive the falls appear. After a rainy day, these falls can really flow. But even during dry times, the falls are fairly consistent.
Location: At Mile Post 339 on the Blue Ridge Parkway you will see signs for the Crabtree Falls Campground. You will find the Crabtree Falls Hiking Trail here, along with a parking lot just off the Parkway. After leaving your vehicle, just follow the signs through the campground to the trailhead.
TIP: Waterfalls are very pretty, but be careful. Although it may be tempting, never hike on the top of the falls. The rocks are extremely slippery. Unfortunately, every year in western North Carolina, people are hurt or killed when they slip and go over the falls. It is not worth the risk, so please don’t do it!
• Mt. Mitchell State Park – Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. From the top, you will have astounding 360-degree views of the mountains and surrounding areas.
Location: Mt. Mitchell State Park is located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 355. Once you turn off the Parkway, follow NC Highway 128 to the top. Although several good hikes originate within the park, there are some other things to do that we would like to highlight.
TIP: At over 6,600 feet, the temperature is almost always cool, if not downright cold. Even on a warm summer day, be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket.
o Mt Mitchell Observation Deck: From the parking lot there is a ¼ mile paved walkway to the Observation Deck. While it is a little steep, just take your time getting to the summit and you will be rewarded with some of the best views on the Parkway. At 6,684 feet, on a clear day you will be able to see 85 miles, including the distant skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina. There are several plaques on the observation deck that will point out all of the landmarks that are visible from the top.
o Picnic Area: As you enter the parking lot on your left side you will find a picnic area. A lot of folks tend to overlook it, since the observation deck is on the other side of the parking lot. However, the picnic tables (and some shelters) offer spectacular views. The tables are spaced out nicely and include grills for cooking. If it is a nice day, we recommend bringing along a picnic lunch and spending some time soaking in the scenery. By the way, it’s usually super quiet in the picnic area, so it’s the perfect place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.
o Balsam Nature Trail – moderate/easy: The Balsam trail is a relatively short .75-mile loop that starts from the lower summit parking area. Along the way, there are descriptions of the flora and fauna that can be found within the park. This trail is suitable for people that are in reasonable shape and for children.
o Deep Gap Trail – moderate/strenuous: The Deep Gap trail traverses 4.3 miles and connects Mt. Mitchell with a number of other peaks in the Black Mountain Range. However, just one mile down the trail from Mt. Mitchell, you will reach Mt. Craig. Mt. Craig is the second highest peak east of the Mississippi. At 6,647 feet, the summit of Mt. Craig is dominated by a rocky outcropping where you can stop and rest for a few minutes, totally surrounded by nature. There are some steep, rocky spots along this trail, so you need to be a bit cautious. However, we have seen everything from small children to people 70+ on this trail.
TIP: If you are coming from a lower altitude, keep in mind that hiking in this area, as well as other areas around Asheville, can be well over a mile high. The air is thinner and everything will seem a little more strenuous at the higher altitude.
o Amenities – At the top parking lot you will also find a gift shop, exhibit hall, restrooms and concession stand. About ½ mile prior to reaching the top parking lot you will find one of the few restaurants accessible from the Parkway, the Mt. Mitchell State Park Restaurant. It offers simple fare like burgers, sandwiches and soup, but the views there are worth a visit. All of these amenities are open from May to October.
TIP: Be aware the restaurant will be closed in 2020 for renovations, so plan accordingly.
• Big Butt Trail – strenuous: This hike begins at the Walker Knob Overlook, where the Mountain-to-Sea Trail crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. So, if you are headed southbound, back toward Asheville, look for the trailhead on the right side of the parkway. This is a 4.5 mile out-and-back hike and is somewhat challenging. You will be hiking at altitudes of between 5,300 and 5,700 feet. At about the 1.5-mile mark on the hike, you will reach the top of Point Misery, and from there the trail descends through lots of switchbacks and stairs. (You will find out exactly how Point Misery earned its name, because you will have to come back up that trail on your way back!) Continuing along the trail for just under 1 more mile, you will reach the top of Little Butt, your destination. Look to the right for a side trail that leads to a rock outcropping with pristine views of the Black Mountains and Mt Mitchell. We always take some snacks to enjoy while we rest and take in the views from this spot, before starting the return trip.
Location: The hike starts at the Walker Knob Overlook at Mile Post 358.9.
• Craggy Pinnacle – moderate: This hike is only 1.4 miles round trip, but it is considered moderate since it is all uphill, but in reality, it is really fairly easy. The reward is an awesome observation area at the top. During June and early July rhododendrons are in bloom along the trail, which makes it an especially popular hike.
Location: The parking lot for this short hike is at Mile Post 364.
• Craggy Gardens Trail – easy: The Craggy Gardens Trail begins at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has restrooms and a nice little shop staffed by park personnel who can provide you with all sorts of information regarding the Parkway and surrounding area. Even if you don’t do any hiking, views from this spot are fantastic. The trail is only 1 mile (2 miles if you hike out and back) and connects the Visitor Center to the picnic area. A shelter is located on the trail at about the half way point. From there you will find some side trails from which you can explore Craggy Flats, a lovely meadow area with rhododendron and wildflowers. The picnic area is very nice and also has restrooms. If you do not want to do the hike to the picnic area, it is accessible right off the parkway, just south of the Visitor Center.
Location: Near Mile Post 364, just south of Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.
• Rattlesnake Lodge – moderate: From the trail head along the Parkway, this is a short hike of only about ½ mile. You will find a sign that marks the remnants of a lodge that burned down in 1926. The lodge was the summer home for Dr. Chase P. Ambler and his family beginning in 1904. After his wife died in 1918, he never returned to the lodge. Parts of the foundation, tool shed and pool can still be seen.
Location: The trail head starts at Mile Post 375, where you will see a small parking area (more like a pull-off) on the south side of the Tanbark Ridge Tunnel. The trail starts across the roadway.
• Folk Art Center – While not a hiking trail, we wanted to highlight the Folk Art Center. It is very near Asheville and is a great place to learn about traditional Appalachian crafts. They have exhibitions of regional crafts and other rotating galleries. Local artisans are frequently onsite to provide demonstrations of their crafts. The gift shop offers fine works from many local artisans.
Location: Located at Mile Post 382.
Blue Ridge Parkway: South of Asheville – Many of our favorite hikes are in this area of the Parkway south of Asheville. Some of the best views and great picnic areas, along with some of the best hikes, can be found here.
• Mt Pisgah – strenuous: Although only 1.5 miles each way, the hike is mostly uphill. The second half of the hike is the steepest, and requires climbing a great many rock steps. There is a large transmission tower at the summit, but just try to ignore that and enjoy the views. From the top you can see Pisgah Inn, the Shining Rock Wilderness, Cold Mountain, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville and Mount Mitchell to the North.
Location: Just past Mile Post 407 on the Parkway you will see the parking lot for the Mt. Pisgah hike. The trailhead is at the back of the parking area.
• Buck Spring Lodge – easy: At only a mile and mostly flat, this is a very easy hike. The trail passes by the site where George Vanderbilt’s mountain cabin, Buck Spring Lodge, once stood. The Vanderbilt’s would journey here to hunt and to escape the warmer weather of the Asheville summer. You can begin the hike from either end of the trail. It is just a short walk from the Buck Spring Gap Parking Area, but we prefer a little bit longer hike, starting from the Pisgah Inn. And when you finish the hike (or before you begin), you can enjoy a delicious lunch with an incredible view from the Inn’s restaurant.
Location: This trail is part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail which runs between the Mount Pisgah Inn and the Buck Spring Gap Parking Area. You can park at either spot to start this hike.
• Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower – moderate: Heading south on the Parkway from Mt. Pisgah Inn, you will notice a gated dirt road on the right. Park and then walk around the gate to start your hike. The fire tower in the distance is your destination. The hike is 2 miles roundtrip. While it is uphill to the fire tower, it is not all that steep, so you should not find the hike very difficult. The Frying Pan Lookout Tower is the tallest U.S. Forest Service lookout tower in western North Carolina. The top of the tower is locked, but you can climb the first five flights of stairs to take in a panoramic view.
Location: Just past Mile Post 409 you will see a small pull over with a gate across the access road. You can park here, but do not block the gate.
• Graveyard Fields – moderate: This area is a very popular for hiking, since there are two gorgeous waterfalls here. During summer when there are a lot of folks visiting the area, it is best to get an early start. This area is called Graveyards Fields because many years ago a huge wind toppled all of the trees and then years later a fire burned the area. All of the burned tree stumps resemble the headstones of a graveyard.
The first falls (Lower Falls) is only about 1/3 of a mile, but it is down many steps. After visiting the lower falls, you can continue to the Upper Falls, which will result in a 4-mile total hike. Other than the steps when you first start, the hike is fairly level and very scenic. It’s easy to walk out on some of the huge rocks in the river. But be careful. Make sure they are dry, because wet rocks are very slippery. There are some terrific spots for photos here too!
Location: At mile mark 418.8, you will find the parking lot for Graveyard Fields (with restrooms).
• Sam Knob – moderate: This hike is 2.2 miles roundtrip and starts with a hike through a beautiful meadow. In wildflower season you will enjoy all the lovely flowers. At the end of the meadow there is a fork in the trail. Take the fork to the right in order to hike to the top of of Sam Knob. While the trail gets steeper, it isn’t difficult if you take your time. Your reward will be excellent views of the Great Balsam Mountain range. On your hike back you can follow the fork in the other direction and it will loop back to the trailhead. While the hike is fairly flat, it is rocky in some spots, so be sure to wear some good hiking shoes.
Location: After you pass Mile Post 420, you will see a turn-off on the right for Black Balsam Road. Travel about 1 mile to the end of the road to find the trailhead for Sam Knob.
• Art Loeb: Shinning Rock Wilderness – Along Black Balsam Road, before reaching the starting point for the Sam Knob hike (above), you will see parking spaces on the right side of the road. Park here to access the start of the Art Loeb trail that leads to the Shinning Rock Wilderness. There are two options for hikes here, a 5-mile loop hike that is moderate, and a 9-mile strenuous hike that has you continuing on to Shinning Rock.
o Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain – moderate: If you only do one hike while in the Asheville area, this is the one to do. Spectacular green, grassy balds with 360-degree views are waiting. Only 1 mile into your hike you will be on top of Black Balsam Knob, which is over 6,000 ft. You feel like you are on top of the world! On a clear day you will easily see 50 miles or more in every direction. Continuing for another ½ mile and you will be on Tennent Mountain, with another 360 degree view. From here you will continue down on the Art Loeb trail to the place that it meets the Investor Gap Trail. Here is where you will find the entrance to the Shinning Rock Wilderness. Instead of continuing into Shining Rock Wilderness, take the Investor Gap Trail to the left. This trail is a flat, old roadbed which will lead you back to the parking lot where the Sam Knob trailhead is located. Simply walk along the road to return to your car.
o Shining Rock – strenuous: Once you reach the entrance to the Shining Rock Wilderness and you want to make your hike a little longer, continue on the Art Loeb trail for another 2 miles to Shining Rock. It’s called Shinning Rock because of the white quartz that encrusts the mountain. The top is a great place to rest and stop for lunch. It is a little bit of a scramble over some rocks to get to the top, but not overly difficult. To return, trace your steps back on the Art Loeb trail until you connect with the Investor Gap Trail and then return to the parking lot as described in the Sam Knob hike. The trails in this area are a bit harder to follow, so it’s always a good idea to know where you are going. Here is a good site for detailed directions.
• Devil’s Courthouse – strenuous: Starting from the Devil’s Courtyard overlook along the Parkway, it is only a ½ mile, paved hike to the top of the mountain. It is however, a very steep, strenuous hike. At over 5,700 feet though, you will have some exceptional views of the nearby peaks of the Balsam Mountains. Be sure to stay on the path, not only for your own safety, but for the safety of nesting birds that tend to make their homes in this area.
Location: At Mile Post 422.4 you will see the Devils Courthouse overlook where you will have views of the Devils Courthouse and also find the start of the trail to the top.
• Richard Balsam – moderate: The Haywood-Jackson Overlook is the trailhead for the 1.5-mile loop hike to the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,410 ft. Although you will definitely be going uphill on this hike, it isn’t overly strenuous. This is a great hike on a hot summer day, since it is usually much cooler at this elevation. Once your hike is complete, drive just down the road and on the left is a pullover that marks the highest point of the Blue Ridge Parkway at 6,053 feet.
Location: Our last stop on the Parkway is at Mile Post 431, where you will find the Haywood-Jackson Overlook.
DuPont State Forest – Dupont State Forest is located less than 1 hour south of Asheville between Brevard and Hendersonville. There are all sorts of recreational opportunities at Dupont including mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding and of course, hiking. Dupont may be best known for its beautiful waterfalls, which are all easily accessible. Did you know that portions of both The Last of the Mohicans and The Hunger Games were filmed in this amazing sylvan setting? You will likely recognize some of the settings for these movies when you venture out on our recommended hikes.
• Triple Falls – moderate: The Triple Falls hike is a 3-mile, relatively easy hike that takes you to 3 waterfalls. All of the falls are on the Little River. The first falls, Hooker Falls, is just a short walk from the parking area. Hooker Falls is a 12-foot waterfall, and Cascade Lake at the foot of the falls is a popular spot for wading and swimming. Just ½ mile from Hooker Falls is Triple Falls. Triple Falls is very pretty as there are three cascades over a total 120-foot drop. Continue for another ½ mile and you will reach High Falls, which is the largest waterfall, with a 150-foot cascade down an incline. Please be careful in this area if you decide to ‘rock hop’ on some of the rocks, they can be very slippery. For a more detailed description of the hike, and the directions to get there, look at this great website.
Location: DuPont State Park is just under 1 hour south of Asheville. Once you enter the park, look for the Hooker Falls parking lot.
• Bridal Veil Falls – easy: The Visitor Center is the trailhead for several hikes, including Bridal Veil Falls. This is a 4.4 mile out-and-back hike, but is mostly on a level gravel road, so the hiking is easy. Bridal Veil Falls is a 120- foot cascading falls. It is actually more like water flowing down the steep rock incline than an actual falls. This is a great place for a picnic and pictures.
Location: Follow the signs within DuPont State Park to the Visitor Center, which is at the intersection of Staton Road and Buck Forest Road.
TIP: If you would like to see all the main falls in a single visit, you can combine the Triple Falls hike and Bridal Veil Falls hike for a longer 7-mile hike. This might seem like a long way, but the trails are mostly flat and well maintained.
Hendersonville Area – Hendersonville is a charming town just 50 minutes south of Asheville. The area is home to some wonderful restaurants, craft breweries and wineries. It is also home to the Flat Rock Playhouse and the Carl Sandburg home that are well worth a visit if you are in the area. But there is also a lot of good hiking in the area. Here are a few of our favorites.
• Bearwallow Mountain – moderate: The 2.1-mile hike is unpaved, but well maintained. It is about 1 mile to the top and although it is uphill most of the way, it’s a steady, relatively easy grade. At the top, the hike ends in a huge grassy meadow with views of Hendersonville, Mount Mitchell and Hickory Nut Gorge. Look out for the friendly cows that are sometimes grazing in the meadow. To return, you can hike down the same trail, or walk down the service road which will return you to the same spot from which you started.
Location: Bearwallow Mountain is south of Asheville on the way to Chimney Rock. From I-240 travel south on US Highway 74-A East toward Chimney Rock for 12.5 miles to the town of Gerton. Turn right on Bearwallow Mountain Road and go 2.1 miles to the top of the ridge and park on the side of the road near the gate. Be sure not to block the gate.
• Wildcat Rock – strenuous: There is a marked crosswalk for the trailhead that starts on the right side of the road. This is a 6 mile out-and-back hike, but you can turnaround at any point in the hike. The trail starts by crossing Hickory Creek and climbs to Little Bearwallow Falls after about 1 mile. Many people turnaround here to make a 2-mile hike.
Continuing on the next 1-mile section takes you up a very steep rock staircase, the most difficult part of the hike. Look out for a small side trail that takes you to the top of the Wildcat Rock outcropping. This is the perfect spot for a rest and snack. Again, you can head back from here. But the truly ambitious will continue 1 more mile and arrive at a meadow on the summit of Little Bearwallow Mountain.
Location: Using the directions above, continue on US Highway 74-A East past Gerton for another mile and you will see the small parking area on the left.
• Jump Off Rock – easy: If you don’t have time for a hike, you can still find some awesome views just outside of Hendersonville at Jump Off Rock. Legend has it that a Cherokee maiden received word that her young chief had been killed in battle. So, in despair, she climbed to the edge of the rock and tragically jumped to her death. Although the legend is quite sad, the spot is very beautiful. It is also very accessible, even by folks with mobility issues. Looking west from Jump Off Rock, you will be able to see peaks like Mt. Pisgah and Cold Mountain. There are also several hikes for various skill levels that start from this location. But simply enjoying the view from Jump Off Rock makes it worth the drive.
Location: From 5th Avenue in Hendersonville, head west and the road will become Laurel Park Highway. Continue for about 5 miles and you will reach Jump Off Rock.
Other Hikes in the Asheville Area
• Looking Glass Rock- strenuous: If you have traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway between Mount Pisgah and Graveyard Fields, you have probably noticed the huge rock face of Looking Glass Rock. From that vantage point, the rock face looks unclimbable, unless you are an actual rock climber. But on the opposite side from the face, is a trailhead with access to the top. It is a 6.5-mile roundtrip and can be fairly demanding. About two miles up the trail you will see a helicopter pad, which is used by rescue workers for rock climbers that get in trouble. As you make your way to the top, you will arrive at Upper Looking Glass Cliffs with views looking back toward the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Location: Exit the Blue Ridge Parkway at US 276 and head south for about 10 miles. You will see the turn-off on the right for the Looking Glass Rock trailhead.
TIP: When you get to the top be extremely careful. The slope toward the cliff increases rapidly and you cannot see the edge. There are no guardrails and it is especially dangerous when it is wet. Stay well away from the edge!
• Max Patch – easy: This hike is a 1.7-mile loop that connects with the Appalachian Trail. Max Patch is a very popular picnic spot owing to its large, open grassy area and spectacular views. You can just take your picnic basket and blanket and relax in the open meadow, or if you want to stretch your legs a bit, you can hike either direction on the Appalachian Trail. In addition to this scenic spot, you can stop in the quaint, little town of Hot Springs on your return trip. Part of this return route is on gravel road, but the small town is a welcome spot for a break, lunch or even a visit to the Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Hot Springs is also a very popular spot for Appalachian Trail hikers, as the trail goes right through town.
Location: The Max Patch/Hot Springs area is to the northwest of Asheville near the Tennessee line. The drive to get there will take a while, but the unique views and access to the Appalachian Trail make it worthwhile. To get there, take I-40 west from Asheville to Exit 7, Harmen’s Den. Turn right on to Cold Springs Road and travel about 6 miles. Then turn left on to Max Patch Road for another 1.8 miles, and you will see the parking area. While the road is well maintained, it is a gravel road soon after you leave I-40. So, a car with low ground clearance is not recommended.
• Laurel Creek – easy: If you are looking for an easy, flat, family-friendly hike along a beautiful creek, then this is one of the best. This hike parallels the rushing Laurel Creek with many places to take a dip in the water or cast a line for fishing. If you hike to the end of the trail, you will reach the French Broad River. But of course, you can decide to turnaround at any point. This out-and-back hike is 7.2 miles roundtrip and will take you 2 to 4 hours if you hike the entire length.
Location: Laurel Creek is only 30 miles from Asheville, and it is a very easy and scenic drive. To get there, head west on I-26 from Asheville to Weaverville and take Exit 19A and stay on US 25 for 21 miles. You will reach an intersection with NC 208, where US 25 makes a left turn. The parking area for the trailhead is on the left, just before this turn. If you want to visit the town of Hot Springs, just follow US 25 for another 5 miles and you will be there!
We hope you have found this article helpful and you will get a chance to try a few of the hikes suggested. We have hiked them all, and each has its own characteristics that make it special.
If you missed the first article, Asheville – “Land of the Sky”, you can find it here. This first article provides a good overview of the area, as well as an extensive list of lodging options.
The Asheville and surrounding mountains make hiking one of the most popular activities in the area. But if you are looking for a little sustenance after one of these hikes, the Asheville area has some fantastic restaurants and breweries. Part three of our Asheville series, Asheville Part III – Restaurants, Breweries and Wineries, will concentrate on our favorite spots for a bite or brew! Since Asheville is known as a ‘foodie’ destination, as well as a craft brew hub, there are a lot of choices for all kinds of tastes. We won’t be able to get to them all, but will highlight the main breweries and a few ‘out of the way’ ones that we like to frequent.
Part four, and the last of the series, Asheville Part IV – Attractions, Museums, Festivals and More!, reviews other activities and attractions in the Asheville area, including the famous Biltmore House.
We hope to see you in Asheville soon!
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