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Trombatore Trail in Winter

Trombatore Trail

An introduction to Hickory Nut Gap Steep wooded slopes, mountain creeks, open fields and long-range views: this trail has a little bit of every type of terrain that you'd find in the Hickory Nut Gap area. The trail begins at the same parking area as the popular Bearwallow Mountain Trail. But the Trombatore Trail is lesser known so chances are you'll see far fewer people on this trail.

Scenic vista of Roan Mountain with orange azaleas in foreground

Roan Mountain Hike on the Appalachian Trail

Roam the Roan Highlands on this unforgettable section of the AT Considered one of the most scenic areas on the entire Appalachian Trail, this section starting from Carver’s Gap (elevation 5,512) takes you across three spectacular unique grassy hilltops (known as "balds") with unimpeded views. If you arrive in mid-to-late June, you’ll catch the rhododendron bloom, one of

View from the Rich Mountain Fire Tower near Asheville, NC

Rich Mountain Fire Tower Hike

A robust hike with payoff views from a historic 30-foot tower Stunning long-range views await you from the recently refurbished Rich Mountain Lookout Fire Tower along the Appalachian Trail in Hot Springs. In Spring 2018, the historic fire tower reopened with sturdy steps and a fresh coat of paint thanks to a partnership with North Carolina Forest Fire Lookout Association, Appalachian

Sun setting over mountains at the top of Lookout Mountain

Lookout Trail Hike in Montreat

Popular, easily accessible trail with picnic potential If traveling from downtown Asheville, you can be stepping on the Lookout Trail in Montreat in about 25 minutes and, after a brisk hike, stepping off it under an hour later. Rock outcroppings near the peak make for perfect picnicking, and the horizon is dotted with the peaks of the Seven Sisters of the Black Mountains. Fall color is spectacular

Sun is setting over mountain at the top of Devil's Courthouse vista

Devils Courthouse Hike on Blue Ridge Parkway

Intriguing name, spectacular sunsets From the parking area at Devil’s Courthouse Blue Ridge Parkway, you can see your destination above you: an imposing rock outcropping that dares you to climb it. Rise to the challenge: from atop this edifice, you’ll have the world at your feet, with views to the north, south and west. After all, the summit of Devil's Courthouse is at 5,720 feet.

Water flowers down Indian Creek Waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Deep Creek Waterfall Hike

Three wonderful waterfalls on one Great Smoky Mountains National Park hike Deep Creek is one of the most beloved areas in the Smokies, known for offering the opportunity to see three beautiful waterfalls. Take a 5-mile loop hike to see them all or craft a shorter hike. Deep Creek is also known for its popular tubing sections -- one of which passes directly in front of one of the

Couple Hiking at Black Balsam at Sunrise

Black Balsam Hike on Art Loeb Trail

A Blue Ridge Parkway classic, this is a local favorite When you think of views from the Blue Ridge Parkway, chances are these are the kinds of views that come to mind: the unimpeded, long-range vistas from Black Balsam Knob. Surrounded by wilderness, this tree-free ‘bald’ is an easy, family-friendly hike, ideal for picnicking or blueberry picking. Appalachian “balds” such

Picnic Story: Mount Mitchell

Old Mitchell Trail

Visitors to Mount Mitchell State Park can walk in the footsteps of Elisha Mitchell himself, the man credited with discovering the highest peak in the east. This area of the Black Mountains would have been quite wild during Mitchell's treks in the early 19th century. Today, this well-marked trail offers a challenging but rewarding route to the summit.Tip: Pack a sweater or extra

Early Fall View from Pisgah Inn

Mount Pisgah Trail

Hike to the top of Asheville's most recognizable mountain peak Mount Pisgah can be seen from many places throughout the Asheville area. In fact, many of Biltmore's windows perfectly frame this iconic peak. Once you reach the summit, you'll have a great view of another of the area's most iconic peaks: Cold Mountain. LEAVE NO TRACE TIP As one of Asheville's most iconic landmarks,

Lunch Rocks View 1

Lunch Rocks Trail

Pack a lunch for this moderate trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway LEAVE NO TRACE TIP Lunch Rocks is a great place to have, you guessed it, lunch! While there are no trash receptacles when you reach the rocks, there are trash cans at the beginning of the trail. After your picnic, pack up everything you brought with you and throw away your trash when you get back to the Folk Arts Center. What to