Hiking Trails

Get outside with a hiking vacation in the Appalachians

RhododendronsExperience the beauty of nature in mountains older than the North American continent. Nestled in the Pisgah National Forest, Asheville offers easy access to unlimited transcendental experiences in the natural world.

Listen to the chatter of birds as you relish endless views from the highest ridgelines this side of the Mississippi River. Soak up the sounds and smells of dense life-filled forests, find waterfalls and wade in shallow rivers.

Start Your Hiking Journey in Asheville

happy hikerAsheville is the perfect place to home base your next hiking adventure. You can get an early start at a bed & breakfast or hotel. After a long day of exploring the woods, satisfy your thirst and hunger in the world’s only Foodtopian Society.

Hiking trails in the Asheville area are great for all hiking experience levels, and all boast amazing views and mountain scenery.
 

Suggested hiking trails in Western North Carolina

Hikes waterfall coupleWithin 15 minutes of Asheville

Hikes Within 45 minutes of Asheville

Hikes Within 90 minutes of Asheville

 

There are 20 Things To Do in Asheville listed on this page.

All About Outdoors

We're looking forward to serving outdoor enthusiasts with our selection of mountain bikes, fishing gear and high-tech GPS electronic safety devices.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-668-5119

178 S. Catawba Ave.
Old Fort, NC 28762

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Approximately 300 miles of this Maine-to-Georgia primitive hiking trail spans North Carolina. Voted most popular outdoor destination by Blue Ridge Outdoors and favorite long distance trail by Backpacker Magazine.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-254-3708

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Regional Office
160-A Zillicoa St.
Asheville, NC 28801

Biltmore

Discover the wonders of Biltmore™ in Asheville. Begin with the breathtaking beauty of 250-room Biltmore House — America's largest home® — and century-old gardens. Explore our 8,000-acre backyard through a variety of activities from horseback riding to rafting. Experience our new Antler Hill Village that connects the estate's present and past, providing a relaxing place for dining, shopping, historical exhibits, and new ways to enjoy Biltmore's hospitality. Finally, savor the long-lasting benefits of a luxurious getaway at our four-star inn.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-225-1333

One Approach Road
Asheville, NC 28803

Blue Ridge National Heritage Area

A National Heritage Area is something to treasure, and Asheville is in the heart of one of the most beautiful in the country, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. In designating the 25 westernmost counties and Qualla Boundary in North Carolina as a National Heritage Area in 2003, Congress recognized that the cultural and natural resources of the Blue Ridge Mountains have played a significant role in the history of the United States and the State of North Carolina. Some of the defining landscapes include the deepest gorge in the Eastern U.S., Linville Gorge; the oldest river in North America, the New River; the most visited National Park lands in the country, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway; the highest mountain east of the Rockies, Mt. Mitchell; the ancestral home of the Cherokee, and America's largest home, Biltmore.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-298-5330

Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 384
Asheville, NC 28803

Blue Ridge Parkway

Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. "America's Favorite Drive" winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past seemingly endless vistas. Split-rail fences, old farmsteads and historic structures complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys. Don't miss the 75th Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2010. The Parkway incorporates several recreation areas, some exceeding 6,000 acres. These parks within the Parkway have visitor centers, camp grounds, picnic areas, trails and, in many instances, concessionaire-operated lodges, restaurants, and other facilities. The Parkway intersects Asheville at US 25, US 70 and US 74, and NC 191. The Linn Cove Viaduct (MP 304) is an engineering marvel that wraps around Grandfather Mountain. Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center, the NC Arboretum, and the Folk Art Center.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-298-0398

199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803

Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park

One of NC's newest state parks, Chimney Rock brings the best of the mountains together in one place. Stand atop the 315 foot Chimney Rock and see amazing 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure and the Carolina Piedmont. With unique hiking trails, the Park has something for everyone from the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 discovery stations along the way to the more adventurous Four Seasons trail which climbs more than 400 feet. Be sure to hike the Hickory Nut Falls trail, the reward is the 404 foot falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the East. Chimney Rock also offers guided rock climbing lessons for beginner to advanced climbers. The Old Rock Cafe and Sky Lounge Deli offer tasty sandwiches and snacks to get you fueled up for your hike. Souvenirs of your trip can be picked up at Cliff Dwellers or the Sky Lounge Gift Shop. The Park offers discounts for groups, and is pet friendly.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-625-9611

431 Main St.
Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Cradle of Forestry

Home of the first forestry school in America, this historic site offers guided walks, historic buildings, living history interpreters, outdoor fun, antique equipment, an old logging train, and the Forest Discovery Center.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-877-3130

US 276
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Craggy Gardens

Craggy Gardens is covered with purple rhododendron and other late-blooming wildflowers in June and July, and is blanketed in spectacular fall color in the autumn. Take along a picnic lunch to enjoy the cool, fresh mountain air.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-298-0398

Milepost 364.6
Blue Ridge Parkway, NC 28778

Curtis Wright Outfitters, Fly Shop & Guide Service

Let our professional guides and staff assist you with planning your next fly fishing trip to the Asheville area. We will help you locate and land your next Western North Carolina trout or smallmouth bass. From our three retail shops, Curtis Wright Outfitters offers outdoor apparel, fly fishing gear and apparel, fly fishing education for all experience levels, and destination fly fishing travel packages. The Asheville area has over 3000 miles of streams and rivers within 90 miles of the downtown area. If you are passionate about fly fishing, interested in learning more about the sport, wanting to book a grouse or quail hunt, or just wanting to look at some cool pictures, visit any of our three locations or visit our Web site. Enjoy your visit to this great area...

more info

Phone number and address:

828-274-3471

5 All Souls Crescent
Historic Biltmore Village
Asheville, NC 28803

English Mountain Llama Treks

Enjoy guided llama trekking through the Great Smoky Mountains and let a llama carry your lunch or gear.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-622-9686

767 Little Creek Road
Hot Springs, NC 28743

Grandfather Mountain

Offering visitors easy access to its towering peaks, Grandfather Mountain is one of the most biologically diverse mountains and in the world designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve. Feel the rush when you cross the Swinging Bridge; marvel at 360-degree views from one-mile above sea level; photograph bears, otters, cougars, eagles and deer in natural habitats; hike rugged back-country trails or stroll gentle nature paths; eat in our restaurant or take your order out to one of many scenic picnic areas; chat with our entertaining, knowledgeable staff and let us help you find your own perfect mountain adventure.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-733-4337

US 221 & Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 305
Linville, NC 28646

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

This year the nation's most popular park celebrates 75 years as the 'people's park'. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park extends 70 miles along the North Carolina/Tennessee border and contains over 500,000 acres of protected forest. The Mountain Farm Museum is a display of historic farm buildings on US 441 North.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-497-1904

Oconaluftee Visitor Center
US 441
Cherokee, NC 28719

Lake Powhattan

Lake Powhattan, in the Bent Creek area of the Pisgah National Forest, offers the perfect place for a swim after a hike or mountain bike ride along the trails.

more info

Phone number and address:

Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Looking Glass Rock

Looking Glass Rock, less than an hour from Asheville, is probably the best-known rock climbing area in the state. It offers friction and face climbing of a 500-foot rocky face mountain. No permit required.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-877-3265

Pisgah Ranger District
US 276
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Mount Mitchell State Park

There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. In the crest of the Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. The 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide you with some of the most tranquil moments you'll ever experience.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-675-4611

2388 State Highway 128
Burnsville, NC 28714

National Forests in Western North Carolina

Much of Western North Carolina is covered by national forest, making it a hiker's paradise. For maps or information on great places to hike, call the National Forest Service.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-257-4200

Mountains of Western North Carolina
Asheville, NC 28802

North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum's 434-acre campus is nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393 in south Asheville and offers 65-acres of cultivated gardens including the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails, garden tours, Art Walk, nature activities for families, changing science, art and cultural history exhibits, a cafe and gift shop.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-665-2492

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Asheville, NC 28806

Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education

We've got the fun and the fish! Tour our exhibits! Walk our trails! Feed the fish! Operated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural world of a mountain cove forest. Located at the states largest trout hatchery, feed brook, brown and rainbow trout which are raised from eggs and then released in local streams and rivers. Enjoy our wildlife garden, our award-winning film, and the NC WILD store. Wildlife education programs are also available for the public and groups. Located 10 minutes from Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest.

more info

Phone number and address:

828-877-4423

1401 Fish Hatchery Road
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Pura Vida Adventures LLC

Pura Vida Adventures offers guided rock climbing, canyoneering, biking, hiking, paddling, and waterfall trips in the mountains of North Carolina. Programs for beginner to advanced "Come Experience the Good Life" with us.

more info

Phone number and address:

772-579-0005

152 Hendersonville Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

Rental Me This

Rental Me This is a rental business located in Asheville NC with a primary focus on FUN! We are the #1 source for rental Outdoor Recreational Equipment, Party Supplies, Games and Sports, Audio/Visual Equipment, and Bouncehouses. If it's fun, we rent it: kayak, camping equipment, moonwalk, sumo suits, ping pong table, projector, big screen TV. Our inventory can elevate the fun factor at any event!

more info

Phone number and address:

828-505-3434

535 Merrimon Avenue
Asheville, NC 28804