 Hiking trails in the Asheville area are great for all hiking experience levels, and all boast amazing views and mountain scenery. Here are some suggested hiking trails in Western North Carolina for your next active vacation.
Hikes
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The Carolina Mountain Trail
Located within the North Carolina Arboretum, this 1.2-mile trail winds a hiker through three different forestry types: pine, mixed hardwood and ericaceous. Hikers can also rest and enjoy an overlook at Bent Creek.
Great Woodland Adventure
Located within Chimney Rock Park, this 0.6 mile interactive trail is great for families with small children. This trail will take you past handcrafted wood and metal sculptures of Grady the Groundhog (the Park’s mascot) and his woodland friends.
Boogerman Trail
This trail is named for Robert “Boogerman” Palmer, whose home site is located on the trail. Located in Cataloochee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this seven-mile loop includes old home sites and mountain streams. Take the Caldwell Fork Trail, and then cross Cataloochee Creek. When the trail splits, continue to the right and climb a long Caldwell Fork. At mile 2.8 you’ll encounter the Palmer home site. After five miles, the trail crosses Snake Branch. Continue by crossing Caldwell Fork via footbridges. The trail loops back to Cataloochee creek.
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Hickory Nut Falls Trail
This .75-mile trail in Chimney Rock Park offers a leisurely walk through hardwood forests of oak, hickory, maple and basswood harboring abundant plant life, including rare and endangered wildflowers and old favorites such as Jack-in-the-pulpit and Solomon's-seal. The reward is 404ft Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. Dainty white blossoms of Lady rue and grassy fronds of Deerhair bulrush thrive in the waterfall’s mist. Deerhair bulrush is a grass-like plant with small knobs at the end of shiny, wiry leaves, found growing out of the cracks along the rock and cliff wall near Hickory Nut Falls.
Graveyard Fields Trail (Shining Rock)
Located at mile post 418.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 3.2-mile trail is a popular family hike thanks to its beauty and ease. The trail will lead hikers to Lower Falls (a moderate descent) as well as through open, grassy areas and past nice pools for wading on a hot summer day.
Oconaluftee River Trail
Enjoy a pleasant walk along the Oconaluftee River in Cherokee, NC. This trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park features a gravel path. Dogs and bikes are allowed. Spring is an excellent time to go, as over 40 specifies of wildflowers grow along the trail. In the fall, the path is vibrant with asters. The trail begins just behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, located approximately 2 miles north of Cherokee, NC on US 441.
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Mountain-to-Sea Trail
With many different access points, we recommend access from the Folk Art Center at mile post 382.0 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This suggested 7.5-mile hike takes you from mile post 382.0 to mile post 365 and parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway. The entire Mountains-to-Sea Trail will eventually extend from one of the highest points in the North Carolina Mountains, Clingman’s Dome, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Nags Head. Once the trail is completed, it will cover over 900 miles.
Dupont State Forest
Located near Hendersonville & Brevard, Dupont State Forest is 7,600 acres of forested land and has over ninety miles of trails for hiking, biking and even horseback riding on designated trails, which range from very easy to very challenging. Their trails combine a wonderful blend of incredible scenery, varied hiking levels and unbelievable waterfalls.
Deep Creek Loop Trail
If you’re pressed for time, but still want to enjoy magnificent view of waterfalls, this trail is ideal. Located in the Deep Creek portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this 4.4-mile loop features Tom Branch Falls and Indian Creek Falls. The trail begins at the Deep Creek trailhead and is easily identified by the red gate and small footpath just off the gravel parking lot.
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Crabtree Falls
Located at mile post 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, this 2-mile loop hike takes you to beautiful Crabtree Falls and through growths for birch and hemlock. This area gets its name from the numerous crab apple trees that can be found. Access is at the Crabtree Meadows camping area, which offers picnicking facilities and a restaurant.
West Ridge-Graybeard Loop
Located in Montreat, NC, this loop provides a very steep initial climb, a dozen great viewing points of the Asheville Watershed/Blue Ridge Parkway/Mount Mitchell area and a slippery descent along the Graybeard Stream. Access is through the Montreat stone entrance on Assembly Drive. Just past Lake Susan, the road bears to the left and becomes Graybeard Trail. Look for Big Piney Road on your left and park in the gravel pullout area. You will see the sign “Private Drive: Hikers Welcome.” Allow four hours for experienced hikers and eight hours for beginners.
Big Fork Ridge Trail
This three-mile trail is a difficult, but rewarding hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail crosses a low ridge in the Cataloochee Valley. To get there, take Exit 20 off I-40. Continue west on 276, then turn right on Cove Creek Road. Turn left on Cataloochee Road. The trail is on the left.
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