Biltmore Estate Hiking, Biking & Outdoors

Heading out on the Deer Park Trail Deer Park Trail

If you enjoy the outdoors, extend your visit at Biltmore an extra day to enjoy the great outdoors. There are thousands of acres to explore.

Hiking at Biltmore
There are many well-maintained trails to explore for all fitness levels. You can walk several miles around the gardens near the house, including a beautiful stroll around the Bass Pond (1/2 mile from the conservatory in the Walled Garden and 1/2 mile around the pond).

Our favorite hike at Biltmore is the Deer Park Trail. You can start this trail at the base of the wall corner of the South Terrace. If you are facing the house, turn left and follow the walkway down the steps and through the long trellis by the Shrub Garden. Go through the black iron gate onto rolling pasture land with sweeping views of the mountains. Shortly along the hike, you will look down into the Walled Garden. Remember to turn around to enjoy the fabulous side views of the house. The Deer Park Trail continues 1.3 miles to the Lagoon. There are a few hilly sections. The Lagoon offers stunning views of the back of Biltmore House perched on the hill. To extend your hike, you can continue along the paved Lagoon Trail.

Tips for Your Visit:

1. Usually, adding a second day to your ticket is very reasonable ($10). Often, the local bed and breakfast inns sell a two-day ticket for the price of a single day.
2. If you purchase a regular estate admission ticket after 3:00 p.m., you can visit for free the next day.
3. No walking, jogging or biking is allowed on paved roads. This is very dangerous since sightseeing drivers are often looking away from the road.
4. Since Biltmore is private land, you can enjoy outdoor recreation in a secure and safe environment.
5. Trails are well marked and maintained. And they are not crowded or heavily used like many of the trails in the surrounding National Forests.
6. Enjoy a romantic picnic at several secluded, beautiful locations, like the Bass Pond overlook, behind the Statue of Diana, or on a bluff overlooking the French Broad River on Deer Park Trail.
7. Early morning or early evening are great times to be outdoors, especially in the hotter summer months or if you want to see wildlife.
8. Dogs are welcome, but they must be on a leash at all times.
9. Download a hiking & biking trail map for Biltmore.
10. Click here to visit the Biltmore Web site.

Lagoon Trail

Biking
Biltmore has 23 miles of bike trails! Choose from challenging trails for experienced mountain bikers, an easy paved trail that follows the French Broad River, or well-marked woodland trails that wind through whisper-quiet forests and wildflower meadows. Only the 1.7-mile Lagoon Trail is paved. It's a relatively flat ride that includes a stretch along the river. The others trails are packed dirt with various degrees of difficulty, so a wider tire on the bike is needed. The Farm Trail is another flat trail that follows the river. The Westover Trails behind the Outdoor Center offer easy, moderate and difficult mountain bike trails. Many trails connect, so you can extend your ride easily.

Left: View from the Bass Pond Overlook on the Deer Park Trail. Right: Farm Trail.

Lagoon Trail

If you bring your bike, purchase a $5 biking trail pass at the Outdoor Center behind the Winery. The pass is waived for Twelve-Month Passholders. Bike rentals (cruisers, hybrids and mountain bikes) are available at the Outdoors Center. Ask about a guided bike tour!