Amazing! We have 3,000+ miles of free, public hiking trails near Asheville, including 1,600 miles in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, 850 miles in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and many more along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in state parks and forests. Where are the best hikes? (Pic above is Hawksbill Mountain.)
Here are our favorite day hikes near Asheville and in the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains. We feature hikes for all skill levels, located in 16 counties in western North Carolina. When selecting trails, we use the following criteria:
- The hike trailhead is easy to find and within 100 miles of Asheville.
- The trail is safe, marked, and maintained.
- Does not require any special equipment, technical skills or shoes.
To help you plan your trip, see our Hiking & Waterfall Safety Tips.
Note: Several of these hikes are not accessible in the winter months, especially when snow and ice close the Blue Ridge Parkway and National Forest Roads. See our Favorite 20 Winter Hikes & Top 10 Hikes with Mountain Views.
3-Mile Waterfall Hike, DuPont State Forest
(3 miles, moderate) Our most popular waterfall hike takes you to Hooker, Triple and High Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Take a picnic! Since it's so beautiful, expect big crowds on nice weekends.
Diamond Brand Outdoors & Frugal Backpacker
Before you head outdoors for hiking, paddling or camping, get gear and expert advice at two Diamond Brand stores (one is downtown) and the Frugal Backpacker Outlet in Asheville. Whether you are an outdoors novice or advance adventurer, they are the top outfitter in town.
Looking Glass Rock
(6.5 miles roundtrip, strenuous) For 180+ degree views from a rock face, hike to the top of this iconic summit in the Pisgah National Forest. You'll hike the "backside" of the mountain, gaining 1,700 feet in elevation and a gradual climb almost the entire way.
Rough Ridge
(1.5 to 8 miles roundtrip, moderate to strenuous) This unique hike offers plenty of breathtaking viewpoints and a wooden boardwalk over fragile vegetation. The Tanawha Trail features many rock outcrops to enjoy the sweeping mountain views. Turn around at anytime or continue the trail to Beacon Heights (4 miles).
Rainbow Falls
(3 miles roundtrip, moderate) This majestic 150-foot waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest can be reached via a hiking trail from Gorges State Park. Enjoy the falls safely on boulder at its base or at the top. A little upstream is Turtleback Falls, a cool summer swimming hole.
Graveyard Fields
(1 to 4 mile options, moderate) This very popular spot features two waterfalls in a mile-high valley filled with wildflowers and surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains with 6,000-foot peaks. Second Falls is just 1/3 mile from the parking area. The Graveyard Fields Loop is about four miles. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 419.
Chimney Rock Park Hikes
(1 to 4 miles, easy to strenuous) Hike a variety of trails with spectacular views of Hickory Nut Gorge or a 400-foot waterfall. Often overlooked, the challenging Four Seasons trail begins near the Meadows and takes you through a beautiful deciduous forest and boulder fields.
Appalachian Trail Day Hikes near Asheville
Talk a "walk in the woods" at the most scenic sections of the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail near Asheville, high in the North Carolina mountains. See our favorite six day hikes for all fitness levels.
Craggy Gardens
(1.5 to 3 miles, moderate) For one of the best panoramic mountain views in western North Carolina, hike the 3/4-mile Craggy Pinnacle Trail to the observation area. Also hike the Craggy Gardens Trail between the picnic area and visitor center through rhododendron that bloom in June. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 364.
Mt. LeConte & Alum Cave
(11 miles roundtrip, strenuous) The Alum Cave Trail is the most hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains. You'll see why with interesting geological features and stunning views. To reach the 6,593-foot summit of Mount LeConte (third highest peak in the Smokies), you'll climb 2,853 feet in elevation in 5.5 miles.
Mt. Mitchell Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig
(Up to 9 miles roundtrip, moderate) Our favorite quick hike at Mount Mitchell is the Deep Gap Trail to Mt. Craig, a two-mile roundtrip hike. Continue on the Deep Gap Trail for another 3.5 miles. For a more challenging hike, take the 5.5-mile Mt. Mitchell Trail from the Black Mountain Campground.
Crabtree Falls
(3 miles roundtrip, moderate) This gorgeous 70-foot waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 339), near Linville Falls, is accessed by a loop woodland hiking trail.
Hawksbill Mountain
(1.5 miles roundtrip, moderate) Enjoy spectacular mountaintop views overlooking the Linville Gorge. We love to hike this and nearby Table Rock the same day! Take a picnic.
Roan Mountain Appalachian Trail
(1 to 7 miles, moderate hike) Famous for its spectacular natural gardens of Catawba rhododendrons, Roan Mountain shelters a rich diversity of life, from spruce-fir forests to vast grassy balds. It not one mountain, but a high ridge about five miles long, the highest point being 6,286 feet. Hike the ridge on the Appalachian Trail for sweeping views all along the way.
Black Balsam Knob
(1 to 10 miles, moderate) For sweeping 360-degree views, hike across these bald mountaintops. Almost entirely devoid of trees above 6000', the summit is more reminiscent of New England than North Carolina. Part of the 30-mile Art Loeb Trail, so you hike as far as you want. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420.
Max Patch on Appalachian Trail
(1.4 or 2.4 miles, easy) Hike a section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (or AT) near Hot Springs. What a picnic spot with 360-degree mountain views! The 1.4-mile short loop crosses the summit. The 2.4-mile loop circles the mountain for outstanding views from all the sides. Or extend your hike in either direction of the AT.
Bridal Veil Falls, DuPont State Forest
(4.4 miles roundtrip hike, moderate) This beautiful waterfall can be enjoyed from many angles. You can even walk behind the top section! Take a picnic since there are many spots by the waterfall to relax and enjoy the view. You can also mountain bike to it.
Catawba Falls
(3 miles roundtrip, easy) This waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest is just three miles from I-40 in Old Fort. Hike to the lower falls, a 100-foot cascade. Experienced hikers and rock climbers continue on a challenging hike to the stunning Upper Catawba Falls in the photo.
Blue Ridge Parkway Top 12 Quick Hikes
Find our favorite short hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, ranging from easy strolls to strenuous climbs. Also see ranger-led guided hikes held weekly in summer and fall.
NC Arboretum Hikes
(Many options, easy to moderate) Located just 10 miles south of downtown, the Arboretum has 10 miles of easy to moderate walking and biking trails. Our pick is the Natural Garden Trail, a one-mile loop starting from the Plants of Promise Garden to the Core Area Gardens.
South Mountains State Park
(2-40 miles, easy, moderate, strenuous) This state park near Morganton has 40 miles of hiking trails. Our favorite is High Shoals Falls 2.7-mile loop trail to a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. Combine several trails for a much longer hike.
Linville Falls Hikes
(1 to 4 miles roundtrip, moderate) This is probably the most photographed waterfall in North Carolina. Hike to one or all five viewpoints via two trails that leave the Visitors Center. Only one of the trails is strenuous, and you can hike to all five spots with a four mile hike. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 316
Mt. Pisgah
(3 miles roundtrip, strenuous) Mt. Pisgah can be seen from downtown Asheville on a clear day. Hike up to the top of the 5,721-foot summit on this popular hiking trail. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 407.6.
Table Rock Mountain
(2.2 miles roundtrip, moderate) Hike to the top of one of the most recognized peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trailhead is just five miles from Hawksbill, so you can double your fun.
John Rock
(5 miles loop, strenuous) Just a mile from the trailhead to Looking Glass Rock is a rewarding loop trail that takes you to the top of another rock face with panoramic views. From John Rock, you have a great view of Looking Glass Rock. And you'll find many fewer hikers here.
Cedar Rock Mountain, DuPont Forest
(4.5 miles loop, moderate) This hike provides wonderful views and dramatic scenery - and it's not difficult. Rising only a few hundred feet above the surrounding plateau, walk across areas of granite with views.
Lake Junaluska Walking Trail
(Easy, 2.3 or 3.8 miles) Our top accessible, paved hiking trail near Asheville with a to walk around a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and historic buildings at a Methodist Church retreat that welcomes all to enjoy this trail. Wheelchair, scooter and stroller friendly!
Shortoff Mountain
(4.5 miles roundtrip, strenuous) Near Lake James is a beauty of a hike to the top of a plateau summit with spectacular views of Linville Gorge.
Beech Mountain Hikes
(1 to 20 miles, easy to strenuous) The town of Beech Mountain, the highest town in eastern America, has 20 miles of maintained trails atop their mountain. A great place to keep cool since their summer temperatures seldom go above 75 degrees!
Chimney Tops
(4 miles roundtrip, strenuous) One of the most popular and rewarding hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. With an elevation of 4,800 feet, the rare rock summit is one of the park's most recognizable geological structures. Great views from the summit. It's all uphill with 1,700 feet in elevation with intimidating rock cliffs at the top.
Secret Falls
Located near Highlands, this 50-foot waterfall cascades into an idyllic pool perfect for wading and swimming. It's a short hike in Nantahala National Forest.
Road to Nowhere Hike
(3.2 miles, moderate) This loop hike in the Smokies includes a 1,200-foot tunnel at the end of Bryson City's Lakeview Drive, known locally as the "Road to Nowhere." Lakeshore Trail starts here too, a 35-mile long trek to Fontana Lake Dam.
Glen Falls
A 2-mile roundtrip hike takes you to this waterfall in the Highlands area, deep in the Nantahala National Forest. You'll see two separate cascades, so you get two waterfalls for one.
Wildland Trekking Company
This award-winning adventure tour company specializes in guided hiking and backpacking tours to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A top-rated company on TripAdvisor with all-inclusive trips and expert guides, they are one of the Smokies' premier adventure options.
Whiteside Mountain
(2 miles loop hike, moderate) A landmark in the Nantahala National Forest, Whiteside rises to an elevation of 4,930 feet, located between Cashiers and Highlands. A loop trail takes you on top of sheer 750-foot high cliffs (plenty of railings for safety) with outstanding views.
Flat Rock Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway
(Easy, 6/10 mile) Hike a loop trail to a flat rock summit with expansive views and great picnic spots. Hidden away at Milepost 308.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
DuPont State Forest Hidden Lakes
(4 miles, moderate) Discover some hidden lakes on the quieter side of DuPont State Recreational Forest and an airstrip with a great mountain view. Fawn Lake and Lake Julia are great swimming holes too.
Lover's Leap
(3.2 mile loop, moderate) Hike from downtown Hot Springs via the Appalachian Trail and as it climbs to a rock outcropping for beautiful views of the river and town. It's a romantic spot, but don't leap!
Big Butt Trail
(4.5 miles roundtrip, strenuous) This lofty hike keeps up above 5,000 feet elevation as you hike to Point Misery and Little Butt, so it's perfect for a hot summer's day. On the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mt. Mitchell.
7-Mile Waterfalls Hike, DuPont State Forest
(7 miles roundtrip, strenuous) See three waterfalls on this hike in the DuPont State Forest: High Falls, Triple Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Or you can mountain bike most of it on old logging roads. Extend the hike about 1.5 miles to see Hooker Falls too!
Biltmore Estate Hiking Trails
(Many options, easy to moderate) There are 23 miles of trails to explore for all fitness levels at Biltmore. You can walk several miles around the gardens near the house, including a half-mile stroll around the Bass Pond. Our favorite hike at Biltmore is the 1.3-mile Deer Park Trail, offering great views of the house.
Green Knob Tower
(1 mile roundtrip, moderate) Get a close up view of the historic fire lookout tower visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mt. Mitchell. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 350.
Grassy Creek Falls
(2 miles roundtrip, easy) Located adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland (near Milepost 334), a gentle hiking trail takes you to a beautiful collection of cascades. (There is also a Grassy Creek Falls in DuPont State Forest near Bridal Veil Falls.)
Devil's Courthouse
(1 mile roundtrip, moderate) Short but steep trail climbs a half mile to the peak for spectacular views. The bare rock profile named Devil's Courthouse is sinister in appearance and legend. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 422.
Sam Knob
(2.2 miles, moderate) Located next to the Black Balsam hike, this 6,045-foot peak provides panoramic views from the top. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420.
Mt Mitchell Balsam Trail
(3/4 mile loop, easy) Take a loop hike through the dense aromatic fir forest high atop on the summit of Mt. Mitchell. Great place for a cool walk on a hot summer's day.
Art Loeb Trail
This challenging 30-mile hiking trail with spectacular views in Pisgah National Forest, includes popular Black Balsam Knob. A great options for multi-day backpacking since there are many campsites along the high ridges and balds.
Twin Falls
(6.5 mile loop, strenuous) This twin waterfall near Looking Glass Falls features two 100-foot cascades in view of each other, reached via a beautiful 4.5-mile roundtrip or 6.5-mile loop hike on the Buckhorn Gap Trail. It's near the Pisgah Forest Horse Stables, and they offer guided horseback rides to the falls.
Panthertown Valley
(5 miles loop, moderate) Hike 30 miles in this wilderness area with waterfalls and dramatic cliffs. A great half day hike is a five mile loop to Schoolhouse Falls, Greenland Creek Falls and Little Green Mountain. It's easy to extend the hike in the network of trails.
Log Hollow Falls
Located near Looking Glass Falls, this waterfall is often missed since it's off the beaten path. But it's an easy 1-mile hike to enjoy this and the impressive nearby "Kissing Falls."
Richland Balsam
(1.5-mile loop, easy) Hike the top of the highest summit along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the cool forest. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 431.
Pink Beds
(5 miles loop, easy) This woodland hiking trail is wide and mostly level, located adjacent to the Cradle of Forestry near Looking Glass Rock. Great spot for wildflowers.
Fryingpan Tower
(1.5 miles roundtrip, moderate) Avoid the crowds at neighboring Mt. Pisgah and get better views with this hike to the historic fire tower. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 409.6
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
(2 miles loop, easy) See an old growth cove hardwood forest with 400-year old towering poplar trees.
Cove Creek Falls
Located near Daniel Ridge Falls is a waterfall on a beautiful two-mile hike that includes a second, smaller cascade. It's also located near the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.
Courthouse Falls
This beautiful waterfall setting is an easy hike in Pisgah National Forest. It's located in a lush cove off NC Highway 215, about 10 miles north of Highway 64 and 6.7 miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Bearwallow Mountain
(1 mile roundtrip, moderate) Near Chimney Rock, hike to the summit of this bald mountain with wonderful views. It's an easy drive from downtown Asheville!
Point Lookout Trail
(7.2 miles roundtrip, moderate) The best paved greenway near Asheville is a blast for biking or hiking. This paved path in Pisgah National Forest was formerly part of Old US Highway 70, winding through the woods with views of the mountains, railroad and forest. While the trail is only 3.6 miles one way, it climbs 900 feet in elevation from Old Fort to Ridgecrest.
Andrews Bald
(4 miles roundtrip, moderate) At an elevation of 5,920 feet, this is the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains. The hike near Clingmans Dome is not overly strenuous, but includes a good bit of uphill and rocky sections. And you won't see the crowds that you find on other hikes in the Smokies.
Daniel Ridge Falls
Located near Moore Cove Falls and Looking Glass Falls, this 150-foot cascade in Pisgah National Forest is also known as Tom's Spring Branch Falls. Accessed by an easy one-mile roundtrip hike. Or hike a four-mile loop.
Grandfather Mountain
(1 to 12 miles, easy to strenuous) More than 12 miles of hiking trails range in difficulty from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry challenges. Our favorite is taking the Grandfather Trail from the Swinging Bridge area and returning along Underwood Trail. The popular Profile Trail is a 7-mile roundtrip strenuous trek up to the highest peak.
Trombatore Trail
(5 miles roundtrip, strenuous) Adjacent to the Bearwallow Mountain trail is this new trail (opened in fall 2014) to the grassy summit of Blue Ridge Pastures.
Wildcat Falls
This cascade in Pisgah National Forest is about 1.5-mile roundtrip hike from a campsite along NC Highway 215 and less than a mile from the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's along the Flat Laurel Creek Trail that follows an old logging road and railroad grade.
Lake James
(.5 to 3.5 miles, easy to moderate). This state park with a beautiful lake has seven hiking trails (easy to moderate) and a beach for relaxing afterwards.
Moore Cove Falls
(1.5 miles roundtrip, easy) Walk behind this 50-foot waterfall located near the popular Looking Glass Falls. Beautiful hike along the way. While the water flow is not impressive, it's a beautiful setting that is overlooked by many since there are no signs.
Cold Mountain
(10.6 miles roundtrip, strenuous) Journey to the summit of the mountain made famous by the novel and movie, in the beautiful Shining Rock Wilderness Area of the Pisgah National Forest.
Mt. Sterling
(5.4 mile roundtrip, strenuous) Atop Mt. Sterling (5,842 ft elevation) is the historic, 60-foot tall steel fire lookout tower with nice views. You will climb 2,000 feet in elevation.
High Falls at Lake Glenville
Also known as Cullowhee Falls, this 150-foot waterfall at Lake Glenville near Cashiers becomes the most powerful waterfall a few days of the year when extra water is released from the dam for kayakers. A new hiking trail takes you to the base for a great view.
Charlies Bunion
(8 miles roundtrip, strenuous) Hike on the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap north four miles to this rocky ridge with spectacular views of the Smokies. You climb about 1,600 feet in elevation, but it's gradual.
Forest Discovery Center at the Cradle of Forestry
(2 miles loop, easy) Walk paved accessible trails to see restored buildings from the early 1900s and learn about how forestry begin in the United States.
Waterrock Knob
(2.4-mile roundtrip, strenuous) Hike to the summit (6,292 feet) of the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 451.
Julian Price Park
(2.7 miles and 2.3 miles, easy) Hike around a beautiful lake or to the top of Green Knob. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 297.
Rattlesnake Lodge
(2.8 miles roundtrip, moderate) Hike back in time as you discover the rock foundations of Rattlesnake Lodge, an early 1900s family retreat. The hike is only a 30-minute drive from downtown Asheville. You can extend the hike since it is part of the Mountains to Sea Trail. Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 375.
Wintergreen Falls, DuPont State Forest
(3 miles roundtrip, easy) This 20-foot waterfall is tucked away in DuPont Forest in a beautiful setting. The hiking trail is gentle - and you can also mountain bike or horseback ride.
Purchase Knob
(7.5 miles roundtrip, moderate) Hike the Cataloochee Divide Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains along the ridge to Gooseberry Knob and Hemphill Bald for great mountain views.
Schoolhouse Falls
(2.5 mile roundtrip hike, easy) The cascade in Panthertown Valley in Nantahala National Forest is small, but really big on beauty with a great pool for a splash.
Setrock Creek & Roaring Fork Falls
(2 miles roundtrip, easy) Take two one-mile roundtrip waterfall hikes, just a few miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway (exit onto NC 80), near Mt Mitchell.
Dill Falls and Upper Dill Falls
Hike to two waterfalls, Upper and Lower Dill Falls, with easy walks from the end of a forest service road deep in Nantahala National Forest.
Great Smoky Mountains Hiking
See our favorite hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina side.
Asheville Urban Trail
(1.7 mile loop, easy) This outdoors museum is a self-guided walking tour on the sidewalks of downtown Asheville to 30 sculptures that depict local history.
The Pinnacle
(7 miles roundtrip, strenuous) Hike to the top of The Pinnacle for views looking down into Sylva and surrounding valley. Climb 1,800 feet in elevation with a steady grade.
Linn Cove Viaduct
(1 to 8 miles roundtrip, moderate) Hike under and above the Viaduct from the visitor center. Hike south to Beacon Heights or continue north on the Tanawha Trail to Rough Ridge. Blue Ridge Parkway Milespost 304.
Mt. Cammerer
(11.8 miles roundtrip, strenuous) The hike up from Big Creek is a 5.9-mile constant climb with a gain of about 3,000 feet in elevation. The stone fire tower on top affords fabulous views as your reward for the climb.
Cataloochee Valley Hiking
There are many hiking trails in beautiful Cataloochee Valley, home to the elk. Boogerman Trail is a moderately challenging 7-mile loop trail. A quick favorite is to hike Rough Fork Trail for a mile along the cascading stream.
Stone Mountain, DuPont State Forest
(2.4 miles roundtrip, moderate) A mostly wooded hike with a gradual climb takes you to the top with a rock face with great views across DuPont State Recreational Forest.
Beacon Heights
(1 mile roundtrip, easy) A quick walk to the summit has a big pay-off with spectacular views from several rock platforms to explore safely. Take a picnic! Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 305.
Rich Mountain Lookout Fire Tower, Hot Springs
Drive to or hike the Appalachain Trail (5 miles roundtrip) to enjoy the panoramic mountain views from atop the historic tower.
Clingmans Dome
(1 mile roundtrip, moderate) At 6,643 feet, this is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. An uphill, paved trail takes you to the top for panoramic views from the observation tower.
Search Options Above
If you are searching by region:
- Asheville
- East (Black Mountain , Chimney Rock, Morganton)
- North (Burnsville, Hot Springs, Madison City, Mt Mitchell)
- South (Brevard, Hendersonville, Saluda, Tryon)
- West (Bryson City, Cherokee, Highlands, Sylva, Waynesville)
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park (includes more options for West)
- Blue Ridge Parkway (includes more options for North and West)
ADA Hiking Trails
Several area trails are designated as accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). One is a 1/4-mile trail at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, Mt. Mitchell has a ADA 1/4-mile paved trail from the parking area to the observation tower, although it's uphill.
Watch our featured hike video, High Shoals Falls at South Mountains State Park.
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