As North Carolina begins to reopen, many are ready to explore the outdoors and cure their cabin fever. Below you'll find many options to get you started. Don't forget to check our COVID-19 page for the latest on what trails are open near Asheville including state and national parks, forests, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and more.
Hiking Etiquette 101 & Social Distancing on Trails
Practice the following hiking etiquette with some simple modifications to prevent close contact with other hikers. If passing or yielding to fellow hikers, give them a heads up and let them know you’re going to create a 6 ft clearance between the two of you as you pass. Avoid touching trailhead stations where others may have taken maps or touched the plexiglass display. Carry hand sanitizer with you and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible throughout the hike.
- Do not go hiking if you feel sick, have a fever or cough
- Go early or late to avoid crowds
- Keep a 6 ft distance from other hikers
- Yield to uphill traffic
- Stay to the right, pass to the left
- Leave no trace
- Keep your dogs leashed
Social Distancing Things to Do in Western North Carolina
18 Scenic Drives
See gorgeous countryside, mountain views and charming communities on a windshield tour via national and state scenic byways near Asheville. Lots of opportunities for stops along the way.
Blue Ridge Parkway Top 50
Drive the Parkway north or south from Asheville and quickly climb the Blue Ridge Mountain ridge. You can reach elevations of 5,000+ ft. Our mile-by-mile guide of the Parkway covers the 193-mile section near Asheville. So many things to do along one of the most scenic drives in the United States.
Waterfalls Top 60
Of hundreds of waterfalls near Asheville, we picked the most spectacular falls that are easy to find. Some can be enjoyed with a short walk or even roadside. Others require a scenic hike. See full descriptions for each, with plenty of photos! Also see Waterfall Drives & Maps.
Best 75 Mountain Hikes
There are thousands of miles of hiking trails near Asheville, many of which are in pristine national forests or parks. We picked our favorites and created extensive guides for each with photos and details. Find hikes for all skill levels in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains.
Picnics
We have the perfect picnic spot for any occasion! Take a backpack on a hike to a waterfall or picnic atop a mountain summit with panoramic views. You could also stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway and spread a blanket on the grass. While there are many designated picnic areas along the Parkway and in the national forests surrounding Asheville, you can also create your own picnic spot.
Biltmore Blooms
April 01, 2020 to May 21, 2020
This festival of flowers celebrates two months of spring blooms that include 75,000+ tulips, orchids, azalaeas and elaborate floral displays inside Biltmore House.
Blue Ridge Parkway Hiking
There are many hikes hidden along the Blue Ridge Parkway that takes you through lush forests, by waterfalls and to mountaintops with sweeping views. See our Top 15 Parkway Quick Hikes with big rewards.
Biltmore Estate Hiking Trails
(Many options, easy to moderate) There are 23 miles of trails, for all fitness levels, to explore 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.
Top 70 Outdoors - Asheville & NC Mountains
Explore our mountains with hikes, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and many thousands of acres of national forest and park land. Get outside in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains with our 70 favorite things to do.
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**Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, most lake beaches will remain closed until June/July when a date can be determined to safely reopen. Check back for updates!Yes! You can beach it in the Blue Ridge... read more
**Due to COVID-19 safety concerns, most lake beaches will remain closed until June/July when a date can be determined to safely reopen. Check back for updates!Discover and explore some absolutely... read more
Ready to explore the great outdoors of western North Carolina mountains near Asheville? The breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounds the city... read more
