Max Patch Loop
moderate · 1.5 mi · +300 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Iconic grassy bald on the AT—one of the best sunrise spots in WNC.
Things To Do in Asheville, NC
The ultimate guide to things to do in Asheville, NC. Discover the best hikes, craft breweries, restaurants, live music venues, art galleries, and outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Asheville, NC sits at the confluence of the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers, cradled by the ancient Blue Ridge Mountains. It's a city where James Beard Award-winning chefs share blocks with indie record stores, where you can hike a 6,000-foot summit in the morning and catch a nationally touring act at the Orange Peel that night. This guide covers the full picture — trails, food, beer, art, and music — organized to help you build your perfect day.
188 Things To Do in Asheville, NC Trails
Craggy Pinnacle Trail
easy · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to stunning 360° views; incredible during June blooms.
Grassy Ridge Bald
moderate · 5.1 mi · +1100 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Highest grassy bald on the Appalachian Trail with stunning 360° views.
Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb
moderate · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Short hike to an above-treeline bald with panoramic mountain views.
Triple Falls Trail (DuPont)
moderate · 2.6 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 20m · Dog friendly
Visit three stunning waterfalls in DuPont State Forest.
Mount Pisgah Trail
moderate · 2.9 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Classic BRP hike to the summit with observation platform.
Catawba Falls Trail
moderate · 2.2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Recently improved trail to a spectacular 100-foot cascade.
Hawksbill Mountain Trail
moderate · 2.1 mi · +750 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Short steep climb to the highest point in the Linville Gorge.
Rattlesnake Lodge Trail
moderate · 3.7 mi · +900 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Hike to the remains of a 1900s mountain estate with valley views.
John Rock Trail Loop
moderate · 4.8 mi · +1200 ft · ~2h 40m · Dog friendly
Challenging loop to a dramatic rock face overlook in Pisgah.
Masters Park to Haw Creek Overlook
moderate · 2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Short but rewarding climb through forest to a panoramic overlook.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Folk Art Ctr to Haw Creek
moderate · 4.8 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Scenic ridge walk along the MST with views of the Swannanoa Valley.
Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail
easy · 1.9 mi · +100 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Gentle loop around Beaver Lake in North Asheville, great for families.
Big Berea, Bull Creek & White Pine Loop
easy · 1.8 mi · +200 ft · ~50 min · Dog friendly
Easy loop through the Richmond Hill area with stream crossings.
Florence Nature Preserve
moderate · 3.5 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Beautiful preserve with mountain meadows and seasonal wildflowers.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
easy · 1.4 mi · +300 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to the base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.
Fryingpan Mountain Tower
easy · 1.5 mi · +400 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Short hike to a historic fire tower with incredible panoramic views.
Devil's Courthouse Trail
moderate · 0.9 mi · +350 ft · ~30 min
Steep paved trail to a rocky summit with views into four states.
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
easy · 5.4 mi · +200 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Gentle creekside walk through high-altitude meadows.
Hawkbill Rock Trail
moderate · 1 mi · +300 ft · ~30 min
Quick scramble to a dramatic cliff overlook.
Elk Falls Trail
easy · 0.4 mi · +100 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short path to a stunning 50-foot waterfall with swimming.
Roan Highlands via Appalachian Trail
hard · 10 mi · +2000 ft · ~6h
Epic traverse across grassy balds on the Appalachian Trail.
Carvers Gap to Jane Bald
moderate · 2.4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Beautiful Appalachian Trail section to a panoramic grassy bald.
Hot Springs Lover's Leap
moderate · 2.6 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Climb to a dramatic overlook above the French Broad River in Hot Springs.
Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail
moderate · 3 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
AT section leading to a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Shut-In Trail
hard · 16.3 mi · +3000 ft · ~9h
Challenging point-to-point trail paralleling the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Sleepy Gap Trail
moderate · 4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Quiet forest trail along a ridgeline in the Bent Creek area.
Hardtimes Trail Loop
hard · 7.2 mi · +1400 ft · ~4h · Dog friendly
Challenging loop in Bent Creek Experimental Forest shared with mountain bikers.
Explorer Loop at Bent Creek
easy · 3.4 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Easy loop through the Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
Pine Tree Loop
moderate · 3.2 mi · +550 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Moderate loop through pine and hardwood forest with ridge views.
Owl Ridge Trail
moderate · 2.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Peaceful ridge trail in Bent Creek with filtered mountain views.
Small Creek Trail
easy · 2 mi · +200 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Gentle creekside walk in the Bent Creek area.
Wash Creek Falls
easy · 1.2 mi · +150 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Short walk to a peaceful waterfall in the Bent Creek watershed.
North Slope Trail
moderate · 4.5 mi · +850 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Ridge trail in Bent Creek with seasonal views through the canopy.
Trombatore Trail
moderate · 3.6 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Wooded trail near the Biltmore Estate with gentle elevation changes.
Richmond Hill Loop
easy · 3 mi · +350 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy loop with views of the French Broad River near a historic inn.
Craven Gap Trail
moderate · 2.8 mi · +550 ft · ~1h 25m · Dog friendly
Section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
French Broad River Park Loop
easy · 2 mi · +50 ft · ~35 min · Dog friendly
Easy riverside walk at a popular Asheville park.
Carrier Park Greenway
easy · 1.5 mi · +25 ft · ~25 min · Dog friendly
Short paved path along the French Broad River.
Haw Creek Overlook Trail
moderate · 1.8 mi · +450 ft · ~55 min
Quiet trail to a scenic overlook east of town.
Chestnut Cove Overlook Trail
easy · 1.2 mi · +200 ft · ~25 min · Dog friendly
Easy parkway trail to a scenic overlook.
Grassy Knob Trail
moderate · 3.8 mi · +750 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Moderate ridge hike through quiet forest south of Asheville.
Young's Ridge Trail
hard · 4.4 mi · +1100 ft · ~2h 45m
Steep ridge trail with limited foot traffic.
Potato Knob Trail
moderate · 3.4 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Moderate trail to a forested knob near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Tanbark Ridge Tunnel Trail
easy · 2 mi · +300 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk near a historic parkway tunnel with forest scenery.
Blackstock Knob Trail
hard · 5.4 mi · +1400 ft · ~3h 30m
Remote backcountry summit hike in the Black Mountains.
Potato Hill via Flat Laurel Creek
moderate · 4.8 mi · +700 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Scenic route to a lesser-known bald with seasonal wildflowers.
Ivestor Gap Trail
moderate · 4.2 mi · +600 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Moderate trail through the heart of the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Richland Balsam Trail
easy · 1.5 mi · +300 ft · ~35 min · Dog friendly
Interpretive loop at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Waterrock Knob Trail
moderate · 1.2 mi · +400 ft · ~35 min · Dog friendly
Popular sunset spot with panoramic views from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Midnight Hole via Big Creek
easy · 2.6 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy creekside walk to a stunning emerald swimming hole in the Smokies.
Mouse Creek Falls
moderate · 4 mi · +600 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Continue past Midnight Hole to reach a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Cataloochee Divide Trail
hard · 8 mi · +1500 ft · ~5h
Long ridge trail with views into the Cataloochee Valley.
Boogerman Trail
moderate · 7.4 mi · +1000 ft · ~4h
Loop through old-growth forest past historic homestead sites.
Palmer Creek Trail
easy · 3.6 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Easy creekside hike in the Cataloochee Valley, great for elk spotting.
Purchase Knob Trail
easy · 3.2 mi · +350 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Easy meadow walk with beautiful mountain views near the Smokies boundary.
Heintooga Ridge Trail
moderate · 5.6 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 45m
Remote ridge trail through high-altitude spruce-fir forest.
Flat Creek Trail
moderate · 5.2 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate trail to a scenic waterfall in the Heintooga area.
Cradle of Forestry Loop
easy · 1 mi · +100 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Educational loop at the birthplace of American forestry.
Turkey Pen Gap Trail
moderate · 5.4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Creekside trail shared with equestrians in the Davidson River area.
Cat Gap Loop
moderate · 5 mi · +900 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Classic Pisgah loop through varied forest terrain.
Art Loeb Spur to Pilot Mountain
hard · 4.6 mi · +1200 ft · ~3h
Spur trail to Pilot Mountain with excellent views of Pisgah.
Avery Creek Trail
moderate · 6 mi · +900 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Creekside trail passing Twin Falls in the Pisgah area.
Buncombe Horse Range Trail
hard · 4.8 mi · +1300 ft · ~3h 15m
Ridge trail in the Black Mountains with challenging terrain.
Deep Gap Trail via Black Mountain Crest
hard · 8 mi · +2200 ft · ~5h 30m
Remote and challenging trail along the Black Mountain crest.
Colberts Ridge Trail
hard · 5 mi · +1400 ft · ~3h 30m
Strenuous ridge climb in the Black Mountains.
Neals Creek Falls
easy · 0.4 mi · +50 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a cascading roadside waterfall.
Roaring Fork Falls
easy · 1 mi · +150 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Easy trail to a scenic multi-tiered waterfall.
Walker Falls
easy · 0.8 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Short roadside walk to a pretty cascading waterfall.
Crabtree Falls Trail
moderate · 2.5 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Loop trail to a beautiful waterfall near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linville Falls Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +400 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Multiple overlooks of the famous Linville Falls and Gorge.
Linville Gorge Rim Trail
hard · 11.5 mi · +2500 ft · ~7h
Long and rugged trail along the rim of the Linville Gorge.
Babel Tower Trail
hard · 1.6 mi · +600 ft · ~1h
Steep scramble to dramatic views into Linville Gorge.
Table Rock Trail
hard · 2.2 mi · +900 ft · ~1h 30m
Steep scramble to the iconic summit overlooking Linville Gorge.
Shortoff Mountain Trail
hard · 5 mi · +1200 ft · ~3h 15m
Strenuous hike to dramatic cliff-edge views of the gorge.
Hawksbill Mountain via Sitting Bear
hard · 1.6 mi · +700 ft · ~1h
Short but intense scramble to a rocky summit in the Gorge.
High Falls at Dupont
moderate · 4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Moderate loop past High Falls and other scenic waterfalls in Dupont.
Bridal Veil Falls at Dupont
moderate · 4.8 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Loop trail connecting multiple waterfalls in Dupont State Forest.
Hooker Falls
easy · 1 mi · +100 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a broad, beautiful waterfall in Dupont.
Fawn Lake Loop at Dupont
easy · 3 mi · +200 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Gentle loop around a scenic mountain lake in Dupont.
Ridgeline Trail at Dupont
moderate · 5.6 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 45m · Dog friendly
Ridge trail with seasonal views through Dupont State Forest.
Sycamore Cove Trail
easy · 2.2 mi · +250 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Easy forest stroll in the Pisgah area near the fish hatchery.
North Mills River Trail
moderate · 8 mi · +1100 ft · ~4h 30m · Dog friendly
Long riverside trail through remote sections of Pisgah.
Trace Ridge Trail
hard · 6.4 mi · +1500 ft · ~4h
Strenuous ridge climb in the North Mills River area.
Fletcher Creek Trail
moderate · 4 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Quiet creekside trail in the heart of Pisgah National Forest.
Wash Creek Trail
moderate · 5.8 mi · +900 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Long backcountry creek trail with solitude and old-growth sections.
Big Creek Trail to Walton Grounds
hard · 7 mi · +1400 ft · ~4h 30m
Remote backcountry adventure deep into Pisgah.
Pilot Cove Loop
moderate · 4 mi · +700 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Classic Pisgah loop through mixed hardwood and evergreen forest.
Panthertown Valley Loop
moderate · 6 mi · +800 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Stunning valley with granite domes and multiple waterfalls.
Schoolhouse Falls at Panthertown
moderate · 2.4 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate hike to a beautiful waterfall with a deep swimming hole.
Panthertown Rim Trail
hard · 8.4 mi · +1500 ft · ~5h
Challenging rim trail with views of the Panthertown Valley and granite domes.
Whiteside Mountain Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Loop trail around massive granite cliffs with spectacular views.
Silver Run Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +75 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short trail to a popular swimming waterfall near Cashiers.
Bridal Veil Falls Highlands
easy · 0.1 mi · +10 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Unique roadside waterfall you can drive behind.
Glen Falls Trail
moderate · 1.4 mi · +500 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Trail past three tiers of beautiful waterfalls near Highlands.
Sunset Rock via Whiteside
moderate · 3.2 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 30m
Extension to a dramatic sunset viewpoint near Whiteside Mountain.
Turtleback Falls
easy · 1 mi · +200 ft · ~25 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to a natural waterslide waterfall.
Bearwallow Falls
easy · 0.8 mi · +150 ft · ~15 min
Short trail to an overlook of a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Auger Hole via Foothills Trail
hard · 4.8 mi · +1000 ft · ~3h
Remote gorge section of the Foothills Trail.
Chimney Rock State Park Trail
moderate · 1.5 mi · +400 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Trail system around the iconic Chimney Rock formation.
World's Edge Trail at Rumbling Bald
hard · 2.4 mi · +800 ft · ~1h 30m
Steep climb to cliff-top views overlooking Lake Lure.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Trail
easy · 0.5 mi · +25 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Walking garden on a historic bridge at Lake Lure.
Wildcat Rock Trail
moderate · 2.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m
Trail to an overlook of the Green River Gorge.
Firescald Ridge Trail
hard · 5 mi · +1200 ft · ~3h 15m
Remote ridge trail west of Asheville with limited traffic.
Pump Gap Loop via Mountains-to-Sea
moderate · 3.4 mi · +650 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Convenient MST loop accessible from north Asheville.
Hard Times Loop via Mountains-to-Sea
hard · 6.2 mi · +1300 ft · ~3h 45m
Challenging MST section with significant elevation gain.
Spivey Gap to Big Bald
hard · 6.4 mi · +1800 ft · ~4h 30m
Appalachian Trail section to the expansive Big Bald summit.
Jerry Miller Trail
moderate · 3.8 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Forest trail to a scenic waterfall in the Big Ivy area.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop
easy · 2 mi · +200 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Walk through one of the last remaining virgin forests in the eastern US.
Indian Creek Falls
easy · 3.6 mi · +300 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Easy creekside walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Smokies.
Juney Whank Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short trail to a pretty two-tiered waterfall.
Deep Creek Loop
moderate · 4.4 mi · +500 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Popular loop past three waterfalls with creek tubing in summer.
Andrews Bald via Forney Ridge
moderate · 3.6 mi · +800 ft · ~2h
Trail from Clingmans Dome to a grassy bald with mountain views.
Clingmans Dome Observation Tower
moderate · 1 mi · +300 ft · ~25 min
Paved but steep walk to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Charlies Bunion via AT
hard · 8 mi · +1600 ft · ~5h
Classic AT hike to a dramatic rocky outcrop with stunning views.
Alum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte
hard · 10 mi · +2800 ft · ~6h 30m
One of the most popular trails in the Smokies, ascending to Mt. LeConte.
Grotto Falls Trail
moderate · 2.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m
Popular trail to a waterfall you can walk behind in the Smokies.
Chimney Tops Trail
hard · 3.8 mi · +1400 ft · ~2h 30m
Steep climb to a dramatic rocky summit with panoramic Smokies views.
Laurel Falls Trail Smokies
easy · 2.6 mi · +400 ft · ~1h
Paved trail to an 80-foot waterfall, one of the most visited in the Smokies.
Snowbird Mountain via Sassafras Creek
hard · 5.8 mi · +1500 ft · ~3h 45m
Remote summit hike in the Nantahala National Forest.
Ramsey Cascades Trail
hard · 8 mi · +2100 ft · ~5h
Strenuous hike to the tallest waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Tennent Mountain via Art Loeb
moderate · 3 mi · +800 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Ridge walk connecting multiple grassy balds with outstanding views.
Moore Cove Falls
easy · 1.4 mi · +200 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Easy trail to a waterfall you can walk behind.
Daniel Ridge Falls Loop
moderate · 4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Loop trail past a beautiful 150-foot cascading waterfall.
Douglas Falls Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +400 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Moderate hike to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall in a mossy cove.
Stoney Fork Trail
hard · 4.8 mi · +1300 ft · ~3h
Remote backcountry trail with multiple creek crossings.
Weaverville Greenway
easy · 2.5 mi · +50 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Paved greenway through the charming town of Weaverville.
Max Patch Summit
easy · 2.4 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Iconic grassy bald with stunning 360-degree mountain views.
Buck Spring Trail
moderate · 5.8 mi · +900 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Historic trail once used by the Vanderbilts, through beautiful hardwood forest.
Deerfield Loop
easy · 2.8 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy loop near Lake Powhatan in the Bent Creek area.
Ingles Field Gap Trail
hard · 5.6 mi · +1200 ft · ~3h 15m
Strenuous climb through remote sections of Bent Creek forest.
Hen Wallow Falls Trail
moderate · 4.4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 15m
Moderate trail to a delicate 90-foot waterfall in the Cosby area.
Low Gap Trail to Mt Cammerer
hard · 11.2 mi · +2900 ft · ~7h
Long challenging hike to a historic fire tower with incredible views.
Little Cataloochee Trail
moderate · 5.6 mi · +700 ft · ~2h 45m
Remote trail to preserved historic buildings and a church.
Pinnacle Park Trail
moderate · 2.2 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 10m · Dog friendly
Quick climb to dramatic cliff overlook above the town of Sylva.
Waterrock Knob to Browning Knob
hard · 4 mi · +1100 ft · ~2h 30m
Ridge extension beyond Waterrock Knob into remote terrain.
Town Mountain Trail
moderate · 2.4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Convenient trail near downtown with surprising mountain views.
Reed Creek Greenway
easy · 2.2 mi · +75 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Urban greenway connecting several Asheville neighborhoods.
Bull Creek Valley Overlook
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a parkway overlook with valley views.
Stradley Mountain Trail
hard · 5 mi · +1300 ft · ~3h 15m
Remote and challenging summit hike east of Asheville.
Big Butt Trail
hard · 6 mi · +1600 ft · ~4h
Strenuous climb to a summit with panoramic views, connecting to the AT.
Cold Mountain Summit
hard · 10.4 mi · +2800 ft · ~6h 30m
The summit made famous by Charles Frazier's novel. Remote and challenging.
Mount Sterling via Mt Sterling Gap
hard · 5.4 mi · +1900 ft · ~4h
Steep climb to a fire tower with panoramic Smokies views.
Rough Fork Trail to Woody Place
moderate · 4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 45m
Hike to a historic cabin with a chance to see elk in Cataloochee.
Pink Beds Loop Trail
easy · 5 mi · +300 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Flat loop through a rare mountain bog with abundant wildflowers.
Butter Gap Trail
moderate · 4 mi · +700 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Quiet forest trail in Pisgah National Forest.
Setrock Creek Falls
easy · 1.4 mi · +200 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Black Mountains.
Wisemans View Trail
easy · 0.4 mi · +50 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Short walk to a spectacular overlook of the Linville Gorge.
Dupont State Forest Triple Falls
easy · 2.4 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy walk to Triple Falls, famously featured in The Hunger Games.
Wintergreen Falls
easy · 1.6 mi · +200 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to a cascading waterfall in Dupont State Forest.
Stone Mountain Trail at Dupont
moderate · 4.2 mi · +700 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Hike to an open granite dome with views in Dupont State Forest.
Spencer Branch Trail
moderate · 3.2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Moderate creekside hike in the North Mills River area.
Yellow Gap Trail
moderate · 2.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate trail through a mountain gap in Pisgah.
Greenland Creek Falls
moderate · 3.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Trail to a cascading waterfall in the Panthertown Valley.
Dry Falls
easy · 0.2 mi · +50 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Short descent to a waterfall you can walk behind.
Glassmine Falls Overlook
easy · 0.2 mi · +25 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Roadside overlook viewing a distant waterfall on the cliff face.
Rainbow Falls Trail Gorges
moderate · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Trail to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall in Gorges State Park.
Four Seasons Trail at Chimney Rock
moderate · 2.8 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 30m
Moderate trail through varied terrain in Chimney Rock State Park.
Rumbling Bald Trail
moderate · 3.4 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m
Trail along the base of Rumbling Bald with boulder caves to explore.
Green River Cove Trail
hard · 4.2 mi · +1000 ft · ~2h 30m
Steep descent into the Green River Gorge.
Sandymush Bald Trail
moderate · 4.4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Quiet trail to a grassy bald with pastoral mountain views.
Haywood Gap Trail
moderate · 4.6 mi · +700 ft · ~2h 15m
Moderate trail through a mountain gap on the edge of the Smokies.
Goldmine Loop Trail
moderate · 3.4 mi · +450 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Moderate loop through forest and along creeks near Deep Creek.
Rainbow Falls Trail Smokies
hard · 5.4 mi · +1700 ft · ~3h 45m
Steep trail to an 80-foot waterfall en route to Mt. LeConte.
Abrams Falls Trail
moderate · 5 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 30m
Moderate trail from Cades Cove to a powerful waterfall with a swimming hole.
Kephart Prong Trail
easy · 4 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 30m
Easy creekside trail past CCC-era ruins in the Smokies.
Middle Prong Wilderness Trail
moderate · 5.2 mi · +700 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Backcountry trail through the Middle Prong Wilderness area.
Big Laurel Falls
moderate · 2.8 mi · +650 ft · ~1h 30m
Short but steep descent to a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole.
Sam Knob Summit Trail
moderate · 2.2 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Beautiful hike through spruce-fir forest to a grassy bald summit.
Lane Pinnacle via Mountains-to-Sea
moderate · 4.6 mi · +900 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
MST section to a scenic pinnacle with filtered views.
Mount Mitchell Summit Trail
easy · 0.4 mi · +50 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Short paved walk to the summit observation deck of Mount Mitchell.
Black Mountain Trail to Mount Mitchell
hard · 11.6 mi · +3700 ft · ~8h
Epic traverse to the highest peak east of the Mississippi via the Black Mountain Crest.
Lover's Leap Trail
moderate · 1.8 mi · +450 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Short steep trail to dramatic cliff overlook above a deep gorge.
Looking Glass Rock Trail
hard · 6.5 mi · +1700 ft · ~4h · Dog friendly
Iconic Pisgah hike to a massive granite dome with jaw-dropping 360° views.
Graveyard Fields Loop
moderate · 3.2 mi · +500 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Popular Blue Ridge Parkway loop with two waterfalls and wildflower meadows.
Skinny Dip Falls
easy · 1 mi · +200 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
A family-friendly cascade with natural swimming holes tucked in the forest.
John Rock Trail
hard · 5.2 mi · +1400 ft · ~3h 30m · Dog friendly
Challenging Pisgah classic ending at a dramatic rock face overlooking Looking Glass.
Black Balsam Knob
easy · 1.5 mi · +350 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Short but spectacular hike to one of the highest points on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Catawba Falls
easy · 1.5 mi · +260 ft · ~50 min · Dog friendly
A scenic walk through forest leading to a stunning two-tiered waterfall.
Craggy Gardens Trail
easy · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge from a flower-lined ridge walk.
Shining Rock via Art Loeb
hard · 6.4 mi · +1500 ft · ~3h 30m
Challenging trek to the famous white quartz outcrop in the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Laurel River Trail
moderate · 5 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Riverside trail through old-growth forest, popular with anglers.
Bearwallow Mountain
easy · 2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a grassy bald with 360-degree views and friendly cows.
Cedar Rock Trail
moderate · 4.4 mi · +900 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Hike to an open granite slab with sweeping views of Pisgah National Forest.
Courthouse Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a gorgeous secluded waterfall.
Snowball Mountain Trail
hard · 4.2 mi · +1200 ft · ~2h 30m
Challenging climb to a bald summit with sweeping views in all directions.
Bent Creek Gap Trail
easy · 3 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Gentle trail through hardwood forest along a bubbling creek.
Hominy Creek Greenway
easy · 2.4 mi · +100 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Paved greenway perfect for families and dog walkers along Hominy Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asheville, NC known for?
Asheville is nationally recognized for its thriving craft beer scene (50+ breweries earning it the 'Beer City USA' nickname), a world-class independent restaurant scene with multiple James Beard Award winners, the historic Biltmore Estate (America's largest home), vibrant street art and galleries in the River Arts District, and proximity to outstanding hiking in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
What outdoor activities are available near Asheville?
Hiking (hundreds of trails from easy walks to strenuous summits), whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Nantahala and Nolichucky rivers, mountain biking in Pisgah National Forest, rock climbing at Rumbling Bald and Linville Gorge, zip-lining at Navitat, and fly fishing on cold mountain streams.
What is the best time to visit Asheville?
Fall (mid-October) draws the largest crowds for foliage, which is spectacular but book hotels early. Spring offers wildflowers and waterfalls at peak flow. Summer is busy but the mountains stay 10–15°F cooler than lowland cities. Winter offers solitude, cheaper rates, and occasional snow on the peaks.
How do I get to Asheville?
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) serves direct flights from major hubs. By car, Asheville sits at the intersection of I-26 and I-40, roughly 2 hours from Charlotte, 4 hours from Atlanta, and 6 hours from Washington D.C.