Top-rated Hikes in the vicinity of Asheville, NC

Top-rated Hikes in the vicinity of Asheville, NC - a list based on our own treks

Asheville, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is surrounded by a multitude of hiking trails, catering to all levels of hiking experience. Here are some of the most noteworthy trails that the area has to offer.

Short and Easy Hikes

For those seeking a leisurely stroll, the Lunch Rocks Trail is an easy-to-moderate hike, spanning 4.9 miles round trip. Starting near the Folk Art Center, it winds through the forest before reaching an overlook offering breathtaking views of Haw Creek Valley, just a stone's throw away from downtown Asheville.

Another easy option is the Hard Times Loop, a 6-mile round trip that takes you through the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and North Carolina Arboretum, offering scenic mountain ridge and lake views.

Moderate Hikes

If you're up for a more challenging trek, the Mount Pisgah Trail is a moderate to strenuous hike that climbs to the 5,721-foot summit, offering spectacular views including Cold Mountain.

For those seeking a less crowded alternative with equally stunning mountain views, the John Rock Loop is a great choice, spanning 4.7 miles and boasting a moderately challenging hike.

Longer Adventures

For the more adventurous hikers, the Laurel River Trail is a mostly flat and easy hike, following an old railroad grade along the river, with a distance of up to 7.2 miles.

Another long and challenging hike is the Douglas Falls Trail, a 8-mile round trip that leads to a 70-foot waterfall. This trail is connected to the Craggy Gardens and offers a more strenuous hiking experience.

Guided Hikes

For those who prefer a guided experience, a 4-hour Half Day Hike - Water Falls is available, suitable for hikers aged 8-80 with some fitness. This small group hike takes you to scenic waterfalls, with a certified naturalist guide teaching flora and fauna identification.

Waterfall Treks

Asheville is known for its waterfalls, and the Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls make for an awesome hike with three waterfalls in just a few miles, located in Gorges State Park. Rainbow Falls, a powerful 150-foot waterfall, creates mist and rainbows on sunny days, while Turtleback Falls offers a gentler cascade and a popular swimming hole when the weather's warm.

Climbing Towers and Summit Trails

For those seeking a unique experience, the Rich Mountain Fire Tower Lookout offers a historic fire tower climb with 360-degree views. On the other hand, the Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower provides wide-open mountain views with hardly any effort.

Unfortunately, due to damage from Hurricanes Florence and Helene, some of these trails, including the Mount Mitchell Summit Trail and Party Rock Trail, are currently closed indefinitely.

Popular Hikes Near Asheville

Other popular hikes near Asheville include the Looking Glass Rock, a challenging hike with a distance of 5.6 miles and over 1,679 feet of elevation gain. Cloudland Trail to Roan High Bluff offers a hike that feels like something out of a dream, with high-elevation views and the largest natural rhododendron gardens in the world.

Max Patch is one of the best ways to experience the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina, offering 360-degree views that stretch into Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains. Graveyard Fields is one of the most popular hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with waterfalls, wide-open views, and a mix of forest and meadow.

Catawba Falls has been reopened after improvements, leading to a stunning, multi-tiered waterfall tucked into a lush, green cove. Linville Falls is one of the most beautiful and accessible hikes near Asheville, with several dramatic waterfall overlooks.

Lastly, the 360-degree views from the summit of Tennent Mountain are some of the best seen near Asheville.

During their time living in Asheville, the author spent every weekend exploring trails, chasing waterfalls, and soaking in mountain views. Visitors are encouraged to make a day trip of it and stop in the small surrounding towns for food, snacks, and breweries to fully immerse themselves in the Asheville experience.

The Lunch Rocks Trail and Hard Times Loop are easy hikes in Asheville, offering scenic views and durable enough for a leisurely stroll.
For those seeking moderate challenges, Mount Pisgah Trail and John Rock Loop provide stunning mountain views, with the former climbing to a 5,721-foot summit.
Adventurous hikers can embark on longer trails like the Laurel River Trail and Douglas Falls Trail, featuring flat, easy paths and impressive waterfalls.
Guided hikes, such as the Half Day Hike - Water Falls, offer a unique, instructive experience with a certified naturalist guide.
Asheville's waterfall treks, like Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls, showcase nature's beauty, while other popular hikes, such as Looking Glass Rock and Max Patch, offer exceptional views of the surrounding landscapes.