Best Hikes Near Asheville, North Carolina

One of the things Matt and I miss the most about living in Asheville, is the ease of hiking to unbelievable locations anytime we want. Because of its location tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is no shortage of hikes near Asheville. I wanted to put together a list of our absolute favorite hikes within 60 miles of Asheville, NC.

60 miles seemed like a great amount to work with because it’s worth it for even a weekend trip to Asheville. Also, all of the destinations I’ve included are free to visit, except the last one, but I give all the cost information and hours there. These hikes are organized by mileage from Asheville from lowest to highest, but the travel time is also listed next to the mileage to help you perfectly plan which hikes near Asheville to definitely add to your itinerary.

Tips for Hiking in North Carolina

BE MINDFUL OF THE WEATHER: Especially if you’re hiking in the mountains, be mindful that rain is super common in the mountains (but is often just a fleeting shower). The other thing to remember is that temperatures drop by at least 10 degrees, and often more, once you get up in the mountains.
BE BEAR AWARE: There is a very decent population of black bears in western North Carolina. Just be aware of your surroundings, make noise while hiking and never approach or feed any bears.
TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU’RE GOING: It’s always a great idea to let someone know where you’ll be. Just shoot a text to a loved one at home and then also let them know when you make it back. This truly saves lives.

Hiking Gear We Recommend for These Hikes Near Asheville

We like to recommend gear we’ve personally used on these particular hiking trails and others throughout Western North Carolina over the years.

The Best Hikes Near Asheville, North Carolina

CRAGGY GARDENS

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 20 miles / 35 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.9 miles, roundtrip (moderately easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the rhododendron blooms in early-mid June

Admittedly, I’ve never done the entire Craggy Garden trail. I typically just pop into the first 0.25 miles of the hike during rhododendron season because that whole section is just covered in those beauties. If you continue on, you’ll see mountains up around you and it eventually leads to a field with some mountain views. If you’re looking for truly amazing mountain views, check out the next hike: Craggy Pinnacle. This trail is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is a hike I highly recommend when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

CRAGGY PINNACLE

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 21 miles / 37 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 0.9 miles, roundtrip (moderately easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the view from the top of the trail

This trail is short and sweet. It’s just under half a mile each way headed up to a beautiful vista. From the top of Craggy Pinnacle, you can look out over several mountaintops. Also, you can see down into the beautiful watershed, which is illegal for visitors to go into. However, you can sneak peeks of the watershed in the first Hunger Games film. In addition to the views of the water reservoir, you’ll also catch views of the Parkway below and it’s also covered in rhododendron and a stunner in the spring.

FRIYINGPAN FIRE TOWER

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 26 miles / 42 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.5 miles, roundtrip (moderately easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the stunning view from atop an old fire tower – yes, you get to climb the fire tower!

Fryingpan Fire Tower Trail is super short and offers up some of the best, unobstructed views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You access this trailhead from the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 409.6. The trail is the up a service road that’s blocked by a closed gate. However, that gate is always closed, so don’t be deterred by that. Also, don’t block the gate/access road. The trail goes straight up the road, which makes for a nice, wide trail. In the summer, the trail is lined with beautiful wild flowers, but is a beautiful trail in any season. You may not be able to access this in winter if the parkway is closed. The trail takes you up to the fire tower. It’s no longer an active fire tower, but the views are just as beautiful. Although you can’t go to the very top, view from the observation deck you can visit.

CATAWBA FALLS

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 27 miles / 32 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.5 miles to Lower Falls (easy), 0.5 mils up to Upper Falls (strenuous) – 4 miles total round trip, although many turn around at Lower Falls.
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: Upper Catawba Falls

This trail meanders along Catawba River to two sections of waterfalls: Lower Catawba Falls + Upper Catawba Falls. While the Lower Falls are beautiful, the highlight is absolutely the Upper Falls. The adventure-factor is there because there’s a rope tied to trees to help pull you up a steep hill. The Upper Falls cascade into a pool and because so many people turn back at the Lower Falls/rope obstacle, it’s quite peaceful up there. Be sure to only continue if you’re used to hiking + rock scrambling. However, be sure to use caution. Don’t climb on the dam or on the rocks of the lower falls – they can be super slick. This is one my very favorite Western North Carolina Waterfalls!

SKINNY DIP FALLS

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE:  33 miles / 50 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 0.9 miles, roundtrip (easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the waterfall + epic swimming spot

This is one of my very favorite short hikes near Asheville. First of all, it’s very short, flat and easy. Secondly, you get to see a waterfall. Lastly, at the base of the beautiful waterfall is a wonderful swimming hole. It’s super refreshing, cold water and the perfect respite after some time spent hiking on warm summer days. There is even a spot where brave souls jump into the water. It’s really not a big drop, but the pool isn’t super deep, so do so with caution. I’ve not taken the plunge, but I’ve seen many others do it.

MT. MITCHELL to POTATO HILL – DEEP GAP TRAIL

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 34 miles / 1 hour
TRAIL LENGTH: 7 miles roundtrip (moderately strenuous)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: stunning views + the trees towering overhead

The entirety of the Deep Gap Trail can span as far as 11 miles one way, but as it’s a series of mountain summits, it’s easy to turn back whenever you wish. This trailhead starts in the Mount Mitchell parking lot, and you simply follow it as far as you want and then turn back. The furthest I’ve gone is to Potato Hill, which is the fifth peak over from Mount Mitchell. Each mountaintop offers a different view, or honestly, lack thereof. But don’t be discouraged by a potential non-view, because this is one of the only places in this area that you can see the trees + plant life growing at this elevation – which is most often associated with Canada. This is one of Matt’s very favorite hikes. It’s beautiful in any season: but spring’s especially beautiful with its new blooms and early fall with the peeps of color and grey skies. Keep in mind, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, so bring a jacket as the temperature is considerably cooler than Asheville. Mount Mitchell State Park is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway and only accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway, so look for closures in the winter.

GRAVEYARD FIELDS

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 35 miles / 55 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 3.2 miles (moderately easy) It’s a loop with an out & back addition to get to the Upper Falls
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: rushing waterfalls + wild blueberry picking (when in season)

Graveyard Fields is a very popular hike along the Blue Ridge Parkway. As such, it can be quite crowded, especially in mid-day. The trail to lower falls is paved and boardwalked and is very, very short. However, I highly recommend continuing on to Upper Falls. There are wildflowers + wild blueberries growing along this trail. The Lower Falls are shorter but have a larger rush of water. The Upper Falls are taller, but are more dependent on rainfall to flow more heavily.

MOORE COVE FALLS TRAIL

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 37 miles/ 50 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.5 miles roundtrip (easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the 50ft tall waterfall that delicately cascades over a bluff line

Moore Cove Falls is a trail is a hidden gem in the area. It’s located between two of the most famous waterfalls in the area: Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, but even on a beautiful spring weekend day, we only passed one other group in the entire time we were here. The trail is completely surrounded by trees, so in the spring and summer you’re just bathed in green light along the hike to the waterfall. There’s a viewing deck at the end of the trail to soak in the beauty of the waterfall. Many people go around this to walk behind the falls. If you choose to do this, be very careful as it’s very slick. Don’t try to climb to the top – multiple people have died attempting this.

BLACK BALSAM KNOB VIA THE ART LOEB TRAIL

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 37 miles / 59 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.5 miles roundtrip (moderately easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: Stunning 360-degree views

The Art Loeb Trail to Black Balsam Knob quickly became a favorite after just one trip to the summit. We’re huge fans of fantastic mountain views and this trail has some of the best I’ve seen in the entire state. What makes it even better is this trail, although it does go uphill, isn’t exceptionally difficult, but it has a major payout. This is a great option for families looking to see something truly spectacular or to add on to a day full of shorter hikes.

DUPONT STATE FOREST WATERFALLS HIKE

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 37 miles / 46 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 3 miles
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: High Falls

DuPont State Forest sits near Brevard, North Carolina and is a very, very popular spot for hiking. Along the waterfall trail, you’ll discover three very different waterfalls/waterfall experiences. The smallest, is Hooker Falls, which takes a wide but short tumble down. I recommend starting with this one, as the other two are much more impressive. Triple Falls is a beautiful fall that you can climb up and get personal with. It’s a wonderful spot to picnic or just hang out because you’re truly sitting just beside a waterfall. High Falls steals the show in terms of beauty because of its height and size. Try to get here early in the day, as this is one of the most popular places for hikes near Asheville.

DEVIL’S COURTHOUSE

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 39 miles / 1 hour, 5 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1 mile, roundtrip (moderate)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: stunning view from the peak

Devil’s Courthouse is my favorite hike just off the Blue Ridge Parkway as far as views go and has been since my very first summit of it. This hike is a half mile straight up, and a half mile straight down. Luckily, there are a couple of benches along the way because even though it’s short, you can get seriously winded. The view from the top here is unbelievably beautiful – it’s so great, you can see into four states (Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina + Tennessee). Sunset is a wonderful time to do this trail – it’ll be a memorable one. This is truly one of the best hikes near Asheville!

MAX PATCH

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 41 miles / 1 hour, 20 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.4 miles straight to the top or 2.4 if you do the loop (moderately easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the truly unbelievable views.

This is my favorite hike in North Carolina, thus far, not because of the hike itself, which is very straightforward up a bald mountain, but the views from the top are truly remarkable. Max Patch is close to Hot Springs, NC and is part of the Appalachian Trail. There are multiple paths up and around this mountain. There’s a path that cuts straight to the top and one that goes around and up. I’ve done both multiple times and recommend either. If you’re pressed for time or also want to stop in Hot Springs I would just go straight up. I also highly recommend choosing a day with clear skies, as this is all about the views. It’s still pretty to see all across the top of the mountain in foggier weather, but only if you’ve done it several times before. I truly cannot recommend this hike enough.

WATERROCK KNOB

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 44 miles / 1 hour, 5 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 1.2 miles, roundtrip (moderate)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the views of the surrounding mountains from the top

Waterrock Knob is a short, beautiful trail along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This trail is nearer to Smoky Mountains National Park section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Although the view isn’t a panorama, it’s worth taking it in. You come to a bit of an opening where you can see mountain after mountain and even see a beautiful curvy stretch of the Parkway from up top. If you go in the morning when the fog is still settled into the valleys, it’s unbelievable to watch it burn off to see the nearest mountains with a blanket of fog capping them. Don’t worry, it typically burns off quickly, and you can see for miles and miles from there.

CRABTREE FALLS

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE:  50 miles / 1 hour
TRAIL LENGTH: 2.6 miles, loop trail (moderately easy)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the stunning Crabtree Falls, of course

This is one of my favorite waterfall trails in Western North Carolina. Matt and I have done this trail at least 5 times. This waterfall is such a stunner that it never, ever gets old going back again and again. The trail is fairly easy, but there is a bit of an incline making it just moderately easy. It’s a loop trail, but every time but once, we’ve just turned back at the waterfall, which barely shaves any of the milage off. The base of the waterfall is beautiful spot for a picnic.

RAINBOW FALLS

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 54 miles / 1 hour, 10 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 3 miles, roundtrip (moderate)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: Rainbow Falls, of course!

Rainbow Falls is a beauty that falls 150 feet down a fairly sheer rock cliff. We did this hike in the summer and there were tons of beautiful wildflowers blooming along the way. This isn’t the only waterfall in the area. There is also Turtleback Falls, which only adds an additional 1 mile total to the hike. We’ve not yet done the additional hike to Turtleback Falls, but I hope to the next time we’re there! This waterfall is located in Nantahala National Forest, but the trailhead is in Gorges State Park – just so you’re not confused.

SCHOOLHOUSE FALLS

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 57 miles / 1 hour, 20 minutes
TRAIL LENGTH: 2.6 miles, roundtrip (moderate)
TRAIL HIGHLIGHT: the peaceful Schoolhouse Falls

Although you might think that the big, rushing falls are always my favorite, Schoolhouse Falls is a mere 20-foot cascade, but it’s one of my very favorites. The 2.6 mile hike is a switchback hike that leads into a secluded space in Nantahala National Forest. The pool below the falls is a perfect spot to take a dip. Also, when the flow is just right, you can hike behind the waterfall as well – just be careful, those wet rocks can be slippery! The thing that makes this one of my the best hikes near Asheville, though, is the peace you can find here. The smaller height of the waterfall makes for a very peaceful sound as it falls. Luckily, the trail wasn’t overly crowded – we passed two groups of 1-3 people, one going and one coming back. Luckily, there are beautiful spots to sit and rest and soak all that nature, peace and beauty in.

BONUS: CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK

DISTANCE FROM ASHEVILLE: 25 miles / 39 minutes
STATE PARK HIGHLIGHTS: I love the views of Lake Lure from here. Devil’s Face is a cool rock formation and Hickory Nut Falls is beautiful.

WHY I DON’T ACTUALLY RECOMMEND CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK: I have been to Chimney Rock a few times now, and even though it’s absolutely beautiful, it’s not anymore beautiful than any of the other amazing hikes near Asheville on this list, and they charge quite a bit of money to enter ($17 per adult).

Booking.com

Asheville will forever be one of my favorite places because of all the things you’re able to do, see + experience all from one amazing, funky city. Of all these things, the nature that surrounds it is one of my very, very favorites. Be sure you take the chance to get out and really soak it up while you’re in AVL. With this list of the best hikes near Asheville, you have an amazing jumping off point for the beloved blue ridges covering Western North Carolina.

Did You Enjoy This Post? PIN IT So Others Can Too!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase with Amazon, a reservation with Booking.com or purchase a policy with World Nomads through For the Love of Wanderlust, you will help me stay on the road + keep my site running at no additional cost for you.
Be sure to read the terms + conditions of these sites when booking or purchasing!