Hiking at Tanbark Ridge Overlook in Asheville

Destinations Southeast North Carolina Asheville

Hiking at Tanbark Ridge Overlook in Asheville

Tanbark Ridge Overlook offers some of the most stunning panoramic views near Asheville, North Carolina, making it a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts. Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, it provides a combination of unmatched scenery and easy accessibility, ideal for both experienced hikers and casual outdoor explorers. This popular spot is a gateway to breathtaking natural beauty with rich regional flora and fauna. Its proximity to Asheville adds another layer of convenience without compromising on the serenity of the wilderness.

Adventure Guide To Hiking at Tanbark Ridge Overlook

Tanbark Ridge Overlook Trail: The overlook itself is perfect for short hikes, offering a stretch of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST). The pathway encompasses moderate terrain interspersed with patches of wildflowers in spring and lush greenery in summer. The trail is approximately 2-3 miles round trip, depending on your preferred route, and provides several opportunities to enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Scenic Highlights: A distinguishing feature of this area is the uninterrupted, unobstructed views of Elk Mountain to the west and mountain layers cascading far into the horizon. Sunrise and sunset hikes are particularly rewarding, as the golden rays beautifully light up the ridges. Several benches along the trail allow hikers to pause and soak in these views.
Connection to Craven Gap: For those who want a more extensive hike, the nearby Craven Gap trailhead connects to Tanbark Ridge. This route covers roughly 5 miles one way and passes through dense forest areas, providing opportunities to spot native wildlife such as deer and songbirds.

Local Insights

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail is a gem of North Carolina’s outdoor culture, stretching over 1,100 miles. The section at Tanbark Ridge is an excellent example of how these pathways link natural beauty with historical significance. The overlook itself is at Milepost 376.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, showcasing the region’s efforts to preserve its heritage and ecosystems.

Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall for comfortable weather and rich vegetation.
What to Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, water, a camera for the iconic vistas, and layered clothing for variable mountain weather.
Directions: From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north for approximately 5 miles (10 minutes)—look for Milepost 376.7.

Reviews

Carl Boeke4 months ago

The drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is sooo beautiful. If you have a chance to drive it, don't pass it up.

Aaron McVay2 years ago

We didn't go all the way to the end, cause we haven't done physical activity in ages. It's mainly a wooded area, but there are some clearings where you can see out. The path follows the road, so you can hear the traffic. There are some steepish areas, and places that are essentially like taking 2 stairsteps at a time, but otherwise pretty easy to traverse. I would say mildly kid and dog friendly. But the paths are narrow and the drop off is steep so don't let your babies, or fur babies, crowd people cause it'd likely cause them to fall to their death. 100% NOT ok to have your pet off leash here.

Matthew Van Swol3 months ago

One of the BEST places to watch the sunrise in the morning. Get there early. Bring your coffee and a folding chair and just enjoy it.

Chris Fleshmana week ago

While I am sure this is a beautiful view please know that the parkway is currently closed and the directions provided by Google take you to a private residence at a dead end near the overlook. We wanted to be respectful and we turned around once we noticed the sign before the property. Also the road it takes you to was damaged by the storm and wouldn't be suitable to drive on for some cars.

Teresa Mohr4 months ago

Beautiful! There are lots of places to pull off and enjoy the breathtaking views!

Hiking

Hiking at Tanbark Ridge Overlook in Asheville