Ready to explore some great hikes in Asheville? The Adventure Collective Guide to the best Asheville hiking trails includes info on hikes in Pisgah National Forest, Mount Mitchell, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail.
Asheville is an outdoor destination perfect for all-season exploration. For over a century people have flocked to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina to experience the wonders of nature. A lot has changed in the last century, but people’s love of outdoor adventure still remains.
Our guide to the best Asheville hiking trails will get you out and on the trail exploring some of the absolute best hikes the Asheville area has to offer when it comes to exploring the beautiful forests and scenic high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Asheville area is blessed with an abundance of great hiking options. All in all, Asheville is home to a seemingly endless amount of hiking options that we just aren’t able to cover here.
Skinny Dip Falls: This three-tiered waterfall along the Yellowstone Prong drops a total of 30 feet through a rocky bend in an ice-cold mountain stream. Perched on the edge of the tallest falls is a rock that juts over a deep plunge pool. While we can’t say that the waterfalls are...
Roan Mountain Hiking Trails: The Appalachian Trail, the nation’s longest marked footpath at 2,178 miles, has numerous access points near Asheville. We like the rugged Roan Mountain section near Bakersville. From the Carver’s Gap (5,500 feet) parking area we recommend heading...
Deep Gap Hiking Trail (Asheville): In just 4.5 miles, Deep Gap Trail crosses four 6,000-foot peaks while taking hikers across rocky out croppings and through spruce-fir forests. This trail takes you down Mt. Mitchell and up to the peak of Mt. Craig. Also, don’t forget your...
The Southern Appalachian Loop Trail measures over 350 miles in length. First pieced together by Matt Kirk, the SALT, is currently 99.4 percent complete. With the exception of a sliver of undeveloped land on the state line between North Carolina and South Carolina in Transylvania County...
Max Patch Hiking Trail (Asheville): For those in great hiking shape who want a wonderful Appalachian Trail day hiking experience, this is a perfect route to take. At approximately 20 miles in distance with a couple of shelters along the way to Hot Springs, this is a popular section...
Graybeard Hiking Trail (Black Mountain): This adventure heads east of Asheville to the Montreat Conference Center. At 2,500 acres of pristine wilderness open and ready for an awesome outdoor experience. The landmass of the Montreat community, as a whole, is approximately 4,000...
Hike To Crabtree Falls: Hikers and waterfall lovers wanting a moderate to strenous hike should add the beautiful 2.5-mile Crabtree Falls hike to their list. This is a fairly difficult hike with some sections featuring steep inclines and rocky terrain. Generally speaking, most hikers...
Bearwallow Mountain (Asheville): The hike up Bearwallow Mountain is a strenuous two-mile round trip hike with over 500 feet in elevation gain. The mostly grassy summit of Bearwallow Mountain stands at 4,232 feet above sea level and is the highest peak in the Bearwallow Highlands Range...
Craggy Pinnacle Hike (Blue Ridge Parkway): Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, this is a moderate hike of around 1.4 miles total roundtrip. The hike begins at Craggy Dome parking area and heads up through changing scenery and a series of gnarled trees on a beautiful...
Clocking in at 3.3 miles, the Explorer Loop is perfect for a quick after-work exercise session, or a leisurely stroll with the family. Mostly following old roadbeds, this route only has a few steep sections – and the rewards are getting to explore the lower section of the Bent Creek...
For a short little jaunt with some spectacular views of the town of Hot Springs, the French Broad River, and the surrounding mountains, Lover’s Leap hike is a perfect option. At 1.6 miles round trip, you’ll even get to say that you hiked on part of the Appalachian Trail. From...
This is an easy loop for the family – and kids are sure to love circling the lake. This loop is roadbeds, and it’s mostly flat and easy. When you get close to the lake, there are even picnic tables, perfect for enjoying a lakeside lunch. Looking for something a little longer...
A steep hike with rewarding views, Mt. Pisgah is located up off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 3-mile round-trip hike is to the 5,721′ summit of Mt. Pisgah, which includes 360-degree views, a nice wooden observation platform, and the intrigue of exploring the underside of the mountain...