In the article “7 Best Hikes in Asheville, North Carolina,” you’ll discover a range of breathtaking hiking trails in this picturesque destination. From easy hikes to challenging excursions, Asheville offers something for everyone. The nearby Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains provide a variety of backpacking trips and day hikes, all within a 90-minute drive from downtown Asheville. Known as the land of waterfalls, Asheville is a paradise for hikers with its abundance of trails. Whether you’re seeking panoramic views, impressive mountain ranges, or peaceful landscapes, we’ve narrowed down the top 7 hikes for you. So lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the beauty of Asheville’s nature.
7 Best Hikes in Asheville, North Carolina
From easy hikes to challenging excursions, Asheville has something for everyone. You can find a broad range of backpacking trips and day hikes in the nearby Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Great Smoky Mountains. All of these places are within a 90-minute drive from downtown Asheville.
Popularly known as the land of waterfalls, Asheville is a picturesque hiking spot for visitors across the world. With so many hiking trails to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the top 7 for you.
Craggy Pinnacle
Length: 1.4 miles, round trip
Elevation: 5,892 ft.
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
This short mile hike is located in the Craggy Gardens and offers beautiful 360-degree panoramic views. When hiking, you will go through a plethora of wildflowers, rhododendron, and gnarled sweet birch trees. You’ll also get to explore side trails near the top.
Black Balsam Knob
Length: 1-10 miles
Elevation: 6,214 ft.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Black Balsam Knob is tree-less and bald and offers wide views of the surrounding mountain ranges. You can explore plenty of areas and access several trails from this point. This hike is perfect for day hikers, photographers, families, and those looking to explore the surrounding peaks.
Looking Glass Rock
Length: 6.5 miles, round-trip
Elevation: 3,970 ft.
Difficulty level: Strenuous
It is one of the best hiking trails in Pisgah National Forest. It is a slightly challenging climb, but the view from the top is all worth it. About two miles into the hike, you’ll find a flat rock where you can relax. Once you reach the top, you’ll be surrounded by panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and you’ll also get to see the mountains of Transylvania County.
Hawksbill Mountain
Length: 1.5 miles, round trip
Elevation: 4,009 ft.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Located on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park, the Hawksbill Mountain hike has a lot to offer, including stunning scenic views of the Linville Gorge Wilderness. It’s definitely one of the most spectacular hiking sites in the Asheville area.
Max Patch on the Appalachian Trail
Length: 1.5 miles round trip
Elevation: 4,629 ft.
Difficulty level: Easy
Max Patch is located near the North Carolina-Tennessee state line. It is an easy hike that offers captivating views of the bald mountains. Once you reach the top, you’ll get to witness the magnificent views of the Black Mountains to the southeast, Great Smoky Mountains, and the Great Balsam. It is suggested that you climb Max Patch during the night to get a memorable stargazing experience.
Devil’s Courthouse
Length: 1 mile, round trip
Elevation: 5,719 ft.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Devil’s Courthouse has a short and strenuous hike trail, which is definitely worth the challenge. It overlooks a famous Parkway picnic spot and has some gorgeous views of the rugged landscape surrounding the area. Most of the trail is paved, but the steep climb will give you a good workout.
Roan Mountain
Length: 1-7 miles
Elevation: 6,286 ft.
Difficulty level: Moderate
This Appalachian trail goes through grassy summits and boasts beautiful mountain views. It is popularly known for Catawba Rhododendron gardens with purple flowers that bloom in June. All in all, it’s a beautiful place to visit, and you can hike here around any time of the year.
Waterrock Knob
Length: 1.2 miles, round trip
Elevation: 5,826 ft.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Located in the Blue Ridge Parkway, Waterrock Knob is a beautiful hiking destination. The trail takes you through lush forests and leads you to the summit, where you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
Mount Mitchell
Length: 6.2 miles, round trip
Elevation: 6,684 ft.
Difficulty level: Strenuous
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is challenging and steep, but the reward at the top is well worth the effort.
Skinny Dip Falls
Length: 1.6 miles, round trip
Elevation: 3,711 ft.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Skinny Dip Falls is a popular swimming and hiking spot. The trail takes you through a beautiful forest and leads you to a picturesque waterfall where you can cool off and enjoy a refreshing swim.
No matter which hike you choose, Asheville offers a variety of scenic trails that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, these hikes will provide you with unforgettable views and a chance to connect with nature. So grab your hiking boots, pack some snacks, and get ready to explore the stunning natural beauty of Asheville, North Carolina.
