Asheville Attractions & Activities

What hiking trails are famous for their 365-degree views, cascading waterfalls, pastel sunsets, breathtaking fall foliage, chill swimming holes, and vibrant blooms? We’ll share the best Asheville hiking trails by level of difficulty.

Along with hiking, Asheville has scenic mountain biking trails. From easy to difficult, we are sharing the best bike trails around AVL for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking to get explore the great outdoors.

Get outside with the best Blue Ridge Parkway hikes in North Carolina around the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore Blue Ridge Parkway trails near Asheville for fall leaves, picnics, waterfalls, blooms, and views.

The WNC mountains are infamous for the gorgeous fall foliage. Grab our list of top fall hikes around Asheville, including Graveyard Fields, DuPont State Forest, & Mount Pisgah.

Asheville in the winter is pretty stunning. Even better, you don’t have to stay trapped inside. Explore the best winter hikes around Asheville and find a few fun things to do afterward.

Overcome your fear of heights with this 70-foot tower at Fryingpan Mountain. An easy 1.5-mile hike off of the Blue Ridge Parkway along a gravel road, you’ll spy the area's best mountain ranges.

Mount Pisgah is a popular fall tourist destination on the BRP. In the spring and summer, catch vibrant blooms and sporadic rain showers. You’ll love the summit observation deck.

If you are looking for a more strenuous hike where you can picnic, try Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures. A 5-mile out and back, stunning mountain views, and a giant pasture perfect for picnicking and relaxing await you.

Across the street from Trombatore, you can also take the easier hike to Bearwallow Mountain. Bearwallow offers two trails — under 2-miles round trip — and ends at the pastures of a working farm with grazing cows.

For hikes with stellar views, don’t skip Lover’s Leap Loop in Hot Springs, NC. This 1.8-mile loop follows along the French Broad River and Appalachian Trail. If you don't love heights, though, this trek might not be for you.

Nature Lovers: Head to the Pisgah Forest for blooms and butterflies. This flat 5.5-mile loop is sure to make your heart sing. Don't forget to pack a picnic for their large picnic area, too! We are also sharing where to head next.

If you are heading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park and looking for elk and wildflowers, we have just the spot for you. Find a beautiful and easy nature walk along the scenic Oconaluftee River Trail.

For one gorgeous view and a more difficult hike, head north of Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Little and Big Butt Trails. A 5-mile out and back, pack a picnic and encounter a much quieter part of the BRP.

If you love Blue Ridge Parkway hikes, don't miss Craggy Pinnacle, north of downtown Asheville. A short but moderate hike, breathtaking 360-degree views await you at the top.

One of the most popular hiking trails near Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parway, don't miss our guide to Craggy Gardens. Think rhododendrons, picnics, and sunsets.

One of the prettiest picnic spots around Asheville, Max Patch's summit is along part of the Appalachian Trail. The drive up there may get tricky, but the views are worth it.

If you love hiking and waterfalls, don’t miss the best waterfalls near Asheville, NC perfect for picnics, hiking, or a quick and refreshing dip. We are sharing waterfall hikes that are under 2 hours driving distance from Asheville.

Home to The Hunger Games and The Last of The Mohicans waterfalls, you can see over 4 waterfalls in a 7+-mile hike at DuPont. Read more about Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

If you are looking for a waterfall hike that is both easy and stunning, head over to Douglas Falls. You’ll enjoy this 70-foot waterfall that you can walk under. Plus, this hike is incredibly short, and you'll pass another waterfall on your drive up the mountain.

It’s no secret that we live at least 4 hours away from the shoreline in Asheville. So, where can you swim in Western North Carolina? Head to Skinny Dip Falls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Kiss the Dragon Tree on its snout and spend an afternoon wading in the shallow waterfall pools.

If you are hoping to catch a rainbow at a waterfall, take your chances at Moore Cove Falls near Brevard in the Pisgah National Forest. This 1.4-mile out-and-back hike is easy and perfect for families. A 50-foot waterfall awaits you.

A gorgeous and massive waterfall with a rainbow, head over to Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park and the Pisgah National Forest. About 55 miles from Asheville, this 3-mile waterfall hike is sure to wow you with its stunning 150-foot falls.

Located in the Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, we just love Daniel Ridge Falls and Loop. Choose between two different trails -- one short and easy & one long and moderate -- to beautiful Daniel Ridge Falls.

Located near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Cherokee, explore one of Southern Appalachia's tallest waterfalls. An extremely short but moderate hike, these waterfalls are just gorgeous.

One of our favorite ways to spend our free time involves hiking and packing a picnic. Don’t miss the prettiest picnic areas in and around Asheville, NC. We are sharing picnic locations with waterfalls, 360-degree mountain views, and cows. Picnic in parks, gardens, and along Asheville’s beautiful trails.

Don’t miss some of the best gardens and parks in Asheville. We’ll share local public parks along with Asheville gardens including The NC Arboretum, Biltmore Gardens, and Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Uncover quick mentions of the most popular State and National parks near Asheville, too.

As passholders, The NC Arboretum sings to our nature-loving souls. Discover trails and hidden benches among stunning flowers and butterflies.

If you are looking for 10-acres of streams, wildlife, and gorgeous blooms, don’t miss the Botanical Gardens At Asheville, only minutes from downtown.

Did you enjoy too much local Asheville, NC food and beer? Need to walk it off? Head to the Beaver Lake Trail and Bird Sanctuary for a gorgeous 2-mile loop around the lake or a .5-mile boardwalk nature hike through the sanctuary. Beaver Lake is perfect for picnics, too.

Although technically a cemetery, Riverside is managed by Asheville Parks and Recreation. See where famous local author Thomas Wolfe and his family are buried and pay tribute to O. Henry. Located in the beautiful Montford District, you'll love the serene 3.5 miles of paved roads.

Are you wondering if the Biltmore ticket price is worth it? Alleviate your wallet woes while learning all of the fun things that you can do at Biltmore to get your money’s worth.

Discover the best tours at Biltmore Estate to enhance your visit. If you love chocolate, wine, and history, this post is for you! Some of these tours come with your ticket while others are add-ons.

Does the Biltmore sound too stuffy for families and kids? We asked one of our favorite mom bloggers if she recommends bringing kids to Biltmore. Her answer: YES! Discover kid-friendly activities at Biltmore here.

Along with food and booze, Asheville is filled with art, science, and history museums. See which museums we recommend as AVL locals. From spooky houses and cemeteries to modern art and dinosaur bones, this post has something for everyone.

Don’t miss these gorgeous Asheville murals. Learn more about AVL’s famous artists and the meaning behind the street art. Say hi to Dolly Parton as a 10-foot rooster towers over you. See fairy doors and listen to a ghost story, too.

Did you know that Asheville has a champagne book bar, a queer & feminist co-op bookstore, and a bookshop in a location where they used to auction cows?! Don’t miss these Asheville bookstores.

See where to stay, what to know, and what to do in the fall in and around Asheville. We are sharing Blue Ridge Parkway tips, too.

It’s no secret that Asheville is stunning in the fall. See which autumn activities you should add to your bucket lis

Did you know that Hendersonville is known as “Apple Alley.” If you are visiting Asheville in the fall, you cannot skip the Hendersonville apple orchards. See where to find the best cider donuts, get lost in a corn maze, and apple pick.

Hiking in Asheville is gorgeous all year round. However, the fall is especially magical here in the mountains. What are our favorite fall Asheville hikes that are worth the drive? Your eyes won’t be disappointed.

Located in Flat Rock, NC, don't miss one of the best apple orchards near Asheville. Sky Top is famous for its fresh donuts, cider donuts, farm animals, and bamboo forest.

We’ll share the magic of a Biltmore Christmas, The NC Arboretum’s Winter Lights festival, favorite winter hikes and waterfalls, and where to warm up by the fire with delicious seasonal drinks.

Does the gloomy winter weather have you down? Don’t miss these Asheville winter hikes and waterfalls. Plus, we’ll share tips for hiking in the winter and BRP closures. Go prepared and hike safely.