With those breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s no surprise that hiking is one of the top things to do in Asheville, NC, and there certainly is no shortage of trails to choose from.
If Tom and I had to pick the best Asheville hiking trails that locals love—not just the (unforgettable) blockbusters like Chimney Rock, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, and Linville Falls—we’d go with Bailey Mountain Preserve, Laurel River, and Masters Park to Haw Creek, all under one hour away from Asheville.
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📸 As avid hikers and AVL residents, all photos and experiences are our own. Please know estimated times are how long these hikes take Tom and me. We are short, in our 40s, and slow. We track our distance on the Gaia GPS app, and we stop for photos, breaks, and picnics. I need to use my Seek app on every bird, wildflower, and mushroom. No need to flex in the comments. 💪🏼😂
Afterward, discover our top recommended Asheville waterfall hikes like DuPont State Forest, Catawba Falls, Mingo Falls, and Moore Cove Falls, updated for what is open post-Helene. 💙 Christine of Uncorked Asheville
Best Local Asheville Hiking Trails Under 1 Hour Away
Along with the hikes listed below, we enjoy Pink Beds Loop, Daniel Ridge Loop, and Craven Gap. If it is September or October, try these unforgettable fall foliage hikes including Graveyard Loop and Black Balsam Knob. If the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed for icy weather, we suggest these winter trails.
Masters Park To Haw Creek Overlook (East Asheville)
Masters Park to Haw Creek Overlook is an East Asheville hike to a stunning overlook perfect for picnics. I call this trek the “mushroom hike,” and you’ll quickly see why.
I most appreciate the breathtaking views at the top, and the fact that the trail is in Asheville proper. My only con is that you have to walk across the sometimes busy Blue Ridge Parkway, and the slanted rock at the top is a little terrifying but worth it.
Plan Your Magical Adventure: Our Free Asheville Guide + Bucket List
Little Butt & Big Butt Trails (Parts Still Closed For Helene | Black Mountain)
2026 Update: The Big Butt Trail is open from the Highway 197 trailhead (Cane River Gap) to the Little Butt viewpoint. The trail from the Little Butt viewpoint to the Blue Ridge Parkway trailhead remains closed due to Hurricane Helene damage, which is the description below. We’ll update this status when it reopens.
Little Butt (and Big Butt) is one of my favorite tough hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we joke that it will get your butt in shape.
With such a small parking lot from the BRP, we only ever pass a few hikers deep into the forest. Because this trail is more strenuous—you’ll find yourself cursing forest and rock stairs—we pack a picnic to enjoy on Little Butt’s rock overlooking the beautiful Black Mountain range. Before the trailhead, spot markers for the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
Bailey Mountain Preserve (Mars Hill)
Bailey Mountain Preserve is a quiet, local, and well-maintained trail in Mars Hill, NC with quite the elevation gain (Read as: I wanted to barf at 1,476 feet). Think gorgeous scenery and great for a workout.
This trail takes us quite some time to ascend, but we halve our time on the descent. The best views are at the beginning of the hike and about 90% of the way toward the summit, which peaks at an elevation of 3,554 feet. There’s a book to sign at the very top but no views. I don’t recommend hiking Baily Mountain Preserve when it is hot outside. We’ve almost sweated off the mountain.
Laurel River Trail (Marshall)
Marshall and Hot Springs are two of my favorite small mountain towns filled with the top hiking trails near Asheville like Max Patch, Lover’s Leap, and Laurel River, two of which intersect the Appalachian Trail.
The first mile of the Laurel River Trail cuts through private property with plenty of warnings to stay on the path. Once in public land, visitors picnic and swim in safe areas. You’ll even see whitewater rafters.
The area is incredibly scenic and peaceful, perfect for hiking with dogs and kids. Make it as long or short as you wish.
Afterward, we like to head to Downtown Marshall for lunch at Zadie’s Market, iced matcha at Zuma, and the gourmet grocery store, Madison Foods. Helene devastated this Western North Carolina mountain town, and they’ve made a heartfelt comeback. Buy all the things while here.
Skinny Dip Falls (Canton)
Damaged by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, Skinny Dip Falls is a completely different place (and a little heartbreaking). However, it is one of the best short hikes near Asheville to ease back into shape for the outdoor season. It’s also perfect for kids trying to find their hiking stride.
Start with a gorgeous overlook view of Looking Glass Rock. Then, spot the famous Dragon Tree, which touches the core of my soul every dang time.
The trail ends at a series of small falls and follows along parts of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Consider pairing this hike with Black Balsam, Graveyard Fields, Mount Pisgah, or Fryingpan Mountain Tower. We have an entire Mount Pisgah area hiking guide full of details.
Craggy Gardens Trail (Parts Temporarily Closed For Helene Damage)
2026 Update: Estimates for full reopening keep changing, and while you can drive to and access Craggy Gardens, sections and the picnic area with restrooms are still closed.
Craggy Gardens might be one of the “blockbuster” hikes near Asheville, but it’s also our favorite for the views, picnic area, and proximity to Asheville along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
When seasonally open, Tom and I pack charcoal and food to cook on the grills. Plus, you have to dip over to the gazebo and spend time in Craggy Flats, enjoying the view from under the tree.
Not to mention the great vistas from the visitor center along with cute souvenirs. If you time it right, catch summer rhododendron. Wear layers, though, as it gets chilly up here.
Just past Craggy Gardens, we also champion Craggy Pinnacle, a 1.4-mile out-and-back to a 5,892-foot summit. Pair them together for a great morning or afternoon.
Trombatore Trail To Blue Ridge Pastures (Fairview)
For me, Conserving Carolina has some of the best-maintained trails, and they are constantly building them. We don’t often hear hikers talk about Bearwallow’s longer and harder neighbor, Trombatore Trail, but it’s just as worthy for the pasture views and terrific workout.
Pack a picnic or snacks, and even consider tacking on Bearwallow Mountain. From Blue Ridge Pastures, spy Mount Mitchell and Black Mountain (North), Hickory Nut Gorge, and Bearwallow Mountain (South).
For a family-friendly hike, across the street, trek Bearwallow Mountain Trail, which boasts side-eyeing cows and scenic views. Bearwallow is a 2-mile trek with the option to combine the gravel access road and forest trail to form a loop.
✨ Bearwallow Mountain Road through Gerton is still restricted following damage from Hurricane Helene.
Easy Asheville Walks (When You Just Want The Scenery, Not The Sweat)
If time is not on our side, we also enjoy the casual nature trails in Asheville proper. A few spots we hike in Asheville include:
- Bent Creek Experimental Forest – Numerous trails and great for mountain biking
- The NC Arboretum – We are members; you either have to pay for parking or a membership; along with trails, find gardens and a bistro
- Biltmore Estate – We are annual passholders; you’ll need a ticket, overnight property reservation, or annual pass to access the 22+ miles of hiking and biking trails
- Beaver Lake – Casually stroll the flat, 2.1-mile perimeter trail
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There are so many great sounding hiking trails around Ashville. It kind of reminds me of where I live as there are so many trails and hiking spots to check out. Even though I’m not really into hiking, much to my husbands dismay, I think it would be fantastic to visit some of these trails just for the scenery alone. I like how there are different lengths and difficulties so those who aren’t big on hiking can still get out and enjoy the trails without beating themselves up along the way.
I cannot believe how many hiking trails there are around Asheville. This isn’t even half of them. Some of the Asheville trails are more like casual nature walks if hiking isn’t your thing. Those walks are always chiller and more pleasant, especially at places like Biltmore, The NC Arboretum, and the Botanical Gardens at Asheville.