Explore the best winter hikes near Asheville for waterfalls, nature walks, and breathtaking views, including DuPont State Forest, Lover’s Leap, and Daniel Ridge Loop.
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With Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) closures in the winter and a few hikes still damaged and closed from Helene, it can be hard to tell where to hike this winter around the NC Mountains. These are just a few hiking trails in the area that Tom and I enjoy to get you started.
Throughout the year, you might also enjoy our local gem trail hiking guide and these short & easy family hikes. When the gates reopen, don’t miss these BRP hikes close to Asheville and our favorite fall hikes to see leaves. All photos are our own. 💙 Christine
Winter Hikes Near Asheville We Enjoy
These are our favorite trails, followed by a list of great gardens, lakes, parks, and more, perfect for nature walks and casual strolls. Plan your winter in Asheville with our complete guide.
DuPont Forest
Visitor Center Address: 1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
DuPont State Recreational Forest Website
Various trails
DuPont State Forest promises breathtaking (and famous) waterfalls. Forty-five minutes from Asheville, this recreational forest is free to enter with various parking lots and a Visitor Center. Encounter endless mountain biking and hiking trails throughout the area. Where should you start?
Our Favorite DuPont Hikes (& Fun Movie Trivia)
The 3.1-mile, three-waterfall hike consisting of Hooker, Triple, and High Falls is the most popular. Add in Bridal Veil Falls for an additional 3.7 miles, or hike/bike Bridal Veil on its own. Tom and I enjoy the picnic tables above Triple Falls, and there are restrooms, trash cans, and water fountains at the Visitor Center and Hooker Falls Access Area.
Two waterfalls — Bridal Veil Falls at DuPont (NC has another Bridal Veil Falls) and Triple Falls — are filming locations for The Hunger Games. You’ll also catch Bridal Veil Falls in scenes from The Last Of The Mohicans.
Daniel Ridge Loop & Falls
Address: Daniel Ridge Falls, National Forest Rd, Brevard, NC 28712
Length: Moderate 4-mile loop or easy 1-mile out-and-back trail
If it doesn’t freeze, Daniel Ridge Loop in the Pisgah National Forest promises a cascading waterfall and two trail options. Hike the 4-mile loop or take the shorter and easier one-mile out-and-back trail directly to Daniel Ridge Falls, also known as “Tom’s Spring Branch Falls.”
Why We Enjoy Daniel Ridge Falls & Loop and Personal Tips
Daniel Ridge’s trails are perfect in the winter because they never get crowded, and you are surrounded by babbling streams and absolute serenity. Just keep your eyes on those trail markers; it’s easy to get lost (we have), and cellular service is hard to come by. Daniel Ridge Loop is also a popular local mountain biking spot for skilled bikers.
What Not To Miss Nearby: Looking Glass & Moore Cove Falls
Many people also hike nearby Looking Glass Rock in the winter, which is before the Daniel Ridge Trailhead. We enjoy easy Moore Cove Falls. Don’t miss Looking Glass Falls on your way out, which is a drive-up waterfall known to freeze in the winter. Afterwards, we highly recommend checking out Brevard’s brewery scene, including Oskar Blues and Ecusta.
Lover’s Leap
Address: 138 Silvermine Rd, Hot Springs, NC 28743
Length: Just under a 2-mile loop with switchbacks and steep incline/decline
Hot Springs is one of our favorite WNC mountain towns to visit for chill vibes. Plus, the area has some of the best winter hikes near Asheville, like Lover’s Leap and Max Patch. ✨ I would not personally attempt the road up to Max Patch in bad weather. ✨
Why Hot Spring’s Lover’s Leap
If you are not afraid of heights and ridiculously sharp switchbacks, Lover’s Leap – orange-ish blazes – promises breathtaking views and intersects with part of the Appalachian Trail (white blazes). Enjoy a loop that falls just under 2 miles with a steep incline and descent. Just be mindful of the edge, and I wouldn’t personally recommend this trail if it’s super icy. Tom says he feels like a mountain goat on this hike.
More Nearby: Laurel River Trail
Nearby, between Marshall and Hot Springs, and featured on our other hiking lists, Tom and I also love the Laurel River Trail. This hike is largely flat and follows along the French Broad River. While it’s 7+ miles total, the Laurel River Trail can be hiked to any length.
Bearwallow Mountain
Address: 4854 Bearwallow Mountain Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Length: 2-mile out and back with a gravel access road or forest trail options
Bearwallow Mountain is popular for its views and easy trails. A 2-mile, round-trip hike, either walk the gravel access road or hike up the forest trail to a beautiful meadow with cows. Visitors can also combine the two into a loop.
Our Advice For Navigating Bearwallow Mountain
Bearwallow Mountain is an easy hike for families and is great for picnics and sunsets, especially at the end of fall and early or late winter. Please exert extreme caution on the narrow, icy road up here, though. Afterward, consider heading to Hendersonville for food, shopping, and free museums.
If you are looking for harder winter hikes near Asheville, don’t miss the Trombatore Trail (photos above) directly across from the Bearwallow Mountain Trailhead. While not as scenic as Bearwallow, Blue Ridge Pastures is still nice, and it’s a great workout.
Chimney Rock State Park
Address: 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Admission fees, numerous trails, and Hickory Nut Falls
Chimney Rock’s Website
Stand on a giant 535-million-year-old monolith with stellar views at Chimney Rock. Typically in winter, the seasonal crowds disappear, and you’ll find reduced admission prices. Plus, Chimney Rock State Park is an attraction in and of itself, recovering and reopening post-Helene. Enjoy a variety of hiking trails, a cafe, an elevator to the top of Chimney Rock, and gift shops. Some of the upper trails may close due to ice.
More Great Parks For Winter Hiking Near Asheville
❄️ Grandfather Mountain (Exhibits, Forrest Gump Curve, Mile-High Bridge)
🥾 Linville Falls (Can access separately from BRP)
❄️ Great Smoky Mountains National Park
🥾 Gorges State Park (Rainbow Falls!)
Bent Creek Experimental Forest Trails
Hard Times Trail Address: 375 Wesley Branch Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Numerous trails
Bent Creek Information
Tom and I absolutely love Bent Creek Experimental Forest, especially at the end of fall and into early winter. Locals like us flock here on weekends. These well-maintained trails range in length and difficulty, butting up against The North Carolina Arboretum. See Lake Powhatan from the Hard Times Trail. This is also one of the top areas for mountain biking. Find parking along the trailheads (lots and street parking).
More Great Places To Walk/Stroll In The Winter Around Asheville
Below, find just a few more Asheville attractions that boast trails, activities, and more. Tom and I also love walking Western North Carolina’s lakes, including Asheville’s Beaver Lake and Waynesville’s gorgeous Lake Junaluska. Have an early or end-of-winter picnic at the Asheville Botanical Garden, too.
The NC Arboretum
Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
Numerous trails & gardens; pay per car, if you aren’t a member
The North Carolina Arboretum Website
For some of the best winter hikes in Asheville proper, head to The NC Arboretum. Tom and I are members here – and love it!
Less than 15 minutes from Downtown AVL, explore over thirteen beautiful hiking and nature trails. The NC Arboretum trails range in distance and difficulty. Find .3-mile hikes to 1.3+-mile hikes, some of which connect into the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Many of these trails are great for mountain biking, especially with the littles.
Why We Recommend The NC Arboretum In Winter
This is one of the most peaceful places in Asheville. Snap a photo of a trail map around the grounds or at the Visitor Center – wandering around (while paying attention to where you are). Tom and I love walking the trails along the water. Grab a bite to eat – no-frills but delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches – at the Bent Creek Bistro.
Don’t Miss Winter Lights
Every November and December, The NC Arboretum hosts its Winter Lights Festival. At night, the gardens light up with magical gnomes, unicorns, and nature-themed displays.
Biltmore Estate Trails
Biltmore Estate Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
Various trails, and must pay a full ticket price, be a passholder, or have an overnight property reservation to access
Biltmore Estate Website
Did you know that Biltmore Estate is home to some of the best Asheville winter hiking trails for safety and accessibility? You will need a Biltmore pass, an overnight property reservation, or a ticket to access the trails, though.
Biltmore Estate Trails We Most Frequent
The 22+ miles of scenic walking, running, and biking trails are one of the reasons we are annual passholders. OK, and maybe the winery, too. Some of Biltmore’s trails are as long as 3.5 miles and range from moderate to challenging. Tom and I most frequent the Lagoon and Deer Park Trails, which take you up to the side of the house and into the gardens.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Biltmore Visit
We also highly recommend checking out one of Biltmore’s great restaurants before or after your hike, like Cedric’s or Village Social. Consider grabbing a coffee from The Kitchen Cafe or The Creamery before hopping on the trails around Antler Hill Village. Read our complete guide to exploring Biltmore as passholders, and don’t miss Biltmore’s fabulous Christmas events.
❄️ I’m always updating our guides and exploring new places. Let me know your favorite winter trails in the comments. 🥾