15 Best Day Trips From Asheville - From Locals

Looking for the best day trips from Asheville, NC? As AVL locals, we are sharing top Asheville day trips for hikers, waterfall chasers, and foodies.

I’m pretty sure that you won’t get bored while visiting Asheville, NC. With so much to do, including brewery hopping, hiking, and shopping, Asheville has a little bit of everything for everyone.

However, while we love living in Asheville, we also appreciate all that Western North Carolina (WNC) has to offer. With gorgeous mountain ranges, endless wineries, waterfall hikes, and the Blue Ridge Parkway, you might want to go exploring while staying in Asheville.

Think Pisgah National Forest and spying elk and fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Black Mountain houses our favorite distillery.

Weaverville provides a quiet and close escape from Asheville’s congestion. Climb to the highest peak east of the Mississippi River at Mount Mitchell.

Our personal favorite Asheville day trips include a picnic at the Hendersonville wineries and checking out The Hunger Games waterfalls at DuPont State Forest.

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN is pretty darn close. Get scared to death on the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. Your Asheville day-tripping options are truly endless.

As AVL locals, we are sharing the best day trips from Asheville as well as a few on our NC bucket list. ‘Best’ is always subjective, but these are our top day trips near Asheville that everyone can enjoy. Let’s get started!

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Best Day Trips From Asheville NC with Great Smoky Mountains at sunset — Keep reading for some of the best day trips from Asheville, NC.

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15 Best Day Trips From Asheville, NC

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes Black Balsam Art Loeb with white brunette woman with backpack looking out at mountains — The Blue Ridge Parkway lights up in the fall. Don’t miss all of the gorgeous waterfalls and hikes along the BRP like Black Balsam via the Art Loeb Trail.

The Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) is a 469-mile, non-stop, scenic and recreational road managed by the National Park Service (NPS).

The BRP runs from Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Especially gorgeous in the fall, explore endless BRP hikes, overlooks, and waterfalls.

GPS is iffy along the parkway. You can navigate the road via milepost makers. Dense fog rolls in and out, covering up beautiful views and your line of sight. Temperatures may be 10 to 15-degrees cooler here.

Picnic Near Asheville Craggy Gardens Blue Ridge Parkway with blue and green mountains — Don’t miss a BRP picnic around Craggy Gardens.

Before you head out across the Blue Ridge Parkway, please check for road and gate closures on the NPS. Most of the BRP will close in the winter for weather, and sometimes parts are closed for maintenance.

Also, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife crossing the parkway, such as black bears, and exert caution around bicyclists.

The best times to cruise the BRP are in the spring to catch the blooms and in the fall for the foliage. The BRP grows extremely busy during peak fall foliage. Arrive at your destination early.

Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville North Carolina overlook with mountains in the fall — Don’t forget to stop at a scenic BRP overlook, too.

Our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway day trips from Asheville include:

Black Balsam via Art Loeb or Sam Knob Trails – Around MP 420, pack a picnic and catch one of our favorite 2-mile hikes in the spring and fall.
Graveyard Fields – One of the most popular fall hikes around MP 418.8, discover gorgeous fall foliage and two cascading waterfalls; there are basic restrooms here.
Skinny Dip Falls – At MP 417 and Looking Glass Rock Overlook, cross the BRP for a tropical oasis and swimming hole; don’t miss the dragon tree.
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower – Around MP 409.6, walk an easy trail to a terrifyingly high fire tower that you can climb for the best mountain views.
Mount Pisgah – Around MP 407-408, hike to the top of Mount Pisgah for 360-degree views; there is a picnic area across the street.
Craggy Gardens & Craggy Pinnacle – Around MP 364-367, picnic, hike to the pinnacle summit for 360-degree views, and find gorgeous blooms. There is a visitor center with restrooms.
Little Butt Hike – About MP 358.9, find your own little piece of heaven on a moderately hard 5-mile out and back.
Mount Mitchell – At MP 355, climb the highest peak east of the Mississippi River with an elevation clocking in at 6684 feet. Spy your favorite mountains from afar.
Crabtree Falls – Around MP 339.5 and close to Little Switzerland, hike to the 70-foot falls

Mount Mitchell Blue Ridge Parkway NC with white brunette male and female standing in front of sign that says highest peak east of the Mississippi River elevation 6684 feet with stone viewing platform behind them — Mount Mitchell is a popular day trip from Asheville. From the short paved trail — it’s only about 280 yards long — walk to the summit for stellar views on a clear day. Afterward, head to Craggy Pinnacle or Craggy Gardens for more gorgeous BRP hiking and a picnic.

Don’t miss these breathtaking picnic areas around the BRP and Asheville, too. Before hopping on the BRP toward Mount Pisgah, consider a visit to The NC Arboretum.

Discover all of the Hiking Trails Around Asheville That Locals Love.

2. Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park purple mountain sunrise from Clingman's Dome — Head to one of America’s most visited parks and treasures, Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

We are just starting to scratch the surface of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smokies are one of the most visited national parks in America.

In 1983, Great Smoky Mountains National Park became a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biological evolution and diversity, untouched areas, and sheer beauty. The Smokies also house the largest block of virgin red spruce left on earth.

For Asheville day trips, the entrance to the park in Cherokee is 57 miles or about 1.5-hours away. If you approach the park from here, stop at stunning Mingo Falls in Cherokee right before the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Mingo Falls In Cherokee North Carolina NC — As an introduction to the Smokies, one of the best day trips from Asheville is heading to Cherokee for Mingo Falls and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

At the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, stock up on supplies and information from the rangers, use the facilities, and cross your fingers that the elk are active.

Behind the visitor center, stroll the easy Oconaluftee River Trail. Many people come here to watch the elk in the field.

Tour the free Mountain Farm Museum and Mingus Mill. Stop by the log farmhouse, barn, and apple house to see how families lived and worked in the Appalachian Mountains years ago.

Elk at Oconaluftee Visitor Center Smoky Mountains with elk grazing in a field and fall foliage — If you are lucky, catch some elk at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

If it’s early summer, enter the firefly viewing lottery. Of course, there are endless hiking trails and waterfalls in the Smokies.

Fish, camp, and explore the surrounding areas like Cherokee, Bryson City, Maggie Valley, and Cataloochee. Clingmans Dome, the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is extremely popular.

We are by no means Smoky Mountains experts — yet — but recommend VisitSmokies.org or National Park Service to help plan your trip.

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3. DuPont State Forest

The Hunger Games Waterfalls Triple Falls DuPont Forest three-tiered waterfall in fall — Triple Falls at DuPont State Forest was a filming location for The Hunger Games.

One of the best day trips from Asheville for waterfall hikes, DuPont State Forest is a must.

DuPont State Recreational Forest — also known as DuPont Forest or DuPont State Forest — is 10,473-acres of forest, hiking trails, and waterfalls. DuPont is about a 45-minute drive from Asheville.

DuPont is famous as a filming location for both The Hunger Games (Triple Falls) and The Last of the Mohicans (Bridal Veil Falls).

Hooker Falls at DuPont Waterfalls near Asheville NC in the fall — Hooker Falls is the easiest waterfall hike at DuPont.

Within 7 miles of moderately easy and well-cleared trails, you can hike Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Most popular is the 3-mile and 3-waterfall hike consisting of Hooker, Triple, and High Falls.

Bridal Veil Falls tacks on another 4-miles roundtrip or you can hike Bridal Veil Falls (DuPont — there are multiple across NC) on its own.

After DuPont, we recommend heading to Hendersonville for apple orchards, wine, beer, and food. Keep reading…

Hike Even More Cascading Waterfalls Near Asheville.

4. Hendersonville, NC

Stone Ashe Vineyards Hendersonville NC with white brunette woman drinking red wine on a grassy green hill with snack box — Picnic at one of our favorite wineries in Hendersonville, Stone Ashe Vineyards.

Hendersonville is another popular Asheville day trip option, perfect after hiking DuPont or even Bearwallow and Trombatore trails. Located 40-50 minutes from AVL, Hendersonville is full of things to do.

Explore museums, grab a bite to eat, and brewery hop. We personally love Umi Sushi and Haus Heidelberg.

Triskelion is a gorgeous newer brewery. Check out Kilwin’s for chocolate. You’ll also find a pinball museum.

Known as “Apple Alley,” in the fall, the Hendersonville apple orchards are where it is at. Sky Top Orchard and Stepp’s Hillcrest are our two favorites for cider donuts, apple picking, and corn mazes. Find bamboo forests, and say hi to the farm animals.

If you love wine tasting, be sure to tour the Hendersonville wineries. Stone Ashe, Sawyer Springs, St. Paul, and Point Lookout boast of beautiful vineyard views.

If you are looking for Asheville overnights, Hendersonville has cute B&Bs like the 1898 Waverly Inn. Check out all of the great Hendersonville’s stays here.

5. Black Mountain

Lake Tomahawk Black Mountain NC with mountains, tree, and blue lake with rock border — Black Mountain is one of our favorite Asheville day trips for cocktails and beer in the mountains. Lake Tomahawk is gorgeous, too.

Another beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain town, Black Mountain is one of the closest and easiest day trips from Asheville.

The best things to do in Black Mountain include walking Lake Tomahawk and grabbing a bite to eat at one of the stellar Black Mountain restaurants. You can also hike nearby Catawba Falls.

For local spirits, beers, and meads, Black Mountain has it all. We love Oak and Grist Distilling Company for craft cocktails.

For something different, head to Black Mountain Cider and Mead. Black Mountain Brewing and their Alehouse across the street are perfect for grub and beer. Say hi to Roberta Flack while you are there.

Like Hendersonville, you may also consider staying in Black Mountain and day trip around Asheville from here.

6. Grandfather Mountain

Mile High Swinging Bridge Grandfather Mountain with white brunette woman in middle of a walking bridge — Heights aren’t really our jam, but who can resist the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain? You’ll just love those views on a clear day.

About 1.5 hours away, Grandfather Mountain is another ‘must’ day trip around Asheville. Like Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Grandfather Mountain is filled with biodiversity. The mountain peaks at 5,946 feet above WNC.

The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation maintains part of this beautiful attraction. You will have to purchase tickets to enter. As of summer 2021, you will also need to make advance online ticket reservations.

Grandfather Mountain Views from Mile High Swinging Bridge with blue and green mountain ranges — I *quickly* snapped a picture of the views from Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge. As one of the best day trips from Asheville, stop at Grandfather Mountain first thing in the morning. Head to Linville Falls, and finish your day at Linville Falls Winery.

At the gates, pop their gifted CD in your car — which tours you along the mountain. Stop at scenic overlooks and picnic areas, catching a glimpse of Split Rock.

Most popular and if you dare, walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge at the top that connects Grandfather’s two peaks. The bridge doesn’t really swing, but your stomach might.

Visitors can also say ‘hi’ to bears, elk, otters, cougars, and eagles at Grandfather Mountain’s nature habitats. They have a Nature Museum, too.

Forrest Gump Curve Grandfather Mountain with blue and green mountains in the distance behind curved paved road — Don’t miss the Forrest Gump Curve on your way down Grandfather Mountain. We had to go back and watch this scene from the movie.

See where Forrest Gump ran along “Forrest Gump Curve,” and find backcountry hiking trails from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Grandfather Mountain also boasts of one of the hardest trails in the southeast, Grandfather Trail.

7. Linville, NC

Linville Falls a waterfall from above in a gorge — Linville Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in WNC.

Linville is the perfect Asheville day trip if you enjoy waterfalls, hiking, and wine. Incredibly close to and around 20 minutes from Grandfather Mountain, Linville is most well-known for being a summer mountain resort and host of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Absolutely gorgeous, head to Linville Falls Winery for a wine flight and…your Christmas tree. This vineyard has a stone patio, pond, and red barn.

Linville Falls Winery with white brunette woman sitting in chair in front of vineyards and pond with glass of white wine — The best Asheville day trips involve wine… Linville Falls Winery won’t disappoint.

We highly recommend hiking around Linville Falls where you can catch numerous vistas of the most popular falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are various trails ranging in length and difficulty.

On our Asheville day trips bucket list, we can’t wait to visit Linville Caverns. Explore the inside of Humpback Mountain.

If you love wine, head over to our Master List Of Wineries Near Asheville.

8. Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock State Park with rock, view of Lake Lure, and American flag blowing in the breeze — Chimney Rock is one of the most popular day trips from Asheville. With views of Lake Lure like this, how can you go wrong?

We always recommend Chimney Rock State Park for winter hikes as this is one of the busiest destinations and day trips from Asheville.

Chimney Rock is a 535-million-year-old monolith and sits 2,200 feet above sea level. You can hike or take an elevator to the rocks.

Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery with amber beer in plastic cup on ledge in front of river — After hiking Chimney Rock, grab a beer at Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery.

The view at the top is incredible, spanning 75+-miles out on a clear day, and the park is filled with hiking. Hickory Nut Falls is an easier waterfall hike. You will have to pay to enter the park.

Don’t miss Chimney Rock Village, either, with Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery and Burntshirt Vineyards Tasting Room and Bistro. Wildcat Rock Trail and Little Bearwallow Falls are just around the corner.

9. Pisgah National Forest

Looking Glass Falls Pisgah National Forest NC in the fall — You can drive right up to Looking Glass Falls in the Pisgah National Forest.

Pisgah National Forest covers more than half a million acres of forest, mountains, trails, and waterfalls across WNC. The land is divided into three sections: Pisgah, Appalachian, and Grandfather Ranger Districts.

Many of the Pisgah National Forest trails and hikes we already mentioned above; they fall along parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

A few more Pisgah National Forest Asheville day trips we love include:

Douglas Falls – Douglas Falls is one of the WNC waterfalls that you can walk under. The road up there is pretty rough, but the falls are worth it.
Daniel Ridge Falls – Take the easy hike straight to the falls or navigate the harder loop. Daniel Ridge Loop and Bent Creek Experimental Forest are popular mountain biking trails in the Pisgah National Forest.
Looking Glass Falls – One of the “drive-up” roadside waterfalls, Looking Glass Falls freezes in the winter.
Moore Cove Falls – An easy 1.4-mile out and back, encounter a 50-foot waterfall.
Pink Beds Loop & Picnic Area – For summer blooms and a lengthy but easy nature walk, Pink Beds provides a largely shaded trail.

10. Appalachian Trail

Max Patch Appalachian Trail with dirt pathway and blue green mountains at summit — Take the Max Patch Loop Trail and turn up the AT to the summit. Picnic on the bald while ensconced in those beautiful blue and green-hued mountains.

I don’t know about you, but I always imagine myself as Bill Bryson when I hop on the Appalachian Trail. OK; OK…maybe I am Katz…

Of course, parts of the Appalachian Trail are located in the Pisgah National Forest, but because I personally think it’s cool to say we hiked the AT, I want to make this one its own Asheville day trip.

For two worthwhile hikes along the AT, don’t miss Max Patch and Lover’s Leap.

Lover's Leap Hike NC Views with white brunette female looking over cliff at French Broad River, town of Hot Springs, NC, and mountains in Pisgah National Forest — Lover’s Leap is a more challenging hike along parts of the Appalachian Trail. Visiting Hot Springs, NC is also a relaxing day trip near Asheville.

Max Patch is one of the prettiest hikes in all of WNC (with the worst drive). A stunning ‘bald’ with 360-degree views, pack a picnic and hike an easy trail to the summit via the AT.

Lover’s Leap is not for those scared of heights. With harsh switchbacks and a steep incline and descent, climb as high as the birds. Overlook all of Hot Springs, NC, and yes, you can visit actual hot springs in this WNC town.

See where to overnight in Hot Springs, too.

11. Brevard, NC

Ecusta Brewing Company Brevard NC with amber colored beer and mixed berry cider in Ecusta beer glass — After a day of hiking the Pisgah National Forest, stop at Ecusta Brewing for a beer.

Brevard is part of the ‘land of waterfalls’ and Pisgah National Forest. You’ll head into and around Brevard to access Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, DuPont State Forest, and Daniel Ridge, just to name a few.

Brevard also makes for one of the best beer day trips from Asheville. With a walkable downtown and its surrounding areas, don’t miss the Brevard breweries like Ecusta and Oskar Blues.

On your drive back to Asheville, you can also stop at the Mills River Breweries. Sierra Nevada and Bold Rock are two huge boozy destinations out this way.

12. Tryon Foothills Wineries

Overmountain Vineyards Tryon NC outdoor covered patio with silver tables, blue sky with clouds, and vineyards — Don’t miss Overmountain Vineyards in Tryon Hills Wine Country.

We spent an afternoon exploring the beautiful Tryon Foothills wineries and loved Parker-Binns and Overmountain Vineyards. You can also drive to Mountain Brook Vineyards and Russian Chapel Hills Winery.

Tryon Foothills Wine Country is a little over one hour away from Asheville. These vineyards are large and gorgeous, located in the rolling countryside.

Tryon, NC has a small downtown, and there are hikes, waterfalls, and an International equestrian center.

13. Weaverville

Dam Waterfall Reems Creek Weaverville NC with red water wheel — Weaverville might not be very far from Asheville, but it’s the perfect spot to grab lunch, enjoy nature, and find even more local WNC beer.

For closer Asheville day trips, Weaverville is literally the next town over. Weaverville is the perfect spot to catch a break from Asheville’s congestion and has delicious local restaurants.

Grab gluten-free pizza at Blue Mountain Pizza or sandwiches at Twisted Laurel. Wagbar is a fabulous dog park serving up local brews, and take a stroll around Lake Louise.

If you are looking to stay outside of Asheville, don’t miss these Weaverville cabins, hotels, B&Bs, cottages, and inns.

14. Dollywood & Pigeon Forge, TN

Pigeon Forge TN with waterfall and water mill — Pigeon Forge is famous for Dollywood and offers up a great little mountain oasis.

Justin, a Dollywood Insider and owner of Snapshots Made Yesterday, gifted us our first tickets ever to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN. This is one of the most fun day trips from Asheville for families, especially if you love theme parks. Dolly is, of course, a legend.

A little over 1.5 hours from Asheville, find rides such as roller coasters, southern cuisine, live shows, and everything Dolly. There is even a museum with Dolly’s vibrant outfits.

Walk into a replica of Dolly’s Tennessee mountain home or attend non-denominational services at Robert F. Thomas Chapel.

Pigeon Forge also has waterparks, Parrot Mountain and Gardens, the Titanic Museum, breweries, wineries, and zip-lining.

If you’d rather overnight in Pigeon Forge, don’t miss these hotels, inns, cabins, and cottages.

15. Knoxville, TN

Knoxville Tennessee at twilight with city buildings — Any of the ‘-villes’ make for fabulous day trips from Asheville, especially Knoxville. Of course, an overnight is nice here, too.

One of our favorite longer-day trips from Asheville, Knoxville, TN has it all. A little under two hours away and similar to Asheville, Knoxville has a historic and walkable downtown.

You can spend all day dropping into distilleries, breweries, bookstores, and restaurants. Around Christmas, we ice-skated in the historic square.

Our good friend, Clayton, runs a Knoxville travel blog, KnoxRoadTripper. He shares all that there is to love about the city — and he’s full of unique tidbits and history.

We personally enjoy overnighting in Knoxville, TN, especially around the holidays.

Save These Asheville Day Trips For Later

Asheville Day Trips Pinterest Pin with Forrest Gump curve in road and Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain — Heading to WNC? Wanderlusting over a few of these days trips from Asheville? Save this post for later, and day trip like a local with Uncorked Asheville.

More Day Trips From Asheville On Our Bucket List

Bryson City
Boone
Nantahala National Forest
Blowing Rock
Lake Lure
Greenville, SC
Columbia, SC
Little Switzerland
Gatlinburg, TN

What are your favorite Asheville day trips?

While in Western North Carolina, what are your favorite day trips from Asheville? Which parks do you love, and what is your favorite WNC city or town to visit? Let us know in the comments.