Hiking & Biking

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.

If you are traveling with the entire family, you will love these short, easy, and kid-friendly hikes. Waterfalls and best picnic spots included.

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.

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.