Discover lush forests, scenic mountain peaks and cascading waterfalls on our top ten best trails around Asheville. Hikers in this area of North Carolina have an impressive collection of trails to choose from. Visitors of all types can explore with trails suitable for all fitness levels. If one of these trails excites you, be sure to click on the links in the descriptions below to see where these trailheads are located.
Black Balsam Knob – One Of The Best Trails Near Asheville For Sunset Views
Tennent Mountain and Black Balsam Knob are both famous for their mountain balds. They attract people from near and far. With hardly any trees for miles, you get a real sense of freedom to be over 5,000 feet in elevation. At first, the trail winds through beautiful balsam trees, but then opens up to spectacular long range views. Certainly these balds really allow you to experience so much wide-open space. A quick suggestion though, get here early or go on the weekdays to avoid the crowds. We promise, once you see the views from the Art Loeb Trail at Black Balsam Knob there is no doubt you’ll also consider this one of the best trails around Asheville.
- Distance From Asheville: 1 hour drive
- Length Of Hike: 1/2 mile from parking lot to views but Art Loeb Trail is 31 miles in length
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Graveyard Fields Trail
The stunning Graveyard Fields trail wins hiker’s hearts with a little bit of everything. There are waterfalls surrounded by wildflowers. Wildlife abounds here. You actually have a great chance of seeing a black bear on this trail. There are also amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the trail and overlook. Named after tree stumps that resembled gravestones in a cemetery, the trail is popular with locals and tourists alike. To sum it up, it has all the essential qualities of a happy hike and even has bathrooms along the way. The short hike reaches the first waterfall and if you are inspired to see the second one, you can continue for the 3.5-mile loop.
- Distance From Asheville: 1 hour drive
- Length Of Hike: 3 miles
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Looking Glass Rock Trail
Allow half a day to conquer the breathtaking Looking Glass Rock hike. This one can be a little crowded so start early and expect that you will probably share with trail runners, rock climbers and an abundance of wildlife. After following the trailhead along switchbacks to the peak, you are rewarded with dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. An equally stunning view can be seen from the helicopter landing zone (used for rescues) a few miles into the hike. Afterwards, stop by Moore Cove Falls only one mile away.
- Distance From Asheville: 50 minutes drive
- Length Of Hike: 7 Miles Round Trip
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate to Moderately Strenuous
Max Patch Loop
Follow the path along green pastures until you see a sign for the Max Patch Mountain peak. Just 100 yards on, you will be wowed with360-degree views where you can see North Carolina, Tennessee, and Mount Mitchell to the Northeast. Most people can finish the 2.4 km hike in about an hour, including a rest at the top.
- Distance From Asheville: 1 Hour
- Length Of Hike: 7 miles
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
The Moore Cove Falls Trail – One Of The Best Trails Near Asheville To Walk Behind A Waterfall
Moore Cove Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfall hikes close to Asheville. The one mile out-and-back trail features a 50ft high waterfall that cascades over a rock overhang. Absolute best part about this hike is that you can actually walk behind this waterfall. Splash around in the cascading water to cool off before continuing back under the forest canopy to the entrance. Afterward, be sure to hit Looking Glass Falls just down the road.
- Distance From Asheville: 50 minutes drive
- Length Of Hike: 1 mile
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Devil’s Courthouse – One Of The Best Trails Around Asheville For Birds Of Prey Enthusiasts
Devil’s Courthouse is just a short half mile hike from the Parkway parking lot. It gets its name from the moody-looking exposed rock at the mountain’s peak. Albeit a difficult trail, the path is mostly paved as you walk up through the spruce forest to the top. Take your binoculars and look for peregrine falcons nesting on the rock face.
- Distance From Asheville: 1 hour drive
- Length Of Hike: .5 miles
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Catawba Falls Trail
This has to be one of our favorite hikes close to Asheville. The trail to Catawba Falls is an old wagon route and follows the powerful Catawba River to a scenic collection of cascading falls. The 3 miles round trip is beautiful in every season with several rustic wooden bridges, rocks, and lush foliage. Besides the main fall, there are also small falls along the trail that are a preview to the main falls. It’s a well-maintained easy walk suitable for children and pet-friendly.
- Distance From Asheville: 30 minutes
- Length Of Hike: 3 miles round trip
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Fryingpan Mountain Lookout Tower – One Of The Best Trails Around Asheville For 360 Degree Views
Legend says mountain herders named this scenic spot after a communal frying pan that was kept hanging in a tree. Climbing to the mountain top, you can pick blackberries and be surrounded by wildflowers in the right season. The historic steel fire tower lets you know you’ve reached the peak and it’s time to admire the sweeping views before heading back to finish the 1 mile easy Fryingpain Mountain Lookout Tower hike.
- Distance From Asheville: 45 Minute Drive
- Length Of Hike: 1 mile
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy
Crabtree Falls Trail – One Of The Best Trails Around Asheville For Waterfall Lovers
One mile through bushy forest, you reach the Crabtree Falls with water pouring over the rocks from 60 feet above, blessing the wildflowers and ferns growing down low. Go back the same way or take the longer route by following the signs for a different view of the falls.
- Distance From Asheville: 1 Hour Drive
- Length Of Hike: 2.5 mile loop
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
Bearwallow Mountain Trail
The difficult Bearwallow Mountain trek is fairly busy all year round and just in case you are wondering, there are often bear sightings reported. So we encourage you to get there early to enjoy some solitude (and a chance to see a bear :)). Expect awe-inspiring views as you climb 4,232 feet above sea level during the 1.5-hour hike. The panoramic view of Mt. Mitchell and Mt. Pisgah at the summit comes with a green meadow with cows and a historic fire lookout tower. Sunsets are worth hanging around for.
- Distance From Asheville: 35 minute Drive
- Length Of Hike: 1 mile
- Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
We hope we’ve inspired you to get your hiking boots out and hit the trails with friends and family. With some of the best trails around Asheville, you could trek every weekend from spring to winter and always have a new one to explore.
