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Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville, North Carolina is a top destination for outdoor adventurers. With its breathtaking landscapes, world-class attractions, and variety of outdoor activities, it is no wonder it is beloved by so many. Popular attractions in and near the area include the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Biltmore Estate, and the Chimney Rock Park. For the best trails and outdoor activities, try the Appalachian Trail, the Pisgah National Forest, and the Nantahala National Forest. Asheville offers something for everyone, from beginner hikers to experienced climbers and beyond. With so many exciting outdoor activities and attractions to explore, you will never run out of things to do in Asheville.

Top Spots in and near Asheville

  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Take in the Sights at Pack Square Park

    If you're in Asheville, it'll be quite difficult to miss out on going to or at least hearing about Pack Square Park. The park is bustling with activity as it's a common, middle ground place for people to meet up, to take a lunch break, or to catch some rays of sun on a warm day. It's also a commo...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Relax at Martin Luther King Jr Park

    The Martin Luther King Jr Park includes a large multi-purpose field as well as a playground that's great for kids. It's the perfect place to go solo to clear your head and chill with a book or with family and friends for an outdoor game.  Right at the entrance to the Park stands a statue of Mart...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Stroll through Montford Park

    Close to downtown and in between several bed and breakfasts in Montford, NC, you'll find Montford Park. Though you may not expect it, the park boasts a couple of tennis courts, a basketball court, and some green space for picnicking, relaxing with friends, or getting lost in a good book.  People...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Run through Carrier Park

    If you're in Asheville, NC and want a fun place to be outside, buzzing with activity-- you'll need to check out Carrier Park. Here, you can run along the trails, bike in the Velodrome (former race track), launch your kayak or inner tube from one of the free launches, hammock from a tree, do yoga ...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Photograph Haw Creek Valley Overlook

    The Haw Creek Valley Overlook is only 8 miles from downtown Asheville. If you're in the downtown area, it's a rather easy place to zip on over to if you're in need of some time away from urban life. This overlook is a hot spot for sunset watching and picture taking. If you plan on seeing what th...
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  • Arden, North Carolina

    Photograph the French Broad Overlook

    5.0
    The French Broad Overlook is one of several overlook spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's not known to be the most breathtakingly scenic spot of the batch, but it's still a nice viewpoint that will offer you sights of the French Broad River, one of the few north flowing rivers in the US. Yo...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Mountain Biking Bent Creek

    4.0
    Bent Creek is my favorite Mountain Biking spot in the Southeast, and epitomizes the fun and beauty to be found biking in the North Carolina mountains. Riding is open year round, but spring and fall are ideal when temperatures are still cool and colors are exploding. You can easily spend hours ...
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  • Asheville, North Carolina

    Explore Lake Powhatan

    Lake Powhatan is located just minutes away from Asheville, NC and offers a number of fun activities for you, your friends, and your family. In the warm summer months, the Lake is a popular spot for swimming. The small stretch of beach along the lake is a nice place to lay out and soak in the sun....
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  • Black Mountain, North Carolina

    Craggy Pinnacle Trail

    4.8
    1.03 mi / 285 ft gain
    I usually spend the day visiting restaurants and breweries around Asheville. Before it gets late, so you can enjoy the views, head to the Blue Ridge Parkway located right outside the city. After about 30 minutes on the parkway, you will park at the Craggy Pinnacle parking lot Milepost 364.1. Fro...
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  • Barnardsville, North Carolina

    Douglas Falls

    5.0
    1.11 mi / 125 ft gain
    The trail begins at the back of the parking area and is marked by a trail sign. Once on the trail, it is a straight shot to the waterfall with no turnoffs. Overall the trail is very easy and is a slight descent all the way down. Around .3 miles into the trail you enter a forest of now-dead hemloc...
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  • Fairview, North Carolina

    Hike the Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures

    5.0
    5 mi / 1350 ft gain
    Park along the road at Bearwallow Gap - this is also the parking area for Bearwallow Mountain. Starting at a little over 3600ft, the Trombatore Trail has been well marked by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy with red blazes. Parts of the trail border private land, so pay attention to the sig...
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  • Hendersonville, North Carolina

    Hike to the Top of Bearwallow Mountain

    5.0
    2 mi / 583 ft gain
    Once you have parked along the roadside near the trailhead, pass through the big gate on the right side of the road and take the trail off to the right. The trail winds up the mountain for a mile before it empties out onto the bald atop Bearwallow. Once on the bald, you can follow the gravel road...
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  • Montreat, North Carolina

    Hike Lookout Mountain, Montreat

    5.0
    1.1 mi / 623 ft gain
    Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is Montreat, North Carolina. Just down the road from Asheville, it neighbors Black Mountain and doesn't disappoint for views. Montreat itself houses a plethora of hiking trails, but the cream of the crop HAS to be Lookout Mountain. After a weekend of checking o...
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  • Canton, North Carolina

    Camp at Mt. Pisgah

    5.0
    The Mt. Pisgah campground is nestled right off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, NC.  Since it is at an elevation of 4,980 feet the campground is a perfect destination to beat the heat and humidity that the region can be known for in the summer months.  Reservations and information can be fo...
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  • Old Fort, North Carolina

    Catawba Falls

    4.8
    2.19 mi / 394 ft gain
    Please note, Catawba Falls is temporarily closed. You can learn more about updates at www.fs.usda.gov. This quick and relatively easy hike is located close to Asheville, NC. If you're looking to have the trail to yourself, it can be a little tough. It's best to get there as early as possible or ...
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  • Burnsville, North Carolina

    Mount Mitchell via the Old Mitchell Trail

    5.0
    3.74 mi / 1194 ft gain
    After arriving in the park off of the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, park at the first parking lot you encounter on the righthand side of the road. There is a visitor's center there where you can inquire about the park and pick up a park map. Once you do that walk outside and look to the left of t...
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Camping and Lodging in Asheville

Lake Powhatan
Arden, North Carolina

Lake Powhatan

Asheville East KOA Holiday
2708 U.S. 70, North Carolina

Asheville East KOA Holiday

Asheville West KOA Holiday
Candler, North Carolina

Asheville West KOA Holiday

Wash Creek Horse Camp
Horse Shoe, North Carolina

Wash Creek Horse Camp

North Mills River
Mills River, North Carolina

North Mills River

Mount Pisgah Campground
408 Blue Ridge Parkway

Mount Pisgah Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Asheville

 5 Awesome Trail to Town Adventures Near Asheville, NC

5 Awesome Trail to Town Adventures Near Asheville, NC

Erin McGrady

Part II: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville - South

Part II: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway Near Asheville - South

Erin McGrady

Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

Part I: Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville - North

Erin McGrady

6 Urban Parks in Asheville, North Carolina

6 Urban Parks in Asheville, North Carolina

Erin McGrady

Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Way to Asheville, NC

Exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway on the Way to Asheville, NC

Clayton Getsinger