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
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Morganton, North Carolina
Hike to the Summit of Table Rock Mountain
4.62.2 mi / 572 ft gainOff of Highway 181, the trailhead is very clearly marked with a large parking lot. Although the trail is fairly short, make sure you have your footing, because the trail does switch back and forth in addition to gaining elevation -- it's pretty steep in some places! It's all worth it when you get...Read more -
Cherokee, North Carolina
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from the Southern Terminus
5.0The pinpoint for this particular entrance starts just outside of Cherokee, North Carolina, following the Parkway North. They say the Blue Ridge Parkway is more than just a road, it's a beautiful journey. Start this journey and you will quickly find this to be true. This 469 mile gateway connects...Read more -
Newland, North Carolina
Linville Falls Trail
4.10.98 mi / 177 ft gainLinville falls is one of North Carolina's treasures and perhaps the most photographed water fall in the state. Bring the whole family out and explore the area surrounding the falls. There are about 4 total miles of trails meandering around and through the gorge and right up to the falls. There ar...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain
5.06.98 mi / 1204 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Roan Mountain is an out-and-back trail near Bakersville, North Carolina. This trail is not too crowded, so don't be surprised if you're the only one taking in the view. Keep in mind the 1200+ foot climb along this trail if you're accustomed to hiking a longer dis...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn
12.28 mi / 2720 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Carvers Gap to Yellow Mountain Barn is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bakersville, North Carolina.Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Grassy Ridge Bald in the Roan Highlands
5.04.84 mi / 932 ft gainOnce you've parked at Carver's Gap (5500'), the trailhead is pretty easy to find. Simply cross the highway and jump onto the Appalachian Trail, right on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. Head north on the AT as you head through the Roan Mountain Balds. In the very beginning of the hike,...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Round Bald via Carver's Gap
4.31.72 mi / 338 ft gainThis super easy hike to the campsites near Round Bald is the perfect intro to backpacking for kids or newbies, but serves just as well for the more experienced backpackers who can't squeeze a longer trip in over the weekend. This short (.5 mile) hike in leads to a grassy opening with amazing vie...Read more -
Bakersville, North Carolina
Backpack to Overmountain Shelter in the Roan Highlands
5.05.5 mi / 900 ft gainStarting from the Carver Gap Parking area (do not leave belongings visible in your vehicle) head North on the Appalachian Trail (cross the road and head up the hill past the kiosk). Stay on the Appalachian Trail for 5.5 miles climbing across open balds and treking through forests and wildflower p...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Roan Highlands: Carvers Gap to US 19E via Appalachian Trail
5.015.47 mi / 2598 ft gainThe Roan highlands, possibly one of the best sections of the Appalachian Trail, is a section of grassy balds that range from 5000-6000 feet following the A.T. Start at Carvers Gap ( Highway 261 NC / Highway 143 TN) on the TN/NC border. You can either leave a car at Highway 19E or arrange for a s...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Jane Bald via Appalachian Trail
4.82.64 mi / 581 ft gainThis journey begins at Carvers Gap, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. At a beginning elevation of 5512 ft. you will cross the road from the parking area to the trailhead, on the Appalachian Trail, northbound. The trail climbs gently through grasslands and rhododendron before enter...Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Pinnacle Mountain Trail
8.81 mi / 2700 ft gainPinnacle Mountain is a long, grinding climb to the top. The singletrack winds up 1,500 feet of elevation for nearly 5 miles with few downhill sections. Once at the top, take a rest and climb the fire tower that overlooks the Downtown Johnson City area, Elizabethton, Erwin, and the rest of the Buf...Read more -
Roan Mountain, Tennessee
Hughes Gap to Roan High Bluff
10.92 mi / 2986 ft gainHughes Gap to Roan High Bluff is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Bakersville, North Carolina.Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Hawksbill Mountain Trail
4.91.87 mi / 633 ft gainHidden far above the beautiful Linville Gorge stands Hawksbill Mountain, among many other fantastic hikes. The roughly 1.7 mile hike from the dusty gravel parking lot is steep but worth every step. It took me about an hour to conquer with a few water bottle-guzzling stops. At the top, you are al...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Photograph Hawksbill Mountain at Sunrise or Sunset
5.01.5 mi / 860 ft gainThe trail to the summit of Hawksbill begins on an unpaved road for the Pigsah National Forest. In about a half a mile the trail turns left just before reaching the Jonas Ridge Trail. This turn is an clearly marked turn with a sign for "Hawksbill Summit". The trail then becomes steeper and rocki...Read more -
Sunset, South Carolina
Hike to Twin Falls, SC
5.01 mi / 0 ft gainOnce you get to the destination there should be a small parking area. At the end of this parking area you will see the start of the Twin Falls trail that will be mostly a flat walk. Follow this trail approximately 0.5 miles to the falls. You will know you are in the right place if the creek is r...Read more -
Morganton, North Carolina
Hike to Hawksbill Mountain
5.02.1 mi / 660 ft gainStarting at the Hawksbill Mountain Trailhead, which is clearly marked start hiking up! The trail starts out with some easy uphill switchbacks and leads you to the first lookout point. Enjoy sometime at the lookout point, but you'll want to keep going for a more incredible view. Keep hiking uphill...Read more
