Best Hikes in Asheville, NC

Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest city in Western North Carolina, located in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the confluence of the Swannanoa River. Though the city is widely known for its laid-back atmosphere, kind people, and artistic vibes, Asheville is also home to some of the best places to hike in North Carolina.

View from Mt. Pisgah

Whether you’re in Asheville for a visit, or you’re lucky enough to live there, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend a day hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here’s a look as some of the best places to hike in Asheville:

1. Mt. Pisgah — A popular, 3 mile round-trip uphill climb, this hike may seem on the shorter side, but it is strenuous. Standing at 5,721 feet, you can see Mt. Pisgah from downtown Asheville on a clear day.
2. Black Balsam Knob — This is a great hike if you want to experience some breathtaking views of North Carolina. It is part of the 30-mile Art Loeb Trail, so hikes can last as long as you want them to.
3. Fryingpan Tower — A quick, 1.5 mile hike at a moderate-level, great for setting aside some time to catch a beautiful view of the sunset along its historic fire tower. If you want an even shorter, 1-mile hike with equally beautiful views, try out Devil’s Courthouse.
4. Richland Balsam — A 1.5 mile easy loop that takes you along the Blue Ridge Parkway through the shady forest trees. A great hike to try out if you have kids or dogs who need get tired on longer, steeper trails.
5. Waterrock Knob — A difficult, 2.4 mile hike to the summit, which stands at 6,292 feet as the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States. You’ll have to pace yourself for this hike, but you will feel a great sense of accomplishment when it’s over — definitely worth it!

View from Fryingpan Tower

For more information on where to hike, either in Asheville or other parts of North Carolina, check out EveryTrail, a website dedicated to hiking in North Carolina.