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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Greeneville, Tennessee
Hike to Margarette Falls
5.02.7 mi / 715 ft gainTo reach the trail head, take exit number 39 to Erwin/Jonesborough and turn onto State Route 81/107 west and stay on this for 6.5 miles. Then you will turn left to stay on Route 107 and continue on for 16 more miles. Then you will take a left on Route 351 and drive 4.5 miles. Then you will take a...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Hike to Jones Gap Falls
8.2 mi / 1200 ft gainFor Caesar's Head State Park access, head North from Pickens on HWY 178 until it intersects with HWY 11. Turn right onto HWY 11 North and continue for 10 miles until the 276 intersection where you veer off to the left. Follow 276 to the top of the mountain. 1 miles past the Caesars Head Visitors ...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Raven Cliff Falls
4.57.76 mi / 2185 ft gainLocation: From the intersection of US276 & SC11, head Northwest on US276. Drive to the top of the mountain, 1 mile past the visitor's center, and The Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area and trail head will be on your right. After parking in the Raven Cliff Falls Parking Area, the trailhead is l...Read more -
Maggie Valley, United States
Hemphill Bald
Hemphill Bald is a quintessential Smoky Mountains vantage point and this moderate loop trail leading to it takes you through beautiful forest and rolling hills. This area is incredible in all seasons - wildflowers in the spring, colorful leaves in the fall, and with bare trees in the winter, the ...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Abandoned Cessna 414A at Waterrock Knob (Removed)
3.71.72 mi / 430 ft gainNOTE: The wreckage has now been removed. Please see the press release on NPS.gov for more details. Ever hiked to an abandoned plane in the middle of the woods? Yeah me neither until I heard of this gem. This is an AWESOME day hike for anyone looking to get outside for a few hours and see some ...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Waterrock Knob Trail
5.01 mi / 407 ft gainThe trail begins paved and quickly climbs up into a heavily forested area. Once at a 1/4 of a mile in, you will come to a nice overlook that will give you your first real good view of the surrounding mountains. The trail then continues on, though now unpaved, with great views off to your left as ...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Caesars Head Overlook
5.00.27 mi / 144 ft gainThe Drive: Head North on SC Highway 11 "Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway" towards Table Rock State Park. Follow SC 11 past Table Rock approximately 8 miles where it will merge with SC 8 at Pumpkin Town. Follow SC 8 for another 3-4 miles until you see the intersection for SC Highway 276 on the le...Read more -
Del Rio, Tennessee
Meadow Creek Fire Tower
5.00.14 mi / 17.06 ft gainMeadow Creek Fire Tower is a great place to spend an afternoon watching the sunset or spend the night gazing at the stars. You can bring a blanket then lay out on the top of the tower and view the entire sky. The tower itself was made back in the early 1920's. Over the years it changed appearance...Read more -
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Soco Falls
5.00.09 mi / 0 ft gainThis double waterfall is located a mile and half off of the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Cherokee Indian Reservation. From the parking area, it's a short walk down a well-established trail to the viewing area of the falls. For an even closer view of the falls, you can follow a roped, steep path dow...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Paradise Falls
4.30.74 mi / 167 ft gainTo the north of Panthertown lies a chain of dammed lakes that are some of the most peaceful waters in Western North Carolina. These make up the headwaters of the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River. The gorges that run between the top lakes are wild, scenic, and adventurous to even the most experie...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North CarolinaRhapsodie Falls
2.98 mi / 623 ft gainRhapsodie Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.Read more -
Hartford, Tennessee
Whitewater Rafting the Pigeon River
5.0The Pigeon River is a dam controlled river that winds its way through North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The river provides beautiful views as one paddles along via raft or kayak. Cutting through portions of the Pisgah and Cherokee National For...Read more -
Cleveland, South Carolina
Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail
3.01.03 mi / 266 ft gainWildcat Wayside Nature Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Cleveland, South Carolina.Read more -
150 Asbury Drive, South Carolina
Hike the Asbury Trail to Moonshine Falls
5.5 mi / 800 ft gainThe trail to the Matthews Creek cable bridge crossing is easy. The cable crossing is fine - fun for some and a do-able challenge for others. After the creek, to get to Moonshine Falls, turn RIGHT at the post which indicates a trail both left and right. This is the Naturaland Trail in Caesars Hea...Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Appalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa
4.08.05 mi / 1165 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Indian Grave Gap to Chestoa is a point-to-point trail that takes you by a river located near Unicoi, Tennessee.Read more -
Green Mountain, North Carolina
Hike to Beauty Spot Gap
5.02.13 mi / 1277 ft gainBeauty Spot Gap is located on the Appalachian Trail on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. The bald offers a panoramic view of Cherokee National Forest and the city of Erwin. This is a popular destination for hikers of the AT to set up camp and watch the sunset. From the Tennessee side, t...Read more
