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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Erwin, Tennessee
Martin's Creek Falls
3.02.06 mi / 522 ft gainMartin's Creek Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Erwin, Tennessee.Read more -
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Exploring two legendary Cherokee sites: Judaculla Rock and Devil's Courthouse, North Carolina
5.00.9 mi / 258 ft gainJudaculla was an ancient Cherokee spirit being and giant. He ruled in western North Carolina in the traditional Cherokee homeland. Once while chasing some hunters, when he jumped to the ground, his hand hit a rock. You can still see the print on Judaculla Rock. It is the most elaborate piece of r...Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Appalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain
5.06.35 mi / 1654 ft gainAppalachian Trail: Beauty Spot to Unaka Mountain is an out-and-back trail that provides a good opportunity to view wildlife located near Green Mountain, North Carolina.Read more -
Newport, Tennessee
Explore Halls Top Fire Tower
4.01 mi / 200 ft gainHalls Top Fire Tower is a special untouched spot in the Cherokee National Forest. The road that leads you into the CNF is known as Halls Top Road just a few miles off of Interstate I-40. This road will take you 4.4 miles to the next turn onto Stone Mountain Road this road is 2.1 miles to the gat...Read more -
Sylva, North Carolina
Pinnacle in Pinnacle Park
5.05.98 mi / 2142 ft gainHeading out from the parking area, head north on this challenging hike. For the majority of the hike, you'll have a pretty steady uphill charge. There are some flat parts between climbs, so be sure to catch your breath and get some water in during these times. Once you reach the fork, where you'...Read more -
Cosby, Tennessee
Mount Cammerer Lookout Tower
4.510.99 mi / 2877 ft gainMost visitors have a vision of how they'd like to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and it typically involves climbing to the top of a mountain like 4,928-foot Mount Cammerer. This is a very strenuous hike involving a breathtaking amount of elevation gain along the rugged Low Gap and Appal...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Hike to Cedar Cliff Rock
2.4 mi / 830 ft gainCedar Cliff Rock is one of those local places that exemplifies the Blue Ridge mountains oh-so-well. From the top you can see the Tuckaseegee River along with both Cedar Cliff and Bear Creek Reservoirs. While there are a few homes in between, much of the view is untouched, allowing a big mountain ...Read more -
Bureau of Indian Affairs Highway 506, North Carolina
Barrett Knob Fire Tower
5.01.21 mi / 344 ft gainYour hike will start at the base of the Blue Ridge Parkway just a few miles from the start in Cherokee. The trail starts right off of the parkway in a very small easy to miss dirt road. There is a small area to park that then you start your hike up the dirt road right after the gate. The hike to ...Read more -
Cosby, Tennessee
Hen Wallow Falls
5.04.57 mi / 988 ft gainStart your adventure by parking in the Cosby Picnic Area Parking Lot near the entrance of the Cosby Campground. (127 Cosby Picnic Area Rd, Cosby, TN 37722.) Then backtrack through the parking lot about 100 yards until you see the sign marking the start of Gabes Mountain Trail. The trek to Hen W...Read more -
Brevard, North Carolina
Hike the Toxaway River Trail
5.01.25 miThis easy 1.25 mile hike is located within the Lake Toxaway community. The trail itself follows a small creek as it winds through the valley. Be warned - there are numerous stream crossings. Most of the crossings are fairly easy at normal water levels, but can be difficult if the water is high. S...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Raven Rock Falls
5.00.5 miIf you want to see a great waterfall without hiking all day, this is the perfect trail for you. Getting there - The trailhead is about 2 miles from the intersection of Cold Mountain and Panther Ridge Road (exact coordinates: 35.1594, -82.9801). There is a small grassy pull out where you can park...Read more -
Nebo, North Carolina
Explore Lake James State Park
The park has about 15 miles of trails with different levels of difficulties . Hiked the Lake Channel Trail along the lake with good views of the lake and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hiked the Mill's creek trail which is nicely shaded and offers good views of the lake and the Linville Gorge area. ...Read more -
Unicoi, Tennessee
Camp at Unaka Mountain Overlook
4.00.1 miUnaka Mountain Overlook is one of the highest locations in the Cherokee National Forest. Easily accessibly by vehicle, the overlook towers over the surrounding mountains, including Beauty Spot Gap, and is an ideal spot to camp overnight. Take Rock Creek Road until you meet the border of North Car...Read more -
Tuckasegee, North Carolina
Paddling The Slab and Eternity Hole
5.0The Slab and Eternity hole, located on the East Fork of the Tuckasegee River, are two of Western, NC's best play spots for kayakers of all levels. Paddle down only yards from the public boat launch to The Slab where you can perfect your surfing in kayak, SUP, or whatever boat you float. A few hun...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Schoolhouse Falls and Little Green
5.03 miTrail signs in Panthertown Valley are limited. Be sure to bring a map! Starting at the Cold Mountain parking lot, hike to Schoolhouse Falls. This is a nice waterfall with a pool at the bottom. In the summer, you are bound to run into other fellow hikers here. From Schoolhouse Falls, you have the...Read more -
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Hike to Warden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls
4.5 miWarden, Jawbone, and Riding Ford Falls are three waterfalls located along the headwaters of the Tuckasegee River in Panthertown Valley. Not far from the Cold Mountain trailhead, these falls are quite popular in the summer. On a weekend, you will often find people playing in the pools below the fa...Read more
