11 Easy Hikes Near Asheville, North Carolina
Looking for easy hikes near Asheville North Caroline? Here are 11 of the easiest trails!
When it comes to the NC mountains there are many outdoor activities to choose from and hiking is one of them.
If you haven’t explored the Asheville area, you should put it on your list! Asheville is a fun city in western North Carolina, located within the Blue Ridge Mountains, an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise!
We asked our friend Sarah from Explore More NC, to cover this topic more in-depth.
🚗 When booking your car rental online for easy hikes near Asheville, I recommend using Discover Cars. They provide the best deals for car rentals in North Carolina!
Easy Hikes Near Asheville
Easy Hikes Near Asheville
1. Catawba Falls Trail
Catawba Falls Trail is a fairly short and easy hike near Asheville. It’s a gentle climb and not difficult with a 300 feet elevation gain and approximately 2.5 miles roundtrip.
Here you get to hike along the Catawba River to an amazing 100-foot waterfall. Along the way, you will see historic sites and buildings along the trail.
This once was the site of a hydropower dam that provided power to the local town of Old Fort. While on the hike you may have to cross a stream in several locations, so wear the appropriate footwear.
Currently, the Catawba Falls Trail is closed for structural improvements but the good news is that they plan to reopen in the spring of 2023.
It’s a very popular hike so make sure to get there early if you want to avoid the crowds. Additionally, they have a large parking lot that is easy to find!
- Distance from Asheville: 33 min drive
- Address: 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
The Biltmore Estate Trails
The next three trails below are all located on the Biltmore Estate property.
The Biltmore Estate is America’s largest privately owned home built by George Vanderbilt II. This estate sits on 8,000 acres of land and it does require you to purchase an admission ticket to enter and use the trails.
If you are local, you might want to look at purchasing an annual pass.
Either way, an admission ticket will allow you daytime access to the gardens and grounds where you will find over 20 miles of trails for walking, hiking, and biking.
The general admission does not include access to the Biltmore House, you will need a specific ticket for that and it’s very much worth it!
- Distance from Asheville: 10 min drive
- Antler Hill Village Address: 225 Winery Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
- Biltmore Estate Entrance Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
2. Biltmore Estate Lagoon Trail
The Lagoon trail is 3 miles roundtrip. It is mostly flat, making it an easy hike near Asheville which is both wide and paved.
It starts and ends at Biltmore’s Antler Hill Village. You will follow along the main road and then along the French Broad River where you will be led to the Lagoon.
Here you will see incredible views of the Biltmore House.
3. Biltmore Estate Westover Trails
The Westover Trails are located at The Inn and provide access to the beautiful woodlands on the Biltmore property.
The trail distances (all round trip) are as follows: the Green Trail is 1.7 miles, the Blue Trail is 2.8 miles, and the Black Trail is 3.5 miles.
You will enjoy miles of beautiful scenery and rolling hills, these trails attract more mountain biking and they ask that you go in a clockwise direction.
Take the Green Trail if you are looking for short hikes near Asheville.
4. Biltmore Estate Farm Trail
The Farm Trail also starts from Antler Hill Village and is an easy flat and gravel road that follows along the French Broad River.
This easy hike near Asheville will also take you to another trail on the property, the Arbor Trace Trail.
5. Richmond Hill Park Trail
Richmond Hill Park Trail is a 2.5-mile loop near downtown Asheville. On average this hike takes about an hour and is an easy route. The trail is open year-round and great to visit in all seasons. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.
The park was recently upgraded and includes restrooms. In addition, you will find the only disc golf course in Asheville park’s system.
- Distance from Asheville: 12 min drive
- Address: 280 Richmond Hill Dr, Asheville, NC 28806
Easy Hikes Near Asheville
6. Laurel River Trail
Laurel River Trail is a family-friendly easy hike near Asheville that even small kids can enjoy. You’ll want to wear swimsuits because you’ll have plenty of opportunities to play by the river on a hot summer day.
The trail is mostly level and follows Big Laurel Creek on an old railroad bed. This out-and-back hike is about 3.6 miles but you can go as far as you would like and turn around if you are looking for a shorter hike.
If you hike during the early spring, you will enjoy many different wildflowers blooming along the water. The trail is open year-round and leashed dogs are welcome.
Parking is limited here, you will find the Laurel River trailhead at the intersection of Hwy 25/70 and Hwy 208. Find the brown Forest Service sign denoting the trail and a gravel parking area.
The first mile is on private property so stay on the trail and follow the yellow blazes.
While you are in the area, make sure to stop by Hot Springs, NC as well, it’s the only hot springs in the NC mountains. The well-known Appalachian Trail also goes through the Hot Springs area, it’s worth a visit.
- Distance from Asheville: 40 min drive
- Address: Approximately 15945 US-25, Marshall, NC 28753
7. Craggy Pinnacle Trail
Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a short trail that is approximately 1 mile out and back and is considered an easy hike near Asheville. On average, it takes most people about 30 minutes to complete.
If you are looking for some of the best panoramic views, this is a great place to stop.
The Craggy Pinnacle Trail is one of the most popular Blue Ridge Parkway hikes for people to stop at so be prepared for crowds at certain times of the year. Restrooms are nearby at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center and offer maps and guides too.
Please note that the road to this trail could be closed during the winter season.
- Distance from Asheville: 40min drive
- Address: 3641 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Barnardsville, NC 28709
8. Beacon Heights Trail
Bacon Heights Trail is a great short walk, about 0.6 miles out and back, and is considered one of the best easy hikes near Asheville. You’ll only climb about 100 feet so it’s also a great trail for children.
It takes most people on average about 20 minutes to complete. At the end of the trail, you will find some of the best views of well-known landmarks including Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock, and Hawksbill Mountains.
If you love sunrises and want to get up early, this is a great place to watch the sun come up. There is nothing like a Blue Ridge Mountain sunrise!
The trailhead and parking lot are located near milepost 305 along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
If you have a few days to explore, make sure to check out the several amazing waterfall hikes along the Blue Ridgeway Parkway.
9. Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is a favorite waterfall in western North Carolina. It is also one of the easy waterfall hikes near Asheville.
In the winter, the water freezes on the sides of the falls, and as the sunlight glistens, it looks like a mirror or looking glass. The falls are 60 feet tall and easy to access, are out-and-back with 0.3 miles, and this is one of the greatest short hikes near Asheville.
You’ll find the trail located right off U.S. 276. It’s about 5 miles past the entrance to the Pisgah National Forest.
The falls will be on your right, just make sure to pull all the way off the road for easy access.
- Distance from Asheville: 45 min drive
- Address: US-276, Brevard, NC 28712
10. Moore Cove Falls Trail
You can easily hike round trip 1.2 miles to the 50-ft falls. Marked with yellow trail blazes, the Moore Cove Falls Trail should take you on average 30 mins to hike.
You can access it near the Blue Ridge Parkway and will exit near mile marker 411. Take a left and go 8 miles on U.S. 276 South.
Park along the left-hand side of U.S. 276. There are no signs on the roadway for Moore Cove Falls, but there is an information board by the parking area so you will know you are in the right place.
The best times to visit this easy hike near Asheville are between April and September.
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min drive
- Address: DuPont State Recreational Forest, Hendersonville, NC 28739
DuPont State Forest Hikes
One of the most popular easy waterfall hikes near Asheville is visiting the DuPont State Forest.
Here visitors come to hike the 3.3-mile roundtrip hike to see the most popular falls including Hooker, Triple, and High Falls.
This makes a great day trip from Asheville, North Carolina.
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min drive
- Address: DuPont State Recreational Forest, Hendersonville, NC 28739
9. Hooker Falls
If you are looking for very family-friendly and easy hikes near Asheville, these next 3 waterfalls are great to add to your list.
Hooker Falls is a 12-foot waterfall, located on the Little River. To get to Hooker Falls, it’s a 0.8-mile hike out and back. The trail is open year-round.
Arrive at the Hooker Falls Access Area, take Hooker Falls Road downstream for 0.3 miles where you will arrive at the base of the falls.
Going upstream from Hooker Falls, you will come across the 2 falls listed below.
10. Triple Falls
Tipple Falls is a 120-foot beautiful waterfall, located on the Little River in the DuPont State Forest.
It was featured in the movie Last of the Mohicans, it’s about a 7-minute walk from the Hooker Falls parking area. Also if you are a fan of The Hunger Games movies, you will see a scene where Katniss runs across Triple Falls.
To access the trail, cross the Little River on the trail bridge off Hooker Falls Road. Turn left on Triple Falls Trail for 0.4 miles.
There is a short uphill to the viewing area and picnic shelter. The total elevation gain is just over 400 feet.
11. High Falls
High Falls is a 150-foot waterfall down an inclined plane of granite located in the DuPont State Recreational Forest.
You will need to combine this with the Triple Falls hike mentioned above. There is also a covered bridge that you can view here.
High Falls is a fan favorite so make sure you go to the base to take it all in. You can take the trail from Hooker Falls to Triple Falls, and end up at High Falls and explore them all in one day.
From the parking area out and back for both Triple Falls and High Falls, the hike is about 2.3 miles.
Note: this is one of the bigger climbs, so it’s probably the most challenging on our list but still not strenuous. If you are already here to see the two other falls, you might as well add this one to your list too!
Easy Hikes Near Asheville
FAQs: Easy Hikes Near Asheville, North Carolina
When is the best time to hike near Asheville?
Honestly hiking in Asheville is amazing year-round. There are different benefits to each season.
In the spring months, you’ll see the wildflowers blooming and in the summer months you can take in all the beautiful rhododendrons starting to bloom in mid-June.
Asheville is one of the most popular destinations for leaf peeping in the Fall! For the winter months, you might even come across a frozen waterfall like Looking Glass Falls.
The most popular times for hiking are between April and October. In the summer, temperatures can range between the mid-80s with lows in the 60s.
The weather can be a little unpredictable in the mountains though and if you are out for a sunrise or sunset, make sure you pack layers.
Should I rent a car to hike near Asheville?
If you really want to get out and explore all that Asheville has to offer I would recommend renting a car.
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway if you have time, it’s a great way to access some of the best hikes.
Most of the hikes listed here will require you to drive.
🚗 When booking your car rental online for easy hikes near Asheville, I recommend using Discover Cars. They provide the best deals for car rentals in North Carolina!
Another option you’ll find is local guided tours which allow you to explore several different waterfalls in the area.
Are the hiking trails near Asheville well-marked and maintained?
Most hikes are well-maintained but you will come across rough terrain in some areas.
Plan accordingly. Each trail is maintained differently.
Trails within the Pisgah National Forest are usually well-marked but some trails are not as well-marked throughout the area.
What should I pack to hike near Asheville?
The temperatures on the mountain can shift frequently.
Wear layers and make sure to have a good pair of comfortable shoes or hiking boots. For the easy hikes near Asheville we have listed here, you don’t have to pack too much, bring some snacks and water or bring a picnic lunch.
Also note, your cell phone most likely will not work in many areas in the NC mountains, especially within the Pisgah National Forest.
Easy Hikes Near Asheville
Final thoughts: 11 Easy Hikes Near Asheville, North Carolina
There are so many amazing easy hikes near Asheville, NC. You could spend months exploring them. The ones included here are some of the most popular and easy-to-access locations.
When it comes to easy waterfall hikes near Asheville, these are definitely the top ones to visit.
If you want to keep chasing waterfalls, there are over 250 waterfalls alone near Brevard, NC, which is located near the DuPont State Recreational Forest.
You will find some of the best hikes and waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Check out these packing essentials to get started!
About the Author: Sarah Murphy is a wife and mother to two amazing teenagers. Formally a professional portrait photographer, she has transferred her passion to capture the beautiful world that surrounds us. Sarah is local to North Carolina and loves to share her passion for travel, exploring, and food through her site at exploremoreNC.com. She encourages everyone to get out, live more and have fun. Life is all about experiences!
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