Summary: Things to do near Asheville, NC
Asheville is absolutely one of my favorite mountain towns, and it’s easy to see why I fell in love with it. There are so many fun things to do near Asheville, NC. You can spend time downtown where you’ll find great food, cute shops, and the perfect mountain town vibe. Then after, you can head to a nearby mountain hike or waterfall, or drive to different overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Either way, there is no shortage of activities for anyone visiting the area. This guide is going to help you figure out what makes the most sense for your trip. I included easy hikes, waterfall stops, mountain views, Blue Ridge Parkway stops, and day trips from Asheville.
Asheville is fun on its own, but the areas around it are what make the trip even better.
Quick Guide To The Best Things To Do Near Asheville
Here is a quick breakdown if you are planning your trip now.
Best easy hike near Asheville: Moore Cove Falls
Best waterfall hike near Asheville: Catawba Falls
Best mountain view hike: Black Balsam Knob
Best Blue Ridge Parkway stop: Craggy Gardens or Graveyard Fields
Best day trip from Asheville: Brevard or Black Mountain
Best hike for experienced hikers: Looking Glass Rock
Best scenic drive: Blue Ridge Parkway
Best easy outdoor stop: North Carolina Arboretum
ALSO READ: Best Things to do in Asheville, NC
How To Choose What To Do Near Asheville
Before you start adding every trail to your list, think about the kind of day you actually want. If you want something easy, go with a short waterfall hike or a scenic overlook. If you want more of an adventure day, choose a longer hike with a view. And if you want to be outside without doing too much, drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and stop along the way.
That is usually how I like to plan trips like this. I pick one main thing for the day, then build around that. So instead of trying to fit in five hikes, you could do one waterfall hike, grab lunch in Brevard, and take a scenic drive back. That way, the day still feels full without feeling rushed.
Also, make sure you check conditions before you go. Weather changes fast in the mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway can close in certain sections, and some trails may have temporary closures after storms or repairs. I would always double-check the official site before heading out.
These things alone can ensure you accomplish the best things to do near Asheville, NC during your visit.
Easy Hikes Near Asheville, NC
If you are newer to hiking or just want something simple, this is a good place to start. These trails are great when you want to get outside but don’t want to commit to a long or difficult hike. They are also good options for families, beginners, or anyone who wants an easier day outdoors.
Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls is one of the best easy waterfall hikes near Asheville, NC.
The trail is short, shaded, and not too hard, plus it leads to a gorgeous waterfall! This is a good option if you are visiting with kids. It also works well if you want a quick stop before doing something else nearby.
Moore Cove Falls is close to Looking Glass Falls too, so you can easily pair them together. This area is really perfect for quick things to do near Asheville, NC.
Craggy Gardens
Craggy Gardens is one of the best Blue Ridge Parkway stops near Asheville if you want a shorter hike with pretty mountain views. It is not too far from town, so it is easy to add to your trip.
Late spring and early summer are especially pretty because of the blooms, but it is still a good stop outside year-round. Just make sure you check road conditions before going, especially if you are visiting in winter or after bad weather.
North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is a good option when you don’t really want to hike. There are gardens, walking trails, and plenty of areas to explore at your own pace.
I think this is a great stop for families, couples, or anyone who wants something more low-key. It is also a good backup plan if the weather is not looking great for a bigger hike, but you still want to get outside for a bit.
Waterfall Hikes Near Asheville
One thing I love about Asheville is how many waterfalls you can visit that are close by. Some are quick stops that do not require much hiking, while others feel more like a full trail day. So if waterfalls are high on your list, this is one of the best things to do near Asheville, NC.
Catawba Falls
Catawba Falls is one of the more popular waterfall hikes near Asheville. The trail has had some major updates in recent years, so it is easier to follow now and has stairs and overlook areas.
I would still check current conditions before going, since parts of the trail can close after storms or repairs. This is also one I would do earlier in the day because it can get busy, especially on weekends. Bring water, wear good shoes, and give yourself enough time to enjoy it.
Looking Glass Falls
Looking Glass Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls to add to your Asheville trip because you do not really have to hike to see it. It is a great quick stop if you want a pretty waterfall without committing to a full trail.
It is also close to Moore Cove Falls and Sliding Rock, so it makes sense to add if you are planning a Brevard day trip from Asheville.
Graveyard Fields
Graveyard Fields is another popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and it is a good one to add if you want waterfalls, hiking trails, and mountain views in the same area.
Just keep in mind that it can get crowded, especially in the fall. I would try to go early or visit during the week if you can. Also, check the Parkway before you head that way since weather and road closures can change your plans.
Mountain View Hikes Near Asheville
If you are looking for the hikes with the best mountain views near Asheville, these are the ones I would start with. Some are easier than others, so I would choose based on how much time you have and how comfortable you feel on the trail. Hiking the mountains here is one of the more popular things to do near Asheville, NC.
Black Balsam Knob
Black Balsam Knob is one of the best mountain view hikes near Asheville. The trail takes you across open balds, so you get wide views for most of the hike instead of being covered by trees the whole time.
I would try to go early because parking can fill up quickly. It can also get windy at the top, so I would bring a jacket just in case.
Looking Glass Rock
Looking Glass Rock is one of the more challenging hikes near Asheville. I would not make this your first hike if you are brand new to the trail. But if you hike often and want something a little more difficult, this is a really good one to add to your list.
The trail is a steady climb through the forest, and then you end at a large rock overlook with beautiful views. You will definitely want to come prepared with enough water, snacks, and shoes with good grip. It is not the easiest hike, but it is worth it if you want to work for the view.
Fun Fact: Looking Glass Rock is also well-known for rock-climbing!
Mount Mitchell
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, so it is a good one to add for insane views. You can drive pretty close to the summit and take a short paved path to the top.
There are also harder trails nearby if you want more of a workout. Just keep in mind that the weather can feel very different at the top, so bring layers. It can be much colder and windier than it feels in Asheville.
Blue Ridge Parkway Things To Do Near Asheville
You really cannot plan a trip to Asheville without considering the Blue Ridge Parkway. It is one of the easiest ways to see beautiful mountain views without having to do a long hike. You can spend a few hours driving, stopping at overlooks, and adding in shorter trails along the way. Some of the best Blue Ridge Parkway trails near Asheville include Craggy Gardens, Graveyard Fields, Black Balsam Knob, and Mount Pisgah.
This is also one of the best things to do near Asheville in the fall because the colors are so pretty. Just know that it does get crowded during peak leaf season, so I would start early if you can. Parking at popular stops can fill up quickly. I would also check road closures before you go because the Parkway can close due to weather, maintenance, or storm damage. You do not want to plan your whole day around a section that is closed.
Best Day Trips From Asheville
There are a lot of good day trips from Asheville, especially if you want more waterfalls, small towns, and scenic drives. You can stay in Asheville and still explore a different area each day.
Here are a few I would consider:
Brevard
Brevard is one of the best day trips from Asheville for waterfalls because it’s close to Pisgah National Forest and several popular waterfall stops. You can visit Looking Glass Falls, hike Moore Cove Falls, and stop by Sliding Rock in the warmer months.
Downtown Brevard is also a cute place to grab food or coffee and walk around after your hike, so it gives you a nice mix of waterfalls, outdoor time, and a small-town stop before heading back to Asheville.
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a small mountain town close to Asheville. It is a good option if you want cute shops, local food, and mountain views. You can spend a few hours walking around, grabbing coffee or shopping. I think this is a great stop to add after a difficult hike day when you still want to explore.
Hendersonville
Hendersonville is another easy day trip from Asheville. It is really fun during apple season, but it is still worth visiting outside of that too. You can find restaurants, shops, wineries, and nearby outdoor stops, so it gives you a nice mix of things to do.
Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock is a classic mountain day trip from Asheville. It is a good option for families, couples, or anyone who wants to spend the day outside. I would just check the park status before you go, especially after storms or bad weather, because some areas can close for repairs or safety reasons.
A Weekend Itinerary for Asheville, NC
Here is how I would plan a simple weekend in Asheville.
Day One: Get There And Keep It Easy
Use your first day to get settled, especially if you are heading there after work. Walk around downtown Asheville, grab dinner, and take time to relax and enjoy the mountain town.
If you get there early enough, visit the North Carolina Arboretum or take a short Blue Ridge Parkway drive. Keep things simple and save your energy for the next day.
Day Two: Waterfalls Near Brevard
For your second day, I would spend it near Brevard and make it more of a waterfall day. You can start with Looking Glass Falls or Moore Cove Falls, then add another waterfall stop if you have time.
After that, grab lunch in Brevard before heading back to Asheville.
Day Three: Mountain Views
For your last day, I would use it for mountain views. You can choose between Black Balsam Knob, Craggy Gardens, or Mount Mitchell depending on how much hiking you want to do.
If you want something easier, I would go with Craggy Gardens. If you want more of a hike, Black Balsam Knob is a good option. Either way, start early, bring layers, and check road conditions before you head out.
What To Pack For Hikes Near Asheville
Even if a hike looks easy, you still want to come prepared. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, and it is always better to have what you need.
Here are a few things I would bring:
- Comfortable hiking shoes or trail sneakers
- Water
- Snacks
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- A light jacket
- First aid basics
- Portable charger
- Downloaded map
- A trash bag for your own trash
I also like keeping extra clothes in the car, especially if I am visiting waterfalls or there is a chance of rain. And please be careful around waterfalls. The rocks can be slippery, and the water can be stronger than it looks. Stay on the trail, follow posted signs, and pack out everything you bring in.
Best Time To Visit Asheville For Hiking
Asheville is a good place to visit in most seasons, but what you do may change depending on when you go. Spring is great for waterfalls and wildflowers, while summer is nice for shaded trails and water stops.
Fall is one of the most popular times to visit because of the leaves, but that also means you should plan for more crowds. Winter can be quieter, but road and trail closures are more common. If I had to choose, I would probably visit in late spring or early fall for good weather, pretty views, and fewer issues with closures.