15 Amazing Daytrips within an hour of Asheville, NC
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Asheville is a popular destination for foodies, beer connoisseurs, art lovers, and history buffs. Known as the “San Francisco of the East,” the city is often praised for its’ thriving art galleries. As one of the South’s top foodie cities, most tourists spend the majority of their time taking in the flavor of the lively downtown which is home to many independent restaurants, coffeehouses, and galleries. However, the most impressive sights lie beyond the city limits. The enchanting Blue Ridge mountains provide a stunning backdrop for any type of outdoor adventure. An easy daytrip beyond the touristy downtown will lead you to some of the state’s most impressive natural wonders. After living in the area for several years, I have compiled my list of the best attractions worth driving out of your way for.
Note – some of these daytrips are located in South Carolina, with no more than a 2 hr drive required.
1. Chimney Rock State Park
- Distance from Asheville: 55 min
- Highlights: Panoramic vistas of the Hickory Nut Gorge, 404 foot tall Hickory Nut Falls
- Things to do: Hiking nearby: Shopping & dining in Chimney Rock Village, Bubba O’Leary’s General Store
- Where to eat: Coffee on the Rocks (great pastries/coffee)
The stunning 535 year old monolith known as Chimney Rock is easily one of WNC’s most impressive sights. Tourists have been making the trek here for decades to enjoy the fabulous mountain scenery, the breathtaking waterfall, and the beautiful hiking trails. The heart pounding 499 step climb is quite a feat, although so worth it for the panoramic views throughout, especially via the majestic overlooks. For anyone unable to make the climb, there is an elevator (44 steps still required).
Equally impressive is a 1.5 mile hiking trail which leads to Hickory Nut Falls, a powerful 404 foot waterfall wonder which stands tall as the state’s 2nd highest. You may remember seeing this beauty in The Last of the Mohicans.
Right outside the park lies Chimney Rock Village, a rustic shopping and dining area. Stop by Coffee on the Rocks to fuel up with a cup of joe and oatmeal before your exhausting stair climb. Lots of attractions to explore in the Village post hike, including cafes, tourist shops, old time photos, and an old fashioned general shop. Just a short drive away lies another of the region’s most picturesque areas – beautiful Lake Lure (more on this gem later).
At just under an hour drive, you really cannot afford to miss out on one of Western North Carolina’s top natural wonders.
2. Triple Falls Trail
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min
- Highlights: 3 incredible waterfalls via one hike, gorgeous fall foliage, access to a covered bridge, movie filming location
- Things to do: Hiking, picnicking nearby: explore more waterfalls (Bridal Veils, Wintergreen, Four waterfalls trail), stroll downtown Brevard
- Where to eat: Mayberry’s (great soups & sandwiches in downtown Brevard)
With over 200 waterfalls to choose amongst in Transylvania County, it’s tough to pick just which beauty to explore, especially if you are on a time constraint. One of the best hikes is the Triple Falls trail in beautiful Dupont State Forest. In return for a simple 2.2 mile hike, you will get to see 3 wonderful waterfalls including two 125 foot tall powerhouses. Movie fans take note – the base of Triple Falls was featured in The Hunger Games.
Triple Falls is just one of many natural wonders in “The Land of Waterfalls,” an apt nickname for Transylvania County. Although crowded most of the year, the tourist traffic begins to thin out as soon as you begin your trek through the woods. If possible, time this one during the prime of autumn to enjoy the dazzling colorful foliage. And do take the short .2 mile detour to the photo worthy Dupont’s covered bridge.
While you are in the vicinity, consider stopping by downtown Brevard to enjoy the quaint Main Street offerings. Antique shops, cafes, coffee shops, and galleries dot the charming district.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway
- Distance from Asheville: There are several entrances in the city. Plan your trip route via the Blue Ridge Parkway map
- Highlights: Scenic overlooks, museums, hiking trails, waterfalls, amazing fall foliage
- Things to do: Pisgah section scenic drive (MP 339-469), hiking, wildlife watching, North Carolina Arboretum, Crabtree Falls hike, Graveyard Fields hike, Richard Balsam hike (highest point on the Parkway)
- Where to eat: Biscuit Head (awesome biscuits/self service jam bar/gravy flights)
Besides being regarded as one of America’s prettiest drives, The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a number of fascinating attractions. From waterfalls and state parks, to historic landmarks, as well as leaf peeping and wildlife watching opportunities, this drive is your pathway to outdoor adventure in the gorgeous Blue Ridge region.
Points of Interest
- NC Arboretum (Milepost 393): Home to 434 acres of gardens, plus 10 miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Folk Art Center (Milepost 382): Shop for unique handcrafted art pieces, browse galleries, and view historic exhibits.
- Linville Falls (Milepost 316): The most impressive waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway, accessible via a moderate 1.5 mile hike
- The Biltmore (Milepost 384): Take a tour of America’s largest home, the 18,000 acre estate built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800’s
- Richard Balsam: The highest point on the Parkway at an elevation of 6053 feet. Hike a 1.5 mile pine lined trail to the summit. At 6410 feet, this peak comes in as the 10th highest east of the Mississippi
4. Greenville, South Carolina
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour
- Highlights: Charming Main Street, great foodie scene, plentiful outdoor recreation
- Things to do: Stroll around Main Street and Falls Park, Visit the Greenville Museum of Art, Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Hike Paris Mountain State Park, Shop the TD Saturday’s Market
- Where to eat: Swamp Rabbit Cafe (premier coffee & a great patio), Handi Indian Buffet (best Indian food in the region), Greektowne Grill (tasty pitas and Greek salad)
Greenville is the perfect daytrip destination for anyone who wants to enjoy a little bit of recreation and a little bit of urban life. This quaint city features one of the best small downtowns in the South. The tree-lined Main Street district is loaded with unique shops, restaurants, and cafes. The acclaimed Falls Park features a waterfall, gardens, a pedestrian bridge, and quiet walking paths. Check out my full guide to exploring Greenville.
A few of my recommended must-dos:
- Swamp Rabbit trail: A beautiful tree-lined 14 mile long paved biking path which transverses through the downtown.
- Museum of Art: Small, yet impressive collection with ongoing special exhibits. Free admission!
- Swamp Rabbit Cafe: Awesome local coop and bakery featuring organic fair trade coffee and homemade sweets.
- Shoeless Joe Jackson museum: Tour the home of a baseball legend- a must for fans of America’s pastime!
5. Lake Lure
- Distance from Asheville: 45 min
- Highlights: Incredible scenery, Dirty Dancing filming location, annual Dirty Dancing festival
- Things to do: Lake Lure boat cruise, Explore the Dirty Dancing museum, See the Lake Lure Flowering bridge nearby: Hike Chimney Rock
- Where to eat: La Strada (excellent local Italian), Legends on the Lake (scenic view)
Lake Lure is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers, photographers, and movie buffs (a few scenes from 80’s classic Dirty Dancing were shot here). Once you will arrive, you will see why National Geographic ranked it as “one of the 15 most beautiful lakes in the world.” A leisurely narrated boat ride will take you around the lake, while your tour guide points out sights of interest including the stairs that Baby (Jennifer Grey) practiced her dance moves on. Lake Lure is hands down one of the most scenic places in the entire Blue Ridge area.
A few mesmerizing vistas from the cruise
