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.
6. Hendersonville
- Distance from Asheville: 45 min
- Highlights: Charming downtown, easy access to the outdoors, multiple vineyards & breweries
- Things to do: Alfresco dining on Main Street, Bearfootin’ Public Art Walk (summer/fall), Farmers & Artisan’s Market (Sat May-Oct) nearby: Jump Off Rock overlook, Bear Wallow trail, Elijah gem mining
- Where to eat: Joey D’s (NY style bagels), Mountain Deli (homemade soups/sandwiches)
This quaint mountain town is located just 22 miles south of Asheville, yet offers many of its’ own attractive amenities. In addition to an old fashioned Main Street district, you will find multiple orchards (it’s known as the “Apple Capital of North Carolina”), vineyards, antique shops, and a popular gem mine. Access to numerous gorgeous waterfalls and hiking trails is another bonus for outdoor lovers. Be sure to stroll Main Street during the fall or summer season as 20 unique painted bears take over the streets!
A few must-dos in the region
- Grandad’s Apples: U pick or we pick apples, tasty apple cider donuts/cider/pie, great fall festival.
- Appalachian Pinball Museum: Play pinball to your heart’s content for just $12. Cool place with a retro 80’s theme.
- Bear Wallow Mountain trail: Beautiful easy/mod hike which features wide-open mountain vistas
- Jump Off Rock: Scenic mountain lookout, 3 easy hiking trails on-site, relaxing non-touristy vibe.
7. Looking Glass Falls/Moore Cove Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 50 min
- Highlight: 2 easily accessible waterfalls (one roadside) within close proximity
- Things to do nearby: Skinny dip falls (popular summer swimming hole), Sliding Rock (hike to a natural waterslide)
- Where to eat: Flat Rock Village Bakery (great pastries, great patio)
The most mesmerizing, easily accessible waterfall in close proximity to Asheville is Looking Glass Falls. Viewing this marvel of nature requires no hiking, and therefore, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to keep it easy. The nickname comes from Looking Glass rock which takes on a mirror-like appearance in the winter as water freezes and reflects the sunlight. While the fall’s height is a mere 60 feet, this is a powerful and motivating sight to behold.
Nearby (just 1 mile north in fact) lies the Moore Cove Falls trail in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest. While the falls are jut 50 feet (not much more than a trickle), what sets this one apart is that you can stand directly behind it. The trail itself is scenic and peaceful, and easy enough for most due to the short distance. In an area with more popular waterfalls, this one tends to be overlooked. Thus, the vibe is more rustic – a real treat in this day and age!
8. Catawba Falls
- Distance from Asheville: 30 min
- Highlights: Pretty fall foliage, shady with dense greenery, unique multi layered waterfall
- Things to do: Hiking, leaf peeping nearby: explore Black Mountain Village (shops, restaurants, galleries)
- Where to eat: Tupelo Honey (Southern style breakfast)
It’s no surprise that Catawba is one of the more popular daytrips near Asheville. This spectacular waterfall is close to town, sees amazing fall foliage, and most importantly, is relatively easy to hike to. Featuring multiple cascades with a total height around 100 feet, Catawba is amongst the most mesmerizing in Western North Carolina. The trek through the forest is tranquil despite the oftentimes heavy foot traffic. Simply, a beautiful place to get lost in nature and enjoy rustic surroundings.
The hike is moderate due to several steep sections, and therefore, a perfect trail choice for anyone seeking to get in a good heart pumping workout. Time your visit during the peak of fall as this trail sees some of the most dazzling foliage in Western North Carolina.
9. Gorges State Park
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour
- Highlights: Huge visitor’s center, several trails ranging from easy-strenuous, 2 beautiful waterfalls
- Things to do: Hike Bearwallow Falls (short, steep hike to a small waterfall), Rainbow Falls (moderate hike to an incredible waterfall), mountain biking (Auger Hole trail) nearby: Upper Whitewater Falls (tallest NC waterfall)
- Where to eat: Fletcher Bakery Cafe (local bakery/homemade pastries) in nearby Arden
Gorges State Park is a wonderful destination whether you are a nature lover or an avid hiker. There are a range of trails here for every type of hiker. One notable hike here is the Bearwallow Falls trail, a short but steep 1/2 mile trek to a scenic overlook. The second is Rainbow Falls, a super popular, yet moderately difficult 1.5 mile out-and-back trek to a dazzling waterfall. Anyone up for a true hiking experience in the wilderness will surely appreciate this rustic trail. As a bonus, you can continue on another quarter of a mile (very steep!) to another waterfall beauty, Turtleback Falls.
While you are in the vicinity, you will want to make the 10 minute drive over to Upper Whitewater Falls. This spectacular 411 foot waterfall is the tallest in the state. Fortunately, it is easily viewable via a simple quarter of a mile walk on a paved path. Definitely a true beauty worth visiting while you are in the region. The lower falls (400 feet) can be accessed on the SC side although the trek is more arduous at 2 miles each way.
10. Mount Mitchell State Park/Craggy Gardens
- Distance from Asheville: 1 hour
- Highlights: The highest point east of the Mississippi, home to rare plants and wildlife, beautiful drive along the Parkway from Asheville
- Things to do: Hike the Balsam Nature Trail, Enjoy mountain views via the scenic overlook, picnicking. nearby: Craggy Gardens overlook, Craggy Pinnacle trail
- Where to eat: All Day Darling (local Asheville coffeehouse serving great pastries and a full breakfast menu -try the Shakshuka)
Mount Mitchell State Park is easily one of the most impressive stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. First off, the park claims the distinction of being home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Mt. Mitchell stands 6684 feet tall, coming in ahead of Mount Craig (NC) and Clingman’s Dome (TN). Second, the high altitude means you will encounter plants and wildlife you will not see anywhere else in the state. Fresh Fraser Firs and many species of birds commonly found in northern climates are found here. Enjoy a leisurely stroll amongst the green pines via the Balsam Nature trail, an enjoyable 0.75 mile trek featuring the highest spring in the East.
A scenic overlook provides a bird’s eye view of the mountains. Visit the park in late spring to enjoy a crowd free experience, or take your chances during the busy, but extremely scenic fall season.
Mount Mitchell is located 2.5 miles from Milepost 355 along the Parkway. Just 10 minutes away lies Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364), a super popular Parkway destination overlooking the mountains. Tourists come from all over to see the colorful rhododendrons that bloom in early summer.
