15 Easy Hiking Trails near Asheville, NC

Asheville is located just a quick drive from endless adventures in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. As the gateway to exploring beautiful WNC, there are hundreds of miles of hikes within close proximity. The Blue Ridge region is one of the most biodiverse in the county, with over 100 species of trees, 70 mammals, and over 225 identified birds. Many of these trails feature dazzling waterfalls, others a rare glimpse of high altitude plant and wildlife, and most notably, mesmerizing views of the Blue Ridge mountains.

A short trail with little elevation gain will enable you to enjoy the natural surroundings of this beautiful region without suffering through a grueling workout. No sore muscles the next day, no major time commitment – sometimes easy is the best way to go! Enjoy gorgeous mountain vistas and lush views of the forest without breaking too much of a sweat on these featured trails. All of the following hikes are less than 2 miles round-trip, easy in intensity, and most importantly, gorgeous!

1. Richard Balsam summit trail

• Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (Parkway MP 431)
• Highlight: Hike to the highest summit on the Parkway at 6410 ft
• Hike distance: 1.5 mile loop

This is the perhaps the most interesting site on the Blue Ridge Parkway as a short hike will take you up to the Parkway’s highest summit. At 6410 feet, Richard Balsam is not only the highest point on the Parkway, but also one of the highest east of the Mississippi. This mossy hike through a serene spruce/fir forest is just 1.5 miles RT and relatively easy with no more than a gradual climb. While there are no major mountain views, the fresh scent of red spruce/Fraser fir trees dominates the air. Due to the drastic temp difference at this high of an elevation (generally 15-20 degrees), this is a perfect hike to escape the heat on a scorching summer day. Best of all, this one is really quiet as tourists head to more popular hikes nearby. The hike begins at the Haywood Jackson overlook (MP 431) just down the road from the Richard Balsam overlook.

2. Bucks Springs Gap trail

• Distance from Asheville: 40 min (Parkway MP 308)
• Highlight: Easy secluded hike to a beautiful overlook
• Hike distance: 1.1 miles out-and-back

The short trek to the scenic Buck Springs Gap overlook begins at the Pisgah Inn along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 408. This quick, easy 1 mile hike is actually a small portion of the very lengthy Mountains-to-Sea trail. What sets this trail apart from nearby Parkway options is the complete lack of crowds. You are unlikely to see any other hikers along the way. The hike travels through a beautiful hardwood forest with plenty of shade along the way. Near the end of the hike, you will be treated to a gorgeous mountain view. On an interesting historical note, you will pass the site where Buck Spring’s Lodge (George Vanderbilt’s mountain cabin) once stood. If you wish to extend your hike, continue on all the way to Mt Pisgah (another 2 miles, moderate in intensity, fantastic views).

3. Nature trail at the North Carolina Arboretum

• Distance from Asheville: 20 min (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way). Parking fee: $16
• Highlight: Peaceful and shady
• Hike distance: 1 mile loop

The North Carolina Arboretum is located about 15 minutes outside of Asheville near the small town of Arden. Exploring the 65 acres of manicured gardens & on-site trails is the perfect rustic escape from the city’s tourist crowds. Featuring 10 miles of trails, you could easily spend the entire day hiking here. After checking out the wonderful Bonsai and Quilt garden, take a relaxing stroll along the 1 mile nature loop. This trail is shady, maintained, and features a number of interpretative signs along the way. Note: Admission to the arboretum is free, although there is a $16 parking fee.

4. Balsam Nature trail at Mt. Mitchell State Park

• Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (Take MP 355 to NC 128 ~2 miles)
• Highlight: Great bird watching
• Hike distance: 0.75 miles out-and-back

Mt. Mitchell, at 6684 feet, is the highest point east of the Mississippi. The park is well worth a visit as it is free, beautiful, and conveniently located just a few miles off the Parkway. The drive over from Asheville is quite picturesque with numerous places to get out of your car and take pics. Asides from the amazing overlook, there are a few trails to enjoy here. The ~mile long Balsam Nature trail will take you on a refreshing, high altitude adventure through gorgeous spruce and Fraser fir trees. The smell of Christmas trees on a hot summer day will have you feeling nostalgic and ready for the winter. The temps can be quite cool here even during the summer months, so layer up.

5. Craggy Pinnacle trail

• Distance from Asheville: 40 min (Parkway MP 364)
• Highlight: 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge mountains
• Hike distance: 0.7 miles out-and-back

This short trail travels 0.7 miles up to a magnificent overlook. Although the trail is moderately steep, it’s so short and really a great bang-for-your-buck experience considering the dazzling mountain views you get in return. For those on a time constraint, this hike will not take longer than 20-30 min max. At 5892 feet, the vistas are quite spectacular. On a clear day, the views are simply out-of-this-world. During the early summer months, you may be treated to lovely rhododendrons and wildflowers along the trail. Be sure to check the weather forecast and avoid summer thunderstorm season. Hands down, the Craggy Pinnacle hike offers one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the Parkway. Also stop by nearby Craggy Gardens to browse through the visitor’s center and enjoy a lovely picnic.

6. Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park

• Distance from Asheville: 40 min (Highway 64/74A Chimney Rock). Admission: $17 adults, $8 youth
• Highlight: Access to the 2nd tallest waterfall in North Carolina
• Hike distance: 0.7 miles out-and-back

The state’s second tallest waterfall is easily accessible via a short 0.7 mile out-and-back hike at Chimney Rock State Park. While the 500 step climb up Chimney Rock is quite a feat, the hike to Hickory Nut Falls is peaceful without much elevation gain. In fact, it’s a great place to unwind after the hard hike up Chimney. A lovely low key trek through the woods will lead you to an up close view of the 404 foot tall beauty featured in The Last of the Mohicans. You can stand in front of this amazing waterfall for a really cool photo opp. Gorgeous in the fall, super quiet during the winter months, and alive with wildflowers in the spring/summer – anytime of the year offers its’ own unique beauty. Also, this is a great place for bird watching – be on the lookout for Green Warblers and Scarlet Tanagers during spring migration.

7. Carolina Mountain/Bent Creek trail

• Distance from Asheville: 20 min (100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way). Parking: $16
• Highlight: Peaceful creek views
• Hike distance: 2 mile loop

This is another picturesque easy trail located at the North Carolina Arboretum. A bit longer and more “hike-like” than the nature trail, so a great choice if you are up for more of a rustic workout. No big mountain views on this one, however, the trail winds through a beautiful forest with tranquil views of Bent Creek. You will get to observe local plants and possibly wildlife along the way. It’s relatively easy in terms of difficulty for the majority of the trek, minus a short, but intense uphill section near the end. Lots of dense trees, making this and any other arboretum trail, the perfect shady escape on a hot summer day. After your walk, treat yourself to a light al fresco lunch at the on-site Bent Creek bistro featuring locally sourced foods and a beautiful shady patio.

8. Moore Cove Falls

• Distance from Asheville: 50 min (Hwy 276 Brevard)
• Highlight: The only waterfall you can walk under
• Hike distance: 0.7 miles out-and-back

Moore Cove Falls, a 50 foot tall free falling waterfall in the Pisgah National Forest, claims the distinction of being the only waterfall which you stand stand underneath. Not surprisingly, this desirable aspect draws a fair number of tourists and parking fills up fast on weekends. Because of the limited number of spots, you will want to get here early. The hike itself is pretty peaceful with dense trees throughout, as well as a number of small creeks and streams. Another bonus of this hike is its’ close proximity (located just a mile down the road) from Looking Glass Falls. This powerful roadside beauty is amongst the most popular attractions in Western North Carolina. Do stop by for a quick photo en route to the hike.

9. Lower Graveyard Falls

• Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (Parkway MP 418.8)
• Highlight: Beautiful fall foliage
• Hike distance: 0.25 miles out-and-back

The Graveyard Falls loop trail is amongst the popular hikes on the Parkway. With 2 waterfalls accessible via a moderate hike of just 3.5 miles, plus terrific leaf peeping in the fall, you really get a lot of bang-for-your-buck on this one. While the full hike is moderate with a fairly steep trek up to the Upper Falls, Lower Falls is more easily accessible via a simple quarter mile walk. As long as your legs are able to handle a few staircases, you will fine. In return for your brief Stairmaster workout, you will get to enjoy a powerful 55 foot waterfall. This one is really stunning in fall as colorful foliage drapes around the waterfall creating a picture-perfect Carolina autumn scene.

10. Roaring Fork Falls

• Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (208 Busick Work Center Rd, Burnsville)
• Highlight: Serene forest setting
• Hike distance: 0.7 miles out-and-back

The incredibly photogenic 100 ft Roaring Fork waterfall is also one of the easiest to hike to in Western North Carolina. Surprisingly, it also remains a hidden gem, not overly visited by tourists. If you arrive early enough in the morning, you may just find yourself enjoying a rejuvenating solitary walk through beautiful nature. This hike is located within the beautiful Pisgah National Forest and is lined with dense trees. With plenty of shade, lovely views of the forest, and a well-maintained, easy to follow trail – this hidden gem is easily one of the best waterfall hikes in Western North Carolina.

11. MTS trail at Folk Art Center

• Distance from Asheville: 15 min (Parkway MP 382)
• Highlight: Convenient to several Parkway attractions
• Hike distance: Varies

The Folk Art Center is the most visited attraction on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, you can explore the rich arts and craft history of Southern Appalachia, watch live crafting demonstration, and shop for local goods. From the Folk Art Center, you can conveniently begin a short out-and-back section of the Mountains-to-Sea trail. This portion of the trail is relatively crowd-free and easy in intensity with little elevation gain. The views are simple, yet beautiful. Go out to your comfort level and simply turn back when desired. More avid hikers may want to embark on the challenging 5 mile climb to the Haw Creek overlook.

12. Log Hollow & Logging Road Falls

• Distance from Asheville: 1 hour (Forest Service Road 475B)
• Highlight: Secluded location, 4 possible waterfalls
• Hike distance: 1 mile out-and-back

A simple 2 mile hike in a secluded part of the Pisgah Forest leads you to 2 little known waterfalls. The first waterfall, Log Hollow Falls, is easily accessible via a half mile walk along an old logging road. This waterfall is quite small at just 25 feet, although really photogenic with the lovely forest setting in the background. The second waterfall will be either really strong or weak depending on recent rainfall, so visiting during the rainy season (spring/summer) is a great idea. There are 2 more hidden waterfalls (Upper Log Hollow/Discovery) on this trek, although they require more of an uphill scramble, so it’s best to avoid them if you are seeking an easier nature stroll. Note: the trail is a bit confusing to find. After arriving at FSR 475B begin hiking the Senaird Ridge trail (walk in past the gate to begin the trail).

13. Jump Off Rock trails

• Distance from Asheville: 45 min (4433 Laurel Park Hwy, Laurel Park, NC)
• Highlight: Mesmerizing mountain overlook
• Hike distance: ~1 mile

Just 5 miles outside of Hendersonville, the stunning Jump Off Rock mountain overlook, offers a bird’s eye view of the Blue Ridge mountains. As one of the state’s most gorgeous sunrise and sunset destinations, it’s quite surprisingly how little traffic it receives. The name comes from an Indian maiden whom (300 years ago) jumped off the rock to her death after her lover was killed in battle. The scenic, slow curvy drive up the mountain makes the trip worthy in and of itself. Add in a few short hiking trails, followed by an afternoon exploring quaint downtown Hendersonville, and you have a wonderful half day daytrip from Asheville. There are 3 easy trails to enjoy here. The trails are shady with nice forest views – simply a great place for an easy nature walk.

14. Asheville Botanical Gardens

• Distance from Asheville: 5 min from downtown (151 W T. Weaver Boulevard)
• Highlight: 10 acres of maintained gardens
• Hike distance: 1/2 mile nature loop

One of the best freebies in Asheville is taking a stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Both admission and parking are free, so this is a real steal in a pricey town. While quite small at just 10 acres, this is a great place for a peaceful walk, birdwatching, and wildlife watching. The 1/2 mile trail features a number of interpretative signs, helping you familiarize yourself with local plant life. This relaxed nature oasis is the perfect place to picnic or enjoy nature in a low key setting, far away from the downtown commotion. One of the best leaf peeping destinations in the city! Be sure to check out the small, yet interesting gift shop after your visit. For a longer walk, you can connect to nearby Greenways.

15. Tom’s Creek Falls

• Distance from Asheville: 50 min (1250 Huskins Branch Rd, Marion, NC)
• Highlight: One of the most gorgeous waterfalls in the state
• Hike distance: 0.7 miles out-and-back

This under visited gem of a waterfall is a bit difficult to get to, but totally worth the trek. An easy, family-friendly hike of just over 1/2 mile will lead you to one of the most mesmerizing waterfalls in the state. Not only is the path not crowded, but it is lush and shady. During the fall, the forest is ablaze with golden hues. On an interesting historical note, this area was once home to a mica mine. Today, the mica sparkles in the sunlight on the rocks near the waterfall. For a picture-perfect waterfall that is easily accessible, you cannot do much better than Tom’s Creek.