The summer days of summer move away, but there is still time to explore some of the most breathtaking paths around Asheville. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer incredible adventures in your backyard, cascades precipitated with panoramic views on the mountain. Whether you are looking for a quick escape from the afternoon or a difficult climb, these twelve paths will help you make the most of the hot time.
1. Cemetery field loop
Wild blueberries dot the landscape as well as candies of nature at the end of summer in this high altitude paradise. The walks guide you through open meadows that look more like Montana than in North Carolina.
Two breathtaking waterfalls reward your efforts along this popular loop path. Yellowstone Prong Cascades on rocky edges while the second falls create perfect swimming holes on warmer days.
Arrive early because parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends. The 3.2 -mile loop offers large views of the mountain and this wilderness experience of classic apparatus wants everyone.
2.
The legends say that Cherokee Spirits once held the court during this dramatic rocky summit. The short but steep climb challenges your legs on only half a million before revealing spectacular awards.
Four states have spread below you on clear days – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. Golden Hour transforms the Vista into pure magic while the shadows dance through distant laughs.
Intelligent hikers timed their visit to sunset when the rocks of the courthouse shine like an old fire. The round trip of 0.8 mile has a maximum landscape in a minimum of effort, perfect for families looking for adventure.
3. Black Balsam Knob & Tennt Mountain
The grassy mouths are constantly extending over 6,000 feet, creating an alpine Wonderland in the heart of North Carolina. These heights without trees offer almost constant views of 360 degrees that will steal your breath.
The rules of wilderness apply here, so wrap everything you bring. Different land rewards have experienced hikers with loneliness and virgin mountain landscapes.
Access since the start of the Balsam Black path requires a bumpy road from Forest Service Road 816. Once you reach the Baules, the ridge walk becomes pure joy with endless photo opportunities at each turn.
4. Sam Knob
The twin summits rise like gentle giants of the surrounding meadows, offering radical panoramas without the crowd of popular places nearby. This hidden gem offers an excellent alternative hike when other bats are too busy.
High Meadows welcomes you with wild flowers and mountain laurels during the growth season. The relatively short hike makes it perfect for families or anyone looking for spectacular views without extreme effort.
Recent local updates confirm that the path remains open, although the conditions can change quickly in mountain weather. Always check the current status before leaving for your adventure.
5. Trails from the Mont Pisgah region
The proximity of Asheville makes these reliable trails perfect for adventures after work or family outings on weekends. The summit paths connect with the famous sea corridor with sea for extended exploration options.
Pisgah Inn provides practical departure points for several itinerary choices. Buck Spring Gap offers additional access to the connection of trails that are suitable for different skill levels and time commitments.
Coherent landscapes reward hikers all year round, although the end of summer brings perfect weather conditions. The well -maintained trails system facilitates navigation for beginners while offering challenges to experienced mountain lovers.
6. Glass rock in search
Granite dome climbing challenges have even experienced hikers with 1,700 feet of constant elevation gain. The official designation of the USFS as a high use zone reflects the incredible popularity of this path among outdoor lovers.
Massive gains await those who complete the demanding ascent to the rocky overlook. Panoramic views extend to the endless green canopy of the national pisgah forest towards distant mountain ranges.
The circulation of heavy trails means that starting early gives you better parking lot and more peaceful summit experiences. The classic dome hike represents everything that is great in the adventures of Mountain de Caroline du Nord in a difficult package.
7. Catawba Falls
The major safety improvements completed in May 2024 transformed this path into a cascade into a much safer adventure for families. New bridges and improved staircases replace the previously dangerous stream passages that concerned many visitors.
The water flow at the end of summer varies considerably depending on the recent precipitation models. Even during the drier periods, the falls keep enough flows to create great photo opportunities.
The recent reopening means that fewer people know the improvements, which gives you a better chance of peaceful cascade experiences. The improved trail infrastructure makes this former gem that are very accessible to hikers of all ages and capacities.
8. Dupont State Forest: Triple Falls and High Falls
Choose your own adventure distance on this flexible cascade walk featuring some of the most photogenic drops of North Caroline. Triple Falls creates perfect Instagram moments with its dramatic three -level cascade.
Post-temple repairs have recently reopened Triple Falls Trail after large maintenance work. Always check the current alerts before visiting, as weather conditions may have an impact on the conditions of the trails quickly in this area.
High Falls adds another spectacular destination for hikers wishing to extend their forest exploration. The well -marked trail system allows you to personalize your adventure according to the time and energy levels available.
9. Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock State Park
The shaded forest trails offer perfect relief during hot afternoon adventures, leading to an impressive 404-foot waterfall that exceeds the surrounding landscape. The fresh mist of the falls creates the natural air conditioning of the suffocating summer days.
Private park management requires checking current hours and timed input requirements before your visit. Advanced planning ensures that you will not disappoint the front door.
The well -maintained trails system makes this cascade accessible to most fitness levels. Families particularly appreciate the manageable distance and the spectacular gain that creates lasting memories for children and adults.
10. Bearwallow mountain
The grazing of cattle near the summit creates an unexpected pastoral scene on this gem of Henderson County. The short ascent rewards hikers with views of almost 360 degrees that compete with many longer mountain adventures.
Post-temple road conditions are currently making access to Edneyville the most reliable route to the start of the trail. Check the current state of the road before trying to access from other directions.
The open-fitting peak offers perfect picnic spots with panoramic mountain views. Local families like this manageable hike which offers great mountain experiences without requiring commitments all day or extreme physical conditioning.
11. Rattlesnake lodge via a mountain path at sea
Historical ruins of historical property tell fascinating stories of mountain families who once called these distant ridges at home. Family forestry makes history accessible to hikers of all ages and capacities.
The start of the Tanbark Ridge Tunnel Tanbark path at Milepost 374.4 offers practical Blue Ridge Parkway access. The well -marked sea mountain segment segment guides you safely through beautiful forest landscapes.
Children particularly like to explore the old foundation stones and imagine life in these mountains there are generations. The moderate distance and the soft terrain create perfect introduction adventures for young hikers who discover mountain trails.
12. Stepped gardens / steep pinnacle
The alpine views and wild flowers at the end of the season make that of the first short hikes in Asheville when the weather conditions cooperate. The unique high altitude ecosystem supports plants found anywhere else in the region.
Storm closings recently affected the parts of the steep area. Always check the current state of the path before making the reader to avoid disappointment.
When open, the combination of dramatic dramatic outcrops and delicate mountain gardens creates an unforgettable hiking experience. The relatively short distance makes it accessible to most hikers looking for an Alpine adventure without extreme commitments.
