The best walks and hikes around Asheville

For a very gentle and flat walk, the Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail loop is an excellent choice. It's a simple 2-mile (3.1 km) path around the lake. Another great option is the Hominy Creek Greenway, which offers a pleasant, short walk along the creek.

Yes, many trails in the Asheville area are dog-friendly, but they must be kept on a leash. The trails within Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway are generally welcoming to dogs. The Richmond Hill Park Trail loop is a popular choice for a woodland walk with your canine companion.

The region is famous for its waterfalls. A highly regarded destination is Catawba Falls, where a forest trail leads to a stunning series of cascades. Another popular area is Graveyard Fields along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which features a loop trail passing two different waterfalls. For multiple impressive falls in one park, consider visiting DuPont State Recreational Forest.

Hiking is possible year-round, but each season offers a unique experience. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, especially the famous rhododendrons at Craggy Gardens. Summer is warm, making waterfall hikes particularly refreshing. Autumn is the most popular season, with spectacular fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway, though trails can be crowded. Winter offers clearer, long-range views through the bare trees and a quieter experience.

Mountain weather can change quickly, so it's best to be prepared. Essentials include:

• Layers of clothing: A moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof outer shell.
• Sturdy footwear: Hiking boots or shoes with good grip are recommended.
• Navigation: A map, compass, or a GPS device with downloaded maps, as cell service can be unreliable.
• Water and snacks: Bring more than you think you'll need.
• Sun protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
• A small first-aid kit.

The Mountains-to-Sea Trail from the Folk Art Center to Lunch Rock is a great option. It's a 4.7-mile (7.6 km) route that offers beautiful scenery along a segment of the Blue Ridge Parkway and returns to your starting point.

Most trailheads, especially those along the Blue Ridge Parkway and within national forests, are accessible only by car. Parking is available at most popular trailheads but can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and during the fall foliage season. It's best to arrive early. Public transportation to trailheads is generally not available.

Pisgah National Forest offers a vast network of trails. For a classic experience, many hikers head towards Mount Pisgah for its rewarding summit views. Another popular choice is the trail to Looking Glass Rock, a more strenuous climb that pays off with incredible vistas from the top of the iconic rock face. The forest is also home to numerous waterfall trails and sections of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

For sweeping, open vistas, the trails across grassy balds like Black Balsam Knob or Max Patch are unparalleled. For classic Blue Ridge scenery, many trails accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway offer stunning overlooks. The French Broad River Greenway loop provides a different kind of scenery, with lovely views along the river valley.

The hiking routes around Asheville are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the diversity of the landscape, from the dense, quiet woodlands of Pisgah National Forest to the stunning panoramic views from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The well-maintained trails and the abundance of waterfalls are also common highlights.

There are dozens of curated hiking routes around Asheville available on komoot, with over 30 trails to choose from. These range from easy, family-friendly walks to more challenging mountain ascents, covering the diverse terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains.