Here is a list of some good hiking trails in the Asheville area and NC mountains.

• Appalachian Trail
  • The Appalachian Trail which goes from Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia.  Historical Note: The trail was part of the Underground Railroad during and prior to the American Civil War.
• Chimney Rock Park
  • From the Rock is a Breathtaking view of Western North Carolina. There are streams and waterfalls and a  trail.
• • Blue Ridge Parkway
    • At most any overlook or pull out, there is a trail. Be careful not to leave the trail cause of obvious dangers.
    • Beautiful views especially in the Fall of year
  • Craggy Gardens
    • Breathtakingly Beautiful, trail is literally breathtaking (straight up)
    • Picnic Tables, BBQ Grills, Wildlife, Best to Visit when Rhododendrons are in bloom, first of June
• Looking Glass Falls
  • In winter, when the falls freeze they resemble a looking glass, trails, Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ice water = Trout stream
• Linville Gorge, Caverns, and Wilderness Area
  • 26 miles of Wilderness, (Have to have a permit for camping and hiking) Wilderness Camping; The Old Fashion Way - Hike in with a backpack; Great Exercise! No Vehicles Allowed, Native Trout Fishing (Not Stock Fish)
  • Beautiful views especially in the Fall of year
• Linville Falls
  • dramatic falls that drop into a deep gorge, rosebay, Catawba, and Carolina rhododendron grow side by side.
• Mt. Mitchell
  • Highest mountain peak in the east, Climb to the top of the tower to get a better view (not for those afraid of heights), trails that will take your breath away! picnic tables, BBQ grills, museum (small, but worth looking at).
  • Beautiful views especially in the Fall of year
• Smokey Mountain National Park
  • near Sylva, Cherokee, Bryson City NC - 800 square miles of park land - wildlife sanctuary, a great diversity of plant and animal life - 95% of the land is forest
  • Beautiful views especially in the Fall of year
• Grandfather Mountain
  • Near Boone, Highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains; mile high swinging bridge; abundant wildlife, nature museum, beautiful views, and 13 miles of the best trails in the South. There is a restaurant or you can picnic at one of the many roadside tables within the park.
  • Beautiful views especially in the Fall of year
• Mt Pisgah
  • Second highest peak in the east, trails, views, camping, horse back riding available.
  • Beautiful views especially in the Fall of year

North Carolina National Forests

Books about Hiking