Hikes and Waterfall Trails Near Asheville

Mount Mitchell State Park is a state park off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Burnsville, about 35 miles northeast of Asheville, and its 6,684-foot summit is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. From the Parkway at Milepost 355.4, NC 128 climbs about 4.5 miles to the summit parking area. A paved, accessible Summit Trail leads to the observation platform at the top, and longer hiking trails head out across the ridge, including the Deep Gap Trail to Mount Craig. Day use is free.

Experience the best of the mountains all in one place! Enjoy six unique hiking trails, 75-mile panoramic views, and the tallest waterfall in any North Carolina State Park.

Graveyard Fields is a waterfall hiking trail in a high mountain valley off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 418.8, about an hour southwest of Asheville, with two waterfalls on the Yellowstone Prong. Lower Falls, also called Second Falls, is the quick one. A paved path and a 60-step wooden stairway drop to the base of the falls, about 20 minutes round trip from the overlook. Upper Falls takes more effort. Follow the blue-blazed Graveyard Fields Loop Trail across the open meadow, then turn onto the orange-blazed Upper Falls Trail. It's about a mile from the parking lot, and the last half mile is rockier and steeper, with Upper Falls dropping in two sections. A hike that takes in both falls runs about 2.5 miles round trip. Side trails crisscross the valley, so carry a map. The meadow fills with wildflowers in summer and wild blueberries later in the season.

Hooker Falls is a short, family friendly hike to a 20 foot waterfall in Dupont State Recreational Forest. Check out the 360 degree video created by our friends at Hike NC with Me: https://youtu.be/C7izjmon09s

Looking Glass Falls is a roadside waterfall and swimming hole with a super easy hike for the whole family. The watering hole is 100% free and great to visit even on chillier days.

Wintergreen Falls is a waterfall hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Hendersonville, about an hour south of downtown Asheville. It's one of the smallest falls in the 10,400-acre forest, a cascading drop over boulders. The easy trail starts at the Guion Farm Access Area on Sky Valley Road and follows the Guion Farm and Tarklin Branch trails to Wintergreen Falls Trail, about 1.25 miles each way, or roughly 3 miles round trip with about 250 feet of elevation change. The trails are shared with mountain bikers and horseback riders, and it's a good weekday or early weekend hike when the bigger falls are crowded.

Max Patch is a grassy bald and hiking trail on the Appalachian Trail in Pisgah National Forest near Hot Springs, about an hour and fifteen minutes northwest of Asheville. A 1.5-mile loop trail climbs to the 4,629-foot summit, where 360-degree views take in the Great Smokies, the Black Mountains and the Bald Mountains. The last miles of the drive are narrow gravel forest road, and the parking lot is small. Camping and fires are banned on the bald through June 2029, and the area is open from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sundown.

Sam Knob is a towering mountain just off the Blue Ridge Parkway that tops out at just over 6,000 feet elevation! Check out the 360 degree video with our friends at Hike NC with Me : https://youtu.be/lb_kumycra0

Sliding Rock is a natural water slide and swimming hole at a Pisgah National Forest recreation park, 7851 Pisgah Highway, north of Brevard. Looking Glass Creek runs down a 60-foot slab of rock into a pool 8 to 10 feet deep, and the water is cold and fast. An observation platform overlooks the slide. Lifeguards are on duty and restrooms are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. The rest of the year there are no lifeguards and the restrooms are closed. Sliders need to be able to swim.

The hike to Looking Glass Rock is a moderate to strenuous trail at 6.1 miles with a rewarding view from the top that makes the hike worth it! Check out the 360 degree video created by our friends at Hike NC with Me: https://youtu.be/CdChLLECCyc

Bent Creek Experimental Forest is a national forest research area just southwest of Asheville, next to the North Carolina Arboretum off Brevard Road. Established in 1927, it is the oldest experimental forest in the East, and today it is open for mountain biking and hiking. Trails include Explorer Loop, Homestead, Deerfield Loop and Pine Tree Loop, and Lake Powhatan has a swim beach, picnic tables and fishing. Horseback riding is allowed on marked trails. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Looking for some majestical waterfall energy? The popular High Falls loop trail will take you to see High Falls and Triple Falls in Dupont State Recreational Forest. Join Hike NC with Me in experiencing our weekly 360 degree hike!

Craggy Gardens is a set of short hiking trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 364, about 20 miles north of downtown Asheville. Craggy Pinnacle Trail climbs about 20 minutes to a rocky summit with 360-degree views, and the Craggy Gardens Trail starts at the visitor center and climbs through rhododendron to a large trail shelter. In June, pink and purple Catawba rhododendron covers the slopes. The visitor center at Milepost 364.4 has natural history exhibits and is open seasonally. The picnic area stays closed through 2026 after Hurricane Helene.

Devil’s Courthouse is a short but steep hike to an amazing view near the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a family friendly, free hike that’s less than a mile! Check out the 360 degree video created by Hike NC with Me: https://youtu.be/SeITlUSHRK4

Catawba Falls is a waterfall hiking trail in Pisgah National Forest off Interstate 40 at Old Fort, east of Asheville. The trail follows the Catawba River upstream about 1.5 miles, past the 205-foot Lower Falls to the 80-foot Upper Falls. A Forest Service rebuild added 580 stairs, three overlooks and a 60-foot observation tower on the climb to Upper Falls, and the Ridge Trail loops back to the parking lot for about 3.5 miles total. The upper viewing platform reopened in September 2026 after Hurricane Helene repairs.

Wildcat Rock via Wildcat Rock Trail is a 3.5 mile out and back trail located near Gerton, North Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Check out the 360 degree video created by Hike NC with Me: https://youtu.be/Gc-cfzs8gDY

The Bridal Veil Falls trailhead is located right outside of the High Falls Visitor’s Center. Check out the 360 degree video created by our friends at Hike NC with Me: https://youtu.be/l2gNXvOcNgQ