Summer’s golden days are slipping away, but there’s still time to explore some of the most breathtaking trails around Asheville. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer incredible adventures right in your backyard, from rushing waterfalls to panoramic mountain views. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon escape or a challenging climb, these twelve trails will help you make the most of the remaining warm weather.
1. Graveyard Fields Loop
Wild blueberries dot the landscape like nature’s candy during late summer at this high-elevation paradise. The boardwalks guide you through open meadows that feel more like Montana than North Carolina.
Two stunning waterfalls reward your efforts along this popular loop trail. Yellowstone Prong cascades down rocky ledges while Second Falls creates perfect swimming holes on warmer days.
Arrive early because parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. The 3.2-mile loop offers big mountain views and that classic Appalachian wilderness experience everyone craves.
2. Devil’s Courthouse
Legends say Cherokee spirits once held court on this dramatic rocky summit. The short but steep climb challenges your legs for just half a mile before revealing spectacular rewards.
Four states spread out below you on clear days – North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Golden hour transforms the vista into pure magic as shadows dance across distant ridgelines.
Smart hikers time their visit for sunset when the courthouse rocks glow like ancient fire. The 0.8-mile round trip packs maximum scenery into minimum effort, perfect for families seeking adventure.
3. Black Balsam Knob & Tennent Mountain
Grassy balds stretch endlessly above 6,000 feet, creating an alpine wonderland in the heart of North Carolina. These treeless summits offer nearly constant 360-degree views that will steal your breath.
Wilderness rules apply here, so pack out everything you bring in. The challenging terrain rewards experienced hikers with solitude and pristine mountain landscapes.
Access from Black Balsam trailhead requires a bumpy drive up Forest Service Road 816. Once you reach the balds, ridge-walking becomes pure joy with endless photo opportunities at every turn.
4. Sam Knob
Twin summits rise like gentle giants from surrounding meadows, offering sweeping panoramas without the crowds of nearby popular spots. This hidden gem provides excellent alternative hiking when other balds get too busy.
High meadows welcome you with wildflowers and mountain laurel during peak growing season. The relatively short hike makes it perfect for families or anyone seeking spectacular views without extreme effort.
Recent local updates confirm the trail remains open, though conditions can change quickly in mountain weather. Always verify current status before heading out for your adventure.
5. Mount Pisgah Area Trails
Close proximity to Asheville makes these reliable trails perfect for after-work adventures or weekend family outings. Summit paths connect with the famous Mountains-to-Sea corridor for extended exploration options.
Pisgah Inn provides convenient starting points for multiple route choices. Buck Spring Gap offers additional access to connecting trails that suit different skill levels and time commitments.
Consistent scenery rewards hikers year-round, though late summer brings perfect weather conditions. The well-maintained trail system makes navigation easy for beginners while offering challenges for experienced mountain enthusiasts.
6. Looking Glass Rock
Granite dome climbing challenges even experienced hikers with 1,700 feet of steady elevation gain. The official USFS designation as a high-use area reflects this trail’s incredible popularity among outdoor enthusiasts.
Massive payoffs await those who complete the demanding ascent to the rocky overlook. Panoramic views stretch across Pisgah National Forest’s endless green canopy toward distant mountain ranges.
Heavy trail traffic means starting early gives you better parking and more peaceful summit experiences. The classic dome hike represents everything great about North Carolina mountain adventures in one challenging package.
7. Catawba Falls
Major safety upgrades completed in May 2024 transformed this waterfall trail into a much safer adventure for families. New bridges and improved stairs replace the previously hazardous creek crossings that worried many visitors.
Late summer water flow varies significantly depending on recent rainfall patterns. Even during drier periods, the falls maintain enough flow to create beautiful photo opportunities.
Recent reopening means fewer people know about the improvements, giving you better chances for peaceful waterfall experiences. The enhanced trail infrastructure makes this Old Fort gem accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities.
8. DuPont State Forest: Triple Falls and High Falls
Choose your own adventure distance on this flexible waterfall walk featuring some of North Carolina’s most photogenic drops. Triple Falls creates perfect Instagram moments with its dramatic three-tiered cascade.
Post-storm repairs recently reopened Triple Falls Trail after extensive maintenance work. Always check current alerts before visiting since weather can impact trail conditions quickly in this area.
High Falls adds another spectacular destination for hikers wanting to extend their forest exploration. The well-marked trail system lets you customize your adventure based on available time and energy levels.
9. Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock State Park
Shaded forest paths provide perfect relief during hot afternoon adventures, leading to an impressive 404-foot waterfall that towers above the surrounding landscape. Cool mist from the falls creates natural air conditioning on sweltering summer days.
Private park management requires checking current hours and timed entry requirements before your visit. Advanced planning ensures you won’t face disappointment at the entrance gate.
The well-maintained trail system makes this waterfall accessible to most fitness levels. Families especially appreciate the manageable distance and spectacular payoff that creates lasting memories for children and adults alike.
10. Bearwallow Mountain
Grazing cattle near the summit create an unexpectedly pastoral scene on this Henderson County gem. The short climb rewards hikers with nearly 360-degree views that rival much longer mountain adventures.
Post-storm road conditions currently make Edneyville side access the most reliable route to the trailhead. Check current road status before attempting access from other directions.
The open bald summit provides perfect picnic spots with panoramic mountain vistas. Local families love this manageable hike that delivers big mountain experiences without requiring all-day commitments or extreme physical conditioning.
11. Rattlesnake Lodge via Mountains-to-Sea Trail
Historic homestead ruins tell fascinating stories of mountain families who once called these remote ridges home. The family-friendly forest walk makes history accessible to hikers of all ages and abilities.
Tanbark Ridge Tunnel trailhead at Milepost 374.4 provides convenient Blue Ridge Parkway access. The well-marked Mountains-to-Sea Trail segment guides you safely through beautiful forest landscapes.
Children especially enjoy exploring the old foundation stones and imagining life in these mountains generations ago. The moderate distance and gentle terrain create perfect introduction adventures for young hikers just discovering mountain trails.
12. Craggy Gardens / Craggy Pinnacle
Alpine views and late-season wildflowers make this one of Asheville’s premier short hikes when weather conditions cooperate. The unique high-elevation ecosystem supports plants found nowhere else in the region.
Storm-related closures have periodically affected parts of the Craggy area recently. Always verify current trail status before making the drive up to avoid disappointment.
When open, the combination of dramatic rocky outcrops and delicate mountain gardens creates an unforgettable hiking experience. The relatively short distance makes this accessible to most hikers seeking alpine adventure without extreme commitments.
