Hiking in Asheville, NC

Colloquially known as the “Yosemite of the East.” Panthertown Valley is home to massive rock plutons, sandy valley bottoms and a lush, Southern Appalachian Bog, ecosystem.

Saunter through a high country meadow on your way to panoramic views atop The Purchase.

The Blowing Rock, located in the nearby town of the same name, is a wonderful little family destination with great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

On the edge of the Pisgah Ledge, a towering crest which looms high above the valley floor, local lore claims the Devil holds court in a cave at the base of a sinister looking rock face. His toils and trials were such a waste – he should have climbed to the top - the view is heavenly!

John Rock Loop affords a steep 5.5 mile hike, offering some stunning views of the surrounding area.

Chimney Tops’ gnarled, dual summit towers precipitously over a raging river, amidst the rugged terrain of the Great Smokies’ western slope!

Take a hike, on the Appalachian Trail, to reach this gnarled rock formation with a storied past.

A meandering hike along roaring cascades into one of the most beautiful drainage basins the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.

Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi, and it provides some of the best hiking, trail running, and backpacking east of the Mississippi as well.

An easily accessible trail head provides access to a scenic hike along Fisher Creek which leads to panoramic views atop Black Rock.

Graveyard Fields — a rather ominously named high valley in the Great Balsam Mountains — is rife with beauty. Fear not on a trip to this outdoor wonderland, the only things that will be buried are your cares and worries!

This 9.5-mile loop features quite a bit of climbing (2,000 feet), but the views of surrounding peaks and of the Columbia River Gorge make it well worth the effort.

Mt. Sterling's summit is home to a historic fire tower that offers breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A scenic, 5 mile round-trip, trail leads hikers through lush forestry from the trailhead to the summit.

By using the Art Loeb Trail, you can reach one of the most scenic spots in southern Appalachia in just half a mile. The views from Black Balsam's grassy bald are beyond description.

The duel summit of Sam’s Knob is perched above a high country meadow and surrounded by towering Appalachian peaks. A beautiful drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway leads visitors to the Sam’s Knob Trailhead for a day of high country adventure.

A fitting Memorial to the man who authored “Trees.” Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest is home to towering trees accessed by a hiker-friendly, 2 mile, double loop trail.

Cool yourself in the refreshing waters of an Appalachian stream after a 1/2 mile hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Sliding Rock is regarded as one of America's Top 10 swimming holes, and for great reason. Enjoy zipping down the rock before plunging into a refreshing pool of mountain stream water.

Located in Brevard's backyard, the DuPont State Forest is a 10,000-acre outdoor mecca with amazing family hiking trails and plenty of other recreation.

The Biltmore; an ornate outdoor oasis in the heart of Asheville.

Craggy Gardens offers an easy local hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway that's well-known for its 360-degree views.

"The Crown Jewel" of Appalachia, Shining Rock, is topped with massive quartz rock formations that will dazzle the eye's of all visitors!

The views are grand, the approach hike is picturesque and the summit experience is more than memorable on the rocky precipice known as “The Pinnacle.”

An easy access mountaintop playground off the Blue Ridge Parkway with a picnic area, hiking trail to the summit and long range views in every direction make Waterrock Knob a must-visit.

Looking Glass Rock; a veritable beacon of granite within the Pisgah National Forest. Its’ towering omnipresence fills the forest with iconic views, classic climbing routes and a hike to remember.