Asheville is a great city to visit no matter the time of year. It’s well known for being located in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, which means you’ll want to get out and enjoy outdoor activities while you’re visiting. Here are a few of the top winter hikes near Asheville that you can take advantage of when you’re in the area.
Bearwallow Mountain
Hendersonville, NC
Distance: 2-7 miles (roundtrip)
On every single list of great hikes in Asheville is Bearwallow Mountain. Bearwallow is incredible all year round, with beautiful panoramic views for every season. While its address is in Hendersonville, it’s really just 20 or so miles from downtown Asheville. It’s the perfect outdoor activity for hikers who are ready to get active. Because of its challenging nature, you can be sure that it’ll warm you up quickly on cold days!
John Rock Trail
Pisgah National Forest
Distance: 5 miles (roundtrip)
If you’re a sucker for a good national forest, then you can’t miss Pisgah National Forest. John Rock Trail is located in Pisgah National Forest which is 37 miles from downtown Asheville. If you summit John Rock, you’ll see some beautiful views of the area.
Catawba Falls Trail
Old Fort, NC
Distance: 3 miles (roundtrip)
This trail is on the shorter side which makes it a little bit friendlier than some of the longer hikes in the Asheville area. Feel free to bring the whole family and even your dog! Along the way, you’ll be able to see a 100-foot waterfall, which is the perfect place to stop and rest. If the weather is pleasant, bring snacks and have a little picnic. If you’re a skilled hiker and want to take this one to the next level, there’s a spot above Lower Falls called Upper Falls that’s a tough ½ mile hike that can provide an even more spectacular view.
Dupont State Forest Waterfalls
Cedar Mountain, NC
Distance: 3.5 miles (roundtrip)
Are you a fan of the Hunger Games? There are spots on this hike you might recognize from the movie as it filmed at this location. If not, you’ll still enjoy the waterfalls and other ice formations that occur during the winter time. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to see something you’ve never seen before on a winter hike in Dupont!
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock, NC
Distance: 2.2 miles (roundtrip)
If you’re looking for a challenging hike about an hour outside of the Asheville area, head to Chimney Rock State Park! In the park, you can hit the Skyline Trail which is its highest segment of hikes. There’s a variety of options based on what you want your day to consist of, but it’s guaranteed to be filled with breathtaking views. Just know that this hike is challenging so be sure to bring water and snacks that you can enjoy along the way.
Credit: www.asheville.com
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