Best Hikes in Asheville by Jonathan Farber, Ph.D.

B E S T H I K E S I N A S H E V I L L E , N CJ O N AT H A N FA R B E R , P H . D .

• Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest city in Western North Carolina, located in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the confluence of the Swannanoa River.

• Though the city is widely known for its laid-back atmosphere, kind people, and artistic vibes, Asheville is also home to some of the best places to hike in North Carolina.

• Whether you’re in Asheville for a visit, or you’re lucky enough to live there, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend a day hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains.

• Here’s a look as some of the best places to hike in Asheville…

M T. P I S G A H

• A popular, 3 mile round-trip uphill climb, this hike may seem on the shorter side, but it is strenuous.

• Standing at 5,721 feet, you can see Mt. Pisgah from downtown Asheville on a clear day.

B L A C K B A L S A M K N O B

• This is a great hike if you want to experience some breathtaking views of North Carolina.

• It is part of the 30-mile Art Loeb Trail, so hikes can last as long as you want them to.

F RY I N G PA N T O W E R

• Fryingpan Tower - A quick, 1.5 mile hike at a moderate-level, great for setting aside some time to catch a beautiful view of the sunset along its historic fire tower.

D E V I L’ S C O U RT H O U S E

• If you want an even shorter, 1-mile hike with equally beautiful views, try out Devil’s Courthouse.

R I C H L A N D B A L S A M

• Richland Balsam - A 1.5 mile easy loop that takes you along the Blue Ridge Parkway through the shady forest trees. A great hike to try out if you have kids or dogs who need get tired on longer, steeper trails.

WAT E R R O C K K N O B

• Waterrock Knob - A difficult, 2.4 mile hike to the summit, which stands at 6,292 feet as the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States.

• You’ll have to pace yourself for this hike, but you will feel a great sense of accomplishment when it’s over - definitely worth it!

• For more information on where to hike, either in Asheville or other parts of North Carolina, check out EveryTrail , a website dedicated to hiking in North Carolina.