Best winter hikes near asheville nc.Asheville winter hikes: 10 AMAZING winter hiking trails near Asheville, NC

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If the rocks are not icy, you can even walk behind the waterfall. Moore Cove Falls is a favorite waterfall hike for kids and dogs. In fact, since the trail runs along the main street, park downtown and start your hike there. Cross the French Broad River and climb the ridge up to several rock outcrops for views across the valley and river. On the way back on the 1. Hot Springs is a mile drive from downtown Asheville.

Winter view from John Rock. On the way up to the 3,foot summit, stop at Cedar Rock Falls–easy to spot thanks to the leafless trees. Begin your hike at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education currently closed. The John Rock trailhead is 37 miles from downtown Asheville. While the name may cause hesitation, this 3-mile roundtrip hike is a local favorite on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail.

Hike the former carriage road up the ridge to the ruins of an early s summer retreat. With its location near the Hickory Nut Gorge and Fairview area, The Bearwallow Mountain Trail is also a quick drive from some great, laid-back breweries in the Fairview area so you can reward yourself with a tasty brew following the hike.

We couldn’t resist featuring our namesake, Greybeard Mountain listed as Graybeard Mountain by some in Montreat in this list. If you’ve got a hour period of time set aside for a strenuous walk in the woods with feet of elevation gain, Greybeard Trail in Montreat is a worthwhile meandering trail that crosses creeks and ends in spectacular views. The trail is 4. One of our favorite views from Greybeard trail is Walker’s Knob overlook which branches off from a neighboring Walker’s Knob shelter as you are nearing the summit of Greybeard.

The trail weaves through woodlands, offers views of Cedar Rock Falls along the way, and its summit opens up to some awesome views of the area, including Looking Glass Rock to the right. To access the trail, take Cat Gap Loop trail from the parking lot and follow the orange blazes. On your way back the same way you climbed up , you can bushwhack to Slick Falls. Do not do this unless you are very experienced in off-trail travel and are willing to get very muddy.

But you will need to descend a ridiculously steep, eroded, slick rock face to reach a mediocre view of the waterfall. Yes, these are both things in summer. Mount Sterling is my favorite Smokies hike. But it has one of the taller fire towers in the park and incredible biodiversity. Your destination is, of course, the fire tower. Yes, you need to leave before sunrise in order to make it back just after sunset.

This hike starts from Wolf Pit, a parking area just outside of Lake James. It starts with a bang — a steep, constant, rocky climb up Shortoff Mountain. A fire tore through this area recently, leaving expansive views on all sides. Keep an eye out for the unique summit lake about 1 mile after Shortoff. But you need to cover this section fast like, in an hour to have a prayer of finishing during daylight hours.

You can see the Chimneys and Table Rock ahead of you well before you reach them. Eventually the trail drops almost 1, feet into a gap, then climbs about 1, feet to the base of the Chimneys.

This is the hardest section. The trail is very eroded and rocky. I saw a rattler and a bear here in December. At the Chimneys, the trail flattens out again.

There is some low-key rock scrambling as you cross the ridge. Return the way you came. If you check the best winter hikes off your list and want even more, here are a few other Asheville winter hikes. Carrie is the founder of Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks. For more than seven years, she’s been solo-backpacking around the world to places few other tourists dare to explore — from Ethiopia to Nicaragua to Jordan and beyond.

When she’s not on the road, you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and eating the world’s best barbecue in her home city of Asheville, NC. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. The view looks amazing! I hope you get the chance to visit! The leaves in the fall are amazing too. Thank you for all these useful tips! Would love to check out these beautiful hiking trails in the winter or any season!

These hikes look stunning! The view from Bearwallow Mountain Trail looks spectacular! Although Twin Falls looks incredible too! Often overlooked, the Four Seasons trail begins near the Meadows and takes you through a beautiful deciduous forest and boulder fields. Lover’s Leap : This short loop trail leaves from downtown Hot Springs via the Appalachian Trail and climbs to a rock outcropping for beautiful views of the river and town. Then take a hot soak in the mineral springs when you get back to town.

Lake Junaluska : If you are looking for a flat, paved trail with plenty of views, you can choose a 2. There are plenty of benches along the way. Great for scooters, wheelchairs and strollers too. Roan Mountain : This section of the Appalachian Trail is frequently blanketed by snow and rime ice in the winter if you like snowy hikes. It’s about an 1. The road to Roan is usually clear of snow. Max Patch on Appalachian Trail : A 2.

If there is snow on the ground, four-wheel drive is definitely required since you will be driving on an unpaved forest service road.

Whiteside Mountain : This moderate 2-mile loop hike rewards with panoramic cliff-top mountain views in Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers. Read more. Hike to four vistas of the waterfall and gorge in less than two miles. Read more about winter hikes to Linville Falls. Cammerer : If you are looking for a strenuous day hike 12 miles roundtrip , head to the summit of Mount Cammerer in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

At an elevation of almost 5, feet, the summit is often covered in snow. But you can warm up inside the fire tower. Allow a full day and take food. Blue Ridge Parkway When sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed in the winter, the roadway is a great place to hike and bike and cross country ski when there’s snow! There are spots on this hike you might recognize from the movie as it filmed at this location.

Chimney Rock, NC Distance: 2. In the park, you can hit the Skyline Trail which is its highest segment of hikes.

 
 

Best winter hikes near asheville nc –

 

Lots of Mountain Laurel, Rhododendron, and wildflowers. Little Bradley Falls. Little Bradley Falls is an exceptionally beautiful 50 foot multi-tiered waterfall near Saluda, North Carolina.

This gorgeous waterfall is at the end of an easy and almost two mile roundtrip hike. Little River Trail. Little River Trail, located in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National is a fun trail full of interesting history, and has an optional loop hike, and small waterfall.

Lower Bubbling Springs Creek Falls. A nice waterfall, located on a. Lower Sam Branch Falls. The Falls is one of three waterfalls, very close to each other. The hike out is only. Moore Cove Falls. Moore Cove Falls is a beautiful 50′ waterfall that you can get in and go behind. The trail to the falls is very nice and short as well. Porters Creek Trail. The trail is famous for an abundance of wild flowers that literally blanket the forest floor all around the trail in early April.

Rainbow Falls Trail. Rough Fork Trail. This 4-mile roundtrip wooded hike in Cataloochee Valley takes you up to the historic Woody House. A very nice easy-moderate trail, that is great for families.

Waterfalls Trail – Dupont State Forest. This out and back trail takes you to 4 of the 6 waterfalls in Dupont State Forest if you do the entire 8-mile roundtrip hike. But you can tailor the hike to your needs and adjust the length. Hike to a variety of waterfalls, including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls pic above with a moderate 3-mile hike.

Rainbow Falls : Located in the Nantahala National Forest, adjacent to Gorges State Park , A 3-mile roundtrip moderate hiking trail takes you to views from the front, side and top of the foot waterfall. If we have a lot of very cold weather, you can see a frozen waterfall.

Nearby is a beautiful hike to Cove Creek Falls. Bearwallow Mountain : Just 19 miles from downtown Asheville, hike a two-mile loop trail to the summit of this bald mountain with wonderful views. From the same parking area, hike the 5-mile roundtrip on the Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures, another bald.

Also nearby is the new trail to Wildcat Rock. You’ll climb 1, feet in elevation in just over three miles 6. Nearby is John Rock , a five-mile loop trail to a another rock face with panoramic views of Looking Glass Rock and surrounding mountains.

Shortoff Mountain : Located near Lake James, this 4. Chimney Rock Park : Climb the steps to the top of the Chimney for breathtaking views of the gorge and continue up the trail to see the Devil’s Head. Often overlooked, the Four Seasons trail begins near the Meadows and takes you through a beautiful deciduous forest and boulder fields.

Lover’s Leap : This short loop trail leaves from downtown Hot Springs via the Appalachian Trail and climbs to a rock outcropping for beautiful views of the river and town. Then take a hot soak in the mineral springs when you get back to town.

Lake Junaluska : If you are looking for a flat, paved trail with plenty of views, you can choose a 2. There are plenty of benches along the way. Great for scooters, wheelchairs and strollers too.

Roan Mountain : This section of the Appalachian Trail is frequently blanketed by snow and rime ice in the winter if you like snowy hikes. It’s about an 1. The road to Roan is usually clear of snow. Max Patch on Appalachian Trail : A 2. If there is snow on the ground, four-wheel drive is definitely required since you will be driving on an unpaved forest service road. Whiteside Mountain : This moderate 2-mile loop hike rewards with panoramic cliff-top mountain views in Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers.

Read more. Hike to four vistas of the waterfall and gorge in less than two miles. Read more about winter hikes to Linville Falls. Cammerer : If you are looking for a strenuous day hike 12 miles roundtrip , head to the summit of Mount Cammerer in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At an elevation of almost 5, feet, the summit is often covered in snow. But you can warm up inside the fire tower. Allow a full day and take food.

Blue Ridge Parkway When sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed in the winter, the roadway is a great place to hike and bike and cross country ski when there’s snow! The closed sections change daily in the winter. If road repairs are underway, it will close to walkers and bikers too. Even at the lower levels it shakes with every slight breeze.

This hike has a little of everything: a waterfall, mountain laurel tunnels, steep slopes, rocky summits, long-range views, and a fire tower. You may have to road-walk a short section if the gate to the campground is closed.

The trail is orange-blazed, on your left just before the campground kiosk. This trail is steep. This rocky summit offers nice views of Linville Gorge look for Hawksbill, the Chimneys, and Table Rock to your right and the Black Mountain foothills to your left.

If you do the hike in very early or late winter, be mindful that there are tons of rattlesnakes and copperheads around the rocks here. You can see some of the 6,foot peaks of the Black Mountains to your left through the trees.

If you want to continue to the fire tower, head to your right and follow the Parkway for about 0. The trail starts on your left. The fire tower is often closed but you can take the steps most of the way up for good views of Mount Mitchell. On your way back the same way you climbed up , you can bushwhack to Slick Falls. Do not do this unless you are very experienced in off-trail travel and are willing to get very muddy. But you will need to descend a ridiculously steep, eroded, slick rock face to reach a mediocre view of the waterfall.

Yes, these are both things in summer. Mount Sterling is my favorite Smokies hike. But it has one of the taller fire towers in the park and incredible biodiversity. Your destination is, of course, the fire tower. Yes, you need to leave before sunrise in order to make it back just after sunset.

This hike starts from Wolf Pit, a parking area just outside of Lake James. It starts with a bang — a steep, constant, rocky climb up Shortoff Mountain. A fire tore through this area recently, leaving expansive views on all sides. Keep an eye out for the unique summit lake about 1 mile after Shortoff. But you need to cover this section fast like, in an hour to have a prayer of finishing during daylight hours. You can see the Chimneys and Table Rock ahead of you well before you reach them.

Eventually the trail drops almost 1, feet into a gap, then climbs about 1, feet to the base of the Chimneys. This is the hardest section.

The trail is very eroded and rocky. I saw a rattler and a bear here in December. At the Chimneys, the trail flattens out again. There is some low-key rock scrambling as you cross the ridge. Return the way you came.

If you check the best winter hikes off your list and want even more, here are a few other Asheville winter hikes. Carrie is the founder of Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks.

For more than seven years, she’s been solo-backpacking around the world to places few other tourists dare to explore — from Ethiopia to Nicaragua to Jordan and beyond. When she’s not on the road, you can find her hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and eating the world’s best barbecue in her home city of Asheville, NC.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. The view looks amazing! I hope you get the chance to visit! The leaves in the fall are amazing too. Thank you for all these useful tips! Would love to check out these beautiful hiking trails in the winter or any season! These hikes look stunning! The view from Bearwallow Mountain Trail looks spectacular! Although Twin Falls looks incredible too! What beautiful routes for winter hiking!

Thanks for the great guide! I love winter hiking! Getting out of the house on a cold, dark day and getting out into nature is the best thing to do. Some great hikes here, I love the view from Table Rock. Always love a hike to a viewpoint! I would love to try a bunch of these. Looks like some beautiful places and wow, some of those views. The Table Rock hike looks like the one I would really want to do. Vendor List Privacy Policy.

Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks. Contents 1 What is the weather like on Asheville winter hikes? Notify of.

 

– Best winter hikes near asheville nc

 

Winter hikes can provide many wonderful surprises like better views since leaves are off the treesfew fellow hikers, no bugs, brilliant skies with clear distant views on many days and cool temperatures.

Here are some of our favorite winter hikes near Asheville! Click on the names for a detailed guide for each. Deep Creek Waterfalls : See three waterfalls with a 2. This area seldom sees snow. Only three miles from downtown Bryson City. DuPont State Forest : Find a big network of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

It’s lower elevation means mild weather for much of the winter. Hike to a variety of waterfalls, including Hooker Falls, Triple Bbest and High Falls pic above with a moderate 3-mile hike. Rainbow Falls : Located in the Nantahala National Forest, adjacent to Gorges State ParkA 3-mile roundtrip moderate hiking trail takes you to views from the front, side and top of нажмите для деталей foot waterfall.

If we have a lot of very cold weather, you can see a frozen waterfall. Nearby is a beautiful hike to Cove Creek Falls. Bearwallow Mountain : Just 19 miles from downtown Asheville, hike a two-mile loop trail to the summit of this bald mountain with wonderful views. From the same parking area, hike the 5-mile roundtrip on the Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures, another bald. Also nearby is the new trail to Wildcat Rock.

You’ll climb 1, feet in elevation in just over three miles 6. Nearby is John Rocka five-mile loop trail to a another rock face best winter hikes near asheville nc panoramic views of Looking Glass Rock and surrounding mountains.

Shortoff Mountain : Located near Lake James, this 4. Chimney Rock Park : Climb the steps to the top of the Chimney for breathtaking best winter hikes near asheville nc of the gorge and continue up the trail to see the Devil’s Head. Often overlooked, the Four Seasons trail begins near the Meadows and takes you through a beautiful deciduous forest and boulder fields.

Lover’s Leap : This best winter hikes near asheville nc loop trail leaves from downtown Hot Springs via the Appalachian Trail and climbs to a rock outcropping for beautiful best winter hikes near asheville nc of the river and town. Then take a hot soak in the mineral springs when you get back to town. Lake Junaluska : If you are looking for a flat, paved trail with plenty of views, you can choose a 2. There are plenty of benches along the way. Great for scooters, wheelchairs and strollers too.

Roan Mountain : This section of the Appalachian Trail is frequently blanketed by snow and rime ice in the winter if you like snowy hikes. It’s about an 1. The road to Roan is usually clear of snow. Max Patch on Appalachian Trail : A 2. If there is snow on the ground, four-wheel drive is definitely required since you will be driving asueville an unpaved forest best winter hikes near asheville nc road.

Whiteside Mountain : This moderate 2-mile loop hike rewards with panoramic cliff-top mountain views in Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers. Read more. Hike to four vistas of the waterfall and gorge in less than two miles. Read more about winter hikes to Linville Falls.

Cammerer : If you are looking for a strenuous day hike 12 miles roundtriphead to the summit of Mount Cammerer in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

At an elevation of almost 5, feet, the summit is often covered in snow. But you can warm up inside the fire tower. Allow a full day and take food. Blue Ridge Parkway When sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are closed in the winter, the roadway is a great place to hike and bike and cross country ski when there’s snow!

The closed sections change daily in the winter. If road repairs are underway, it will close to walkers and bikers too. Mitchell if open Einter highest peak in the eastern USA is technically open every hieks, weather permitting.

But the severe winter ebst often closes the access roads that include the Blue Ridge Parkway. The weather on the summit can be brutal, so be prepared. Read more about our snowy hike on Mt.

Needle ice is a frequent scene along hiking trails in the winter as the ground freezes and forces moisture upward. Skip to main content. Search form Search. Asheville City Hikes North Carolina Arboretum : Asheeville just 10 miles south of downtown, the Arboretum has several easy to moderate walking trails. Botanical Gardens of Asheville : Stroll an easy trail through an oasis of tranquility just a few minutes from downtown.

Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary : Stroll on the boardwalk through the sanctuary, or hike around the lake in the adjacent park. Urban Trail : Take a 1. Tips for Winter Hiking Best winter hikes near asheville nc the weather forecast: Remember that it is often degrees cooler in the higher elevations than in the best winter hikes near asheville nc around Asheville.

And it’s usually more windy. So on very cold days, plan a hike at a lower elevation. The best website to check local weather in the North Carolina mountains is RaysWeather. Don’t hike if wind chills is purdue online a good school near or below zero. Frostbite can occur quickly. Bring a map or GPS: Snow covered trails are difficult to follow.

Know what color best winter hikes near asheville nc to follow and make sure they are visible usually attached to trees. Much of the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed during the winter due to snow and ice on the road. So you cannot access many of the hikes there.

If the Parkway is ashdville, you can park at one of the entrances on hike up the Parkway itself. Dress in layers: Wear a layer of clothing with wicking properties next to your skin not cotton. Wool and synthetics are your best bets. Get advice at an outdoors store.

Wear several layers so you can remove layers best winter hikes near asheville nc you warm up. Even on frigid day, you will warm up quickly if you are hiking up a mountain.

Always take water resistant gear since weather can change very quickly. Eat and drink more: Bst burn more calories hiking in the winter, especially if you are hiking through snow. So take snacks and protein bars.

Also, humidity levels are often very low, so you can dehydrate quicker. So take plenty of water. If it best winter hikes near asheville nc mc freezing, tuck the water inside your clothing to keep it from freezing.

Take your cell phone: Although cell phone signals are spotty in the mountains, it won’t hurt! Keep spare batteries warm: Cold weather can drain batteries quickly. So keep your cell phone inside your clothing to keep the ashfville charged. And keep extra camera batteries in your pocket to stay warm. Photograph: Take a camera to capture amazing views and wintry scenery.

Plan ahead: Tell someone which trail you are читать статью and give them a call when you are finished. In case you get lost, your friend can call for help! Take first aid supplies: Be ready to treat scrapes and scratches. Light: Take a flashlight in case you get caught in the dark on the shorter winter days. See asueville Hiking Guide winrer all of our recommended hikes near Asheville.

See more on our Top 60 Waterfalls Guide. See photos and videos of frozen waterfalls. My Trip Planner. Also See. Winter Walks on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check this out! Waterfalls near Asheville can be even more spectacular to see during the winter months. Leafless trees often продолжить чтение for clearer views.

And experience magical icy scenes during winter cold snaps in our While winters are usually on the mild side in the city of Asheville, it’s a different story at nearby ski resorts in western North Carolina.

Since we have the highest mountains in the eastern United What to do on romantic Valentine’s Day and week in Asheville and the beautiful North Carolina mountains? Whether you are смотрите подробнее for a getaway of pampering and relaxation or adventure and Opening day for is November 20st!

The village of Beech Mountainthe highest town in Eastern Bet 5, feetis an ideal winter vacation spot in North Нажмите чтобы увидеть больше

 
 

– Best winter hikes near asheville nc

 
 
Top 5 Winter Hikes in Asheville · Bearwallow Mountain Trail · Walker’s Knob from Greybeard Trail · John Rock · Catawba Falls Trail · Dupont State. Lover’s Leap Loop Trail. John Rock Trail.