Looking Glass Waterfall from the middle platform.
Looking Glass Waterfall from the middle platform.

Outdoor Adventures Near Asheville NC

Asheville, cradled within North Carolina’s stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, has come to be known as a premier destination for travelers and a much loved locale for residents both old and new alike. Celebrated as the artistic epicenter of the area, Asheville has transformed itself into a sprawling canvas for creatives, offering a sanctuary where the arts flourish against the backdrop of the mountains’ splendor.

But Asheville’s artistic allure is just the beginning. The city serves as a gateway to a world of outdoor pursuits, where adventure seekers can immerse themselves in activities ranging from hiking and biking to rock climbing and kayaking. The surrounding landscape offers an open invitation to explore the natural wonders of the Carolinas, with each trail and river telling its own story of adventure.

If you’re looking for a new outdoor adventure near Asheville, read on, we’ve got you covered.

North Carolina Arboretum

North Carolina Arboretum Gardens - garden laid out in squares with walkways between each square. Flowers planted in the squares. a stone wall runs behind with a wing sculpture in the middle and mountains with lush foliage in the background

Adventure may not be the first word that comes to mind when someone mentions the North Carolina Arboretum – outdoor sure, but adventure? Just hear me out. The arboretum may be best known as the place for plant lovers with 65 acres of cultivated gardens including the renowned living quilt garden. But you’ll find so much more here. The arboretum can be your “base camp” of sorts for a day’s hiking adventure.

North Carolina Arboretum Hiking - forest scene with a stone stairway leading upwards through the lush greenery. The stairs, made of large flat stones and bordered by smaller rocks, meander through the dense canopy of leaves. Sunlight filters through the foliage, casting dappled shadows on the stairway and the forest floor. The surrounding vegetation is a vibrant mix of greens,
Carolina Mountain Trail can be steep at times

Within the arboretum alone you’ll find more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, but that’s not all. Some of the trails will take you outside the arboretum into the surrounding area including Pisgah Forest and the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Hike out to Lake Powhatan and find trails that not only run all the way around the lake but a whole system of trails that you could spend the day exploring. Just be sure to make it back into the arboretum before they close and lock the gates.

Pisgah Forest Bent Creek Area - a calm lake with a visible sandbar in the center, surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a partly cloudy sky. Blossoming flowers are visible in the foreground on the left
Lake Powhatan from the Loop Trail

While you’re at the North Carolina Arboretum, you may as well enjoy everything it has to offer. Opt for a meal at Bent Creek Bistro or stroll around and enjoy the exhibits like the bonsai garden or the garden gauge model railroad. Or maybe all you want to do is sit down and have a little rest after a long hike – and that’s OK too.

North Carolina Arboretum Exhibit - A meticulously arranged bonsai display outdoors against a plain concrete wall. The central focus is a well-groomed bonsai tree with a thick trunk and lush green canopy, standing in the middle of a rectangular planter. The planter is filled with various smaller plants, including rounded shrubs with dense foliage in shades of green, yellow, and red. It also contains rocks and gravel pathways, creating a miniature landscape.
As the numerous Bonsai displays are a popular part of the Arboretum, the Bonsai exhibit is always crowded.

Waterfalls Waterfalls Waterfalls

High Falls Waterfall at DuPont Forest in the Fall as seen from the hiking trail - closer to the falls but with multi colored leaves only on the left hand side
High Falls in DuPont Forest during Autumn.

There’s no shortage of waterfalls around Asheville and if you’re looking for a little adventure, why not go on a good old fashioned waterfall hunt.

Pisgah National Forest

Looking Glass Waterfall from the middle platform.
Looking Glass Waterfall from the middle platform.

Your first stop should be the main entrance at Pisgah National Forest. Most of the waterfalls in Pisgah are right next to the road like Looking Glass or a short hike away like Moore Cove Falls. But Pisgah has much more to offer than just waterfalls.

A sheet of water flows down onto rocks below with a wooden platform, a small trail, and lots of flora visible on the other side.
View looking out from behind Moore Cove Falls. The viewing platform to the left lets you get a great view of the waterfall in safety.

An extensive trail system runs through the forest, but some of the best trail heads can be a little out of the way. Obvious trails like Looking Glass Rock and the Pink Beds trail are clearly marked on the park maps and you’ll probably see them just by driving your car through the forest. But other really popular trails for backpackers like Turkey Pen Gap are a little harder to spot, so it’s best to stop into the visitor center to get tips on the latest trail information.

DuPont State Recreational Forest

Triple Falls at DuPont State Forest - a cascading waterfall surrounded by dense woodland. The waterfall flows over a series of rocky tiers, creating white frothy water as it descends. The trees, mostly bare with some greenery, suggest the season could be either late fall or early spring. A wooden fence is visible in the foreground at the bottom of the image, indicating a viewing area for visitors. The sky is overcast, and the overall color palette is muted with earthy tones. It appears to be a tranquil scene, likely a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
Triple Falls at DuPont State Recreational Forest

The real mother load of waterfalls will be found at DuPont Forest. With almost 90 miles of multiuse trails and 10,000 acres this is truly an outdoor adventurer’s wonderland. Yes you read that right multiuse trails so most trails can accommodate hikers, bikers, and horseback riders at the same time.

long but short waterfall seen from near the base - green trees are above and behind the fall rock faces are on either side
Hooker Falls at DuPont Forest

The trails through the woods, along the Little River, and include three scenic lakes. But we were talking about waterfalls weren’t we. Well DuPont Forest is home to no less than six major waterfalls!

Three of the six are locates on the same trail. In just over two miles you can reach High Falls, Triple Falls, and finally Hooker Falls.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Parkway - a stone sign that reads "6053 FT. HIGHEST ELEVATION BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY MOTOR ROAD." The sign is mounted on a low stone wall beside a paved road that curves gently to the right and disappears into the distance. The sky is clear and blue, and there are trees and grassy areas visible on both sides of the road, suggesting a mountainous landscape
Richland Balsam Overlook, the highest pint along the Blue Ridge Parkway – although Mt Mitchell which is accessed from the Parkway is the highest point in the state, but it’s well on the other side of Asheville.

The Blue Ridge Parkway runs almost right through the middle of Asheville and connects a lot of the places we’ve already talked about. The North Carolina Arboretum is located along the Parkway and Pisgah Forest is kind of split in half by it. In fact the rangers at the Pisgah Visitor center can give you up to date info about the parkway and must see sights as well.

Blue Ridge Parkway - a two-lane road running alongside a tall, rugged cliff face. The road curves gently to the left, bordered on one side by a strip of grass and on the other by the imposing rock wall. Above, the sky is clear and vividly blue with wispy white contrails crisscrossing high above
East Fork Overlook

Mostly thought of as a relaxing drive, the Parkway offers lots of hiking trails at it’s many overlooks. Near Asheville you have more than a half dozen trails including the trail ti the summit of Mount Pisgah. The rangers at the Pisgah National Forest Visitor center can give you up to date info about the parkway and must trek trails along the Parkway as well.

Chimney Rock

a majestic rock formation known as Chimney Rock, which is characterized by its towering, flat-topped pinnacle. The weathered and striated rock surfaces suggest geological aging and erosion. A metal railing at the summit indicates a viewing area, and a flagpole with a flag suggests human presence. The sparse vegetation at the base contrasts with the rocky prominence, emphasizing the natural landmark’s grandeur.
“The Rock” at Chimney Rock State Park can be seen for miles around and was used as a landmark for explorers and travelers. And can even be seen from nearby Lake Lure.

Our last stop is at one of North Carolina’s premier natural wonders. That is of course Chimney Rock. For adventure here you have two options. Most people opt for the Chimney Rock attraction centered around its namesake granite monolith. With its clearly defined and maintained hiking trails, you can get a taste of adventure while always knowing that help is close at hand. But don’t think that means you’ll have an easy day. If you opt for hiking all the way to the top of the mountain, you’ll reach new levels of exhaustion. But you do have the option to drive up to the base of the mountain and then ride an elevator to near the top of the monolith. It’s up to you if you want to climb even higher or enjoy the view with a refreshing beverage from the cafe. Easy day or hard, it’s up to you. Chimney Rock really is a choose your own adventure.

Chimney Rock State Park New Area Hiking - a natural scene with large, rugged boulders amidst a forested area. The boulders display various shades of gray and brown and have distinct stratification lines that highlight their geological formations. Sunlight filters through the canopy of green leaves above, casting dappled shadows on the rocks and the surrounding foliage. It’s a serene image that captures the essence of a tranquil forest setting.
Breakfast Area just before the Cereal Buttress

For those looking to truly test themselves, Rumbling Bald Access is located just a few miles from the main attraction. There is a hiking trail that loops around this area, but the main attraction is the bolder fields that have become a haven for rock climbers thought the area. The truly contagious visit here to tackle the Cereal Buttress – a sheer climb up the side of the mountain. However due to the summer sun baking the mountain, this climb should only be attempted in the cooler months.

Final Thoughts

Asheville, nestled in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is more than just an artistic haven. It’s a gateway to a myriad of outdoor adventures that beckon both residents and travelers alike. From the tranquil trails of the North Carolina Arboretum to the exhilarating climbs at Chimney Rock, Asheville offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every adventurer’s taste. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest, exploring the multiuse trails of DuPont State Recreational Forest, or simply enjoying a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville promises a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling escapades. So, pack your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and set off on your next adventure in Asheville, where every trail tells a story and every journey becomes a cherished memory.