Asheville is my favorite place to visit in N.C. (many people would also agree)! The rolling mountains, fresh air, and walkable downtown make for exciting days with beautiful, relaxing mountain views. So maybe you’ve planned a trip to Asheville or are looking to plan a weekend getaway? If so, here’s my list of top hikes, eats, and a sample weekend itinerary of the best things to do in Asheville, NC. Enjoy!

Asheville’s Location:

Asheville is in the western part of North Carolina and is surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. The nearest airport to Asheville is Asheville Regional Airport, which is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Asheville. Charlotte, N.C.  is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes from Asheville, and Raleigh is a 3 hour and 40 minutes’ drive from Asheville depending on traffic (Google Maps, 2022). However, you choose to get to Asheville; remember to pack your hiking boots!

The 5 Best Hikes near Asheville, N.C

1. Looking Glass Rock Trail

Trail hiking distance: 6.2 miles

Driving distance from downtown Asheville: approximately 37 miles

Looking Glass Rock Trail is approximately a 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville (Google Maps, 2022). This in-and-out hike offers views from a large rock which overlooks the forest. The trail is just over 6 miles with an uphill climb to a breathtaking outlook. I hiked Looking Glass Rock trail during the summer. In August, the lush-green trees and vibrant sky meet to offer a stunning forest view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, if you hike in August, pack water and some bug spray or prepare to be eaten alive by mosquitos! Due to its spectacular views, I am rating this hike as my favorite hike near Asheville, NC.

Looking Glass Waterfalls

Less than 1 mile from Looking Glass Rock Trail is Looking Glass Rock Waterfall. Looking Glass Rock Waterfall isn’t really a hike but does have some stairs you can take to get a better view of the impressive falls. The cascading falls can also be seen from the road, so you will definitely want to check out the falls before continuing your hike.

2. The Devil’s Courthouse

Trail hiking distance: Less than 1 mile

Driving distance from downtown Asheville: approximately 39 miles

Cool name, right?! The Devil’s Courthouse is approximately a 1- hour drive from downtown Asheville but is definitely worth the trip (Google Maps, 2022). This hike is also close to other popular hikes in the area and allows you to drive on the winding Blue Ridge Parkway, which is an absolute must!

The Devil’s Courthouse is a short, in-and-out hike but a challenging one with elevation, so be sure to bring plenty of water. At the summit, there’s a stunning 360-degree view from a rock overlooking the forest. It’s a great place to see the sunset with your significant other but you won’t be the only one with this idea! This hike is highly trafficked at sunset in the spring/summer with many hikers bringing a picnic (and camera) to the summit.

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3. Graveyard Fields Trail

Trail hiking distance: just over 3 miles

Driving distance from downtown Asheville: approximately 35 miles

Interested in chasing waterfalls? Well, look no further! I rated this as my #3 hike in Asheville due to the two gorgeous waterfalls, colorful flowers, and easy drive from the Blue Ridge Parkway. This trail also follows along the Yellowstone Prong River, increasing your chances of spotting wildlife (yes, I spotted a few snakes). Graveyard Fields Trail also gives hikers the option of hiking to one or both (upper and lower) waterfalls. The first waterfall is a short 0.3 miles on the trail, which is ideal for hikers wanting to take it easy.

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4. Black Balsam Knob

Trail hiking distance: varies based on trail taken to get to Black Balsam Knob

Driving distance from downtown Asheville: approximately 37 miles

The Black Balsam Knob resides in the Pisgah National Forest. There are many different trails to get to the Black Balsam Knob Trail, which allow hikers to choose their hiking distance. This out-and-back hike is a little over 1.5 miles via the Art Loeb Trail, located off Black Balsam Road. I completed this hike in the spring and winter and each time this hike felt (and looked) very different. When I trekked this hike in the spring, it was windy causing the hike to be more difficult, as there are no trees to offer protection from the wind. However, the hiking trail is easy to follow and has a variety of plants and grass surrounding the path. The elevation is also gradual, which makes for a relatively easy hike. This hike is exceptional as the grassy balds, and rolling mountains offer a more uncomplicated, highland view allowing a feeling of freedom and calmness to wash over you.

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5. Craggy Gardens Trail

Trail hiking distance: 1.9 miles

Driving distance from downtown Asheville: approximately 20 miles

Looking to take creepy, hiking pictures? Then, this hike is for you! Craggy Gardens Trail is an out-and-back trail full of rhododendrons, twisted trees, and plants. I hiked this trail in October after a rainstorm, and I wasn’t particularly excited about trekking the wet path. However, the twisted, old trees and settled fog made this hike curious and unique and left me wishing I had Halloween (or wedding) photos taken here! This hike offers views that are surprisingly creepy but beautiful, which is why I have rated it as one of my favorite hikes near Asheville, NC.

(Please always check trail-specific hike information and use your best judgment regarding all trail warnings, closures, weather, and road closures/conditions before heading out for a hike.)

The 5 Best Eats in Asheville

1. Nine Mile:

Distance from downtown Asheville: just over 1 mile (Montford location)

Location: 233 Montford Ave Asheville, NC 28801 (Montford location)

This restaurant is a little off the beaten path but offers incredible Caribbean food and a good selection of beers with three different locations. It’s reasonably priced and has a lot of indoor seating at the Montford location. It’s a great place to grab dinner and a beer with friends after a long hike. If you visit the Montford location for dinner, be sure to take an after-dinner walk just a few blocks to the historic Montford neighborhood and view the lovely, historic homes in the area. 

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2. Red Ginger Dimsum & Tapas

Distance from downtown Asheville: located downtown Asheville

Location: 82 Patton Ave Suite 100, Asheville NC 28801

This Chinese restaurant is quite the date night vibe! Sharing tapas, dumplings, and wine in this dimly lit restaurant in downtown Asheville has a romantic ambiance. In my experience, the food was arranged thoughtfully on each plate and tasted as good as it looked. Although, if you plan on having dinner at Red Ginger, I recommend an early or late dinner as this place is often busy and usually has a waitlist. This restaurant is great for impressing your significant other and then taking a late-night stroll around downtown Asheville.

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3. Mayfel

Distance from downtown Asheville: 0.3 miles from downtown Asheville

Location: 22 College street, Asheville, NC 28801

Are you craving some southern food? Mayfel is an excellent place for a casual, southern brunch. They offer many side options and daily specials to choose from. I would recommend ordering the parmesan grits as a side as they are creamy, cheesy, and, of course, a southern specialty. Yum!

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4. Bhramari Brewery

Distance from downtown Asheville: 0.5 miles

Location: 101 S Lexington Ave, Asheville NC 28801

This brewery is a great place to have a beer after a long hike. There is nothing like sharing your slightly embellished hiking stories with friends over a local beer and fries. Bhramari Brewery offers indoor and outdoor seating and has a good selection of beers (and wine). This brewery also serves some sides if you are craving some fries or a burger.

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5. Sunny Point Café

Distance from downtown Asheville: 2.6 miles

Location: 626 Haywood road West Asheville, NC 28806

Sunny Point Café offers a chill environment with an extensive breakfast menu (that is also affordable!) That’s a win/win to me! I generally prefer a more basic breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, bacon, and fruit. I like that Sunny Point Café offers this type of “basic breakfast” but also incorporates some southern staples, such as gravy and biscuits and a chicken and waffle sandwich. This is a great place to fuel up before hitting the trails.

Below is a sample of a 2-day weekend getaway itinerary for Asheville

Day 1
9:00 AM- 10:00 AM	Brunch at Mayfel’s in Asheville, NC
10:30 AM- 11:30 AM	Drive to Looking Glass Rock Trail
11:30 AM- 4:30 PM	Hike the Looking Glass Rock Trail and Waterfall
4:30 PM- 5:30 PM	Drive back to downtown Asheville, NC
5:30 PM- 6:30 PM	Explore/walk around downtown Asheville, NC
7:30 PM	Dinner Red Ginger Dimsum and Tapas

Day 2
9:00 AM- 10:00 AM	Brunch at Sunny Point Café
10:30 AM- 11:30 AM	Drive to hikes
11:30 AM- 4:00 PM	Hike the Devil’s Courthouse, Black Balsam Knob and Graveyard Fields Trail (These hikes are close (driving) proximity to each other)
4:00 PM- 5:00 PM	Drive back to Asheville
5:30 PM- 6:30 PM	Grab a drink at Bhramari Brewery
7:00 PM	Dinner at Nine Mile and explore the Montford area

(Please be sure to check other sources for restaurants’ hours, availability, closures, and contact information before making plans)