![]() If there is snow on the ground, four-wheel drive is definitely required since you will be driving on an unpaved forest service road. Max Patch on Appalachian Trail: A 2.4-mile loop circles the bald mountain for outstanding views from all the sides. From the Highway 261 at Carver's Gap on the North Carolina / Tennessee state line, hike across the bald summits. The road to Roan is usually clear of snow. It's about an 1.5-hour drive from Asheville. Roan Mountain: This section of the Appalachian Trail is frequently blanketed by snow and rime ice in the winter (if you like snowy hikes). Great for scooters, wheelchairs and strollers too. There are plenty of benches along the way. Lake Junaluska: If you are looking for a flat, paved trail with plenty of views, you can choose a 2.3-mile or 3.8-mile loop about the lake with views of the Great Smoky Mountains. ![]() Then take a hot soak in the mineral springs when you get back to town. 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. Often overlooked, the Four Seasons trail begins near the Meadows and takes you through a beautiful deciduous forest and boulder fields. The Mountain-to-Sea Trail continues to Table Rock if you want to add another 9.5 miles roundtrip.Ĭhimney Rock Park: Climb the 500 steps to the top of the Chimney for breathtaking views of the gorge and continue up the trail to see the Devil's Head. Shortoff Mountain: Located near Lake James, this 4.5-mile roundtrip hike affords spectacular views as you walk along the ridgetop along the rim of Linville Gorge. Nearby is John Rock, a five-mile loop trail to a another rock face with panoramic views of Looking Glass Rock and surrounding mountains. You'll climb 1,700 feet in elevation in just over three miles (6.5 miles roundtrip). Looking Glass Rock: For 180+ degree views from a rock face, hike this strenuous trail in the Pisgah National Forest. Also nearby is the new trail to Wildcat Rock. From the same parking area, hike the 5-mile roundtrip on the Trombatore Trail to Blue Ridge Pastures, another bald. Nearby is a beautiful hike to Cove Creek Falls.īearwallow Mountain: Just 19 miles from downtown Asheville, hike a two-mile loop trail to the summit of this bald mountain with wonderful views. If we have a lot of very cold weather, you can see a frozen waterfall. Daniel Ridge Falls: Hike a four-mile loop near Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest with a 150-foot waterfall. ![]() 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 150-foot waterfall. A 4.4-mile roundtrip hike takes you to Bridal Veil Fallsand a 3-mile woodland walk takes you to often overlooked Wintergreen Falls.įor great mountain views in DuPont State Forest, hike Cedar Rock Mountain (pic above) on a 4.5-mile loop trail or Stone Mountain. Hike to a variety of waterfalls, including Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls (pic above) with a moderate 3-mile hike. It's lower elevation means mild weather for much of the winter. Only three miles from downtown Bryson City.ĭuPont State Forest: Find a big network of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Here are some of our favorite winter hikes near Asheville! Click on the names for a detailed guide for each.ĭeep Creek Waterfalls: See three waterfalls with a 2.7 or 5-mile loop hike in the Great Smoky Mountains (pic at top of page is Juney Whank Falls). Winter hikes can provide many wonderful surprises like better views (since leaves are off the trees), few fellow hikers, no bugs, brilliant skies with clear distant views on many days and cool temperatures.
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