Asheville Trails

This classic hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains packs it all: a cascading stream, tunnels of rhododendron, and panoramic views, all only 45 minutes from Asheville

While Great Smoky Mountains might be the most visited park in the system, Cataloochee is far from the crowds—with a bit of luck, you can see as many elk as people. BY GRAHAM AVERILL

Hike Sugarloaf and Morrow Mountains in just a few hours at Morrow Mountain State Park outside Charlotte.

Hike to a beautiful waterfall and go for a swim in South Mountains State Park near Charlotte.

Make a quick getaway to a lush forest 10 minutes from Uptown at RibbonWalk Nature Preserve.

Enjoy lake views and isolated woods on this easy trail along Badin Lake in Uwharrie National Forest.

Explore well-preserved Living History Farm on this short hike near Charlotte.

Enjoy a short hike to 200-year-old ruins along Reedy Creek on the Robinson Rockhouse Trail in Charlotte.

When you're in need of some amazing views, and willing to drive for them, hit the Grindstone Trail on Pilot Mountain outside Charlotte.

This close-to-Charlotte hike takes you along McMullen Creek via fun, bike-friendly boardwalks.

Stroll 4.8 miles along Lake Norman on the Lake Shore Trail about an hour from Charlotte.

Mount Rogers via Massie Gap: A state high point, the Appalachian Trail, and wild ponies all in one hike—jackpot!

Be a "birder" for a day on the easy Shady Trail in Latta Plantation.

Let you mind go free while you wander along a pretty lake on the uncomplicated Seven Oaks Preserve Trail.

Climb Browns Mountain, hike a narrated battlefield trail, watch a reenacted revolutionary war encampment, see war muskets—Kings Mountain has it all!

Charge up the most famous peak outside Charlotte for views of the surrounding forests via the Crowders Trail.

Wander through a secluded forest on this east loop in the Reedy Creek Preserve outside Charlotte, North Carolina.

Get the story behind Boone Fork Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina—and how to see it yourself.

On this 5.6-miler, see the rare granite domes and lively waterfalls that earned this Nantahala National Forest valley the nickname "Yosemite of the East."

Sample a classic stretch of the Appalachian Trail on this 11.5-mile route around a 1,000-foot gorge, with overlooks and eye-candy vistas of the Smokies.

This 4.6-mile loop gets two thumbs up for its rushing cascades, sweet campsites, and two fine viewpoints overlooking Pisgah National Forest.