Asheville TrailsbyTrailful Outdoor Co
 

Soaring. Or so it feels, that incredible feeling of being above it all, perched on a sunny mountain summit, surrounded by views. There’s just something magical about seeing the world from above, wrapped in summit breezes and surrounded by rolling Blue Ridge beauty.

Some of western North Carolina’s best summit views are easily accessible from Asheville, thanks to the winding, meandering stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Climbing from the Parkway to some of the highest summits in the South, these trails duck through gorgeous, high-elevation forest and cross open, grassy mountain balds to score exceptional, jaw-dropping views. And while it’s literally filled with amazing views (see the full list of our favorite Blue Ridge Parkway hikes), we’ve whittled this list down of favorite mountaintop hikes near Asheville to just ten: the best, most hike-worthy adventures with the most breathtaking views at the end.

Grab a backpack, hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and head for an excellent adventure, or two: combine several of the shorter-length hikes in our list for a full day of summit-filled beauty. Don’t forget to pack water, hiking gear essentials and layers: many of the surrounding summits can be chilly, even on a hot Asheville summer day. And before you go, check the Blue Ridge Parkway official site for road closures and advisories.

Hike our top 10 favorite trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville, climbing to some seriously stunning mountaintop views. #hiking #trailrunning #camping #backpacking #asheville #nc #northcarolina #travel #outdoors #adventure

Top Blue Ridge Parkway hikes to spectacular views

Explore each trail’s info page to get driving directions, full trail info, interactive maps, and photos, to help you make the most out of your hike. And don’t forget to snap a few photos from your summit adventures: these hikes are fully Instagram-worthy! Tag your best shots with #ashevilletrails… we’d love to see them!

 
Leave No Trace: Asheville Trails is an official Leave No Trace partner

Please Remember

Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.

Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.