Is it the crackle of a campfire, or the quiet hush that settles after the sun sets? Or the millions of bright stars floating in the inky-black night sky? Whatever it is, there’s something deeply relaxing about spending the night under the stars, deep on a fantastic backpacking trail, surrounded by nature and far away from technology, noise, and urban life.
Filled with pristine wilderness, spectacular views, and lush forests, the mountains of western NC provide plenty of space to stretch out and roam. And North Carolina’s epic long-range trail systems, like the Art Loeb Trail and the famed North Carolina stretch of the Appalachian Trail are the perfect way to explore all the beauty of our state.
(Cover photo by Spencer Hutto)
Our favorite weekend backpacking adventures near Asheville, NC
It’s tough to pick only a handful of our favorites! These are our top backpacking trails that visit some of the most beautiful scenery, exceptional views, and unique landscapes near Asheville. Where ever your adventures take you, please remember to leave no trace to help preserve the beauty of these incredible places.
Cold Mountain
Hike the Art Loeb Trail to the summit of Cold Mountain and stunning views deep into the Shining Rock Wilderness. The hike departs the Daniel Boone Boy Scout Camp and begins an unrelenting climb through a rocky forest filled with trickling streams, massive moss-covered boulders, and dense thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel. A number of campsites dot the trail and make the perfect spot to drop a tent or hang a hammock for the night.10 Miles (Round Trip)
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPSAlum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte
Climb to stunning vistas from Mt LeConte, the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Along the way, the trail explores some of the parks most scenic terrain including Inspiration Point, the Alum Cave Bluffs, Arch Rock, and Gracie’s Pulpit. Grab spectacular 360-degree views from summit’s Myrtle Point vista – and some of the best sunrise and sunset views in the Smokies.12 Miles (Round Trip)
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPSYellow Mountain Trail
Hike the Yellow Mountain Trail to exceptional views from a historic fire lookout tower at the mountain’s summit. The trail climbs over rolling mountain tops and explores lush valleys filled with stands of mountain laurel. Touted as one of the most difficult hikes in the South, the trail’s steep, rocky climbs and descents make this a workout-worthy adventure. But the views from the summit are worth the effort, with far-flung views of the rolling Appalachian Mountains. It’s a great spot to stop and recharge for the night before hiking back to the trailhead.12.1 Miles (Round Trip)
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPSShining Rock Mountain
Hike the Art Loeb Trail from Black Balsam Knob to Shining Rock Mountain to score outstanding vistas from grassy, rolling balds, and explore huge white quartz outcrops set in a pristine balsam-fir forest. It’s one of our favorite adventures in the South, with some of the best views in Western NC. Campsites dot the trail’s length and offer a variety of camp settings, from the wide open expanse of grassy knobs, to wildflower-filled gaps and dense sheltered sites under sweetly scented balsam trees.10 Miles (Round Trip)
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPSMt Cammerer on the Appalachian Trail
Hike a scenic stretch of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina to lofty summit views from Mt Cammerer. It’s a gorgeous hike throughout the year. But it’s especially beautiful in summer, when rhododendrons line the trail with pink blooms, and in fall when the mountains explode in vivid orange, yellow, and red leaves. The iconic western style fire lookout tower at the summit offers spectacular sunrise views.12 Miles (Round Trip)
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPSLemon Gap to Max Patch
Max Patch is one of the most visited, and well-loved, hiking destinations near Asheville. Thanks to exceptional views at the summit, this grassy bald mountain can see crowds of hikers on warm-weather weekends. Our favorite route to Max Patch follows the Appalachian Trail from Lemon Gap, offering some extra mileage and a bit of solitude along the way. This hike explores a shady creek valley before climbing to the exceptional views from Max Patch’s sun-drenched, grassy summit. Camping is often restricted on the grassy bald, but multiple campsites along the route are available year-round along.10.5 Miles (Round Trip)
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPSRoan Highlands to the Overmountain Shelter
Hike the Appalachian Trail from Carvers Gap to the Overmountain Shelter, one of the most unique shelters along the AT. The adventure climbs three rolling balds in the Roan Highlands, crossing through stretches of wildflowers and wild blueberries by the millions and scoring exceptional panoramic views. Backpackers can overnight at the Overmountain Shelter’s bright red barn, at the Low Gap Shelter, or at campsites along the AT surrounded by fragrant forest and exceptional views.10.9 Miles (Round Trip)
VIEW TRAIL INFO & MAPSBackpacking gear list: our favorite, trail-tested gear
WHAT TO PACK?
Ready to hit the trail, but wondering what to pack? Our backpacking gear list features our favorite, trail-tested gear for long-weekend adventures in the mountains. We print and stitch our Asheville Trails shirts and hats locally in Asheville and Atlanta, and they’re our favorite for trail adventures all over the South. And no matter what you pack in, pack it all back out. Please leave no trace and help preserve the beauty of Western NC.
OUR BACKPACKING GEAR LIST
More long-distance hiking adventures
Crossed these hikes off your list, and ready to explore more Western NC beauty? Check out the full list of our favorite hikes over six miles near Asheville for more adventure inspiration.
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.