Scorching heat and high humidity are legendary here in the South. But Western North Carolina’s lofty mountain summits along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and our abundance of rivers, streams, and waterfalls offer plenty of places to escape the heat in the summertime months.
Summer hikes near Asheville, NC: our favorite trails
We love to hike to our favorite swimming holes, shady creek-filled forests, and breezy mountaintops for a chance to chill out and catch some summertime serenity out on the trail. When the heat rises, it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated and pack wisely; check out our hiking gear list for some packing inspiration before you hit the trail. Morning adventures are our favorite, before the heat of the day sets in and the crowds descend on the most popular trails. Wherever your adventures take you, please remember to pack out everything you pack in and leave no trace to help keep our mountaintops, river valleys and forests looking beautiful throughout the year.
Babel Tower Trail
3 MILES, ROUND TRIP
Explore the Linville River as it churns and tumbles over rocky boulders and crashing waterfalls. The Babel Tower Trail descends through a rocky landscape filled with moss and gnarly rhododendron to its namesake, a craggy towering stone spire, before continuing to the river below. Crystal-clear pools collect at the base of several cascading waterfalls at this classic summertime destination in the Linville Gorge.
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Profile Trail at Grandfather Mountain
6.2 MILES, ROUND TRIP
It’s a considerable workout, but this high-elevation adventure often offers cool mountain breezes laden with the fresh scent of balsam and fir. Hike the Profile Trail to Calloway Peak to explore a beautiful rocky fern-filled forest on Grandfather Mountain. The final trek to the summit is a challenging one, climbing rustic ladders, but the outstanding long-range views are totally worth the effort.
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Schoolhouse Falls
2.6 MILES, ROUND TRIP
Panthertown Valley sits in a particularly beautiful stretch of the Nantahala National Forest near Cashiers, filled with steep-walled canyons and tumbling waterfalls. Schoolhouse Falls plunges in a single wide cascade into a clear pool, perfect for a quick cool-off mid-hike. The pebble-lined banks at the base of the falls are dotted with large flat boulders, an excellent spot to relax and soak up the views.
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Linville Falls Plunge Basin
1.75 MILES, ROUND TRIP
Descend deep into the upper sections of Linville Gorge to explore one of the most dramatic waterfalls off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Plunge Basin Trail scrambles a relatively short but steep trail through a rocky, shady forest to the gorge floor. Views of the enormous, thundering falls framed by the gorge’s steep walls are absolutely breathtaking.
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Mount Mitchell Summit
1 MILE, ROUND TRIP
Hike to stunning panoramic views from Mount Mitchell’s summit and visit a beautiful high-elevation forest filled with wildflowers, ferns, and fragrant stands of balsam fir. Rising over 6600 feet, the trails at Mount Mitchell State Park enjoy cool summer temperatures, often 10-20 degrees cooler than the surrounding lowlands. Breezy overlooks and dense shady forests make Mount Mitchell one of our favorite spots for summer adventures.
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Skinny Dip Falls
.9 MILE, ROUND TRIP
It’s easily one of the most popular waterfall trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and for a good reason. The relatively short hike visits a scenic section of shady forest before descending to the stunning multi-tiered cascade of Skinny Dip Falls. The crisp, crystal-clear water drops into several deep pools, making this one of the most popular swimming holes near Asheville. Tip: avoid the crowds and hike on mid-week mornings for the best chance at some serenity at this popular spot.
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Hooker Falls
.6 MILE, ROUND TRIP
DuPont State Forest is filled with warm-weather adventures, thanks to its abundance of tumbling waterfalls and shady forests. Hike a short distance along the Little River to the single symmetrical drop of Hooker Falls. The huge flat rocks at the base of the falls offer a great spot to spread a picnic, relax and enjoy the view, or soak our feet in the chilly pool.
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Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don’t climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall.
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.
