Options for hiking near Asheville on public lands

For mountain trails and long hikes, visitors can look to state parks like Mount Mitchell and Chimney Rock, or the extensive trail system along the Blue Ridge Parkway. These areas offer natural surface paths of varying difficulty and length.

For a shorter or more accessible run or walk within the city, the Reed Creek Greenway provides a paved route. It is part of a larger network designed to connect different Asheville neighborhoods.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The parkway provides access to over 369 miles of hiking trails featuring waterfalls and vistas. No permit is required for hiking. Use caution on trails, as storm damage from Helene has created hazards.

Near the Asheville Visitor Center, a 1.2-mile segment of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail offers an easy to moderate option. The Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a 20-minute walk to a summit with a 360-degree view.

Total hiking trail length

Over 369 miles

Parkway trails features

Waterfalls, vistas, and beautiful displays of wildflowers

Mailing address

199 Hemphill Knob Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Mountains-to-Sea Trail segment at NPS Asheville Visitor Center length

1.2 miles

Craggy Gardens Trail initial uphill length

.3 mile

Craggy Pinnacle Trail walk time

20-minute walk

Mountains-to-Sea Trail segment at NPS Asheville Visitor Center difficulty

Easy/Moderate

Hiking permit requirement

No permit required

Sources: North Carolina Hiking Trails (nps.gov), Craggy Gardens Hiking Trails (nps.gov), Hiking (nps.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Full notes: Running a Blue Ridge Parkway trail near Asheville

Craggy Gardens

Located at Milepost 364, the Craggy Gardens area includes trails accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Craggy Gardens Trail begins with a .3 mile uphill section and features many wildflowers from spring through fall.

Type of place

Visitor Center

Location

Milepost 364 in North Carolina near Mt. Mitchell State Park

Source: Visitor Centers (nps.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Mount Mitchell State Park

This park, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, has 40 miles of hiking-only trails. Options range from a 0.7-mile loop to a strenuous 5.6-mile one-way trail. There are no day use entry fees.

The park is located 30 miles northeast of Asheville. Access can be limited by frequent and prolonged road closures in the winter due to icy conditions on the parkway. The park is closed on Christmas Day.

Park type

State Park

Location

Yancey County 30 miles northeast of Asheville

Total hiking trail length

40 miles

Mount Mitchell Trail length

5.6-mile one way

Balsam Nature Loop / K.I.P. Track Trail length

0.7-mile loop

Mount Mitchell Trail difficulty

Strenuous

Day use entry fees

None

Dog rules

Allowed at park and campsites on an attended leash (max 6 feet); not permitted inside buildings.

Sources: Mount Mitchell: Trails (ncparks.gov), Mount Mitchell State Park: Home (ncparks.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Reed Creek Greenway

This urban greenway offers a 0.86-mile section for running or walking along Reed Creek. It is part of a planned 2.75-mile corridor intended to improve transportation connectivity between downtown, North Asheville, and the River Arts District.

Purpose

part of the larger greenway network

Reed Creek Greenway corridor northern terminus

Riverside Drive

Reed Creek Greenway corridor southern terminus

the end of the pedestrian bridge over I-240 at Clingman Ave.

Existing greenway section location

along Reed Creek between W.T. Weaver Boulevard and Elizabeth Street

Reed Creek Greenway corridor total length

2.75 miles

Existing greenway section length

0.86 mile

Connectivity

strengthen transportation connectivity from downtown to North Asheville, UNCA, and the River Arts District

Safety and connections

improve safe routes to schools and connections for parents, students, and employees to and from schools and nearby daycare facilities

Source: Reed Creek Greenway Extension (ashevillenc.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Chimney Rock State Park

Located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, this park has 10 trails on natural surfaces with roots, rocks, and stairs. The Rumbling Bald access area is free and includes a moderate 1.5-mile loop trail.

The Weed Patch Mountain Trail is a longer 8.5-mile one-way route. An admission fee is charged for the main Chimney Rock attraction, but not for the Rumbling Bald area. The park is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Park description

State Park offering dramatic mountain scenery, overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.

Park location

Rutherford County 25 miles southeast of Asheville

Rumbling Bald Trail length

1.5-mile loop

Weed Patch Mountain Trail length

8.5-mile one way

General trail surface

Natural surface with roots, rocks, gravel; large boulder fields and stairs in areas

Rumbling Bald Trail difficulty

Moderate

Rumbling Bald access hours (May-August)

8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Chimney Rock attraction admission

Charged per person

Sources: Chimney Rock State Park: Home (ncparks.gov), Chimney Rock: Trails (ncparks.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.

Full notes: Hiking at Chimney Rock State Park: what to know

Before you go

• Check for winter closures at Mount Mitchell State Park, as access via the Blue Ridge Parkway is often icy.
• Dogs are permitted on trails in Mount Mitchell and Chimney Rock state parks, but must be on an attended leash no longer than 6 feet.
• Note the hours for Rumbling Bald access at Chimney Rock State Park, which are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May through August.
• Bicycles are not permitted on the hiking trails listed for Mount Mitchell State Park.
• Be aware of potential trail hazards from storm damage on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Stay on marked trails at Chimney Rock State Park, as the terrain includes large boulder fields and stairs in areas.

More cities: City running and hiking guides.