I am a moderate hiker, but have done some strenuous hikes as well. Would love to explore some great trails while in Asheville. Also, what do I need to know about bears in the area?
Thank you. Appreciate it.
Having seen a black bear and her cubs walking in the middle of the street in Asheville city limits, I don't think black bears fear people. They don't seem to like us, though.
Bears close to urban areas are different than bears you'll encounter in gamelands and trail systems that are away from urban areas, as far as temperament goes. Bears that you might encounter deeper in the woods will high tail it away from your if they hear or see you.
Black Balsam Knob. I did the 5 mile loop.
Montreat. Lookout Mountain to Brush Mountain to Trestle Road trail back to Lookout.
Graybeard Trail is perfect this time of year also. The wildflowers are off the hook.
Go up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Start at the Pisgah Inn, mile marker 408. The view from the hotel is stunning. Pack a cooler full of drinks and snacks because from that point there are several steep but short trails with amazing views. Here are a few:
Craggy Pinnalce Craggy Gardens Frying Pan Tower Graveyard Fields Devil’s Courthouse Waterrock Knob
Enjoy
I wouldn't worry much about bears. Very very rare that there's a negative interaction with humans. Although, if camping, you can bring a bear canister to store your food safely.
We've put together this hiking guide which touches on some of our favorites, based on level of difficulty: https://lazytigerhostel.com/asheville-hiking/
Hope that helps!
Thank you so much for the link and the info.
This sub needs an "Asheville Trails" post pinned because this is asked 4 times a week. Just search the sub and you will find hundreds of these posts already...
Not throwing any shade at OP, just saying it would be very helpful for people visiting this sub to get information they need.
Not sure what the updated trail will be like, but Catawba Falls is supposed to re-open soon. The upper falls was a favorite of mine as a college kid.
I just got an email from the US Forest Service saying that it is reopening on May 31.
Hike to the top of Mt Mitchell to say you hike to the highest mountain east of the Mississippi
Woody ridge and the black mtn crest trail. unhinged hiking and vertical slopes. Best view in NC at sunrise.
Following. Looking for something with minimal elevation, no bears or rattlesnakes, paved sidewalk, great 5g service, close to the car, near a brewery and adjacent to curate
It would take you decades to do all the great trails within a 2 hour drive of Asheville.
If I had a limited amount of time, I would head down the Blue Ridge Parkway and check out Skinny Dip Falls, Mt. Pisgah, Graveyard Fields, Flat Laurel Creek, Devil’s Courthouse, Courthouse Falls, Dill Falls and that area. They’re all in the same area and it’s a nice drive.
Just black bears in WNC. They’re more afraid of you than you are of them.