The best walks and hikes in Buncombe County

Yes, the area offers several great options for families. For a very gentle and flat walk, consider the Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail loop. It's a short path around a lake in North Asheville, perfect for all ages.

Buncombe County is known for its beautiful waterfalls. A rewarding hike is the trail to Graybeard Falls & Walker's Knob via Graybeard Trail. This route takes you through the forest to the impressive falls and offers further scenic views if you continue to the knob.

Many trails in Buncombe County are dog-friendly, especially within the Pisgah National Forest, but they must be kept on a leash. A popular choice among dog owners is the Bent Creek Trail & Hard Times Road Trail loop, which offers a moderately long walk with varied scenery.

For spectacular panoramic views without a strenuous climb, the Bearwallow Mountain Trail loop is an excellent choice. The summit is a wide, grassy bald that provides 360-degree vistas of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

Yes, for those seeking a strenuous day hike with significant elevation gain, the Graybeard Mountain & West Ridge Trail loop is a difficult but rewarding option. This long loop climbs over 700 meters through the forest to the summit of Graybeard Mountain.

There are many loop trails that bring you back to your starting point. A great moderate option is the Rainbow Mountain & Lookout Mountain Loop. It combines a steady climb with rewarding views from Lookout Mountain before descending back through the forest.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the well-maintained paths, the stunning views from peaks like Mount Pisgah and Craggy Gardens, and the lush, dense forests found throughout the Pisgah National Forest.

There are over 140 hiking routes in Buncombe County curated on komoot. These range from 63 easy walks suitable for all skill levels to 14 difficult trails that will challenge even experienced hikers.

Absolutely. The North Carolina Arboretum offers several gentle paths. The Natural Garden, Bent Creek, and Carolina Mountain loop is a fantastic introduction to the region's flora, with minimal elevation change and well-marked trails.

Hiking in Buncombe County is a year-round activity. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and rhododendrons, especially in areas like Craggy Gardens. Summer offers lush green forests, though it can be humid. Autumn is famous for its spectacular fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Winter provides clearer, long-range views and fewer crowds, but be prepared for cold weather and potential trail closures at high elevations.

The vast majority of hiking trails, particularly those within the Pisgah National Forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, are free to access. Some specific locations, like The North Carolina Arboretum, may have an entrance or parking fee.

The terrain is classic Blue Ridge Mountains. Expect trails that wind through dense hardwood forests, often with sections of rocky and root-covered ground. Many routes involve significant elevation changes, climbing to scenic balds or mountain summits. You'll also find gentler paths that follow river valleys and creek beds.