The best walks and hikes around Buncombe
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Hiking around Buncombe County, North Carolina, offers diverse terrain within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The region features forested mountain slopes, river valleys, and high-elevation balds. Trails often traverse sections of the Pisgah National Forest, providing access to lush woodlands and scenic waterways like the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers. The landscape includes cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations, with elevations ranging from riverbanks to significant peaks.
Best hiking trails around Buncombe
- The most popular hiking route is Tunnel Hill State Trail, a 26.8 miles (43.2 km) difficult trail that takes 11 hours 4 minutes to complete. This route offers a long-distance experience through varied landscapes.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Ferne Clyffe State Park loop from Ferne Clyffe State Park, a moderate 6.2 miles (10.1 km) path. This loop provides a balanced hike through the state park's natural features.
- Local hikers also love the Bork's Waterfall, Bobcat, and Big Buck Creek Trail, a 2.6 miles (4.2 km) trail leading through forested areas with a waterfall, often completed in about 1 hour 9 minutes.
- Hiking around Buncombe is defined by forested mountain slopes, river valleys, and high-elevation balds. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to more challenging treks.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 18 hikers have used komoot to explore Buncombe's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 6, 2026
4.19km
01:09
70m
50m
This combined route through Ferne Clyffe State Park offers a tranquil journey through quiet woods, past impressive bluffs, and alongside scenic creeks. The highlight is Bork's Waterfall, cascading into a beautiful turquoise pool, a truly captivating sight. You'll experience varied terrain, from natural creek rock to water pools, especially picturesque in the fall when vibrant leaves frame the landscape.
Planning your visit is straightforward, though a few tips will enhance your trip. Dogs are permitted on the Bork's Waterfall Trail if leashed and cleaned up after. Cell service can be unreliable in the park, so downloading your route maps beforehand is a smart move. The fall season is particularly recommended for the stunning contrast of water against the yellow and orange foliage.
This easy 2.6-mile (4.2 km) hike, with a gentle 229 feet (70 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 8 minutes. It's a less-trafficked alternative to other park attractions, allowing for a more peaceful exploration of Bork's Waterfall, the Bobcat Loop, and Big Buck Creek Trail. While mostly easy, be mindful that a shortcut to the falls can be steep and slick, and the Bobcat Loop itself is rated as moderate.
43.2km
11:04
170m
170m
Hike the challenging 26.8-mile Tunnel Hill State Trail through diverse landscapes, a historic tunnel, and impressive trestles in Illinois.
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610m
00:10
0m
20m
If you're looking for a quick, high-reward nature walk, the Big Rocky Hollow Trail delivers a lot of beauty in a short distance. This easy 0.4-mile (0.6 km) hike, with virtually 0 feet (0 metres) of elevation gain, takes only about 9 minutes to complete, leading you through narrowing canyons with impressive bluffs and rock formations. The highlight is the 100-foot Ferne Clyffe Falls at the trail's end, often featuring a natural cave shelter behind it, and after rain, the sandstone walls come alive with hanging wall gardens, creating an almost tropical feel.
Planning your visit to this popular trail in Ferne Clyffe State Park, near Goreville, Illinois, is straightforward, but a few tips will enhance your experience. The waterfall's flow is rainfall-dependent, so aim for a visit after heavy rains for the best views. Since it's a favorite spot, arriving early in the morning is your best bet for a quieter experience. Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes for potentially wet creek crossings and always stick to the marked paths; climbing the waterfall is dangerous.
This trail is a fantastic option for beginners, families, and those with dogs on a leash, offering a taste of the region's unique geology and flora. The area is also an Important Bird Area, so keep an eye out for local wildlife. The Big Rocky Hollow Trail also intertwines with the Waterfalls Trail midway, offering options to extend your adventure to the bluff tops if you're feeling more ambitious.
10
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
10.1km
02:43
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Vienna is the trail HQ as well as the adjacent city park and rail museum. There is water, flush toilets, 2 museums and a beautiful park all right there. There is a trail into downtown where there is a great little place to eat called Neds Shed. Camping is available just east of the trail at the Shawnee Forest Campground. There is a recently ( 2025 ) completed concrete bike path from the trail east to the fast food restaraunts and then onto the shawnee forest campground. lots of Fast food available, a local diner, and a mexican restaraunt along this eastern extension.
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This is the longest and highest trestle on the trail over 300 feet above the valley below.
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This is a must stop on the trail. This place has cold water, ice cream treats and a place to relax in the old general store & post office of sandburn IL. It runs on the honor system. Very cool place for pics!
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The highlight of the trail as well as the highest point on the trail is the tunnel at tunnel hill. The tunnel is 542 feet long, 300 feet shorter than originally built in the late 1800's due to a cave in. the tunnel is very neat and worth a trip.
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There is a nice spot to rest in New Burnside. Water is available. BAthroom facilities are there as well. Convenience stores are close by as well. This town was named after General Ambrose Burnside who was one of the original founders of the Rail Road on which the tunnel hill trail is built.
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Stonefort has a small but nice place to stop for a rest. Water is available there. Bathroom facilities are available as well. There are conveniene stores close by if you require some food or cold drinks.
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Set in the lush Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois, Ferne Clyffe State Park spreads across roughly 2,430 acres just south of Goreville and offers a rich mix of forest, bluffs, waterfalls, and trails. You can hike through woods filled with fern-covered limestone outcrops, explore Hawks’ Cave and a dramatic intermittent waterfall on the Big Rocky Hollow Trail, or wander around Ferne Clyffe Lake’s one-mile shoreline. Campgrounds range from modern sites with electricity to primitive and equestrian camps, and there are several picnic shelters and lookout points. With over 700 plant species, vibrant spring wildflowers, vivid fall foliage, and rugged natural scenery, this park delivers one of the most scenic escapes in Illinois.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails can I find in Buncombe County?
Buncombe County, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a diverse range of hiking experiences. You'll find everything from gentle strolls along riverbanks to challenging ascents with significant elevation gain. The region features trails through lush forests, along scenic waterways like the Swannanoa and French Broad Rivers, and to high-elevation balds with panoramic views. Many trails are part of the vast Pisgah National Forest, and sections of the iconic Mountains-to-Sea Trail are also accessible here.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Buncombe County?
Yes, Buncombe County has several options suitable for families and those seeking a less strenuous walk. For a short, accessible option, consider the Big Rocky Hollow Trail, which is just over half a kilometer long. Another easy choice is the Bork's Waterfall, Bobcat, and Big Buck Creek Trail, offering a pleasant 4 km hike with minimal elevation gain. The Ferne Clyffe State Park – Ferne Clyffe Falls loop is another easy, scenic option around 4 km.
Where can I find trails with waterfalls in Buncombe County?
Buncombe County is home to beautiful cascading waterfalls, particularly within the Pisgah National Forest. The Bork's Waterfall, Bobcat, and Big Buck Creek Trail is a great option to experience a waterfall. Additionally, the Douglas Falls Trail is known for leading to an impressive waterfall through old-growth forests, offering a rewarding experience for hikers.
Are there any challenging or long-distance hikes available?
For those seeking a more strenuous adventure, Buncombe County offers trails with significant elevation gain and longer distances. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a challenging option, spanning over 43 kilometers. The High Windy Trail is also known for its significant elevation gain, leading to rewarding views of the Swannanoa Valley and Craggy Mountains. The Collier Cove Nature Preserve provides nearly 2 miles of steep trails with vistas of the eastern Butler mountain range.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks to look for while hiking?
Buncombe County's landscape is rich with natural beauty. Hikers can explore the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, vast stretches of the Pisgah National Forest, and unique high-elevation balds often adorned with wild blueberries and wildflowers. Keep an eye out for the Swannanoa River and French Broad River, which many trails follow. The Craggy Mountains and Craggy Gardens are renowned for dramatic rock formations and vibrant rhododendron blooms, especially along trails like the Craggy Gardens Trail and Craggy Pinnacle Trail.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the area?
Yes, Buncombe County offers several loop trails for a varied hiking experience. The Ferne Clyffe State Park – Ferne Clyffe Falls loop and the longer Ferne Clyffe State Park loop are excellent choices. Other popular loop trails include the Homestead, Pine Tree, and Deerfield Loop, which winds through wooded areas, and the Wolf Branch Loop, traversing varied forest terrain.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Buncombe County?
Buncombe County offers beautiful hiking opportunities year-round, but each season has its unique charm. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers and rhododendron blooms, especially in areas like Craggy Gardens. Summer is popular for enjoying the lush green forests and cooler mountain air at higher elevations. Fall is spectacular with its brilliant foliage colors. Even winter hiking can be rewarding, offering crisp air and serene, snow-dusted landscapes, though some higher elevation trails may be more challenging due to conditions.
Are dogs allowed on hiking trails in Buncombe County?
Many trails in Buncombe County, particularly within the Pisgah National Forest, are dog-friendly, provided your pet is on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific trail regulations before you go, as some nature preserves or protected areas might have restrictions. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, including packing out pet waste.
Where can I find information about parking for trailheads?
Parking availability varies by trailhead across Buncombe County. Many popular trailheads within the Pisgah National Forest and state parks offer designated parking areas, though they can fill up quickly during peak seasons. For specific routes, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for parking information. Some urban greenways and community parks also have dedicated parking facilities.
Are there any trails that offer expansive views or viewpoints?
Absolutely. Buncombe County is renowned for its breathtaking vistas. Trails leading to high-elevation balds provide expansive, panoramic views. The Craggy Pinnacle Trail, for instance, offers 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. The High Windy Trail also promises rewarding views of the Swannanoa Valley and Craggy Mountains after a significant climb. Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, offers challenging climbs and unparalleled high-elevation vistas.
What is the average difficulty of hikes in Buncombe County?
The hiking trails in Buncombe County cater to all skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and difficult routes. For example, the Big Rocky Hollow Trail is an easy, short walk, while the Ferne Clyffe State Park loop is a moderate, longer option. For a significant challenge, the Tunnel Hill State Trail is classified as difficult, covering a substantial distance.
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