Taking a winter hike offers many advantages: refreshing temperatures, fewer crowds and even better views thanks to leafless trees and our famous deep blue skies.
Here are six great winter hikes that are easy to reach from Asheville:
Bearwallow Mountain Trail
Less than 20 miles from downtown Asheville is a short hike that rewards with 360-degree views from a treeless summit on the western rim of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Cattle often graze on top, but they will gladly share the meadow with you for a picnic by the historic lookout tower. Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy protected the mountain and built the one-mile trail for all to enjoy. The uphill climb will quickly warm you up!
Lover's Leap Loop Trail
While much of the Appalachian Trail is too remote for winter hikes, you can easily take a "walk in the woods" in nearby Hot Springs. In fact, since the trail runs along the main street, park downtown and start your hike there. Cross the French Broad River and climb the ridge up to several rock outcrops for views across the valley and river. On the way back on the 1.5-mile roundtrip hike, stop for a soak in the hot mineral springs. Hot Springs is a 36-mile drive from downtown Asheville.
Max Patch Trail
Also near Hot Springs, Max Patch is known as the crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail, with the trail itself crossing directly over the mountain’s open, scenic summit. Its landscape is ideal for picnics, playing Frisbee, flying a kite, or practicing yoga with idyllic scenery surrounding you. With unimpeded views for miles around, you can see Mount Mitchell in the east and the Great Smokies in the west within a short 1.5- mile loop to the summit. Note: temperatures can often be 10-20 degrees cooler than in Asheville once on the exposed mountain bald, so make sure to bundle up!
Rainbow Falls Trail
Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park is a stunning 125-foot waterfall that creates rainbows in its mist. Located on the Blue Ridge Escarpment, this trail offers a lush forest hike that begins at the Grassy Ridge parking lot and follows the Horsepasture River. As the trail transitions into Pisgah National Forest, expect creek crossings, narrower paths, and scenic river views. Exercise caution near the falls, as the mist-soaked rocks can be slippery, and the currents are strong. This hike is open in the winter, when the mist has been known to turn to ice!
John Rock Trail
Located in Pisgah National Forest, hike the 5-mile loop to the rock summit for sweeping views of neighboring Looking Glass Rock and the Blue Ridge Parkway. On the way up to the 3,320-foot summit, stop at Cedar Rock Falls, which will be easy to spot thanks to the leafless trees. The John Rock trailhead is 37 miles from downtown Asheville.
Moore Cove Falls Trail
Located near the John Rock hike is a 50-foot waterfall tucked away in a beautiful cove along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. The family-friendly ¾-mile trail takes you to an observation deck. If the rocks aren't icy, you can even walk behind the waterfall. Moore Cove Falls is a favorite waterfall hike for kids and dogs.
Bonus: Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile scenic drive that winds through the mountaintops from Virginia to North Carolina, is known as America's favorite scenic drive. In the winter, the road often closes due to ice and snow in the higher elevations. When the road closes to vehicles, it's open to hikers who want the unique opportunity to explore on foot. You can park at any entrance (just don't block any gates!) and hike to favorite overlooks and trails. You can see Blue Ridge Parkway road closure information on the National Park Service website.
Photo by @jen_nealy
