Apr 12, 2017 | Last Updated May 17, 2023
460 words (2 min read)

The Concierge staff at The Residences at Biltmore love making suggestions to guests on local area activities. Guests who want to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air of an Asheville hike can get the full Western North Carolina experience on these trails that our concierges have voted as their favorites. From easy to difficult, there's a hike for everyone on this list.

Nearby

Craggy Gardens

If you want to stick close to downtown but experience the full beauty of the Smoky Mountains, this trail is for you. Just a short drive from downtown Asheville, Craggy Gardens is a great place to visit for a short hike or picnic. Craggy Gardens Trail is accessible from the Visitor Center parking area and continues for 8/10 of a mile to an amazing overlook with mountains as far as the eye can see.

Graveyard Fields

Don't be scared off by the name; Graveyard Fields is so-named because logging in the area left tree stumps resembling gravestones through the area. Now, the "fields" offer a unique trail just off the Blue Ridge Parkway that leads to glorious sights and waterfalls. Just a short walk down the trail leads to the lower falls, where you can hop off the trail for an Insta-worthy shot of the waterfalls. Continue on the four-mile loop to view the upper falls and eventually make it back to the overlook parking area.

Black Balsam Knob

Also known as Black Balsam Bald for its treeless mountain tops, this area is home to many hiking options along a 5-mile loop. Parts of the trail are rougher than others and may be a little more challenging for some people, but the views are worth traveling over some rocky patches. The first bald is just a short walk from the parking area and once you experience the scenery from there you'll want to explore the rest of what this trail has to offer.

30 Minutes or More

Looking Glass Rock

If you are looking for a more strenuous hike, Looking Glass Rock is the trail for you. This hike can take anywhere from 4-5 hours and is well worth the time. When you get to the top you will be able to enjoy the spectacular view while relaxing on the rock face.

Devil’s Courthouse

The Devil’s Courthouse is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after a long ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The walk to the overlook takes about 20 minutes on a mostly paved trail from the parking area, and the view from the top is breathtaking. Plus you might see a few hawks, vultures, eagles, or Peregrine Falcons hanging out. Also, there are several trails around the base of the courthouse that are perfect for a nice day of hiking.