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Asheville Hiking Expert: Mast General Store
15 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, NC
(828) 232-1883 || www.maststore.com
Asheville Running Expert: Jus’ Running
523 Merrimon Ave # 1, Asheville, NC
828-252-7867 || www.jusrunning.com
Craggy Pinnacle (Parkway North MP 364): Located on the Blue Ridge
Parkway near Asheville, this is a moderate hike of around 1.4 miles total roundtrip.The
hike begins at Craggy Dome parking area and heads up through changing scenery and
a series of gnarled trees on a beautiful, rocky trail before gaining a beautiful view of the
surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains after about half a mile. Hikers can continue on to find
additional overlooks, including a grassy area with a bench, before heading on the stone
summit for a 360-degree view. Directions from Asheville: Head north on the
Blue Ridge Parkway for around 18 miles past the Craggy Gardens Picnic Area to the Craggy
Dome parking area. The trail starts on the left side of the parking lot behind the rock wall.
Mountains to Sea (Parkway North MP 380): This trail parallels
the Blue Ridge Parkway on the edge of Asheville offering trail runners easy access to
extensive forest runs. From the Folk Art Center, head north for a steady climb up
to the Haw Creek Overlook, or head south for an easier out and back over rolling
terrain. Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 E to Exit 7/Tunnel Rd./US 70.
Take Tunnel Rd./US 70 E (left off the exit) for about 3 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Take a right off Tunnel Rd./US 70 E to get on to the Parkway. At the stop sign turn right
onto the Parkway. The Folk Art Center is about 1/4 mile on your left. Park there and
look for the white Mountains to Sea trail blaze.
Mt. Pisgah (Parkway South MP 407.6): A steep hike with rewarding views, Mt.
Shut InTrail (Asheville): This 16.3-mile trail starts near the N.C.Arboretum,
and follows a section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. With tough climbs and the long
one-way mileage, most users opt for an out and back option, going whichever distance
suits them. If you have a way to leave a vehicle, then there are plenty of access points
along the Blue Ridge Parkway, including at the end of the trail at the Mt. Pisgah parking
lot. Directions from Asheville: Take I-240W to I-26 E and get off on Exit 33, NC
191/Brevard Rd.Turn left and head south on NC 191 for 2 miles to the Bent Creek Park
lot on the left located beside the river. The trail starts by following the path through
the bridge that will take you under the road. Once you cross the street, stay left and
you’ll see the trailhead.
Pisgah is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 3 mile round-trip hike takes hikers to the 5,721’
summit of Mt. Pisgah, which includes 360 degree views, a nice wooden observation platform, and
the intrigue of exploring the mountain-top tower. Directions from Asheville: Access
the Blue Ridge Parkway at the NC Arboretum off of Highway Highway 191, and head South. The
parking lot will be on the left at milepost 407.6 - head to the second lot at the back.
Skinny Dip Falls (Parkway South MP 417): This three-tiered waterfall along
the Yellowstone Prong drops a total of 30 feet through a rocky bend in an ice-cold mountain
stream. Perched on the edge of the tallest falls is a rock that juts over a deep plunge pool. For
a fun waterfall adventure hike, we definitely recommend the trek to this deep water swimming
hole thanks to its close proximity to the Parkway. We recommend working up a good sweat by
exploring the nearby Mountains to Sea trail. Directions from Asheville: Take 1-240W
to I-26 E to Exit 33. Take a left on to NC 191 for 2 miles and turn right onto the Blue Ridge
Parkway. Head south on the Parkway (right turn) and drive 30+ miles to the Looking Glass Rock
Overlook, milepost 417.The trail begins on the other side of the road. Follow the trail about 400
feet to the Mountains to Sea trail and turn left to falls.
Graveyard Fields Trail (Parkway South 418): A moderate 3.2-mile out and
back hike through a high alpine valley with two picturesque waterfalls. Start the hike at the lower
end of the parking area. Be sure to stop at the first viewing platform to catch a glimpse of the
first waterfall. For additional hikes in the area, head to Black Balsam and tackle Sam Knob.
This 2.2-mile out and back hike starts at 5,800 feet in elevation a