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.
Post Helene Update: Since the Blue Ridge Parkway was shut down due to Helene, large portions of the Parkway have reopened for safe travel alongside some popular hikes for the late fall season. Here’s what we know and the best way to access the Parkway openings from Asheville. Be sure to consult DriveNC.gov for information on open roads and safe routes to your destination.
Most roads have reopened. The route from Eastern Tennessee may look different.
- I-40 is closed near the NC/TN border.
- I-26 has reopened one lane in both directions near the NC/TN border in Erwin, TN.
- Best alternate routes add 15–30 minutes of drive time.
Here are four great winter hikes that are easy to reach from Asheville:
Max Patch Trail
Near Hot Springs, some call Max Patch "the crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail," where the famous footpath which crosses it at the top. It's 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!
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 are not icy, you can even walk behind the waterfall. Moore Cove Falls is a favorite waterfall hike for kids and dogs.
Photo by Jonna Reiff.
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--easy to spot thanks to the leafless trees. The John Rock trailhead is 37 miles from downtown Asheville.
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
