If you love art, culture, and access to the outdoors, then Asheville, North Carolina, is a supremely delightful destination. With creative vibes and historic architecture galore, it’s a wonderful place for East Coasters and visitors from much further away alike.
The following guide includes ideas both for those who are on a day trip to Asheville from a nearby town or state, as well as potential destinations for folks staying in Asheville as a home base and venturing out from there. Naturally, if you’re sticking around for a week or two, you can always “day trip” to simple, walkable destinations right in town as well!
1. The Appalachian Trail
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve almost certainly heard of the Appalachian Trail, colloquially known as the AT. It just happens to run right through North Carolina, adjacent to Asheville, where you’ll find a number of trailheads an hour away or less by car.
The trail also runs directly through the town of Hot Springs, which is located only 35 miles away from Asheville and is a destination in its own right. As the name suggests, it is home to natural hot springs, the perfect place to soak away the rigors of a long hike.
Note: some areas will be under repairs after the 2024 Hurricane Helene. See here
2. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is nationally renowned for its scenic beauty and long history. Established in 1936 and managed by the good old National Park Service, it is 460 miles long and passes through a glorious range of forest land and mountains.
You can access it from a number of different places in Asheville:
- Near the Biltmore Estate in the south of town, take US 25
- Near the Folk Art Center in the east of town, take US 70
- Near Fairview, a pastoral wonderland a few miles southeast of Asheville, take US 74A
- Near the North Carolina Arboretum, also in the south of town, take NC 191
3. Max Patch Mountain
Noteworthy for the fact that it has no trees on top, but rather is covered in grass, Max Patch Mountain is what is known as a bald mountain. It sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, with its summit in North Carolina proper. It’s a significant milestone on the Appalachian Trail.
Although it is about an hour and 10 minutes away from Asheville by car, visitors will find it well worth the trip for the incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
4. River Arts District
No discussion of a day’s activities near Asheville would be complete without a look at the River Arts District right in town. Located within Asheville proper, the RAD, as it’s known, lies along the French Broad River.
There, a former industrial area has been transformed into a wondrous creative community. You’ll find murals, artists’ studios, galleries, cafes and restaurants, music venues, breweries, and nightlife. Transition seamlessly from day to night without running out of activities!
Note that some businesses in the River Arts District were damaged from the 2024 Hurricane and are no longer open.
5. Roan Mountain
Achieving some pretty significant altitude at 6,277 feet, Roan Mountain also lies along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Not a bald mountain this time, this beautiful and hike-worthy destination is crowned by a spruce-fir forest as well as the largest native rhododendron garden in the world.
At an hour and 20 minutes away by car, it’s a bit of a commitment for those staying in Asheville, but the natural beauty won’t disappoint.
6. Lake Lure
If you love fun in the sun, then Lake Lure is an excellent place to go. You can either take your own boat there or book a tour that will last about an hour. Note that even if you bring your own boat to put in, you will have to pay a fee. No matter what, it’s a gorgeous lake with a lovely hangout area and a refreshment stand, so it’s worth the hour’s drive.
7. Biltmore Estate
Perhaps the most famous landmark in the Ashland area, the Biltmore Estate has the distinction of being a National Historic Landmark. The Vanderbilt family lived there for generations before the property became a tourist attraction that includes a winery, beautiful greenhouse, outdoor gardens, and lodging for visitors.
With the distinction of being America’s largest home, the Biltmore Estate is fascinating to tour. And with 8,000 acres to its name, this is a day trip that could truly take all day, so make sure you give yourself enough time to soak it in.
8. Hendersonville
For the Civil War buffs, a stop in Hendersonville (about 30 minutes south of Asheville) is an absolute must. Check out the Henderson County Heritage Museum, where you’ll see artifacts from the war as well as a stunning replica of a general store from the last century.
Jump Off Rock overlook is a great place to picnic with fabulous Blue Ridge Mountains views, while dog lovers will enjoy Mills River Park. The Park at Flat Rock is another beautiful place to spend the day and enjoy some native plants and animals.
9. Asheville Botanical Gardens
The Asheville Botanical Gardens, which you may also see written as the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, cover 10 sprawling acres less than 15 minutes from downtown. Its gorgeous and well-managed trail winds through the middle of the park. It’s reasonably long, taking about 15 minutes to run its entire length.
In addition to being very meditative, the park features a wide variety of plants native to North Carolina. Look for the pink lady’s slipper or moccasin flower, a rare and delicate specimen in the orchid family.
10. Downtown
Downtown Asheville is a must, whether you’re staying within the town or visiting from somewhere outside it. There, you’ll find the Asheville urban trail, a historic 1.7-mile walking tour that winds through 30 different stops marked by sculpture.
Much like the river arts district, you will find shopping, dining, boutiques, breweries, music venues, and fun attractions. Make sure to check out the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, which is crowned by an incredible dome, as well as the Asheville Pinball Museum for the game nerds among you.
