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Enjoy a Blue Ridge sunrise what is the best county to live in north carolina sunset on one of these 8 classic hikes within 90 minutes of Asheville, North Carolina.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a sunrise best sunrise hikes near asheville sunset in best sunrise hikes near asheville Blue Ridge Mountains, there is no sunnrise it was an experience you will not soon forget. Southern Appalachia is riddled with craggy rock outcroppings, bald mountain peaks, and even fire towers that offer expansive views from high in the mountains.
Many of these vaulted views are spectacular at dusk or dawn, and this guidebook showcases some of the best options to take in the view within 90 minutes of Asheville, NC. If you’re not sure where to start, the Pisgah Region of the Blue Ridge Parkway offers access to many of these hikes, with countless other roadside vistas along the way.
Neither are too challenging, and their summits offer impeccable views of the sunrise year-round. Black Balsam Knob is a bucket list hike for anyone visiting western North Carolina, its summit offering sweeping degree views from nearly 6, feet A quick one-mile out-and-back is a popular option from Black Balsam Road, but this five-mile circuit offers endless views along the Art Loeb Trail then returns via an old logging path.
The entire circuit is well worth the effort, should you have the time and energy for it. Nearby, the hike to Green Knob and Mount Hardy explores remote stretches of the Middle Prong Wilderness, asheville it is incredibly difficult to navigate due to a lack of markings.
Wilderness areas in North Carolina generally are void of trail markings, a policy that helps to maintain their wild and remote feel. Should you be able to find Green Knob, though, it is an excellent opportunity for a quiet overnight trip deep in the wilderness. During the solar eclipse ofmany locals sought out this mountaintop clearing for some peace and quiet and to enjoy the view.
This is also an excellent option to view any meteor showers or other celestial events, since there is virtually no light or noise pollution this high up. Should that route be a longer commitment than you’re prepared for, consider nearby Devil’s Courthouse. It is a short—yet steep—hike to a stone observation area overlooking Courthouse Valley. Placards denote distant mountain peaks across North Carolina, South Carolina, and even Georgia — and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and catch your breath on your way up!
Heading west and about halfway between Sylva and Waynesville, Waterrock Knob is an all-time favorite of local guiding company White Dot Adventures. A large parking lot offers neaf to both the east and west, or you can make your way up a short trail for an even better view from best sunrise hikes near asheville the parking lot! A seasonal Visitor Hikew offers information on the area, plus a small selection of food, beverage, and souvenirs.
There is no drinking water, but vault toilets are available. Its popularity, however, may make it difficult to find solitude on the bald summit. If you’re willing to brave the cold of winter or early spring, that would be your best opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet canvased by a spectacular view of the surrounding Blue Ridge. Last to make this list, but definitely not адрес, is a stop at Craggy Pinnacle northeast of Asheville.
This short hike wanders through dense rhododendron and mountain laurel, which bloom throughout the spring and early summer. From a rocky overlook, you can see both the sunrise and best sunrise hikes near asheville throughout most of the year — though access in the winter can be more difficult. The Blue Ridge Parkway frequently closes throughout the winter, and this particular section is one of the first to be gated off due to ice and snow.
Before you head out, check best sunrise hikes near asheville road conditions here for the most up-to-date information. Brendon Voelker. Focus on map Share. Craggy whitedotadventures. View from the parking lot by Brendon Voelker Licence Free. Black Balsam Knob whitedotadventures. Black Balsam Sunset whitedotadventures. Best sunrise hikes near asheville If you’ve ever enjoyed hiles sunrise or sunset in the Blue Ridge Ashevi,le, there is no doubt it was an experience you will not soon forget.
A popular hike providing spectacular views from the summit of Mount Pisgah. A sumrise hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway renowned for its endless degree views.
Best sunrise hikes near asheville. 15 Best Hikes Near Asheville NC
And watching the sun slowly sink behind the horizon from a lofty summit perch is one of the absolute best, most relaxing ways to end the day. Be sure to pack hiking essentials check out our hiking gear list for our trail-tested favorites like water, extra layers, and a flashlight or headlamp to help navigate the trail in low pre-dawn and pre-dusk light. Our top 10 favorite trails explore some of the most beautiful mountain summits near Asheville and make the perfect spot to catch a colorful celestial show.
Climb to the rolling, grassy, wildflower-filled summit of Max Patch Mountain and grab amazing degree views. For a dose of serenity and a little more mileage, hike the alternate route to Max Patch from Lemon Gap. This lesser traveled stretch of the Appalachian Trail offers the opportunity for a bit more solitude and makes for a great overnight backpacking adventure.
Its high-elevation expanses of rolling, golden grass in summer, and windswept frozen beauty in winter top our list for catching sunrise or sunset in any season. Hike this ultra-scenic section of the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina through grassy fields filled with wildflowers and wild blueberries to some of the most spectacular panoramic views in Western North Carolina. Black Balsam Knob offers plenty of rocky perches to sit and enjoy the sky slowly painted in hues of pink, purple, orange, and red.
Extend this relatively short hike by continuing on the Art Loeb Trail from Black Balsam Knob to Tennent Mountain , or for an epic day hike make the gorgeous trek to Shining Rock Mountain and its brilliant white quartz outcrops. Climb the rocky, rugged Tanawha Trail to angular overlooks at the Rough Ridge summit and outstanding sunrise vistas. Catch stunning see-forever views over Grandfather Mountain and the Linn Cove Viaduct , and plan to spend a while soaking up the sunshine and the early morning beauty.
Score amazing views from the third tallest peak in the Smoky Mountains. The Alum Cave Trail to Mt LeConte makes for an amazing overnight adventure, catching both sunrise and sunset from the open, expansive summit. Hawksbill Mountain has long been one our top favorite adventures, with top-of-the-world views in every direction. The rocky, rugged summit offers degree, panoramic views and makes the ultimate spot to catch sunrise when exploring Linville Gorge. It may have an ominous sounding name, but the views are simply sublime and serene.
Hiking gear list: our favorite, trail-tested gear Ready to hit the trail, but wondering what to pack? Our hiking gear list features our favorite, trail-tested hiking gear for day hikes on local trails and in the North Carolina wilderness. And no matter what you pack in, pack it all back out. Please leave no trace and help preserve the beauty of Western NC.
Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you’re going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials , and don’t rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.
And watching the sun slowly sink behind the horizon from a lofty summit perch is one of the absolute best, most relaxing ways to end the day Be sure to pack hiking essentials check out our hiking gear list for our trail-tested favorites like water, extra layers, and a flashlight or headlamp to help navigate the trail in low pre-dawn and pre-dusk light.
Our favorite sunrise and sunset hikes near Asheville, NC Our top 10 favorite trails explore some of the most beautiful mountain summits near Asheville and make the perfect spot to catch a colorful celestial show. Max Patch Mountain 1. Map Search. Trail Finder.
Best sunrise hikes near asheville.Best 5 Spots to Watch Mountain Sunrise & Sunset
What comes to mind when you think of Asheville? Asheville is known for being one of the most beautiful areas in western North Carolina. Some of these hiking trails are part of a larger trail network called the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. This impressive 1,mile trail begins at the Tennessee border and runs through Asheville, connecting to ten state parks and three national forests along the way. Whether you are a brand-new hiker or an experienced mountaineer, Asheville hiking will be rewarding.
With the help of this guide, you will be able to plan your next great adventure on the best hikes in Asheville, NC! The acre Asheville Botanical Gardens is located just over a mile north of downtown at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. This is an easy shaded half-mile loop that features more than species of plants and wildflowers native to the Appalachian Mountains. This is a family-friendly trail that would be a great introduction to hiking.
Along the trail, you will encounter a babbling creek and plenty of great picnic spots. And keep your eyes peeled for the historical marker that commemorates where the Battle of Asheville took place at the end of the Civil War! This trail is both family-friendly and dog-friendly which makes it perfect for a weekend outing. Bring the whole family to pick delicious blueberries with stunning mountain views. You will take this trail to get to Black Balsam Knob. As the trail starts, you will hike through a lush forest with rocky terrain before arriving at a meadow with panoramic views.
Bring a picnic for the summit, and then gently descend the way that you came. Tall grasses, wildflowers, scrubs, and blueberry bushes cover scenic mountain balds. You will begin by hiking through a dense forest and twisted, knobby trees to a grassy meadow at the summit. At the peak, the degree views of this high-elevation dreamscape will stun you. This trail is beautiful in many seasons as the rhododendrons are blooming in June, and blueberries are ripening in late summer.
Max Patch is a scenic mountain bald nestled in the southern Appalachian Mountains. This trail begins at a parking area along a gravel road. You will follow the white blazes of the Appalachian Trail up a gradual open climb with panoramic views that only get better as you go.
You then briefly enter a dense green tunnel before emerging again on the bald as you ascend to the top of Max Patch.
The summit is a great place to have lunch and enjoy the views! About one mile in, you will leave the white blazes and veer right to follow the Max Patch spur trail back to the trailhead and parking area.
This trail may not be very long, but the one-mile loop sure offers some incredible panoramic views! This trail summits Mount Mitchell , which stands at feet. Despite this, hiking through the mist and foggy forest will still leave you in awe. The trail then connects to the Balsam Nature Trail through a high-elevation forest that provides gorgeous vista views. The trailhead is also inside the Black Mountain Campground.
You will begin by hiking through a tunnel of rhododendrons. As you continue, you will begin to climb up stone-cut steps. These will bring you to the pinnacle which boasts epic panoramic views of mountain vistas and dramatic rocky outcroppings.
This summit is said to have some of the best sunsets in North Carolina! And for a bonus, hike this trail in June during peak rhododendron bloom for the most gorgeous views. Mount Pisgah is an iconic landmark in Asheville, North Carolina, and it can be seen from many surrounding mountain summits. After leaving the trailhead in the Pisgah National Forest, the trail begins relatively flat as you hike through rhododendrons and mountain laurel.
From there, you begin a steep climb through a hardwood forest that eventually leads to a series of rock steps. You will be stunned by the vista views at this 5,foot summit with an observation platform. Once you reach the summit of Mount Pisgah, you can see another legendary peak in Asheville: Cold Mountain.
After taking in all the views, you descend the same trail in which you came. This trail is known for its beauty and unique history. The trail begins at a small parking lot and follows the Mountains to Sea Trail to the east. On the way to Rattlesnake Lodge, a breathtaking view of rocky outcropping above the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Along this trail , you will hike through a hardwood forest along a narrow historic road to the remains of an estate dating back to the s. The lodge got its name because of its infamous living room ceiling covered in rattlesnake skins. This trail is especially beautiful during the autumn months due to the breathtaking fall foliage colors. This trail follows peaks and ridges and touches some of the highest points in the Black Balsams.
Many hikers describe this trail as equal parts stunning and challenging, as it boasts some of the most beautiful views of the Pisgah National Forest. This trail is also dog-friendly, so make sure to bring yours along for this backpacking adventure! The trail starts at the parking lot and quickly ascends through evergreen and rhododendron forests. It then becomes rugged and includes multiple cable assists, so this is where experience is needed.
You will use cables and ladders to summit the sheer rock face of MacRae Peak. The next summit is just over a quarter-mile up the trail and offers gorgeous views of dramatic rocky outcroppings. Many hikers will choose to turn around after summiting the Attic window, but you can continue just over one mile to Calloway Peak, which is the highest of the three at 5, feet. The difficulty of this trail is well worth it as the high-elevation views are unmatched.
Table Rock Mountain is a flattened peak with a rocky summit, and the trail leading up to it provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Linville Gorge. Some avid hikers even say that the views from this summit are some of the best in North Carolina! Your journey begins at a trailhead off of a Forest Service Road. From there, you will steadily climb an ascending stone staircase surrounded by craggy cliffs and dense green shrubs. At the apex, the wide expanse of exposed granite will leave you awestruck by its rugged beauty.
After completing this hike, you will understand why! This easy to moderate hiking trail gives you a glimpse of some of the most beautiful falls in the region. Family-friendly, dog-friendly. Start from the Hooker Falls Access Area parking lot. Hike through dense evergreen and hardwood forest. Hooker Falls is peaceful and quaint. From there, go back the way you came until the pedestrian bridge. Walk along Little River to the base of Triple Falls, much steeper.
Continue to reach High Falls. This moderate hiking trail begins at a visitor center off of the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost From there, it crosses over the Linville Falls which cascades over a massive cliff and pools into the basin below.
The trail then enters an old-growth forest before yet another beautiful view of the falls at the Chimney Rock overlook.
Begin for a hike at the parking lot to make the quarter-mile jaunt over to the base of the falls. Swimming is allowed at the waterfall, but rocks are slippery so swim at your own risk. This trail is family and dog-friendly, so make sure this one is on your list for waterfall hikes for the whole family!
Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Additional menu. Asheville Botanical Gardens Trail 1. Black Balsam Knob Trail 1. Craggy Gardens Trail 1. Craggy Pinnacle Trail 2. Mount Pisgah Trail 2. Art Loeb Trail 3. Grandfather Mountain Trail 3. Linville Falls 4. Looking Glass Falls. Comments Thank you so much for this guide! Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.
Best Blue Ridge Sunrise & Sunset Spots, Asheville.Best Blue Ridge Sunrise & Sunset Spots, Asheville
MILES, ROUND TRIP. Hike to exceptionally beautiful degree panoramic views from two grassy mountain balds, Black Balsam Knob and Tennent Mountain. Wildflowers by the . · Pack Square. Asheville’s historic downtown Pack Square is a popular spot for summer concerts, family picnics, festivals, and all sorts of activity. However, before the town . · Easy Hikes Near Asheville, NC 1. Asheville Botanical Gardens Trail. Location: Asheville Botanical Gardens. Trail Length: Half-mile. Trail Type: Loop Trail. Estimated Time: .
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