Summary

• North Carolina offers incredible hiking trails near the Blue Ridge Mountains where you can enjoy small-town charm and natural beauty.
• Asheville, Hendersonville and Beech Mountain are top spots for hiking, craft beers, apple orchards and outdoor sports.
• Bryson City, Brevard, Highlands and Cherokee also offer access to stunning scenery and outdoor adventures.

North Carolina is full of spectacular natural sites to explore, from amazing snorkeling to some of the best hiking on the East Coast. If you want to combine your epic hikes with some small-town charm, there are plenty of places to experience local hospitality and lace up your hiking boots to hit the trails. Check out one of these top seven spots the next time you’re in the mood to explore.

7 Ashville

Immerse yourself in the cultural and artistic center of North Carolina

Asheville is a place like no other, with plenty to see and do and beautiful hiking trails just outside the city limits. If you’re looking for a lively place to enjoy some of the state’s best craft beer, a thriving arts scene, and stunning nature, Asheville should be at the top of your list. With proximity to Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s the best of all worlds.

6 Hendersonville

The beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Hendersonville offers unparalleled access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and is fairly close to other North Carolina hotspots like Asheville. With an abundance of apple orchards and a quaint town center, you have access to a charming and relaxed environment and the Pisgah National Forest.

5 Buchenberg

Welcome to the paradise of outdoor sports

If you love the outdoors, you have to check out Beech Mountain. One of the most scenic towns in all of North Carolina, this all-out-recreational paradise is a wonderland for all kinds of hiking, skiing, and biking. Plus, you still get that fantastic small-town feel with plenty of restaurants and lodging options to rest your weary feet after a long hike.

4 City of Bryson

Discover the gateway to the Smokies

As its nickname suggests, Bryson City is the gateway to the Smokies and offers plenty of outdoor fun. The town itself is also full of boutiques, breweries, and shopping so you can reward yourself after a long hike. For something truly special, hop aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Book your seat on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in advance to ensure you get a seat.

3 Brevard

This university town offers plenty of hiking fun

If you’re looking for a great place to hike with a young and vibrant atmosphere, Brevard is the place for you. Known for its fabulous waterfalls, it’s an excellent base for seeing some of North Carolina’s most beautiful scenery. You can easily do several day hikes and then enjoy Brevard’s hospitality and small-town feel after completing the hike.

2 Highland

Visit this picturesque and secluded town and enjoy impressive hikes

Highlands is a stunning city with an Asheville vibe and some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. Idyllic parks, a dog park, an ice skating rink, and several hiking trails are nearby. If you’re looking for a quiet place to rest your head after a long day of hiking, this city is for you.

1 Cherokee

Enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Cherokee is a place of unparalleled beauty in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many fantastic things to do, including exploring the local shops and playing golf at the nearby Sequoyah National Golf Club, but the real attraction is the access to the amazing Blue Ridge Mountains.