Asheville, North Carolina, sits nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering travelers a vibrant city base surrounded by some of the Southeast’s most stunning landscapes and historic sites. Known for its lively arts scene, farm-to-table cuisine, and proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville is an ideal launchpad for memorable day trips. Within a short drive, you can discover cascading waterfalls, charming mountain towns, national parks, and even historical estates. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or family-friendly outings, the region around Asheville has it all.
This guide curates the best day trips from Asheville, focusing on destinations that are easily accessible and offer rewarding experiences for a wide range of interests. We’ve included everything from scenic drives and natural wonders to small-town gems and historical landmarks. Each destination features practical information, top attractions, and expert tips to help you plan the perfect day out. Let’s explore what makes Asheville the gateway to some of North Carolina’s most unforgettable adventures.
How We Chose These Day Trips
Selecting the top day trips from Asheville required a careful, research-driven approach. We referenced official tourism boards, recent traveler reviews, local recommendations, and community insights from travel forums. Destinations were evaluated based on accessibility, diversity of activities, overall visitor satisfaction, and unique appeal. We prioritized locations within a two-hour drive of Asheville to ensure you can maximize your time exploring rather than commuting.
Our list includes a mix of natural, historical, and cultural attractions, with something for solo travelers, couples, families, and groups. We also considered the availability of amenities, seasonal highlights, and the ease of planning logistics such as parking and dining. By cross-referencing multiple trusted sources, we aimed to deliver a list that is both up-to-date and reflective of what travelers genuinely love about the Asheville region.
Top Day Trips from Asheville, North Carolina
The following destinations are organized to help you find the perfect outing, whether you’re craving mountain vistas, waterfall hikes, or a stroll through a charming downtown. Each entry includes essential details to help you plan a seamless day trip.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Driving Distance and Travel Time
The Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed directly from Asheville; the Folk Art Center is just 6 miles (about 15 minutes) from downtown. Popular scenic stops along the Parkway range from 15 minutes to 2 hours away.
Key Attractions
The Parkway is renowned for its breathtaking overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor centers. Notable stops near Asheville include Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell State Park, and the Folk Art Center. In autumn, the Parkway becomes a prime leaf-peeping corridor.
Things to Do
Drive the Parkway for panoramic mountain views, photograph wildflowers, or take a short hike at Craggy Gardens. Stop at the Folk Art Center to browse Appalachian crafts. For a longer outing, head north to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
Travel Tips
Start early to avoid traffic, especially during peak fall foliage season. Pack snacks and water, as amenities are limited along some stretches. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so bring layers. Parking at popular overlooks can fill up quickly on weekends.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Oconaluftee Entrance)
Driving Distance and Travel Time
Approximately 50 miles southwest of Asheville; about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive.
Key Attractions
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center introduces you to the eastern side of the Smokies. Highlights include Mingus Mill, the Mountain Farm Museum, and frequent elk sightings in nearby fields.
Things to Do
Visit the historic farmstead, watch for wildlife, or hike the Oconaluftee River Trail. The nearby town of Cherokee offers cultural attractions and access to waterfalls like Mingo Falls.
Travel Tips
Arrive early for the best chance to see elk. Bring cash for parking fees and consider combining your visit with a quick stop in Cherokee. Cell service can be spotty, so download maps in advance.
Pisgah National Forest
Driving Distance and Travel Time
Pisgah National Forest’s main entrance at the Pisgah Ranger Station is about 30 miles (45 minutes) south of Asheville.
Key Attractions
The forest is famous for waterfalls such as Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, as well as the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. The Davidson River area is a hub for outdoor recreation.
Things to Do
Hike to Looking Glass Rock for panoramic views, swim at Sliding Rock (a natural water slide), or enjoy a picnic by the river. Fishing, mountain biking, and birdwatching are also popular.
Travel Tips
Waterfalls can be crowded on summer weekends. Bring water shoes for Sliding Rock, and check weather conditions before hiking. Parking is available at major trailheads, but some areas require a small fee.
Biltmore Estate
Driving Distance and Travel Time
Located just 3 miles (10 minutes) from downtown Asheville.
Key Attractions
America’s largest privately owned home, the Biltmore Estate features a grand mansion, stunning gardens, a winery, and miles of walking trails. The estate’s architecture and grounds are equally impressive in every season.
Things to Do
Tour the historic house, stroll through the gardens, sample wines at the estate’s tasting room, or enjoy a bike ride on the extensive grounds. Seasonal events like the Biltmore Blooms and Christmas at Biltmore are particularly popular.
Travel Tips
Reserve tickets ahead of time, especially during holidays or special events. Plan for at least half a day to see the main highlights. On-site parking is included with admission, and shuttles run between major areas.
Chimney Rock State Park
Driving Distance and Travel Time
Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes) southeast of Asheville.
Key Attractions
Chimney Rock’s signature feature is its 315-foot granite monolith, which offers sweeping views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. The park also features the picturesque Hickory Nut Falls.
Things to Do
Climb the stairs (or take the elevator) to the top of Chimney Rock, hike to Hickory Nut Falls, and explore the nature center. Lake Lure, famous for its “Dirty Dancing” filming locations, is just minutes away.
Travel Tips
Wear sturdy shoes for stair climbing and hiking. The park can be busy on weekends, so arrive early for the best parking. Check the park’s website for weather closures or trail updates.
Hendersonville
Driving Distance and Travel Time
About 22 miles (35 minutes) south of Asheville.
Key Attractions
Hendersonville’s historic downtown is lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The town is also known for its apple orchards and the hands-on Western North Carolina Air Museum.
Things to Do
Stroll Main Street, pick apples in late summer and fall, or visit the mineral and gem museum. Families will enjoy the Hands On! Children’s Museum and nearby Jump Off Rock for panoramic views.
Travel Tips
Apple season (August–October) is especially festive, with local farms offering U-pick experiences and cider tastings. Parking is generally available in downtown lots.
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Driving Distance and Travel Time
About 40 miles (1 hour) south of Asheville.
Key Attractions
DuPont Forest is famous for its scenic waterfalls, including Triple Falls, High Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The forest’s multi-use trails are ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Things to Do
Take the popular waterfall hike to see three major falls in a single loop. Mountain bike or ride horseback on designated trails. Scenes from movies like “The Hunger Games” were filmed here, adding to the park’s allure.
Travel Tips
Parking at main trailheads can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Bring sturdy footwear and plenty of water. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
Hot Springs
Driving Distance and Travel Time
Approximately 37 miles (about 50 minutes) northwest of Asheville.
Key Attractions
Hot Springs is known for its natural mineral springs and its location along the Appalachian Trail. The French Broad River runs through town, offering scenic views and water activities.
Things to Do
Soak in the mineral spring tubs, hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, or enjoy a riverside picnic. Rafting and kayaking are also available seasonally.
Travel Tips
Book mineral bath sessions in advance, as they are popular year-round. The town is small, so dining options can be limited—pack snacks or check hours ahead. Cell service can be limited in the valley.
Brevard
Driving Distance and Travel Time
About 34 miles (50 minutes) southwest of Asheville.
Key Attractions
Brevard is a charming mountain town known for its vibrant arts scene and proximity to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest. The area is also famous for its population of rare white squirrels.
Things to Do
Explore downtown galleries and shops, visit the Transylvania Heritage Museum, or attend a concert at the Brevard Music Center (in season). Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to nearby waterfalls or bike the scenic trails.
Travel Tips
Parking is generally available in downtown Brevard. The town hosts several festivals, including the White Squirrel Festival in late spring. For waterfall hikes, arrive early to avoid crowds.
Lake James State Park
Driving Distance and Travel Time
Roughly 50 miles (1 hour) east of Asheville.
Key Attractions
Lake James is a large, clear reservoir surrounded by forested hills. The state park features sandy swimming beaches, boat rentals, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Things to Do
Swim at the park’s designated beaches, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or hike to scenic overlooks. Fishing is also popular, with the lake stocked with bass and other game fish.
Travel Tips
During summer, arrive early to secure a spot at the beach or boat launch. Bring sun protection and a picnic, as food options are limited. Check park hours and weather conditions before you go.
Trip Planning Tips
Planning a successful day trip from Asheville requires a bit of preparation, but the rewards are well worth it. First, consider transportation options—while many destinations are accessible by car, some can be reached via guided day tours, which can simplify logistics and parking. Renting a car offers the most flexibility, especially if you want to explore multiple stops in one day.
Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so check forecasts before you head out and pack accordingly. Layered clothing, rain jackets, and sturdy shoes are recommended for outdoor adventures. During peak seasons like summer and fall, popular spots may be crowded, so plan to arrive early or visit on weekdays when possible.
Pack essentials such as water, snacks, sunscreen, and a fully charged phone. For longer hikes or remote areas, consider bringing a paper map or downloading offline maps. If you’re visiting places with entrance fees or parking charges, bring cash as well as cards. Finally, always check for seasonal closures, trail updates, or special events that might impact your plans.
Recommended Resources
To make the most of your Asheville day trips, a few key resources can be invaluable. Consider using a reliable GPS or navigation app for driving directions, as cell service can be limited in some mountain areas. Local visitor centers, such as those found at Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway, provide maps and up-to-date information on trail conditions and events.
Car rentals offer flexibility for exploring at your own pace, while day tours can be a stress-free way to visit popular sites without worrying about logistics. Packing gear like daypacks, reusable water bottles, and weather-appropriate clothing will help you stay comfortable and prepared. For families, travel games and snacks can make longer drives more enjoyable. Lastly, check local event calendars for festivals or seasonal activities that could enhance your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most popular day trip destinations from Asheville include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, Chimney Rock State Park, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Each offers unique experiences, from scenic drives and historic sites to hiking and waterfalls.
Yes, you can easily visit the Oconaluftee entrance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Asheville in a day. The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, allowing enough time to explore visitor centers, hike short trails, or enjoy wildlife viewing before returning to Asheville.
The Blue Ridge Parkway can be accessed just a few miles from downtown Asheville. The closest entrance is near the Folk Art Center, about a 10-15 minute drive from the city center. Road signs are well-marked, and navigation apps provide accurate directions.
Absolutely. Several waterfalls are within a short drive of Asheville, including Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, Triple Falls, and High Falls. Many are located in Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest, both ideal for day trips.
Fall is widely considered the best season for scenic drives due to the vibrant foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway and surrounding mountains. However, spring offers wildflowers and fresh greenery, while summer provides lush landscapes and pleasant weather.
Yes, it’s highly recommended to purchase Biltmore Estate tickets in advance, especially during weekends, holidays, or special events. Advance tickets often provide timed entry, helping you avoid long waits and guaranteeing admission on busy days.
It’s possible to enjoy Asheville’s breweries or downtown attractions in the morning or evening and still take a shorter day trip nearby. Destinations like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, or Biltmore Estate are close enough to combine with city activities in one day.
Yes, Asheville is a hub for guided tours, including excursions to waterfalls, scenic drives, and historic sites. Guided options can be a convenient choice if you prefer not to drive or want local insights during your trip.
Public transportation options are limited for most day trip destinations around Asheville. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is the most practical way to reach places like national forests, state parks, and small towns.
For hiking or outdoor adventures, pack comfortable shoes, layered clothing, water, snacks, sun protection, and a rain jacket. If you plan to visit waterfalls or swimming holes, bring a towel and water shoes. Cell service is limited in some areas, so offline maps or a paper map can be helpful.
Susan CalliesSusan Callies is a travel writer at Travleon.com, where she shares guides, itineraries, and hidden gems from around the world. When she’s not writing about new destinations, Susan enjoys playing the violin, ice skating during the winter months, and exploring local food scenes wherever she travels. She's also passionate about photography, journaling her adventures, and visiting art museums. Susan believes that the best stories are found off the beaten path — and she’s always chasing the next one.