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It’s the perfect time of year to head up to the mountains and check out the outdoors. Whether you’re hoping to catch the end of the fall leaves, have a romantic getaway before the holiday rush or just need to get out of the city for awhile, the folks at RomanticAsheville.com can help you plan your trip. Check out some of their favorite spots for everyone from the trail newbie to the experienced hiker:
Easy Does It
• North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
Hikers, bikers and casual strollers of all ability levels can find something to do at the North Carolina Arboretum, a 434-acre public garden in the Pisgah National Forest. According to our friends at RomanticAsheville.com, there are lots of trails to choose from, like Bent Creek Road and Trail, a 1.3-mile mostly flat trail shared by pedestrians, cyclists and even leashed pets.
• High Falls at DuPont Forest
You can check out this powerful 150-foot-tall waterfall after an easy 1.2-mile hike from the parking area. Even if you’ve checked at the falls before, the dazzling scenery can change every day depending on the recent rains, so every trip feels like the first time.
Moderate Hiking
• Lover’s Leap Hike, Hot Springs
Bring your running shoes, hiking boots and plenty of water for this moderate 1.6-mile loop hike that begins in the center of downtown Hot Springs. If it’s a warm sunny day, hike in the morning since the afternoon sun heats up the side of the mountain. Lover’s Leap is the second rock outcropping along the trail, which features great views of the river, valley and town.
• Crabtree Falls, Blue Ridge Parkway
This woodland hiking trail has a couple of options: An easier 3-mile hike to and from on the same trail with a steady descent and return climb and a more strenuous 3.5-mile loop trail that climbs a ridge above the 70-foot falls. It’s located in the Crabtree Falls & Meadows Recreation Area at Milepost 339.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway about 45 miles north of Asheville.
Hard & Challenging
• John Rock Hike and Cedar Rock Falls, Pisgah Forest
This five-mile loop hike offers gorgeous valley and mountain views from the smooth rock summit. Climb 1,000 feet to the summit at 3,320 feet and check out the wildflowers along the way. The rocks are slippery when wet so be careful.
• DuPont State Forest 7 Mile Waterfall Hike
Check out three of Dupont State Forest’s biggest waterfalls in a seven-mile hike from the High Falls parking area and Visitor Center. If you’re doing the whole seven miles, make sure to bring lots of water and snacks, and pick up a map from the visitor center.
