23 Exciting Day Trips from Asheville, North Carolina in 2024
Are you planning a vacation to the mountains of Western North Carolina and looking for activities? You’ve come to the best place to learn about the best day trips from Asheville, North Carolina.
As a lifelong Southerner, I’ve spent extensive time in Asheville. First, I lived here for two summers in college, working at a summer camp where I met my husband. It holds a special place for our family, and we’ve spent the last two decades visiting it often with friends and family. It is one of my favorite destinations and I never tire of the area.
Follow along as I share my favorite excursions from the Asheville area.
🚨Short on time? Book my favorite Asheville Recommendations NOW!
🏨 Hotel
✈️Airfare
🚗Rental Car
🚌Waterfall Tour
🛶Kayaking Trip
⛰️Blue Ridge Parkway Tour
Best Asheville Day Trips
Staying in Asheville is a terrific base from which to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western NC. Downtown Asheville offers a fun and quirky vibe, or you can stay around the historic Biltmore Village or rent an Airbnb out of town. Asheville grants guests quick and easy access to the Blue Ridge parkways, national forests, hiking, rafting, and charming communities.
1. Mount Mitchell State Park
Distance: 29 miles
Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. The state park offers scenic views and 40 miles of hiking trails, camping, and picnic sites. You can drive to the observation deck if you have mobility issues or don’t enjoy driving.
Tips:
- It is free!
- Open seven days a week
- Dog friendly, but leash required
- Pack layers as it is cooler than Asheville
- Although 29 miles doesn’t seem far, due to some curvy roads, it takes about an hour to drive.
2. DuPont Forest
Distance: 37 miles
DuPont State Forest is another great option for outdoor enthusiasts, but you head south out of town this time. Activities include hiking, biking, and fishing. DuPont is also known for its stunning waterfalls!
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia, granting guests scenic and unforgettable views. You can spend as little or as much time weaving through North Carolina.
Blue Ridge Parkway, phot credit: R. Schwartz
I suggest hopping on it in Asheville and packing a picnic lunch. There are numerous places to pull over for views and breaks. Don’t forget to use a map, as you can go a while without an exit point.
4. Hendersonville
Distance: 25 miles
Hendersonville is a charming community south of the city with a picturesque downtown. I suggest parking in their public deck off Main Street and wandering through town. My in-laws live there, so we’ve been spending more time here, and I highly recommend it.
Our favorites include a stop at McFarland Bakery and shopping at Mast General and Willow Hill Soap Company. Our youngest loves the Doll Clothes Factory, and if you have kids who play with dolls, you must stop here!
Downtown Hendersonville, photo credit: R. Schwartz
If you visit in the summer, complete their bear scavenger hunt. Local artists paint bear statues to raise money for community charities. The bears dot downtown’s landscape before they auction off in the fall.
Hendersonville is also known for its wineries, such as Burnshirt Vineyard and Point Lookout. If you visit in the fall, make sure to check out the apple festival and go apple picking!
5. Chimney Rock
Distance: 25 miles
Chimney Rock State Park is one of those iconic spots in Western NC that tourists love. Guests can hike and enjoy beautiful panoramic views. The Outcroppings Trail to the top includes over 500+ steps. You can also opt for an elevator ride.
The town surrounding Chimney Rock is quaint but can be busy on summer and fall weekends. Parking can be limited so aim for a weekday or arrive in the morning to avoid crowds. After visiting the state park, I suggest heading south and spending the afternoon at Lake Lure.
Chimney Rock State Park, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Pro tip: You’ll take 74 south of Asheville, and it can be a little curvy the further away from Asheville you are as you approach Bat Cave. Although it is a little longer, if you suffer from motion sickness, take 26 south to exit for Hwy 64 and head east. 64 will hit 74, and you’ll take a right.
6. Lake Lure
Distance: 28 miles
Lake Lure, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Lake Lure is a gem south of Asheville. We’ve visited in the fall and summer, and honestly, both are fantastic times. Fall is great for enjoying autumn foliage and cooler weather, while summer is ideal for enjoying the lake! You can rent a boat for the day or visit the public beach, which has slides and activities for kids.
Lake Lure is known for its beautifully landscaped Flowering Bridge as well as the many golf and resort communities.
Similar to Chimney Rock, the roads to Lake Lure are curvy. We’ve vacationed here twice recently, and the curvy roads bothered several group members.
Flowering Bridge, photo credit: R. Schwartz
7. Flat Rock
Distance: 31 miles
Flat Rock is an idyllic community just south of Hendersonville. Because they are so close, you could combine these two communities into one day if you are short on time. For years, wealthy families from the Charleston area migrated to the area to escape the summer heat.
Flat Rock’s highlights include the Carl Sandburg Home, the Flat Rock Playhouse, and the checking out the colorful homes that dot the main street.
8. Brevard
Distance: 34 miles
Brevard is a popular mountain retreat for people throughout the Southeast. With a rich history, quaint Main Street, and ample outdoor activities, there’s something for all visitors. Downtown Brevard has excellent local shops and yearly festivals such as Halloweenfest and the White Squirrel Festival.
scenic views of Western NC, photo credit: R. Schwartz
You can’t visit Brevard without exploring Pisgah National Forest or nearby DuPont. Looking Glass Falls is one of the most popular spots, but visitors also enjoy hiking and mountain biking through these parks. Over 300 miles of trails for mountain bikers make Brevard a premier destination.
Lastly, this small town has a rich music culture, with the world-renowned Brevard Music Center. Every year, they host a summer festival that attracts many visitors.
9. Cashiers
Distance: 62 miles
If you visit Brevard, you can continue southwest to Cashiers, a previous mountain town. Guests enjoy shopping at small stores and grabbing snacks or a picnic lunch at the Cashiers Farmers Market.
Cashiers are known for hiking, fishing, golfing, and general relaxation. It is a popular destination for people looking to get out of the city for quiet and relaxation.
10. Highlands
Glen Falls outside of Highlands, photo credit: L. Heald
Distance: 85 miles
Near Cashiers is another wildly popular spot, especially among Atlanta residents: Highlands. This charming town has excellent restaurants, shopping, and spas. Old Edwards Inn is the community’s crown jewel, although there are cozy small hotels and rentals, too.
I explored Highlands on a relaxing day trip with my mom and sisters. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch and some shopping. I’ve also spent a girls’ weekend at Old Edwards and had a fantastic time relaxing and enjoying their spa services. If you visit Highlands for the day, you’ll want to return for the weekend!
For the outdoor adventurer, there’s plenty to do! There’s the Highlands Heritage Trail around town, fly fishing, golf, and beautiful waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls.
Warning: The roads to Cashiers and/or Highlands are curvy! I’ve driven in the sleet and ice before, which is not fun. Take your time!
11. Sylva
photo credit: S. Newton
Distance: 47 miles
Sylva is a terrific spot in western NC, as it grants access to numerous natural wonders, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Nantahala National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Main Street is a popular destination, where you can’t miss the stately white courthouse, one of the beautiful historic buildings in Western NC. Sylva also offers guests several local breweries that showcase the talent of the local brewers.
12. Maggie Valley
Distance: 35 miles
If you visit in the winter months, Maggie Valley offers excellent skiing opportunities, which are pretty rare in the deep South. It is a short drive west on I-40 to Cataloochee Ski Area, where you can jump on the slopes for an exciting day.
13. Bryson City
Distance: 65 miles
If you want to explore the Great Smoky Mountains, keep heading west to Bryson City, the gateway to the park. Here, you can stroll through the quaint downtown or enjoy numerous outdoor activities. During Christmas, families flock to Bryson City for the Polar Express on the Great Smokey Mountain Railroad. Tip: Book early, as this is very popular!
Outdoor opportunities abound, such as tubing down Deep Creek, boating on Fontana Lake, or even rafting down the Nantahala ( a little further west out of town). You’ll love the time you spend exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
14. Cherokee
Distance: 52 miles
If you want to spend a day of gambling, then head west to Cherokee, North Carolina. Here, you find the home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. Harrah’s Cherokee Resort and Spa draws guests throughout the year as one of the few gambling options in this part of the country.
For history buffs, you can immerse yourself in the culture of the Cherokee Nation by visiting the Museum of the Cherokee People or the Oconaluftee Indian Village.
15. Little Switzerland
Distance: 53 miles
Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland is a unique community. Visitors can hike the 12-mile Diamondback Trail, enjoy a beautiful waterfall at Crabtree Falls, or learn about mining in Emerald Village.
On summer Saturdays, residents and guests gather at Geneva Hall to glimpse mountain life, including mountain music, fresh food, square dancing, and cake walks.
16. Linville Caverns
Distance: 53 miles
Northwest of Asheville, visitors can participate in a guided tour of a limestone cavern. Tours run every 15 minutes, so come early in the morning to avoid crowds. Also, check the website for hours as they are closed mid-week and only open on the weekends during the winter months.
17. Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, NC, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Distance: 82 miles
In the Northwest corner of NC, you’ll discover picturesque Blowing Rock. We enjoyed a relaxing summer vacation here a few years ago, and I’ve been dying to return. The town is small, charming, and a great place to spend a day. There’s a fantastic playground for kids, small shops, restaurants, and ice cream!
Right outside of town, I recommend seeing the actual Blowing Rock, one of North Carolina’s oldest attractions. You can also hop on the Blue Ridge Parkway and make a pit stop for a picnic lunch at Moses Cone Memorial Park, which grants beautiful scenery.
18. Boone
Distance: 85 miles
Boone is a fun and lively college town, home to Appalachian State University. Part of the appeal of App State is its proximity to downtown Boone. It is an outdoor paradise in all seasons, as the town grants access to hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
19. Banner Elk
Distance: 75 miles
If you are looking for another ski option in the winter options, Banner Elk offers skiing on Sugar Mountain. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or riding an alpine roller coaster in warmer months at Wilderness Run Outdoor Coaster.
20. Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Distance: 72 miles
Grandfather Mountain is one of those iconic NC spots for guests who love outdoor adventure. My sister and I took the kids a few summers ago; the views were astonishing. As a side note, I must mention the scenic drive to the top of the mountain. It is beautiful but also very curvy. I drove it very slowly, so if you don’t like intense curves, have someone else drive or skip this spot.
On the property, you can walk across a swinging bridge, which my kids loved, and a small zoo further down the mountain.
21. Nolichucky River
tubing down the Nolichucky River, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Distance: 43 miles
The Nolichucky River sits north of the NC-Tenn state line and an easy drive north on I-26. We recently had a large family reunion in Asheville and made this exact day trip to go tubing down the Nolichucky.
I suggest driving to USA Raft Adventure to rent tubes for the day at a very reasonable rate. We tubed on the Lower Nolichucky, but they also offer rafting. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a day relaxing on the water. Our family has kids as young as 5 and grandparents in their 70s, and we all enjoyed a day on the river!
Tips:
- Bring life jackets for all kids
- Wear sunscreen
- Wear water shoes
22. Greenville, SC
Falls Park on the Reedy, photo credit: R. Schwartz
Distance: 63 miles
Asheville is close to Eastern Tennessee and the Upcountry of South Carolina, which is home to the exciting town of Greenville. Our family has spent a fair amount of time in Greenville recently and has fallen in love with its charm.
Downtown Greenville has tree-lined streets with a multitude of shops and restaurants. I love slowly working through the shelves of M. Judson Booksellers before heading to Falls Park on the Reedy, a stunning suspension bridge, Liberty Bridge. You could easily spend the day exploring this park!
Although Greenville is a great day trip, it is an even better weekend trip as there’s so much more to do in this fun city, especially in the warmer months.
23. Black Mountain
Distance: 16 miles
Black Mountain is a short drive east on I-40 outside of town. Known as the entrance to the Blue Ridge Mountains, many artists and musicians have made this charming town their home over the years. Guests will find art galleries, mountain biking trails, and local breweries like Black Mountain Brewing. If you are short on time but want to explore outside of Asheville, I suggest Black Mountain.
Check out my other day trip recommendations!
Charleston, SC
Asheville, NC
Portland, Maine
Greenville, SC
Atlanta, GA
FAQ: Day trips out of Asheville
⛰️How many days do you need to explore Asheville?
at least 2-3 days
⛰️How far are the Smoky Mountains?
1.5 hour drive west
⛰️What’s the best time to visit Asheville?
All seasons offer fun activities, but spring and fall tend to the the more popular times to visit. I personally love summer and fall.
In Conclusion: Exciting Day Trips from Asheville, North Carolina
I hope my guide on fantastic day trips from Asheville, North Carolina, helps you plan your next great adventure. I love this part of the country and hope you love it too!
North Carolina Resources
How to Visit the Biltmore Estate with kids
Fall in Asheville
Day trips from Asheville
