Full Description
Discover 35 five-star hiking trails near Asheville, North Carolina, including popular routes and hidden gems.
Peaceful waterfalls, dramatic mountain vistas, bountiful nature preserves, and, of course, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park—there's no better place to hit the trails than the Asheville area. This diverse geographical region offers a variety of easy, moderate, and strenuous hikes. Travel through history at Mount Pisgah via Buck Spring Lodge. Take in the scenery at Big Firescald Knob. Bring the kids to Bearwallow Mountain.
Explore 35 of the region's best, five-star trails with this easy-to-carry and easy-to-use guidebook. In the updated edition, acclaimed author and record-setting hiker/backpacker Jennifer Pharr Davis presents everything you need to know about spectacular outings that lead to mountain panoramas, majestic waterfalls, remote wilderness, amazing wildlife, and more.
Inside you'll find:
Descriptions of 35 five-star hiking trails for all levels and interests
GPS-based trail maps, elevation profiles, and detailed directions to trailheads
Insight into the history, flora, and fauna of the routes
Ratings for scenery, difficulty, trail condition, solitude, and accessibility for children
Save time and make the most of your hiking adventures. From easy strolls in the deep woods to thrilling treks atop mountains, experience the best of Asheville's breathtaking scenery and varied terrain. Lace up, grab your pack, and hit the trail!
Contents
Overview Map
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Preface
Recommended Hikes
Introduction
Map Legend
Central
French Broad River Greenway
Destination Center Track Trail
Rocky Cove
Lake Powhatan
North
Big Firescald Knob
Hickey Fork Loop
Lovers Leap
Bailey Mountain Preserve
Rattlesnake Lodge
Hawkbill Rock
Douglas Falls
Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle
East
Big Butt Little Butt
Mount Mitchell High Loop
Mount Mitchell Circuit
Setrock Creek Falls
Snooks Nose and Hickory Branch Falls
Bearwallow Mountain
Florence Nature Preserve
Wildcat Rock
South
Carl Sandburg's Connemara Farms
DuPont State Forest Four Falls
Lake Julia
John Rock
Looking Glass Rock
Moore Cove Falls
Turkey Pen Loop
Mills River Loop
West
Mount Pisgah via Buck Spring Lodge
Pink Beds Loop
Cradle of Forestry
Shining Rock
Black Balsam Knob High Loop
Sam Knob
Cold Mountain
Appendix A: Outdoor Retailers
Appendix B: Hiking Clubs
Index
About the Author
