Explore the great outdoors while hiking in North Carolina along the Appalachian Trail or at these other beautiful locations in and around Asheville. Visitors at every level of skill and fitness will be able to find locations and trails that are both challenging and enjoyable from cultivated gardens to natural forestland. True outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to find locations that offer biking trails as well as areas for hiking or even opportunities for horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Regardless of where you choose to spend time hiking, you are sure to enjoy the Asheville, NC area’s gorgeous vistas, native flora and clean, crisp mountain air!

The Botanical Gardens at Asheville 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd. Asheville 828-252-5190. A 10 acre treasure in Asheville run as a non-profit organization. It is dedicated to the study and promotion of native plants and habitats of the Southern Appalachians and currently is the home to over 700 native plant species.

The North Carolina Arboretum 100 Frederick Olmsted Way, Asheville 828 665-2492. 426 acres nestled in one of America’s most beautiful natural settings. 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of forested hiking and biking trails coupled with a state-of-the-art greenhouse production facility and the finest Bonsai collection in the Southeastern United States. A true joy.

Dupont State Forest Cedar Mountain, N. C. 828 877-6527. Contains 10,268 acres of forest land located in Western North Carolina. Hiking for all skill levels, waterfalls, horse capabilities. This location is managed for watershed protection, recreation, wildlife, hunting, fishing and protection of cultural assets. With 80 miles of this terrain as roads or trails it allows awesome visitation prospects.