Driving Less Now?
Driving to Duvall for cheaper gas but mabe the cost of gas to get there was more than the savings? $4.98/gal.
Asheville Waterfall Road Trips
Scenic drives and maps for planning western North Carolina waterfall day trips, including routes near Asheville, Brevard, Highlands, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Read the waterfall drive guide
Upper Whitewater Falls
A dramatic Nantahala National Forest stop on the Whitewater River, with overlooks for viewing one of the tallest waterfall systems east of the Rockies.
Read about Upper Whitewater Falls
Dry Falls near Highlands
A popular roadside waterfall on US 64 where visitors can take a short trail behind the 75-foot cascade for a close-up view.
Read about Dry Falls
Hiking Trails Near Asheville
Rugged terrain, steep climbs, and longer routes reward prepared hikers with some of the region's best mountain views. Consider: Rainbow Falls, Deep Gap at Mount Mitchell, Rich Mountain Fire Tower, Wildcat Rock Trail, Looking Glass Rock, Cold Mountain, and Graybeard.
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Hike: Length 1.5 miles each way to Rainbow Falls, plus 1 mile round-trip to Turtleback Falls. Elevation gain 800 feet.
Deep Gap Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park: Length 2.1 miles roundtrip to Mount Craig. Elevation gain 300 feet.
Rich Mountain Fire Tower Hike: Length 5 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 1,400 feet.
Wildcat Rock Trail in Hickory Nut Gorge: Length 6 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 1,110 feet.
Looking Glass Rock Trail: Length 6.4 miles total. Elevation gain 1,649 feet.
Cold Mountain Trails: Length 10.6 miles roundtrip for the strenuous hike, or 18 miles round-trip by the easier route. Elevation gain 2,800 feet for the shorter trail.
Graybeard Trail: Length 4.8 miles to the summit, 9.5 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain 2,400 feet.