Asheville, North Carolina, offers numerous easy hiking trails perfect for families with young children or those looking for a scenic, low-impact outdoor experience. These trails provide beautiful mountain views, waterfalls, and opportunities to see local wildlife without long or strenuous climbs. Below are three top family-friendly hikes near Asheville, each offering unique features and accessibility.
Adventure Guide to Easy Hikes Near Asheville for Families 1. Graveyard Fields Loop (Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 418.8)
What Makes It Special: A short, scenic loop with waterfalls, open meadows, and dense forest, making it a great spot for kids.Key Features:
Two waterfalls along the trail.
Wooden boardwalks and benches for resting.
Blueberries in late summer for picking.
Local Insights: The name "Graveyard Fields" comes from tree stumps that resemble old gravestones after a fire in the 1920s.Visitor Tips:
Best visited in summer and early fall.
Bring water and snacks, as the elevation is over 5,000 feet.
Driving Directions: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south from Asheville (about 50 minutes). Look for the Graveyard Fields parking lot at Milepost 418.8.
2. Craggy Gardens Trail (Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 364.6)
What Makes It Special: A short, family-friendly hike leading to stunning panoramic views and blooming rhododendrons in late spring.Key Features:
Less than a mile round trip.
Shaded forest paths leading to spectacular mountain scenery.
Local Insights: The Craggy Gardens area is one of the best locations to see Catawba rhododendron , which blooms in June.Visitor Tips:
Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Wear layers—it can be 10–15 degrees cooler than in Asheville.
Driving Directions: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway north from Asheville (about 40 minutes). Park at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center.
3. Bent Creek Lake Trail (Bent Creek Experimental Forest)
What Makes It Special: A flat, well-maintained path that circles Lake Powhatan, great for strollers and young kids.Key Features:
Scenic lake views, picnic spots, and sandy shores.
Fishing and wading opportunities.
Local Insights: Bent Creek is part of the Pisgah National Forest , used for environmental research since 1925.Visitor Tips:
Ideal for spring and fall hikes.
Bring insect repellent and sunscreen.
Driving Directions: From Asheville, take I-26 E to NC-191 S (about 20 minutes). Park at the Hardtimes Trailhead.