Jonathan Farber, Ph.D., gives insight on some of the best hiking trails to check out next time you are in Asheville, North Carolina, home of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

1. B E S T H I K E S I N A S H E V I L L E , N C
J O N AT H A N FA R B E R , P H . D .

2. • Asheville, North Carolina, is the largest city in Western North Carolina, located in the
midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the confluence of the Swannanoa River.
• Though the city is widely known for its laid-back atmosphere, kind people, and artistic
vibes, Asheville is also home to some of the best places to hike in North Carolina.

3. • Whether you’re in Asheville for a visit, or you’re lucky enough to live
there, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend a day hiking the
Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Here’s a look as some of the best places to hike in Asheville…

4. M T. P I S G A H
• A popular, 3 mile round-trip uphill climb, this hike may seem on
the shorter side, but it is strenuous.
• Standing at 5,721 feet, you can see Mt. Pisgah from downtown
Asheville on a clear day.

5. B L A C K B A L S A M K N O B
• This is a great hike if you want to experience some breathtaking
views of North Carolina.
• It is part of the 30-mile Art Loeb Trail, so hikes can last as long as
you want them to.

6. F RY I N G PA N
T O W E R
• Fryingpan Tower - A quick, 1.5 mile hike at a moderate-
level, great for setting aside some time to catch a
beautiful view of the sunset along its historic fire tower.

7. D E V I L’ S
C O U RT H O U S E
• If you want an even
shorter, 1-mile hike with
equally beautiful views,
try out Devil’s
Courthouse.

8. R I C H L A N D
B A L S A M
• Richland Balsam - A 1.5 mile easy loop that takes you along the Blue
Ridge Parkway through the shady forest trees. A great hike to try out
if you have kids or dogs who need get tired on longer, steeper trails.

9. WAT E R R O C K K N O B
• Waterrock Knob - A difficult, 2.4 mile hike to the summit, which
stands at 6,292 feet as the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern
United States.
• You’ll have to pace yourself for this hike, but you will feel a great
sense of accomplishment when it’s over - definitely worth it!

10. • For more information on where to hike, either in Asheville or
other parts of North Carolina, check out EveryTrail , a website
dedicated to hiking in North Carolina.