Hiking Trails

Blue Ridge Parkway Parkway Map Hiking the Blue Ridge Camping

Below is a list of hiking trails located along the blue ridge parkway in the Asheville area. Milepost 350 starts after Marion, and milepost 469 ends in Cherokee, so we’ve listed all of the milepost markers between those two points to give you a wide range of hiking opportunities. Wondering if you are out of shape? Be sure to check the length and rating of the trail before heading out. If you are just getting started hiking and concerned about pushing yourself, we recommend starting with shorter trails and sticking to those marked ‘easy’, or moderate.

Please remember when hiking to stay hydrated and safe. Always carry a cell phone and bottle of water. Remember that weather can change quickly in the mountains, so dress in layers and bring a backpack to store any coats or sweaters you may not want to wear while on the trail. As of 2010, you are allowed to conceal carry weapons with the proper permit on the blue ridge parkway if you choose to do so.

350.4	Lost Cove Ridge Trail (USFS)	0.6	Moderate
351.9	Deep Gap Trail (USFS)	0.2	Easy
355	Bald Knob Ridge Trail (USFS)	0.1	Easy
359.8	Big Butt Trail (USFS) (trail continues on USFS lands)	0.2	Strenuous
361.2	Glassmine Falls (view of Falls)	0.05	Moderate
364.2	Craggy Pinnacle Trail (to panoramic view)	0.73	Moderate
364.2	Craggy Gardens Trail (first portion is self-guiding nature trail)	0.84	Moderate
374.4	Rattlesnake Lodge Trail (woodland walk)	0.5	Moderate
382	Mountain-to-Sea Trail/MTS Trail (from Folk Art Center to Milepost 365; spring wildflowers and views; parallels parkway; many accesses)	7.5	Moderate
393.7	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Bent Creek-Walnut Cove)	3.1	Strenuous
396.4	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Walnut Cove-Sleepy Gap)	1.7	Moderate
397.3	Grassy Knob Trail (steep trail to USFS area)	0.9	Strenuous
397.3	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Sleepy Gap-Chestnut Cove)	0.7	Moderate
398.3	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Chestnut Cove-Bent Creek Gap)	2.8	Strenuous
400.3	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Bent Creek Gap-Beaver Dam Gap)	1.9	Moderate
401.7	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Beaver Dam Gap-Stoney Bald)	0.9	Moderate
402.6	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Stoney Bald-Big Ridge)	1.2	Strenuous
403.6	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Big Ridge-Mills River Valley)	1.2	Moderate / Strenuous
404.5	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Mills River Valley-Elk Pasture Gap)	1.2	Strenuous
405.5	Shut-In Trail/MTS Trail (Elk Pasture Gap-Mt. Pisgah)	1.7	Strenuous
407.6	Mt. Pisgah Trail (summit view)	1.26	Moderate / Strenuous
407.6	Buck Springs Trail (Pisgah Lodge to view)	1.06	Easy / Moderate
408.5	Frying Pan Mountain Trail	1.65	Moderate / Strenuous
417	East Fork Trail (USFS, access to Shining Rock Trail System)	0.1	Easy / Moderate
418.8	Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (loop by a stream)	2.29	Moderate
419.4	John Rock Trail (leg stretcher to view)	0.1	Easy
422.4	Devil’s Courthouse Trail (panoramic summit view)	0.42	Moderate / Strenuous
427.6	Bear Pen Gap Trail (access to Mountains-to-Sea Trail)	0.22	Easy
431	Richland Balsam Trail (self-guiding loop through spruce-fir forest)	1.47	Moderate
433.8	Toy Taylor Overlook Trail (paved trail to overlook)	0.1	Easy
451.2	Waterrock Knob Trail (summit view)	1.18	Moderate / Strenuous

 

Hiking Safety Precautions

Before you go hiking, there are several safety precautions that you’ll need to consider.

 

• • Purchase hiking boots: Before you go hiking it’s important that you purchase a good pair of hiking boots. Wearing the wrong kind of boots could mean that you twist your ankle, or even end up with a stress fracture.
  • Pack the right supplies: When you’re heading off on a hike it’s important to pack the right supplies. A few essentials might include navigation tools, water and food, sunscreen, a first aid fit, extra layers, and fire starters.

• Stretch beforehand: If you’re heading off on a long hike, it’s important to stretch beforehand, forgetting to stretch could mean you end up pulling a muscle.

 

Check the weather before you set off, and ensure that you always pack weather appropriate clothing.