If you find yourself itching to explore not just all that Asheville has to offer, but even the surrounding area, you will be happy to know that there are tons of exciting day trip spots to check out nearby. Take a break from Asheville during your extended stay and make a day trip that takes you out and back all within a day. Here are the best day trips you can find around Asheville that the locals actually recommend:
Pisgah National Forest
The first stop is not another town or city but instead the Pisgah National Forest that is found approximately half an hour outside of Asheville. This destination is quick and easy to reach and more than makes up for the effort. This national forest is home to numerous waterfalls that you can visit via winding trails. There are quite a few different things to see while in the forest park. Mount Pisgah is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, making for a beautiful drive. Some of the popular waterfalls in the area that you can explore include Moore Cove Falls, Looking Glass Falls Douglas Falls, and Catawba Falls; each fall can be accessed through trails of various difficulties and lengths. Slide Rock Natural Water Slide is close by and offers a 60-foot all-natural waterslide. You will find that a day trip out to Pisgah National Forest is just what an outdoor adventurer like yourself needs!
Black Mountain
Asheville is a city known for many things, including its stunning natural beauty, expanding craft beer scene, and vibrant arts community. If you prefer to take a break from the city and see a smaller town with a lot of charm, head on down to Black Mountain. This is where Asheville locals will go to escape the hustle in a town of less than 9,000 residents. Black Mountain is home to Black Mountain College that has hosted a variety of world-famous artists who eventually made a name for themselves. The town is a great spot to visit for sightseeing, as you will be at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Seven Sisters Mountain ranges further surround the area, giving you all kinds of hiking and mountain biking opportunities.
Take a walk down Main Street, where you will find all kinds of family owned businesses. You will find items such as European gifts, handmade pottery, jewelry, antiques, clothing, and much more; essentially, if you want to purchase a gift for someone back home, make sure to shop around Black Mountain! There are plenty of local restaurants that use a farm to table strategy with cuisines ranging from South African and Latin to French, Thai, and Chinese; of course, you will also be able to find plenty classic Southern cuisine with a local twist too. You can also find a few breweries in town along with Gin & Whiskey Distillery. The Black Mountain Ale Trail is a smaller version of the Asheville trail that will help guide you along your journey.
Brevard
If you prefer to spend your time outdoors, you will want to make the short drive down to Brevard—the land of waterfalls, as it is frequently called. Brevard is right next to the Pisgah National Forest, so you could visit both in one trip. The town is known for the many waterfalls we have covered that are just a short drive away. The area is complete with several streams and rivers that are known for great fishing. The Brevard locals are mountain bike enthusiasts and enjoy taking a spin on the Art Loeb Trail. Brevard also has a thriving beer community with local breweries including Brevard Brewing Company, Oskar Blues Brewing, and Ecusta Brewing. You can purchase all kinds of local produce and goods when you shop the Transylvania Farmers Market. Historic Downtown Brevard is where you can find some of these locations and local shops with a variety of goods and art galleries. Brevard Music Center often showcases a variety of musical performances throughout the year to which you can purchase tickets. The kids will love a trip to Crystal Mountain Gem Mine, where they can do actual gem mining right here by the mountain. Essentially, you will find a cozy town with plenty to do during this quick and easy day trip from Asheville.
Set Up Base at Asheville
If you enjoy exploring smaller towns around the region, you will find it easy to stay in Asheville and reach your locations with ease. Our vacation rentals are found in easy to locate neighborhoods and will keep you close to all the fun. Book today and see Asheville and the surrounding area for yourself!